Page 38 of The Fete of Summer

“Sacrilege. Some things should remain pure and untainted.”

Jaymes sidestepped to the coffee machine where a mug already sat and confidently pressed buttons.

“I had to read the manual three times before I figured out what buttons to press,” said Nathan.

“I’ll resist the temptation to answer with a sexual innuendo and quote the lesser-known proverb of where there’s a will-you-get-me-a-damn-coffee, there’s a way. And on the subject of button-pushing, how are you feeling this morning?”

Okay, thought Nathan, so wearegoing there. Maybe a little unfairly, he’d expected Jaymes to run. He’d most certainly not expected to have a conversation about their night in the sack.

“A little sore, but absolutely no regrets, if that’s what you’re asking. Feels rather nice, actually. And I slept like the dead.”

“You were out cold when I woke. Looked so peaceful I didn’t want to wake you. I’m guessing you don’t get a lie-in very often.”

Toast popped up from the toaster. Jaymes reached over and plucked the slices out, dropping them on a plate he’d already prepared. Nathan marvelled at how effortlessly Jaymes found his way around his kitchen.

“Can I do anything?” Nathan asked.

“If you want something to do,” said Jaymes, moving the frying pan off the flame before turning to face Nathan, “come over here.”

Nathan approached Jaymes, ready to be handed things to take to the table, only to be pulled into a fierce hug. Nathan didn’t mind. He’d almost forgotten the healing powers of a simple hug.

“I’m sorry,” Jaymes whispered into Nathan’s ear.

“Sorry for what?”

“For not following through.”

Nathan didn’t know what he meant. Had he missed something the night before?

“You’ve lost me. Following through with what?”

“My evil plan to snap on a condom and have my wicked way with you this morning.”

Nathan laughed against Jaymes’ chest until he shut him up by bringing their mouths together. Grateful to have no weirdness between them that morning, Nathan melted into the embrace. When he realised Jaymes’ tongue tasted of spearmint, he pulled away.

“You brushed.”

“Who cares?”

“I do.”

“Well, I don’t. And after we’ve both had coffee, it won’t matter. Let me enjoy this before I serve you the best bloody breakfast of your life.”

Nathan gave in without a fight, not too much of a hardship either, and soon his heart began to speed up. Before they went too far, he lifted his mouth away, nipping Jaymes’ bottom lip.

“Looks who’s woken up,” said Jaymes, smirking and pointing the tip of his forefinger to the floor. Nathan spotted Jaymes’ erection poking out from between the folds of Nathan’s dressing gown.

“My new best friend,” said Nathan, grabbing a handful, which had Jaymes laughing and pulling his hips away but going in for another deep kiss. Once again, they parted, this time with Jaymes sighing deeply before leaning in and sucking on Nathan’s earlobe.

“Last night was amazing. I could get used to this, Nate,” he whispered, his breath tickling Nathan’s ear.

“Me too.”

Jaymes pulled back then, a sadness in his eyes.

“Except I’m only here until May. Got the call this week to confirm. They need me in Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia. Probably until the end of the year. And then I’m off to New Zealand in January.”

“And?”

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