“Do you know what time it is?” Bernie demanded.
“I couldn’t sleep without you,” Tomas muttered.
He pushed past Bernie and went down the hall. Bernie blinked, and then smiled. Movie night had been fun, as usual, but once everyone left, he had missed having Tomas beside him. He had just gotten to sleep when the pounding started on the door. Closing and locking the door, he went behind Tomas. Entering the bedroom, he saw Tomas was already in bed, on the side he thought of as his.
“Undress,” Tomas said.
Bernie did as Tomas asked, then slid in next to him. Tomas cupped his hip, pulling him close. His naked erection rubbed against Bernie’s. In a second, Bernie was hard. Tomas murmured and shifted, rolling him onto his back.
“Let me get some protection,” Bernie said.
“No. Just like this,” Tomas whispered.
He rocked his erection against Bernie’s, and Bernie moaned at the silken glide of their cocks against each other. Tomas kissed him, gentle and slow. Thrusting, he increased the friction of their rubbing erections. Bernie whimpered. The contrast to the aggressive way they screwed was so startling. It felt like they were making love.
Don’t be silly. This is just sex.
Tomas slid his lips down Bernie’s chin onto his neck. He licked the pulse fluttering there. Bernie shivered, rocking against him. Tomas murmured something against the side of his neck that he couldn’t make out. He moved against Bernie sensually, driving Bernie’s need to a fever pitch. Tomas pressed him harder into the bed, rolling his hips. Bernie moaned as he abraded the sensitive flesh of his cock. Tomas licked down his chest. His tongue traced the tattoo over Bernie’s heart.
“The first time, I was surprised when I saw this. You with a tattoo. So sexy. Why’d you get a treble clef over a trinity? And each of these letters, and the word ‘Triumvirate’?” Tomas licked each part of his tattoo.
Bernie’s breath caught at the feel of his tongue on his flesh. He pulled together his scattered thoughts.
“Treble, trinity, and triumvirate all mean three. The letters….” He paused, trying not to let the memories overwhelm him. Finally able to continue, he spoke. “The letters represent me and those I care about. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Tomas glanced up. He shifted onto his side, pulling Bernie against him, hugging him tightly and rubbing his back.
“Shhh… you don’t have to. Relax.”
Bernie tried to relax. Gulping, he closed his eyes and held Tomas hard. After some time, he withdrew and opened his eyes. Tomas’s gaze was patient and understanding.
“I’m sorry,” Bernie whispered, feeling his face go red.
“No need for that. I’m here if you need to talk. I’m a great listener.” Tomas’s voice had no judgment, just the open invitation to be there.
Bernie blinked away the tears that welled up in his eyes. He buried his head against Tomas’s chest. Tomas held the back of his head, kissing his forehead. Bernie sighed. He shifted against Tomas, feeling his still-hard erection. Rocking forward, he gasped as their cocks rubbed against each other. Tomas groaned, his hand gripping his hip. He stilled Bernie.
“Just let me hold you. Sleep.”
Bernie glanced up, shocked. Tomas kissed his lips gently. Bernie sighed, licking the taste of him. Tomas slowly released his lips and tucked him against his body. Bernie listened to his even breathing.
“I don’t know if I can sleep,” Bernie said.
“Don’t think about it. Relax.” Tomas’s voice was steady.
“Are you trying to torture me?”
“I’m trying to be a gentleman,” Tomas grumbled.
“You don’t have to be.”
“I’m gonna be. This once. So appreciate it and shut up,” Tomas growled.
Bernie chuckled.
“Laughing at me doesn’t help.” Tomas swatted his ass.
“Hey. With you. Laughing with you,” Bernie insisted.
“I’m not laughing. Now shut up and sleep.” Tomas tightened his hold on him, holding Bernie’s head firmly on his chest.
Bernie closed his eyes and waited for Tomas to fall asleep. Once he did, he would get up and do some work.
Chapter Five
A HAND shook him. Bernie swatted at it. The hand continued to shake him. Blearily, he opened his eyes and glared at Tomas.
“Why ya waking me? You said sleep, and that’s what I’m trying to do. Go away.” Bernie closed his eyes.
“You sure are mouthy for someone who’s sleeping. Now, up. We have plans.” Tomas sounded cheerful.
“No plans. Sleep,” Bernie moaned.
“Are you welshing on our bet?”
“I’m no welsher.” Bernie opened his eyes.
Absently, he noted Tomas was fully dressed as he stood by the side of the bed.
“Then get up and let’s go. I’m leaving in twenty minutes. We’ll eat breakfast when we get there. Chop chop.” Tomas clapped his hands.
“Let me find a weapon, and I’ll be happy to chop you.” Bernie bared his teeth.
“You’re not usually this cranky in the morning.”
“I am when someone wakes me up in the middle of the night, then revs me up, then goes all gentlemanly,” he grumbled irritably, thinking of the night before.
Tomas pouted. “Try to do something good, and you get no appreciation.”
Bernie sat up, getting off the bed next to Tomas. Standing, he kissed him thoroughly. He licked inside his mouth and suckled his tongue. Pushing him away, Bernie sauntered to the bathroom. In the doorway, he glanced over his shoulder. Tomas was facing him with his arms crossed over his chest.
“That’s my appreciation. And later, I’ll fuck the gentleman out of you,” Bernie promised.
“We can do it now.” Tomas walked toward him.
“Oh, no. You got me up, so we’re going wherever the hell you plan on taking me.” Bernie stepped quickly into the bathroom, closing and locking the door.
“Open up, Bernie.” Tomas’s fist pounded on the door.
“No. I’m getting ready.” Bernie laughed.
He turned on the shower and got in. As he cleaned up, he noticed Tomas had stopped pounding. He heard a scraping sound. Turning off the water, he got out and grabbed a towel. Wrapping it around his body, he went to the door. Opening it, he looked at Tomas, and then at what he held in his hand.
“What were you doing?”
“Taking the door off the hinges.” Tomas didn’t even sound apologetic.
He threw down the power screwdriver and reached for him. Bernie danced back.
“Uh-uh. We’re going out. Unless you want to forfeit what you want to do today.” Bernie stopped.
Tomas stopped reaching for him and frowned. “I don’t. Get dressed. I’m leaving in five.”
Tomas stomped to the bedroom door. Bernie laughed as he dressed, then, running his fingers through his messy hair, he followed behind him. The front door was open. He looked out and saw Tomas waiting at the end of the driveway. Grabbing his keys, he locked the door and went down the steps. Tomas took his hand, then started walking. Confused, Bernie walked beside him.
“Are you gonna tell me where we’re going?”
“Nope.” Tomas sounded disgruntled.
“Are you gonna be in a pissy mood all day?” Bernie asked cheerfully.
“You seem in a better mood.” Tomas glanced at him, then back at the road.
“Yeah. It’s Saturday and a beautiful day.”
“It is. You’re going to fulfill your ‘gentleman’ crack.” Tomas smiled and hugged his shoulder.
“I will.” Bernie winked.
They walked silently. As they neared Paget Street, Bernie was curious about all the people already bustling around. Tomas stopped.
“Now you know what we’re doing today.” Tomas sounded pleased.
Bernie hated to burst his bubble, but had to. “Umm… I have no clue.”
“You don’t know about Paget Saturdays?” Tomas looked surprised.
Bernie shook his head. Tomas put his arm over Bernie’s shoulder and led him down the street as he explained.
“Paget Weekend is on every fourth weekend from April through September. Paget Street is blocked to traffic and becomes a sort of street fair. It’s a local event where businesses and organizations from all around Mapson set up booths in the center of the street. The businesses who are on Paget get a booth every weekend of the fair. Others throughout Mapson have to apply. Vendors are rotated for the various weekends. So if you see something you want, get it, since that vendor might not be here if you come back another time. There’s also a local band performing in Paget Park, which is closed off for dancing. Oh, yeah. Bacchus Sloan also gets a regular booth. It’s set up in the park. They serve beer and wine. Mackenzie actually lets other brewers in Mapson showcase their wine or beer. When April rolls in, the residents of Mapson look forward to it. I thought you’d lived in Mapson since you started college. How can you not know about Paget Weekend?” Tomas gave him a look of disbelief.
“I was focused on my studies. Didn’t take much time to socialize.” Bernie shrugged, blushing.
On surviving. He wouldn’t say that out loud to Tomas.
“Among other things.” Tomas’s look said he understood.
He didn’t know it all. Bernie strolled down the street with him. People were setting up. It looked like there would be a lot of different things. He could hear a band warming up.
“Today will be hectic. Lots of people come for this. I wasn’t sure if Harper would want to be involved this year, but Kenton said he would. Usually, the poker crew comes and helps with set-up and manning the booth, but Harper is still being stubborn and pushing everyone away. He’s getting help anyway. We’re going to help Harper and Kenton set up. By the time that’s done, we can check everything out. Starting with Alex, there will be a rotation to help man the booth. Usually, Mackenzie has enough people for his booth, but if he needs help, he’ll let us know.” Tomas led him down the street.
“Sounds good.” Bernie kept looking at the different booths.
“They also have Friday concerts in Paget Park. It’s free and draws a crowd. We can come one night, if you want. We’ll have to come early to get a seat,” Tomas said.
“I’d like that,” Bernie replied.
Tomas nodded. “Next Saturday, we’ll go to the farmer’s market on Wayne Street. Want to get some things for our meals.”
“There’s a farmer’s market?” Bernie noted they were almost in front of Harper’s store.
“Every Saturday morning. Kid, where have you been?” Tomas shook his head.
“Not a kid.” Bernie smacked him in the stomach.
Tomas laughed, then stopped and kissed him. Bernie kissed him back.
“When did this happen?” Harper asked.
“Shh… I want to see them kiss some more,” Kenton said.
Bernie drew back, flushing. Tomas kissed him again, leisurely, then drew away, winking.
“Saturday. We don’t want anyone to know yet. Especially Ramirez. That fucker won the bet.” Tomas laughed.
A hollow feeling filled Bernie. Tomas wanted them to be kept a secret. So much for him wanting them to give what was happening a chance.
You’re so stupid, Bernie.
Tomas hugged his shoulder and went inside with Kenton.
Harper touched his arm. “Bernie, are you okay?”
“I’m okay,” Bernie said softly.
Harper looked unconvinced. “You don’t look it.”
“I’m fine.” He forced a smile.
Harper studied him until someone called his name, then he glanced away and went over to help with the set-up. Bernie took a breath and walked over to help.
TOMAS MANEUVERED out the door, holding one end of an enormous tray with some pastries.
“Over here,” Harper said.
Kenton put down his end, and Tomas slid his onto the table. Tomas touched Bernie’s back. Bernie flinched and stepped away. Frowning, Tomas glanced at his face. It was averted as Bernie fiddled with some books. Tomas stepped closer to him. Bernie shied away.
“Are you okay, kid?”
“Not a kid,” Bernie snarled.
He moved away, going into the store. Tomas went after him.
“Tomas, help me move this over there,” Kenton called.
He turned back to Kenton, going to help as Harper told them where to move things. Tomas absently noticed Bernie came back out. Silently, he helped. Tomas stood next to him, reaching for books. He rested his hand on Bernie’s back. Bernie shrugged him off and went back into the store. Frowning, Tomas followed him. He grabbed Bernie’s arm. Bernie flinched again.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine,” Bernie said.
It was obvious he wasn’t. Tomas prayed for patience. He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Talk to me, kid.”
“I’m not a kid.” His reply was automatic.
“Habit. Are you tired? We can go home if you want.” Tomas worried the inside of his cheek.
Bernie glanced at his jaw, then shook his head. “I’m fine. Let’s finish helping Harper, then take in the fair.”
“I thought you would enjoy it. But we can leave,” Tomas offered again.
“I do enjoy fairs. Thanks for bringing me.” His response was stiff and formal.
Something was off about Bernie. Tomas shrugged, deciding it was because of him being tired. They wouldn’t stay long at the fair. Bernie passed him, going back outside. Kenton came in and stood next to him.
“From your letters and calls about him, I knew it was a matter of time.”
“If you knew, why didn’t you say something?”
“Please. You’re a hardheaded ass,” Kenton said.
“I am.” Tomas laughed.
“Just like Karl.” Kenton’s voice dipped.
“You don’t talk about him anymore.” Tomas gripped his shoulder.
“What is there to say? He’s gone.” Kenton shrugged him off, walking away.
Tomas went after him. Kenton went to the kitchen. Tomas leaned against the counter.
“Kenton—”
“Leave it, Tomas. I’m dealing. I came back for Harper. He’s the one we should be worried about. His family is sucking him dry.”
“I’m worried about you both,” Tomas replied.
“Don’t,” Kenton said in that tone he used when he was finished discussing something.
Tomas straightened, abiding by it for now. He went over to Kenton. His hands were braced on the sink. Tomas touched his arm.
“I’m here if you need to talk. We all are,” Tomas said.
“I know. I’m dealing. If I need you all, I’ll say.” Kenton gripped Tomas’s hand on his arm, then released it and walked to the oven. He pulled out a tray and put it on the table.
“Let’s get these sticky buns outside,” Kenton said.
Tomas helped him put them on a display dish then put on the glass cover. Hefting it onto his shoulder, Tomas strode back into the café, skirting tables, and went to the door. Shifting the tray, he went outside. Placing the tray on the table next to the other pastries, he put his hands on his hips, observing the fairgoers who had started to arrive.
“Thanks for your help. Bernie seems off today. Go take him to have some fun.” Harper made a shooing motion.
“He’s tired. I’m taking him back to the condo,” Tomas said.
“I want to see the fair,” Bernie said.
The words were right, but the tone was snippy. Tomas sighed.
Note to self: Don’t disturb Bernie in the middle of the night again.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
They walked away, joining the throng of people. He showed Bernie some of his favorite vendors. Bernie’s noncommittal answers started to get on his nerves. Moving a little away from him, Tomas ran his fingers through his hair.
Time to go home. Maybe a nap will put him in a better mood. We can be late for poker.
“Tomas.” A hand clapped him on the shoulder.
He looked up to find Malik beside him. “I didn’t know you were coming today.”
“I came to speak with Harper, but decided not to.” Malik shrugged, looking uncomfortable.
“You all still haven’t spoken?”
Malik shrugged again. “It’s his choice. I’m giving him space, like he asked.”
He could see it bothered Malik that Harper had pushed him away since Karl died. Harper and Malik were best friends. Usually, they would talk a few times a day, and Malik would go to the bookstore often. Karl, Harper, and Malik shared a love of reading and would have debates or discussions about books they read. When new books from their favorite authors came out, Harper would set aside the first copy for Karl and second for Malik. Tomas hated seeing the distance between them. They had all tried to get Harper to talk with Malik. They knew the reason for the distance was because of Karl being gone, and the memories of the three of them taking part in their love of reading.
“He’s at least having movie night with Bernie and the others. Bernie mentioned that he said he would try to come every week.”
“It’s good that he’s talking with Bernie. He needs a friend.” Malik smiled softly, then looked around. “I thought you mentioned bringing Bernie. Where is he?”
Tomas looked around, frowning. “He was here a minute ago.”
“He’s probably looking around. He doesn’t need you to hover. Let him have some fun,” Malik said.
We’re supposed to be having fun together. Tomas bit the inside of his cheek.
“I have things to do before the game. See you later,” Malik said.
“Later,” Tomas replied absently.
He strode to where he had left Bernie. Coming around the draped fabric, he spotted him. Bernie jumped, then stepped back.
“Why are you hiding behind here?”
“Thought I saw Malik.” Bernie sounded defiant.
“You did. Why didn’t you come say hello?” Tomas asked, baffled.
Bernie looked at him in disbelief. “You know why.”
“I don’t. So tell me.”
“Forget it,” Bernie said.
“Let’s go to the condo.” Tomas gritted his teeth.
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 21