All through the scrumptious meal—which they ate in the spacious kitchen with some sitting at the table, while others leaned against the center island, since there were no stools yet—Aristotle got to know Theron and his brothers. Later, they watched movies with both sets of brothers, with Theron leaning against him on the couch. Aristotle was glad no one mentioned the words “good movie,” or Dante would have been off on a tangent about it, and he really didn’t want to hear it right now.
When his and Theron’s brothers finally left, Aristotle and Theron sat alone on the front porch. The night was dark and the porch lights were not on, but the outer recessed lights were. Aristotle rested his shoulder against the house, staring into Theron’s eyes.
“Even with the chaperones, I enjoyed getting to know you, Theron.”
“Me too, Aristotle.” Theron reached for Aristotle, then kissed him.
Aristotle pulled Theron closer and turned to rest his back against the house. Theron molded his body against his, still kissing. His hands gripped Aristotle’s waist. A horn honked.
Aristotle withdrew and moaned. “I’m really going to kill them. I can get away with it, too, by burying them on my property.”
“Think of the property values of the Westlake area if you were found out.” Theron chuckled.
“To hell with the area.” Aristotle kissed him briefly. “Once you exit the front entrance from here, I’m just twenty minutes up the road.” He gave him the actual address.
“I knew you lived in the area, but not that close.” Theron’s hand on his waist tightened. “Feel free to stop by anytime.”
“I will,” Aristotle promised.
He couldn’t resist another brief kiss, and then he headed to his truck. When he was inside, Aristotle glanced at the rearview mirror and saw the smile on his face. After being with Theron one day, he sensed that would become a common thing. Whistling, he started his truck as he left Theron’s. He was already thinking of the next time they would meet.
THERON CLOSED the last file he was reviewing and leaned back in his chair. His thoughts turned to the past weekend, and more specifically, Saturday, when Aristotle and his brothers had come by and stayed all day, helping him and his brothers. Between Aristotle’s generous gift of furniture, and the Berkus brothers’ gifts, too, he’d been overwhelmed. Theron smiled, because being the focus of Aristotle’s intense focus was exhilarating. Even with all the people around them, Theron had felt he had all Aristotle’s attention, and it was a heady thing. Sunday had been quiet. He spent it getting used to his house and marveling at the artistry of the furniture Aristotle had given him, as well as playing with the new kitchen items and gadgets he’d received.
There had also been a surprise delivery of another housewarming gift from the Jenkinses. They had bought him a commercial barbecue grill—for when he had over a large number of people—and a regular-sized one, including enough supplies and utensils to get him started. There was also a deep freezer that came with various meats on ice to fill it. He knew they’d gotten them because of a random comment Theron made when they were discussing the plan for the center, and what he wanted to do at his house. That they’d remembered said a lot about the type of people the Jenkinses were.
The deliverymen had insisted that, although they were building him the larger grill, they were also to set up the other, so Theron agreed to let them. Then he watched as they erected the commercial grill. It was interesting seeing the bricks, mortar, concrete, and tile being put together, then the barbecue racks. They even left him the items needed to build an enclosure around the grill for the times of year when it was not in use. He’d placed those in the storage shed a little distance away in the trees. By the time the grill was finished, it was a work of art. The men had shown him that the barbecue could be fueled by gas, charcoal, or wood—both chips and logs. It also had generous built-in counter space on both sides.
Theron had the deliverymen put the portable grill on one end of his back porch. When they left, he fired up the portable six-burner combination gas and charcoal grill, then took one of the steaks that was part of the gift, along with some potatoes, and had fun cooking on his new grill. Since he didn’t have any furniture on his porch, he pulled a chair from inside and ate his food. The day was spent enjoying the sunshine, and he hadn’t been in the mood to unpack his clothing or the rest of his bedroom things. He wasn’t in a rush, and figured he’d get it done this coming weekend. His brothers already said they’d be back to his house on Sunday. It was what they usually did on weekends, the only change being they were coming to his new house instead of his old apartment. Theron planned to get them to help him buy outdoor furniture so they could grill out and relax on the porch.
Between Aristotle and the not-as-busy-unpacking weekend as he had planned, Theron arrived at the center Monday morning very refreshed and his day had gone by quickly. He glanced at the box of woodcarvings, and even though he couldn’t see inside, he knew there were still quite a few, which were for those who weren’t working today. The tokens from Aristotle had gone over very well. Theron touched his dragon—he’d decided to leave it in his office—that sat on the desk between his family photos. He rubbed the smooth, varnished wood while looking at the various pictures of his family he had taken over the years.
Theron was teased for being the camera nut among his family and friends, since he usually had a camera on him and additional supplies in his grey Tahoe. His photos were set up from left to right on the corner of his spacious desktop. The first was of his branch of the Longoria clan only, another with all the spouses and kids included. There was one with all the Longoria cousins and one of the poker crew, taken a few weeks earlier on one of the rare occasions when everyone who took part in the games was actually there. The final photo was of the close-knit families who had grown up together—Longoria, Rodriguez, Provenza, Hannigan, and Ramirez. Looking at the pictures, Theron regretted not getting a picture of his brothers and the Berkus boys, but his camera hadn’t been unpacked from his office things. He made a mental note to retrieve it.
Noting the time, Theron stood, rolling his head back and forth along his shoulders, then rose to get ready to leave for the day. In moments, he had his messenger bag in place and was telling his staff goodnight as he went to the main room. He took a brief detour out the side exit to the large portable structure set up a little way away from the building. Leslie had brought his own space, saying the garage wouldn’t work for his needs, so he’d brought his own, as well as initial supplies. Knowing Leslie and Terry, who were teaching classes about mechanics, they’d convince the Jenkinses they needed to build an adequate place to work. Theron peeked in and noted, just as at Aristotle’s workshop, the kids were enraptured by what Leslie was saying. Theron was glad they were enjoying what they were doing so far. He left, heading past the front side of the building.
“Theron!”
He stopped, surprised to hear Aristotle’s voice. Turning, he stared as Aristotle came toward him in slow, purposeful strides.
When he was close enough, Theron said, “I don’t have you on the schedule to be teaching today.”
“No class today. I came to walk you home.”
Theron didn’t wonder how he knew, since his brothers had teased him on Saturday that he could enjoy walking to work since he lived so close to his job. They knew he preferred to walk rather than drive.
“That’s nice of you, but I don’t want you to have to come back to get your truck.” Theron put a hand on Aristotle’s waist. “I’d love a ride home.”
“I won’t have to come back for my truck. I parked by your house and walked over.” Aristotle smiled ruefully. “Although I almost didn’t make it here, since Security found me on the path from your place to here.”
“The sensors picked you up. You should have your coded clicker on you. It would let them know it was you.” Theron remembered showing him the path he walked to go the center, but he hadn’t known Aristotle was coming to meet him, so hadn’t thought to tell him to have his
code on him.
Each staff and volunteer had their own minibox with a code for them that let the security staff know they were on site. If someone resigned or was fired, their access would be revoked.
“I know that now. When Rhodes escorted me back to my truck to get my code, he actually thanked me. He mentioned because of me blundering around, he realized they would need to let everyone know to always have their code box with them.” Aristotle held up his hand, showing him the coder.
Rhodes Winslow was the head of security for Treble Duo, and in addition to working for Lawrence at the security firm, Rhodes was Lawrence’s best friend and knew the other Berkus brothers. Rhodes had been picked because he was one of the best and most trusted men in Guardian Shield Security.
Theron paced Aristotle, walking beside him as they set off to his house. Theron enjoyed just being with Aristotle without talking. They were silent as they went along the path that led to his home. The trees and sounds Theron had become accustomed to already surrounded them. It usually took about twenty minutes to get from the center to his place. To Theron, the walk passed so quickly.
“Come in and I’ll show you my grill. Maybe even make you something,” Theron offered as they stopped at the bottom steps.
“Is that like showing me your etchings?” Aristotle’s lips twitched.
“No.” Theron bit his lips, trying not to laugh, then spoke again. “Del, Bur, and Bernie gave me a housewarming gift. They had a commercial grill built in the backyard, and also a portable one with all the things I would need to run them both. Both use gas as well as charcoal. Then, to top it off, they got me a good-sized deep freezer and gave me enough meat and poultry that I can throw a huge-ass party and not have to buy much meat.” He eyed Aristotle. “Seems like I’m around some very generous folks.”
“Yes, and being such a gracious man, you accepted it without any back talk.” Aristotle grinned. “Although it’s tempting to come see your grill and have you cook on it for me, I’m going to have pass for now.”
Aristotle pulled him close and kissed Theron thoroughly, then stepped back. Theron took a step forward, then caught himself. Aristotle turned and made his way to his truck.
“We don’t have any chaperones today.” Theron shifted to try to relieve the pressure on his erection in his jeans.
“We’re taking our time, Theron. Build the anticipation.”
“Anticipation is overrated.”
“You know the one thing I love about making furniture?” Aristotle stood looking over the open door. “The steps it takes to get to the end of something wondrous. From that first step of studying the wood and imagining what it will become. Then next, starting the piece, taking it slow with each tool, making sure to work with the wood. Coaxing it to what you want without compromising the beauty of it. Eventually, with your hands”—Aristotle showed him his large hands—“and the right amount of patience, you bring that wood to life, making something that, for years, maybe even generations, people will enjoy or pass down for others too.” Aristotle’s smile was gentle. “That’s what I’m thinking of with you, Theron. If things come together like they do when I make furniture, what we’re trying to create here can last a long time. Give it a chance to flourish, and be patient as it does.”
“You really have a way with words, Aristotle.” Theron studied him and moved closer. “The one thing I noticed about the way you speak of wood is all of it has to do with being very personally close to it. Getting intimate and engaging all your senses to make it reveal itself to you.” He lowered his voice. “Looking to see what you’ll be working with. The sound of those tools moving across the grain of wood. Tasting that anticipation”—he emphasized the word—“of the finished product. Inhaling the scent of that fresh wood with each motion of your tools.” Theron grinned, knowing it was wicked. “The most important of all is touching throughout to feel all the textures of the surface.” Theron stopped with the truck door between them, then reached for Aristotle’s hand, holding it between his. “Each stroke bringing you higher and higher to that point”—Theron matched action to word, stroking the hand all over, feeling the calluses on the palm, taking extra time there—“when it all comes together in a culmination that is both satisfying and makes you want to do it all over again.”
“You silver-tongued devil.” Aristotle let out a shaky laugh. “My words pale in comparison to yours.” He leaned forward, and Theron lifted his head to meet him. Aristotle kissed him as thoroughly as before, then moved his head back a little. “But I’m still not coming to see your grill. A man only has so much control.”
“That’s what I’m counting on.” Theron let out a wicked chuckle.
“I figured as much, so that’s why I’m going to avoid going into your house.” Aristotle wiggled his eyebrows. “Can’t let you seduce me so easily.”
“Bastard. You just like seeing me like this.” Theron stepped back, then pointed to the bulge obvious in his jeans.
“Yeah.” Aristotle breathed out, then cleared his throat. “You better permanently wear your shirt untucked, or a jacket to cover your problem.” Aristotle’s tone got raspy. “’Cause I plan to make you that way often. Now come here and kiss me, and then we can both go to our own homes. Frustrated as hell, but we’re taking it slow.”
Theron, even though he knew it would only add to his desire, couldn’t deny having another taste. He went to go around the door, but Aristotle shook his head. Theron moved back into place with the door between them. Aristotle lowered his head and kissed him. Theron opened wide, moaning at the feel of Aristotle’s tongue moving along the top of his. He moved closer to the door, grabbing Aristotle’s head as he rocked against the door. Aristotle gently pulled away.
“See you.”
“See you,” Theron echoed him, stepping back.
He stood, waiting as Aristotle got in his truck, closed the door, and started the vehicle. Aristotle honked his horn before driving away. Theron stood watching until the truck disappeared from view. He went up the four steps, then sat at the top, leaning against the side rail. Finally, after some time, he rose and went inside. He looked down at his still hard shaft, making him wish Aristotle had stayed. Theron wondered if he would see him again before his class.
The next day when he was leaving, this time through the front door, Aristotle was waiting for him again. They shared his walk home and a few kisses before Aristotle left, leaving him wanting. Theron was frustrated, but knew he would soon get Aristotle around to his way of thinking.
Chapter Three
THERON HAD his brothers over to watch a movie, but his thoughts were really on Aristotle. Their walks had continued through the rest of August and into the middle of September. Yesterday was Saturday, and since they didn’t see each other on weekends, Theron still had to get through today before seeing him again on Monday. He both dreaded and looked forward to the weekdays because he would see Aristotle. Theron enjoyed spending time with him. They had talked about so many things, and he’d gotten to know Aristotle very well, and vice versa. Yet the dread was for the knowledge that, despite the kisses they shared, Aristotle was determined to take it slowly. In two weeks of walking him home, Theron hadn’t been able to entice Aristotle to move things faster. There were many times Theron had been tempted to jump him on the way home. The only thing stopping him was the idea that Security might see or come upon them.
Although Theron had been advised the hidden cameras throughout the property weren’t around any of the homes, he wasn’t sure if that included the paths leading to the center. Also, the sensors were on his property, and he wasn’t fully sure what rolling around on the ground would do to them. Could they be tripped, and then Security would come to see if someone needed help or something? Theron couldn’t come up with a way to ask about the cameras and sensors without feeling guilty he would even be thinking of it. But it was all Aristotle’s fault. He was lucky Theron hadn’t said to hell with it and taken his chances. The sound of the doorbell ringing pulled him from
his thoughts.
“I’ll get it.” Link rolled to his knees from where he had been lying on the floor on some cushions, then stood.
Theron glanced around at the rest of his brothers who had helped him when he moved in. Philip was reclining on the couch beside him, Hill was on one of the arm chairs with his legs swung over the arm, Gerry was stretched out on the other couch, his arm tucked under his head, and finally, Ollie was snoozing on the last couch. Theron again appreciated the furniture Aristotle had given him. The rich wood of the frames and the brown base cushions of the three couches, two love seats, and four armchairs complemented the checked orange, brown, and yellow throw pillows that came with it. All the pieces in this room and in the other ones used that same beautiful wood. The entertainment center was huge and took up almost one wall. Even with his big TV, stereo system, and DVDs, it looked like they needed lots more stuff on it. The three bookcases on the walls around the room would be even more filled when he finished unpacking his books, but he’d still have space for more. He made a mental note to go to 2H Book Nook to stock up. Theron already knew when his family and friends came for the housewarming barbeque he had planned for the end of the month, they would be bringing him gifts that would fill out the rest of what he needed. Even with all the pieces of furniture in the room, it was still spacious.
“Theron, the door is for you!” Link called from the hallway.
Theron could tell something had amused him. Standing, he stepped over Philip’s crossed ankles, then went to the arched doorway from the living room into the hall. From where he stood, he couldn’t see who was at the door, but as he neared the doorway, he spotted the back of that familiar body.
“Aristotle.”
“Nope.” The man turned, and he realized it was Lawrence. He had a similar build to his brother. “I’ve got your computer ready. I hope you have a desk and file cabinets.”
“Ummm… I haven’t gotten them yet,” Theron admitted, stopping in front of him. He’d gotten the porch furniture, but had forgotten the desk he needed for the office.
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