Page 93 of Pride High 2: Orange
“Next time,” he promised, giving her a hug before they said goodbye.
When he reached Anthony’s house, the driveway was full of cars. He had family in town.
His brother Mike answered the door, looked him over, and said, “Who are you?” even though they’d met previously.
“I’m your little brother’s boyfriend,” Cameron replied, gesturing to the nightstand. “Would you mind helping me get this upstairs or are those muscles just for show?”
Mike shrugged and picked up the nightstand all by himself, which was great, because all Cameron had to do was walk along behind him up the stairs.
“Good enough?” Mike asked when they reached the top.
“Yes,” Cameron replied. “Thanks. Merry Christmas.”
Mike raised a hand on his way back down.
Hauling the nightstand the rest of the way didn’t take much effort, although he set it to one side when noticing that Anthony wasn’t alone in his room. He was hanging out with someone their age.
“Knock knock,” Cameron said to get their attention.
“Oh thank god,” Anthony said when noticing him. Then he pointed at his guest. “You. Go somewhere else. Unless you want to watch me make out with my man.”
That cleared the room.
“Your cousin?” Cameron guessed.
Anthony nodded. Then he sighed. “Does anyone actually enjoy the holidays?”
“I do,” Cameron said.
Anthony eyed him and smiled. “I like the Santa hat.”
“Thanks. Are we really going to make out?”
“Are you calling me a liar?” Anthony took his hand and led him to the bed. He tasted like a candy cane when they kissed.
“You smell good,” Anthony murmured. “What is that?”
“My natural scent,” Cameron lied. He had to force himself to pull away. “I’ve got something for you.”
“I bet you do,” Anthony said with a smirk.
Cameron stood, making sure to keep his back to him, because he wasn’t wrong. “Wait here and close your eyes.”
Anthony complied. “Hurry up. This is weird.”
“Just a sec. I’m still going through your personal belongings.” Cameron hurriedly fetched the nightstand and set it right in front of him, his heart pounding in anticipation. “Okay. You can look now.”
Anthony opened his eyes, which moved from his face down to the nightstand. “Wow.”
“I know furniture is a lame gift,” Cameron began, already feeling the need to explain himself.
“It’s the same one, right?” Anthony asked, not seeming to have heard him. He slid off the bed to get a closer look. “I almost didn’t recognize it… But it’s gotta be! No wonder you were so excited to get it home.” He kneeled in front of the cabinet to open the door. “This looks just like the stuff in your room.”
“Which is a good thing, I hope,” Cameron said sheepishly.
“It’s a great thing!” Anthony raved. “Oh my god…”
He’d noticed the butterfly, which quite frankly, had turned out perfect. The spread wings were black and contained a subtle mottled pattern.
