Page 35 of Cocoa

“It better be Lucas after how much you talk about him all the time.” Mav’s shot them a wicked smile, which descended into laughter when Finn gasped and shoved him playfully. They ended up cuddled together and kissing.

Jax elbowed Mav in the side. “Aw, come on. I can’t stand all this lovey dovey stuff.”

They all laughed as Ryder shook his head. “Maybe you’re next, huh?”

Holding up his hand like he was trying to ward off evil, Jax shook his head. “Not me. This shit better not be contagious. One day you’re free, the next you’re trapped.”

Ryder rubbed his beard along Lucas’s jaw and pressed a little kiss to his cheek. “I wouldn’t call it trapped at all. And if this is a sickness, I’m glad I’m infected.”

“Ry,” Lucas said with a shake of his head. “That’s disgusting. You make me sound like a carrier of the plague.”

They all cracked up again, and the evening wound on. Mav got up for another round of drinks a while later, which Ryder turned down since he was driving.

Lucas relaxed into the easy rhythm of the conversation. Mav and Finn asked about the shelter renovations and brought upthe car show event that would take place in the spring. Lucas agreed to photograph it as long as the organizers were open to it. “Why wouldn’t they be? Your pics are amazing,” Finn said, his eyes wide.

Mav chuckled again and squeezed his boyfriend. “He hung the calendar up in our kitchen. I’ve caught him peeking at June a few times.”

With a gasp, Finn socked Mav’s arm. “There’s a cute poodle!”

Ryder laughed and shook his head. “That’s the one with Deacon, if I remember correctly. He’s a deputy at the cop shop. Does triathlons too, if I remember correctly.”

Finn spluttered and mumbled about adorable dogs with curly hair and big eyes.

Lucas slipped into the rhythm of their banter easily, and a new type of warmth began to grow inside him. There was no doubt he’d stick around for Ryder, but the idea of making more friends cemented the feeling that this was home. He needed this.

When the chat shifted to date ideas in the area, Jax started to grumble. “Well, I see where this is headed. You turned it into a damn double date. I’m escaping before I lose my mind like you all have.” While his voice was gruff, a playful edge softened the words. He tossed some bills on the table and pulled his leather jacket back on as he stood up. “Enjoy your…” With a wave of his hand, he stalked away toward the front door.

“Bye, Mr. Grumpy!” Finn called, earning him a quick wave and a head shake.

Mav pressed a kiss to his boyfriend’s forehead. “He’ll get there. Or not. To each their own, although I think there’s a bit of heart under there.”

The group settled in again, chatting about local gossip, funny work stories, and Lucas and Ryder’s adventure in the haunted hospital. The EMT told it with plenty of drama,probably more than the podcast creators themselves could, but left out the part about them making out before being so rudely interrupted.

“We didn’t see anything, but Lucas got some really cool shots.”

“Of ghosts?” Finn asked, wide eyed.

Lucas laughed and squeezed Ry’s thigh under the table. “Of Ryder mostly. He’s very photogenic.”

That elicited a wide grin from Maverick, who apparently loved poking fun at his friends. “I bet you have a whole secret album of Ryder that you bring out on special occasions.” He wagged his eyebrows while Finn giggled at his side.

“Only a couple dozen.”

Ryder groaned and dropped his head on Luc’s shoulder. “Don’t give him any ideas. He’s already aiming his camera at me when I’m cooking and coming out of the bathroom with just a towel on.”

Finn gasped dramatically. “Ooh! That all sounds very… domestic.”

That got some teasing groans and a few playful jabs from across the table. Lucas liked them, the easy way they all fit together. Mav and Ryder had been friends forever, it seemed, along with Jax and a man named Zane who didn’t come out as often. Finn seemed to fit in seamlessly, however, and Lucas hoped he could do the same.

The pitcher emptied, the crowds thinned out a bit, and Ryder nudged Luc with his shoulder. “Ready to head out?”

They said their goodbyes, promised to find time to hang out again, and walked out into the freezing night. The wind bit through their coats, and Ryder tugged Lucas close as they walked to his truck. The solid warmth chased the chill away and sent a bolt of heat through him.

“My place?” Ryder asked as he turned out of the lot.

Lucas reached over and slid his hand onto the other man’s thick thigh. “Yes, please.” He had everything he wanted, and for once, it didn’t feel like a dream lingering out of reach. In the darkness, he hid his widening smile as he looked out the window at the small-town scene.

All he wanted in the moment, however, was Ryder naked in bed. He watched the man as they rolled past streetlights, each one illuminating his profile like a series of portraits. This wasn’t just attraction. It was a kind of awe, not about Ry’s looks, but who he was deep down inside. The right photograph could tell a whole story and reveal deep insight about the subject. It was the type of thing that all artists behind the camera chased.

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