Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

  “Nah. That can’t be it,” Gerald said.

  He got out of his truck and took out the dolly, then shifted the desk onto it. He wheeled it up the walkway. Gerald took out his cell and called Bur’s.

  “Gerald?”

  “I’m outside. Come help me.” He clicked off, not waiting for a reply.

  Bur came out of the house. He looked curious about the desk, but didn’t ask. Together, they lifted it and took it into the house and down the hall to his office. He moved to where he wanted it, and they put it down. Bur straightened, staring at him.

  “Thi—”

  A cell rang, interrupting them. Recognizing it as one of Bur’s ring tones, Gerald didn’t reach for his.

  “Wait. Give me a sec.” Bur removed the phone from his belt, glanced at the screen, then answered. “Del, what’s up?” Bur moved toward Gerald and the desk.

  Gerald pushed the dolly out of the room and back toward the front door. He went outside, putting it back in the garage, then retrieved his office chair. Hefting it, he carried it into the house. After closing the door with his foot, he retraced his steps to the office. Inside, he lowered the chair and pushed it to the desk. Gerald faced Bur. There was a weird expression on his face. He approached the desk where Bur sat. Leaning close, Gerald asked, “What’s wrong?”

  “Ummm… our sister might be alive.”

  Surprise filled Gerald. He hadn’t known they had a sister.

  “That’s good news, right?”

  “Oh, yes, it is. But we haven’t seen her since we were four and she eight.”

  “What? Why?” Gerald hadn’t even thought about it until now, but he didn’t know anything about Bur’s family.

  Neither he nor his brothers mentioned their parents. Bur had never really said why he was in England as a teenager.

  “A long story.” Bur gestured. “What’s the second desk for?”

  “You. When you’re here, you need your own space to work,” Gerald replied, distracted by Bur’s evasion.

  Bur stood and passed him, going to the desk. He pushed the chair closer and sat down. Bur opened the various drawers of the desk, exploring them. Gerald joined him by the desk again, perching on its edge. Bur rose, stepping between his legs.

  “Thanks for buying me a desk and chair.”

  “I didn’t buy it. Asked my mom for it.”

  Bur’s face blanked, and then he stepped away from the desk. Gerald held his hand, pulling him back to him.

  “What is your problem with my mother? You haven’t even met her yet,” Gerald said.

  “I have no problem with her. Just what she represents. Come on. Let’s get you to soak.” Bur tugged on him.

  “Explain.” Gerald didn’t budge.

  “I just don’t like mother figures.” Bur shrugged, releasing his hand.

  Gerald thought about what he said, then grinned. “Oh, I get it. You’ve probably had a bad experience when someone took you to meet their mother. I had the same thing the one time I went to meet the parents. Interrogated and given the talk. Don’t worry. My mom isn’t like that.”

  “I haven’t been serious enough for anyone to take me to meet their mother. Thank God.” Bur raised and lowered his shoulders.

  “Then why—”

  Bur interrupted him. “What was the one time?”

  “Oh. Lisa, my ex-fiancée.” Gerald smacked his forehead. “Shit. I forgot to tell you. She’s moving back to Mapson and is going to be staying with me for a few months as she gets her housing situation sorted out. She’s coming the middle of next month.”

  “Your ex-fiancée is moving in with you next month, for a few months,” Bur repeated.

  “Yeah. We’re good friends. She’s the one you’ve seen me Skype with.”

  “Oh. I didn’t know you all had been engaged.”

  “But I told you.” Gerald frowned, trying to remember when.

  “Nope. You didn’t. Not that you need to. It isn’t my house.” Bur pivoted and walked away.

  Gerald stared behind him as he went out the office door. Straightening, he stalked out of the room in search of Bur. He spotted him already at the top of the stairs and turning toward the bedroom. Gerald went up the steps and to the bedroom.

  “What the hell was that?” Gerald turned him around.

  “What?” Bur looked confused.

  “The not your house business. What the hell kind of crack is that?” Gerald clenched his fist.

  “It isn’t. What do I care who you let stay in your house?”

  “You’re not planning to avoid her, are you? Lisa would be pissed at both me and you.”

  “Huh? Why would she care if I avoided her?” Bur looked baffled.

  “I’ve told her about you. She’s looking forward to meeting you. Okay, I possibly didn’t tell you about her being my ex-fiancée, but you don’t need to be mad. I—”

  “I’m not. Isn’t she a friend?” Bur’s brows furrowed.

  “Yeah, she is. But… you really aren’t mad?”

  “Nope. I’d do the same for a friend.”

  “And you’ll be around?”

  “Sure. Unless you don’t want me to be,” Bur said.

  “No, I want you to be here.” Gerald paused, studying him, then said, ”You really aren’t upset about this.”

  “What? You want me to scream and demand you don’t let that ex-fiancée hussy of yours stay here?” Bur rolled his eyes. “I trust you, Gerald.”

  Bur shrugged, then strolled across the room. Gerald moved, spun him to face him, then tackled him onto the bed.

  “Damn it, Gerald. You—”

  He covered Bur’s mouth, stopping his words. Gerald kissed him, then lifted his head, staring at him.

  “I trust you too,” Gerald stated.

  “I know that already. I am, after all, a trustworthy person.”

  “And arrogant.”

  “Yep. And get that look off your face. In the tub first,” Bur said.

  “Tub sex.” Gerald moved off him and hurried to the bathroom.

  “To start with.” Bur’s decadent promise came from behind him.

  Bur groped his ass, pushing him into the bathroom.

  ENTERING THE living room, Gerald spotted Bur waiting for him. His jean-clad legs were spread out before him, his boot-clad feet crossed.

  “Let’s ride.” Gerald pivoted and headed for the door.

  He heard Bur’s bootfalls behind him. They went to the garage. Gerald stood staring at the bike he’d only ridden once. The memories of that sad day filled his mind. Karl’s funeral had been poignant and hard on all of them. Gerald thought back to before that, when Karl had talked him into getting a bike so the three of them—Karl, Harper, and he—could go riding. Karl was going to surprise Harper, who had been trying to convince Karl for a year to get a bike. It was ironic that Karl hadn’t wanted to get a bike because he didn’t want Harper to get hurt, saying it was dangerous. They never thought of their jobs as dangerous. Being a cop was in their blood. In some distant part of your mind, you knew you could get hurt, but didn’t focus on that. It was all about protecting and serving. Karl had lost his life doing what he loved. They had never even gotten to take a ride together.

  Gerald thought about Harper and his bike sitting untouched. Too bad Harper wasn’t going with them today. Gerald sighed, shook off his regret, and approached the bike. He ran his hand over the seat. Gerald turned to Bur.

  “Thanks.”

  “No worries.” Bur’s smile was easy.

  Gerald returned his attention to the custom-made bike. Bur had cleaned it up and surprised him with the idea of a ride today. The early March day was nice and clear. A good day for a ride. Gerald slid his hand into his jacket pocket, then pulled out two items there. He faced Bur, handing them to him. Bur took them, glancing at them, then him.

  “A key, so you can come and go as you want.”

  “Thanks.” Bur slid the key into the pocket on his chest, then zipped the pocket closed. He held up what else Gerald had ha
nded him between his index and middle finger. “Why are you giving me money?”

  “Instead of going to your brother, I’ll help you out until you get a job.”

  “Gera—”

  He cut Bur off midgrowl. “Not charity, a loan.”

  “It’s like talking to a brick wall,” Bur muttered as he pushed the money into his pocket with the key. Then he pointed. “Let’s go. Get on your bike.” Bur went to his own.

  Gerald followed his instruction. In moments, they were on their way. Gerald rode his bike, following Bur. Bur hadn’t said where they were going; he said it was a surprise. As they passed through various neighborhoods, Gerald was taken with how open it was riding his bike. The scenery changed, and as they drove, he realized where they were going. Bur was taking him to the centers in the Westlake area. They didn’t make the turn but continued on. Bur finally turned, and Gerald followed. He stared through his visor at the closed and gated entrance. Bur didn’t stop and the gates opened. Gerald trailed him, wondering who he knew here. They passed four roads—two on the left and the others on the right—that branched off the main one to someplace he didn’t see. Bur continued, and then they came to a slight incline, and the house that came into view, which had a garden oasis around it, captivated Gerald. Bur parked in front of it, took off his helmet, and swung his leg off his bike. Gerald parked beside him and took off his helmet.

  “Come on,” Bur said.

  Gerald got off his bike and made his way up the three steps. The door was open and Bur already inside. Gerald entered cautiously. He wondered whom the house belonged to.

  “Let’s get on with this,” Bur stated.

  “Who lives here?”

  “Let me show you around first.” Bur strode off.

  Gerald followed. Bur gave him the complete tour, spouting off various features the house had. He seemed to know the place really well. After an hour, they were back by the front door. Gerald glanced at the staircase leading upstairs, then at Bur.

  “You’ve got a nice house. I guess I should have listened when you said you have one.” Gerald’s lips twitched.

  “You should have. When did you figure it out?” Bur asked.

  “The music studio. You were touching that thing with all the buttons like it was yours.” Gerald gazed around at the entryway.

  The house was beautiful, outside and in. It was comfortable, with a feeling of warmth. Gerald turned his attention to Bur.

  “How much money do you have?”

  “A lot.”

  “Wanna be my sugar daddy? I’ll show you my best feature.” Gerald turned, showing him his ass.

  “Only if you’re naked twenty-four hours a day.” Bur slapped his butt.

  “Naked is good, but I don’t think flashing criminals while I work would go over well with the captain.” Gerald faced him.

  “Probably not.” Bur chuckled, then gestured. “Let’s go. We’re going to be late.”

  Gerald followed him. “Where do the four roads we saw lead to?”

  “The homes for my bandmates.”

  “You all bought these places together? It’s a good location. You’re fairly close to the land the centers are on.”

  “Nope. I bought the land. Had homes built for my bandmates and myself. The center land is actually part of the property I bought. I donated it to them.” Bur shrugged.

  Gerald stopped before getting on his bike. He stared at Bur. The centers and these places combined was a lot of land.

  “Wow. You have a shitload of money,” Gerald said.

  “Enough so I don’t have to work again unless I want to. Although I have this lunkhead who keeps trying to get me a job so I can have some money.” Bur smirked.

  “Arrogant snot.” Gerald flipped him off.

  Bur chuckled. They got on their bikes. Gerald again followed Bur. They went back to the main road, driving farther into the Westlake area. Bur pulled into a parking area and stopped. Gerald followed. He removed his helmet, and Bur did the same.

  “I’m still full from the breakfast we had earlier,” Gerald said.

  “We’re meeting someone. And there he is, just in time,” Bur said.

  Gerald turned to see who it was. The helmeted rider pulled in, joining them, and removed his helmet.

  “This is such a rush.” Harper’s hazel eyes were excited.

  Gerald looked at Bur and mouthed, “Thank you.” Bur inclined his head, then got off his bike. Gerald did the same and approached Harper, who was standing by his bike. Gerald hugged him, lifting him off his feet.

  “Put me down before you hurt yourself.” Harper laughed.

  “Seeing you here makes me….” He trailed off.

  “Happy and sad. I’ve been thinking of him as Bur’s been teaching me to ride. It’s okay. He’d have loved this. He’d have liked Bur too,” Harper said.

  “Yeah. And would have knocked me upside my head to listen to what everyone has been saying. Bur has money and a house.” Gerald grinned sheepishly.

  “I thought you knew that,” Harper said.

  “Nope. Kept missing what people meant.” Gerald turned to Bur. “Hey, give me back my cash.”

  “Uh-uh, buddy. This will be paying for lunch.” Bur patted his pocket.

  Gerald reached for him. Bur backed up and raised his fist, bobbing playfully.

  Gerald put his hand by his mouth and mock whispered to Harper. “Although he’s violent, him being rich and all, I think I’ll keep him.”

  Harper laughed, and Gerald joined him.

  “Ha-ha. A bunch of comedians.” Bur strolled over to them. “Since I love you, I’ll have to keep you too. Gotta use the bathroom.”

  Bur spun and headed into the diner. Shocked, Gerald stared after him. He came out of his stupor and went into the diner after him.

  Chapter Seven

  BUR WHISTLED as he dried his hands. He unlocked the bathroom and stepped out. A body pushed him back, and he stumbled, startled.

  “What the h—”

  “You love me?”

  “Yeah. So?” He was confused.

  No, he hadn’t meant to say it as he had, but he wasn’t going to deny it. Gerald locked the door and strode toward him. Bur recognized the look and walk. Bur’s cock hardened, and he met Gerald in the middle of the room. They kissed, a wild mating of tongues. Gerald licked down his neck and nibbled on his pulse. Bur moaned. Gerald moved him back, pushing him. Then he turned him around. Bur stared at the mirror. Gerald’s big hand cupped him over the jean-clad bulge. He squeezed it, then quickly worked on his belt, button, and zipper. He slid his hand inside, pulling out his red-tipped erection. In the glass, Bur watched as Gerald jerked his cock. Pleasure zinged through him. He pumped his hips into Gerald’s clenched fist. Gerald released his cock. Bur heard him moving behind him.

  Bur pushed down his pants and boxers. Gerald pressed his hand against his back. Bur moved back into his touch. He enjoyed it now when Gerald touched him there. Gerald spread his cheeks, and he felt the cool gel on his hole. Gerald readied him quickly, and then the blunt, sheathed tip pushed against him. Gerald gripped his hips, then thrust into his crease. Bur braced his hands on the counter and rocked back into him. The slide of the heated length inside of him, as always, gave him a fierce thrill.

  “Mine,” Bur whispered.

  “Yes… only yours. Love you, Bur.” He punctuated each word with a thrust.

  Bur moaned, moving against Gerald as he grunted and plunged faster and faster.

  “Love you, Gerald!” Bur shouted.

  Gerald growled, digging his fingers into Bur’s hips as he stroked inside of him. Bur clenched around him. He held himself up with one hand, using the other to grip his own cock, tugging on it urgently. Bur gasped as his shaft erupted and he came. Gerald groaned as he joined him in pleasure. Blearily, Bur raised his head and watched him. Gerald’s face was pulled in harsh lines as he shook with his release. Then his face softened, and he blew out a breath. His gaze focused on Bur’s, and then he stepped back. Bur clenc
hed on him, then released. Gerald turned him and kissed him softly.

  “Love you.”

  “Love you.”

  They kissed a few more times, then fixed their clothing and left. Harper smiled, but didn’t say anything. They all got on their bikes and set off for a ride. As the breeze flowed by him, Bur was content. Life was good.

  BUR DANCED around the kitchen, singing softly as he prepared dinner. His cell rang. He slid over to the counter where he had placed it. He noted the number and smiled.

  “Hello, Gerald.”

  “Bur. Are you going to make it to my place on time today?” Gerald asked.

  “I’m already here. Left early for our dinner.”

  “Ummm… you’re at my house already?”

  “Yep.”

  “Shit.”

  “What’s wrong? You called me five times today to make sure I would be here. I’m here.” Bur paused. “Oh. Do you have to work late?”

  “No… don’t be mad. I’ll be home soon to explain.”

  “Ger—”

  The dial tone sounded. Bur stared at the phone, frowning.

  “What the hell was that?” A smell made him rush to the stove.

  He saved the chicken, turning it over. Bur placed his cell on the counter and continued to cook. The doorbell rang. Bur turned down the pan and went to answer the door.

  “You forgot your key. Why wou….” Bur trailed off.

  Although he’d never met her, he recognized the woman from the pictures Gerald had.

  “Hi, I’m—”

  “Gerald’s mother,” Bur stated.

  She raised an eyebrow, then spoke. “Yes. And you’re Bur. And from your expression, Gerald didn’t tell you we all were having dinner together. That boy.” She shook her head. “Don’t worry. I’ll go. Tell Gerald I’ll call him later.” She turned, then paused before facing him again. “No. I have something to say, and then I’ll go. Even if we ended up hating each other, you could have at least tried to get to know me. Instead, you choose to be an asshole about it. I love my son, Wilbur, and even if he loves you, I won’t give up seeing him. For Gerald, when we have to be somewhere together we both can’t avoid, I’ll be cordial to you. And you better damn well be the same with me.” She stepped toward him. “Or else I will tear your heart out for hurting my boy. Because if you make him choose between us, you’ll lose, and that will hurt my boy, because for some reason he loves you.” Her face was fierce.