Page 24 of Simply Perfection
“Are you laughing at us?” Niall groused.
“We’re just concerned about you. You need to eat regular healthy meals or you’ll get sick,” Matt lectured.
“I’m sorry. I appreciate your concern, guys, I do. Yesterday I was too nervous to eat, and today what I saw nearly made me sick. Food has not been at the front of my mind. I promise to go make something right now, okay?”
“You’d better, young man,” Matt threatened.
“Or what?” Trevor taunted.
“Or I’ll—”
“Or Matt and I will come over there, tie you up and force-feed you bites of fruit and tender flakes of roast from our fingers until you beg us to stop.”
“Um, Niall, that’s not exactly a deterrent. I was pretty much going to warm up a can of soup.”
“How about we come over there and beat your pretty little ass till it’s pink and hot to the touch?” Matt countered.
“Again, the two of you and me naked? Still looking for the down side here, guys.”
“Who said anything aboutusbeing naked?”
“Now that’s dirty pool.”
“Then be a good man and we will call you tomorrow. If you need anything…”
“I’ll call. I promise. Um, Matt?”
“Yes?”
“Will you be staying … never mind. It’s none of my business.”
“Will I be staying with Niall tonight? Is that what you want to know?”
Trevor burrowed deeper into the blanket covering him on the couch. “Maybe,” he said softly.
“Would you be upset if we slept together without you? You were the one who crept out this morning without waking us.”
“I know, and I wrote you a note. I’m not sure whether the thought of you having sex without me upsets me or not. This is all still new to me, and I’m trying to figure out the rules.”
“Fair enough, and we got your note. Clever place to put it, by the way.” Trevor heard the smile in Matt’s voice with that comment. “If it’ll ease your mind, I won’t be staying here tonight. I have a commitment tomorrow, and Niall has an early photo shoot. Like crack of dawn early.”
“Thanks. I’ll use tonight to wrap my brain around this whole throuple thing.”
“Remember, you don’t have to find all the answers yourself. This is intended to be a partnership. You can come to us, and I promise we’ll come to you for questions and answers.”
“Thanks, Niall. I’ll try, but being open isn’t easy for me.”
Trevor talked with Matt and Niall a little bit longer. He found out that Matt’s commitment was a scrimmage football game he regularly participated in with friends of Logan and Clay’s—the same ones who had gathered in support the other night at the hospital. Naturally, neither of his close friends would be there, but the game was still on. Maybe Matt could get an update on Clay’s condition?
Niall, on the other hand, had a fashion shoot for Armani. He said that he occasionally did fashion photography, even though it wasn’t his favorite subject. Armani, however, had been givingNiall business since he first started out when they’d done a spread with up-and-coming photographers. Since then, Niall had always been happy to work with the high-end designer. Trevor had asked if Niall could covertly capture a couple of the pieces from the shoot. Niall had laughed in response and said he’d see what he could do.
Before they knew it, an hour had passed, and Trevor could no longer ignore the demands of his stomach. He said his goodbyes and uncurled from the couch. A few steps over to the kitchen cabinets, and Trevor found a can a vegetable beef. Perfect for a cool November day. He dug out the saucepan from the drawer beneath his stove and dumped the contents in to heat. Soon, the aroma of savory broth, beef, and vegetables filled the apartment. He found a few saltine crackers stashed away and dished out his meal.
Trevor was determined to enjoy the rest of his afternoon and evening. He needed some laughter to lighten the day, so he popped inAt War with the Army, a Martin and Lewis classic. An hour and a half later, Trevor felt much better. It was dark outside now, and by Trevor’s standards that meant it was okay to turn in. After a quick pit stop and a check to make sure the baseboard heater in his room was working, Trevor jumped into bed. For the first time, he glanced on either side of him, and even though he knew there was no way Matt, Niall and him could squeeze onto the double mattress, the bed seemed a bit empty. Trevor gathered up the spare pillow and hugged it to his chest. Closing his eyes, he slowed his breathing and let the day fade away. Tomorrow would be better. Maybe after their individual plans, he could see Matt and Niall again. With a smile on his face, Trevor slid into sleep.
Chapter Seven
Matt’s breath clouded in the frosty morning air. His fingers tingled as he waited the interminable seconds. Despite the cold, fiery blood raced through his body. He bent his knees slightly, balanced on the balls of his feet, each muscle tensed as he waited for the signal.
