Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

  They all laughed, then turned to watch him. Theron strode toward him, and Aristotle realized his hands were full. That didn’t stop Theron, and he kissed Aristotle deeply and thoroughly.

  “Ohhhh… no one said we were getting a show,” Gerry said.

  Theron slowly gentled the kiss, then pulled back, smiling at him. “You did say to invite them. They brought sleeping bags, since we weren’t sure how much space you had.”

  “I have enough bedrooms.”

  “Really? I only saw your house briefly and noticed it seemed huge, but I wasn’t sure.” Theron took some of the drinks from him.

  They joined the others. Before they could hand them out, Theron’s five brothers took the various drinks.

  “Not my brand of beer.” Link grimaced at the beer, giving it to Theron, swapping him for the soda.

  The men there before protested good-naturedly. Then they teased and talked. Aristotle leaned against the rail, pulling Theron into his side.

  “We’re a little later than planned. We had to stop to get Philip, whose shift was just over at the hospital. Then the bottomless pit wanted some pizza, because as usual, he was hungry.” Theron gestured to the table. “We brought enough for everyone.” As he said it, the men moved toward the table where the pizzas were.

  “Wash your hands first,” Theron said.

  “Yes, big brother.” Philip stuck his tongue out, grabbing a pie, then his backpack, and heading inside.

  The others followed him, grabbing pizza boxes or their overnight bags.

  “Dante, show them to a room,” Aristotle said.

  Dante lifted his fingers to acknowledge him as he entered the house.

  “All alone. At least for now.” Theron turned into him.

  “Thanks for coming to second Sunday.” Aristotle kissed his cheek. “Did Del have news about the little girl?”

  “It’s stupid to thank me. I love spending time with you.” Theron pointed toward the door. “And I already know most everyone here.” Theron rubbed his fingers along his arm. “He did mention her briefly. Del has something up his sleeve concerning her, but won’t tell me. Just told me to trust him, and I’m going to. Whatever it is, I know it will be in her best interest.” Theron lowered his voice. “He didn’t come by for her, but himself. He told me I could tell you, since you might be around when he comes by. He comes to talk with me about what happened with his parents. I’m just an ear to listen, since he doesn’t want to see a therapist. He also said, next time, I didn’t have to send you home. You could stay and wait for me as we talk.” Theron touched his cheek. “If you’re there when he is, please give us some privacy, and I’ll come find you when we’re done.” Aristotle knew a little about what Del and his brothers had experienced because Robert had filled him in.

  “I can give you all the privacy you need.” He touched his hand to Theron’s cheek. “You came without even knowing what second Sunday is.” Aristotle smiled, then explained, “From the time we were kids, we had last Sunday. When we lived at home, we knew that Saturday night through Sunday night was for the family. Sunday was the day for cooking, family time, and most importantly, Scrabble.”

  “Scrabble?”

  “Yes. My mom, as I mentioned, passed the love of literature onto us. She’s a Scrabble nut, and challenged us with coming up with words to beat her and Dad. He’s a professor too, except he’s into science, like Robert. Between the two of them, they know a lot of interesting words. Even as adults back in Rhode Island, every last Sunday of the month, we gathered at our parents’ house. Spent the Saturday night before, then all day Sunday with our parents. When we moved here, I promised Mom we’d keep the family tradition going.” Aristotle shrugged. “In our case, it’s second Sunday instead of the last one.”

  “It’s good to keep family traditions. Like the reading one we do with our mom.” Theron kissed his cheek.

  “Yeah, I—”

  “I blame you, Dante.” Taggart’s voice came loudly from inside.

  Curious, Theron and Aristotle headed that way and stopped in the doorway. Taggart was glaring at Dante, who was snickering.

  “I only had him break into your car that once.” Dante leaned against the counter, laughing.

  Aristotle fought back his own laughter. A few days ago, Dante had asked Leslie to break into Taggart’s car and leave a note for him. Aristotle and his brother were good at houses, but Leslie was a genius at getting into cars. Dante and Taggart liked to play pranks on each other. Lawrence and he had gone along with the two other men to Taggart’s house to deliver the note. It had been funny as hell when Leslie was in Taggart’s car in seconds. He’d even driven it around the block, parking it on the other side of the house.

  “It wasn’t a funny joke, then or now.” Taggart stepped toward Alex. “I’m gonna arrest that car-thieving boyfriend of yours.”

  “I had nothing to do with it.” Alex held up his hands, and then his lips twitched. “He noticed when he was in your car that it needed a tune-up. So he’s going to do that. You’ll get it back with a bill for his services. Believe me, it’s worth it.”

  “I regret now not having my taser with me. I’d use it when he comes back.” Taggart grabbed a piece of pizza and leaned against the counter.

  They all laughed. Taggart glared at all of them, then focused on Aristotle.

  “I wouldn’t be yucking it up if I were you.” Taggart grinned. “He took your truck too.”

  “What?” Aristotle scowled.

  “You’re overdue for your tune-up too,” Alex pointed out.

  “Alex, that’s my regular transportation. I don’t want to be driving one of my vans until he decides he’s done with my truck to give it back.” Aristotle didn’t like this at all.

  With Leslie, it could be a few days or weeks before he gave your car back. Yeah, it worked better after, but still.

  “He figured that, and left you an SUV you can use until then.” Alex picked off a pepperoni from his slice and ate it before speaking again. “Next time, you’ll pay attention to his calls when he tells you to bring in your truck.”

  Aristotle humphed. Leslie had indeed called him, but he’d brushed it off for when he got around to it. “How’d he drive two vehicles on his own?”

  “Terry brought the SUV, then took your truck,” Alex replied.

  It figured Leslie’s shop manager would be in on taking their vehicles.

  “He gets a car, but I’m left with no transportation.” Taggart waved his pizza around. “How fair is that?”

  “Leslie’s always fair. He’s bringing a car back for you to use,” Alex said.

  “I’d still rather have my Firebird,” Taggart grumbled. “It’s a black-and-gold 1978 Trans Am Special Edition, and I don’t like anyone messing with it.” Taggart took a bite of pizza. “The only reason I’m not confiscating one of your cars and going after him is because I know he appreciates and knows how to treat classic cars.”

  They all agreed with him, although many of them knew that unless Leslie wanted Taggart to have his car back, he wasn’t going to get it.

  “That’s why Leslie drove it himself. He wanted to enjoy your sweet ride.” Alex pursed his lips. “Although he did say you needed your paint fixed, and wondered why the hood design was removed.”

  “It’s just a tune-up, right?” Taggart looked at him suspiciously.

  “Yes, but Leslie’s definition of tune-up can mean many things,” Alex said.

  “I’m going to wait out front so he and I can have a little chat about my car when he gets back.” Taggart grabbed a pizza box and his beer, going toward the front door.

  The others grabbed food and drinks and went with him. Aristotle turned to Theron.

  “Let’s go to bed.”

  “No way am I missing when Leslie comes back.” Theron pulled Aristotle along with him, and they sat on the front porch with the others.

  “Leslie was an awesome sight when he opened Taggart’s car.” Link laughed.

  “Wait a minute. Is t
hat why, when you all went to go to your rooms, it took so long to come back?” Taggart stared at the other men.

  “Yep. We were watching Leslie take your car,” Ollie admitted.

  “It took him a little while, because he was appreciating it, but when he got down to business, it was quick.” Dalton sounded awed. “I so have to let him show me how he does it.”

  Aristotle completely understood him.

  “I’m not partnering in Scrabble with any of you,” Taggart warned.

  Those who knew what that meant groaned.

  “He’s like this genius at Scrabble. We play on two boards and pair up. Winners play off against each other. Usually, one of the winning teams is Taggart’s. When you’re paired with him, if you’re even a decent player, you have a good chance at winning,” Aristotle explained. “I can’t wait for my parents to visit to see them match Scrabble wits.”

  The others started protesting that he wouldn’t be their partner.

  “Nope. Not playing on your team.” Taggart looked at Aristotle. “You’re out of the running too. Going with these yahoos when they moved my car.” He grinned at Theron. “It’ll be me and Theron. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure we win.”

  “Theron won’t need you to carry him for the game.” Link glared at his brother. “He’s always so damn good at any sort of board game.”

  Aristotle looked at him, and Theron grinned sheepishly. “I don’t know why, but I am.”

  “Oh, this is going to be good. Get ready to get your butts kicked,” Taggart taunted.

  They all jeered. Aristotle sat on the top of the steps, and Theron sat between his legs. Conversation flowed between the group, and some went in, getting more drinks for everyone as they waited. Aristotle lifted his head as he heard the throaty growl of an engine.

  “He brought the ’Cuda,” Theron said.

  Aristotle watched as the gleaming car pulled in and Leslie got out. Taggart strode past them.

  “A 1967 Plymouth Barracuda.” Taggart ran his hand over the side by the door, then looked at Leslie. “This can’t be what you are giving me until you return my car.”

  Aristotle listened as, in a low voice, Theron explained the significance of the ’Cuda being Leslie’s dad’s, and the first car Leslie took apart and put back together. He went on to say he’d been on a roll, taking apart all the cars of the families that were close, then their cousins’, and so on. Leslie’s dad gave the ’Cuda to him years later.

  “Yep, this is the car. Great cars are to be appreciated. Besides, you’re a friend of the Berkus brothers, who are my friends. Hopefully, you and I will be friends too.” Leslie threw him the keys.

  Aristotle already liked Leslie, and this only added to it. And he agreed they were friends, even though Leslie and Alex had only been involved for a few months. Leslie was good for Alex, and that sadness they had all sensed, but Alex would not talk about, was going away. They were getting the real Alex back.

  Taggart caught the keys, then frowned. “If you’re only tuning up my car, then it shouldn’t be too long, right?”

  Leslie didn’t answer that question. Instead he popped the hood and started showing Taggart the engine. Before long, the rest of the men on the porch joined them. Aristotle rose when Theron did. Theron went back up the steps.

  “They’ll be there a while.” Theron held his hand as they went inside. “Oh, before I forget… I’m having a family barbeque at the end of the month—October 28. You can come if you like, and bring Dante and Lawrence. I’ve already invited Robert. I know you don’t like crowds—”

  “I’ll be there.” Aristotle hoped it wouldn’t be too bad, since it was just Theron’s family.

  “Good. At the party, if it gets too much, you can go hide out in my bedroom or the family room. Most folks will be outside or in the living room playing video games.”

  ARISTOTLE NODDED, and Theron walked beside him as they went to the stairs. From what Theron had seen so far, Aristotle had used his best work to furnish his home. Theron had been surprised and pleased when Aristotle called to invite him to second Sunday. He hadn’t needed to know what it was; he just wanted to be with him. The brief time he’d been here was very enlightening. The camaraderie between the brothers extended to those they considered close. The playful side of Taggart was much different from the one he’d previously seen of that contained man. At the top of the stairs, Theron absently listened as Aristotle discussed the history of the house and its features. He didn’t really care. All he wanted to know about was his bedroom.

  Theron crossed the floor, barely sparing a glance at the sitting area that was a similar setup to the one they had done in his bedroom. He heard the thunk of the bedroom door closing and stood before the focal point of the room. The headboard was the same wood and had intricate designs as the pieces throughout the room, and the bed was covered with a patchwork quilt in rich tones. There were throw pillows with the individual colors, and the pillows matched too. Theron touched the mattress and pushed down, finding it firm.

  “This wood you used is in the stuff you gave me, and this headboard.” Theron looked around at the furniture. “All this stuff is so rich looking. What is it called?”

  “Brazilian mahogany. Since it’s so expensive, I only use it when asked specifically for it, and I get most of the money up front for the custom order. As I mentioned, some people change their minds. All the pieces in the house are made from it.” Aristotle joined him by the bed. “If I hadn’t had to furnish this place, I would have had to use all the space in the two barns to fit all my unclaimed furniture pieces.”

  “Hmmm… that’s a lot of stuff.” Theron looked at the bed again, then focused on Aristotle. “I’ve never seen a bed this big.”

  “A fellow craftsman back in Rhode Island custom-made it for me a few years ago. I got tired of not being comfortable on king-sized beds.”

  “You’ve been spending nights at my house. I didn’t know you had a problem sleeping on my bed.” Theron frowned.

  “I can’t sprawl like I usually do, or my feet hang off the edge, but that doesn’t matter.” Aristotle closed the distance between them. “Sleeping beside you is all I care about.”

  “We’re not going to be sleeping for a good while.” Theron kissed him.

  Impatiently, Theron stripped off Aristotle’s clothing, then removed his own. He accepted the condom and lube from Aristotle, throwing them on the bed. Grabbing Aristotle, Theron pushed him back on the bed, then climbed on top. He rubbed their erections together.

  “Theron.” Aristotle rotated his hips, gripping his ass.

  Suddenly, Aristotle planted his feet and pushed himself back toward the head of the bed. Theron held on, still moving against him, moaning at the feel of his muscles as Aristotle moved them upward. He stopped wiggling, lowering his legs, then relaxed.

  “So strong,” Theron groaned. “My God. You have such great muscle strength.”

  “Stop your yapping and fuck me already.” Aristotle gripped his head and kissed him.

  Theron felt the fingers in his hair loosen his braid. Aristotle stopped kissing, then placed his hands on the pillow. The need on his face made Theron’s breath catch. He reached for the condom and lube and quickly got them in place. Aristotle moved under him as Theron touched his crease. Theron held under Aristotle’s leg as he pushed into his gripping hole. Releasing the leg, Theron braced his hands on the bed, then started to thrust.

  Aristotle gripped him with his legs, and Theron shook as he met him, movement for movement. Theron gritted his teeth, the pleasure overwhelming him. He moaned at the clench on his hard erection, hissing at the friction.

  “Theron… please.” Aristotle’s neck muscles bulged.

  Theron kissed him, suckling his tongue urgently. In the next moment, his release made him shake, and he grunted into Aristotle’s mouth. Aristotle’s groan filled him, and wetness coated between them as he came too. Theron gentled the kiss, then lifted his head, pushing his hair back from his face. Aristotle caught th
e strands, smoothing them back, a lazy smile on his face. Then that familiar devilish twinkle entered his gaze.

  “That’s the first on my list of what I wanted to do when I got you in my bed. It’s a long list.”

  “I wanna see this list.” Theron kissed his nose.

  “Later… much later.” Aristotle moved his hands through Theron’s hair until he was holding the edges. “This would feel really good.”

  Theron smiled. “Where?”

  “Use your imagination.” Aristotle’s voice was even deeper.

  Theron sat back, pulling out and removing the condom. Looking over the side of the bed, he saw the wastepaper basket and threw the condom in. As he sat back on his heels, Theron thought of what he could do with his hair. Theron decided to work his way up, and took the ends and rubbed them along the top of Aristotle’s toes. Aristotle wiggled them and laughed. Theron imagined he wouldn’t be laughing real soon. As he moved the strands along the inside of his thighs, Aristotle’s legs went rigid.

  “Fuck… if this is anything like your touching, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” Aristotle rocked his feet side to side.

  “It was a fabulous idea. Now shut up and lay there and take it.” Theron smirked.

  Aristotle glared, then chuckled, spreading out and taking it.

  THE NEXT day, Theron couldn’t stop the grin on his face. He looked at Taggart, and they nodded at each other. Then he put down his word.

  Aristotle’s eyes narrowed as he read it. “Champion.” He looked at him. “You were saving that just to beat us.” The accusation was plain in his tone.

  “I don’t know what you are referring to.” Theron kept his face composed.

  He turned to Taggart, and they shared a fist bump, then pointed at Aristotle and Robert.

  “Losers,” they said together, then repeated it as they pointed to those around the room.

  “Humph. You brought in a ringer, Aristotle.” Dante threw some Cheetos at Theron and Taggart.

  Taggart caught some of them and held open his hand for Theron. He took the offering, and they shared a celebratory chip.