Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

  “I can’t believe a damn meeting almost made me miss our walk home,” Aristotle muttered. “That was a sight to see.” Aristotle put his hand on his waist. “You got some moves, Doctor T.”

  “I’m going to need a hot shower and a massage.” Theron could feel the aches from his dancing. “That’s what I get for letting my workouts lapse.”

  “You can kickbox with us. We’ll keep you in shape.” Aristotle led him to the door.

  He greeted the residents they met by name. Theron waved, but was silent as Aristotle chatted easily with many of the kids. Finally, when they were outside, Aristotle fell silent, and they walked to Theron’s. At his house, they went up the steps, then to the door, going inside.

  “We’re home safe and sound. Now, about that massage—” Theron moved to the stairs.

  “We can get to that later. But first—” Aristotle grabbed him, turning, and pressed Theron to the door.

  ARISTOTLE KISSED him, pulling at Theron’s belt, opening it and the button and zipper, then pushing at the jeans. Aristotle moved back, pulling the condom and packet of lube from his pants pocket, then going to work on his own garments. In moments, Aristotle’s hard cock was out of his jeans. He covered it with the latex, then lube, before looking at Theron. Aristotle’s breath stalled as he enjoyed the sight of Theron with jeans around his ankles, facing the door, hands braced on it with body slightly bent forward, offering up his ass. Theron looked over one shoulder, his gaze showing need.

  “Come on,” Theron said impatiently.

  Aristotle moved into position, holding open his crease, squeezing the lube on Theron’s hole, then using his cock he spread the slick before pushing into the welcoming warmth. Theron groaned loudly, clenching around him, then rocking back. Aristotle placed his hand on Theron’s chest and jerked him back against his body. Theron shuddered, rolling his hips. In quick thrusts, Aristotle moved, nuzzling his face into the side of Theron’s neck. Theron turned his head, and their lips met. They kissed as they worked toward fulfilling their bodies’ needs.

  “Right… fucking there!” Theron yelled.

  Aristotle gladly obliged him, moving faster and faster. At each motion, Theron tightened around him, making the slide even more delicious. Aristotle pressed him up against the door, releasing him from his kiss. Theron lifted his hands over his head, placing them flat against the wood.

  “Aristotle,” Theron gasped in that tone Aristotle recognized as him coming.

  Aristotle pushed in, then out, and then his cock pulsed as he joined Theron in release. Aristotle shifted one of his hands down between Theron and the door. He tugged on Theron’s softening cock, rubbing the come on the tip over his flesh. Theron made a soft sigh. Aristotle pulled out, then turned him and kissed Theron deeply.

  “Now we can go for that massage.” Aristotle spoke in a quiet tone.

  “Hmmm… I made sandwiches and left them in the fridge for dinner.”

  “After our shower, then massage.” Aristotle removed the condom, tying it off and pitching it in the wastepaper basket by the end table by the door.

  He pulled up Theron’s jeans, leaving them open but tucking his soft cock inside. Aristotle pressed kisses on his lips as he did. Theron fixed Aristotle’s pants as they kissed, and then they held hands as they went to the stairs. Theron mentioned the little girl was now safe but didn’t give any details beyond that. Aristotle was glad she was and hoped wherever she was, she would be happy.

  “BECAUSE OF you guys, I’m later than I told Theron I would be here.” Aristotle glared at Lawrence, Robert, and then Dante.

  “If you had stopped your bitching and moaning about the system I built for you”—Lawrence returned his look—“we—”

  “Don’t forget, he kept wanting to adjust where the speaker would be placed.” Dante also returned his look.

  “You’re lucky the people Lawrence got to do the work are friends of his and know you.” Robert’s eyes narrowed. “Even then, it was a close thing that they, with our help, didn’t string you up, then take turns throwing darts at you.”

  “Humph. I knew letting Dalton have that dart board in the office was a bad idea.” Aristotle grinned sheepishly. “I wasn’t that bad.”

  “You sure as hell were,” Lawrence said, and was echoed by the other two with variations of that statement.

  “Well, if you’re going to do something right, you do it well.”

  “Now he’s insulting my work.” Lawrence threw up his hands, going past him up the steps to Theron’s porch.

  “I’m not,” Aristotle whispered to Robert and Dante as they went up to join Lawrence on the porch. “He’s still in computer-guru mode.” Then in a normal voice, he said, “It’s a great system, Lawrence. Thank you for building it for me. And the sound system is as you said it would be.”

  “It will be, once it’s fully installed. And being nice won’t get you out of me installing the new computer system in your office. I’ve done Dalton’s, and the office next to his for Byron, if he agrees to come onboard. If not, you have it anyway. Your office is next. Make time for me this Friday.”

  “Got you.” Aristotle counted the dates off. “Next Friday, November 2, is all yours.”

  “Why is he being so agreeable?” Robert asked suspiciously

  “What? I’ll have you know, I’m a very agreeable man.”

  They all snorted.

  “Maybe he’s sick or something.” Dante put his hand on Aristotle’s forehead.

  Aristotle slapped it away. “I’m fine.”

  “It was nice of you to let the guys who worked with us setting up your systems pick a piece of furniture from your overflow stock,” Robert said.

  “It’s the least I could do, since they gave up part of their Sunday.” Aristotle grinned. “Dalton will be pleased to get rid of even more stuff. He’s rapidly clearing out stock, and maybe we’ll be able to get it down to one, or even half a barn.” Aristotle thought of Dalton. “Maybe I should call him to see how it’s going.”

  “No!” his brothers said loudly.

  Lawrence shook his head. “We left him to finish up with the workers so you wouldn’t be any later to help Theron set up for his barbeque.”

  “And so we didn’t kill you,” Dante muttered.

  Aristotle pushed his shoulder, striding right on the porch to go around the side. He pulled out his cell.

  “Let him do it so he can get to the barbeque,” Robert said behind him, taking his phone out of his hand.

  “Hey! Just one call.”

  “No.”

  “Fine. Let’s go and enjoy setting up for this wonderful small family barbeque.” Aristotle whistled.

  “I swear, he’s sick,” Dante muttered.

  “You think this will be small?” Robert stopped Aristotle with a hand on his arm.

  “Yeah. I know Theron has twenty siblings, and some are married and he invited a few friends, but it won’t be so bad. Hell, I might be able to even stay for it.” Aristotle patted his hand. “Don’t look so worried, Robert.” He pulled out of his hold, and then turned the corner of the porch.

  Aristotle stopped, blinking because he was sure he was seeing things. “Robert, did Theron hire all these people to help him prep for this barbeque?”

  “They’re his family.” Robert patted his shoulder. “You’ll come to realize, when anyone in this group says ‘family and friends’, it’s anything but small. Although this one will be smaller than usual.”

  Robert passed him, going toward the steps.

  “Wow. I thought the center opening was a fluke with all the people there. But man, it wasn’t. They’re like their own small country.” Lawrence stood to his right.

  “You hooked up with a man who comes with his own built-in crowd.” Dante moved to his left, laughing.

  Aristotle pivoted on his heels. His brothers caught him on each side, then turned him and pulled him along with them. Aristotle cursed that he had been caught and outmaneuvered. Usually he would have been quicker, but shock ha
d slowed his reflexes. Their grips were firm as they took him across the back porch, then down the steps and across the yard to where Theron was at the commercial grill. Theron was talking with Robert, who was pointing toward them. Theron turned, saw them, and bit his lip. Aristotle’s brothers delivered him to Theron.

  Theron slid his hands around his waist, kissed him gently, and said, “You don’t have to stay.”

  Aristotle felt his shoulders unbunch. “I’m staying.”

  He had planned to go, but with Theron being so understanding, he wanted to be there for him.

  “You can go anytime. Remember where I said would be best to get away.”

  Aristotle nodded, then couldn’t resist saying, “You have a lot of people here, Theron. I thought the barbeque started at two.” It was only eleven o’clock.

  “Oh, this is just the set-up crew. The bulk of people won’t be here until two,” Theron said.

  Aristotle could feel the need to get away filling him. There were more coming. My God. How many people would be coming to this thing?

  “You have lots of family and friends.”

  “They’re all family, even those who aren’t blood.” Theron looked around. “And not everyone will make it. I didn’t even invite all the cousins from my family and the others I grew up with.” Theron looked at him. “If I had, I’d have needed the barn you’re letting the Rodriguezes use for their parents’ anniversary.”

  Aristotle’s eyes widened as he realized that possibly all these people and more would be at the surprise anniversary party. The plans for it were going full force, and the Rodriguez brothers had agreed to use the barn and everything he had suggested. Aristotle didn’t think he’d done any planning when he gave his opinion. Now he wondered how he could avoid a party on his own property. He’d think about that when the time came. For now, he needed to get through Theron’s barbeque without bolting.

  “Don’t worry, Theron. We’ll keep an eye on him so he doesn’t leave,” Lawrence assured him.

  “We’ll be a hand grab from him for the whole time.” Robert grinned.

  “He’s in good hands.” Dante smirked, then focused on Theron. “I think he’s coming down with something. He was actually being sweet-nice instead of his grumbly nice.” He made it sound like it was a disease.

  Aristotle glared at his brothers, then said fondly, “Asswipes.”

  “As the oldest, they’re emulating you.” Theron chuckled. “I need to go check on my own siblings, because I bet a few of them are behind the shed, ducking out of doing any work.” Theron kissed him again and walked away.

  “He just called you an asswipe, and it was delivered in such a loving way.” Lawrence stared after Theron. “Hell, Aristotle. He fits you really well.”

  “You better keep him, because if you don’t, we are gonna have words,” Dante said.

  “Oh, Theron isn’t going anywhere,” Robert said.

  “See, unlike you yahoos, baby brother knows good sense. You know, you’re my favorite brother, Robert.” Aristotle slung his hand over Robert’s shoulder.

  He had no plans on letting Theron go anywhere. Theron was what he wanted, and Aristotle would ensure Theron knew that.

  “You say that to all of us at one time of another.” Robert wiggled his eyebrows. “Dante and Lawrence, it wouldn’t matter if Aristotle didn’t want to keep Theron. Theron wouldn’t let him go.”

  Aristotle was pleased to hear that.

  “I have no clue why he wants Aristotle, since he’s such a grumbly old bear,” Robert added, grinning.

  The other two started to laugh, and Robert joined them.

  “Ha, ha, funny man. You’re no longer my favorite.” Aristotle removed his hand from Robert’s shoulder and strode away.

  They followed, teasing him. Aristotle ignored them as he went to help with setup. Throughout the process, his brothers kept close, making it difficult to go when he was feeling the need to leave. Theron came by, checking on him, too, and his kisses helped Aristotle remain in the crowd of people. When the barbeque started, the desire to bolt only increased. Aristotle lifted his beer, drinking. He looked at Dante, who was still by his side. They took turns keeping close. Aristotle heard something that made him smile, and he looked at Dante.

  “They’re talking about good movies, Dante.”

  Before he could finish, Dante was heading toward the group.

  “Do you know what a good movie is?” Dante asked.

  Since Alex and Leslie were in the group, they groaned, having heard Dante’s thoughts on the subject before. Aristotle watched a moment as Dante talked. Bur and the rest of TrebleBur kept interjecting, which Aristotle knew would only make Dante keep going. Aristotle casually headed away, and in moments he was in the house. He passed the living room and winced as he saw there were a lot of people in there playing video games. Theron had mentioned there would be.

  He continued past the staircase to the family room, all the way to the back of house. Aristotle peeked in and breathed out in relief that there wasn’t anyone there. He went in and sat on a couch by the window. For the first time since arriving and seeing all the people at Theron’s, he relaxed. Aristotle drank from his beer, then looked at the now-empty bottle. He should have gotten another before coming here to hide out. He placed the bottle on the table beside him and picked up the remote. Turning on the TV, he flipped until he found something to watch. Aristotle pushed off his sandals and then put his feet up on the center table, settling more comfortably on the chair with the remote in his hand over his stomach. With the windows closed, from where he was he could only distantly hear the loud music playing outside. He watched the show.

  “You look like you’re having fun.’’

  Aristotle straightened, lowered his feet off the table, and stood. “Mrs. Longoria.”

  Aristotle had met Theron’s parents earlier, and they had been very welcoming.

  “What’d I tell you about calling me that? Kira. My name is Kira.” She smiled.

  Aristotle shifted. “Kira, I was just taking a break from the party.”

  “Theron mentioned you hated crowds. In this family, that’s all we have.” Kira flapped her hand. “Sit, sit. No need to stand like I’m about to test you on something.”

  “I will if you’ll join me.” Aristotle gestured to the couch.

  “Thanks for the offer.” Kira came toward him, her smile wider. “I just came in to bring you a drink.” She held up the beer she held. “I know you want privacy.”

  Aristotle accepted it. “Please, have a seat, Mrs.… um, Kira.”

  “Thanks.” She sat.

  Aristotle resumed his seat, placing the full beer on the table by the empty.

  “For Thanksgiving, I’m going to have to remember to set up a little cooler with some drinks for you in our little side room.” Kira patted his knee. “You can use that when you need to get away from the madness. Make sure Theron shows it to you when you arrive. Oh, what sorts of drinks do you like?”

  Aristotle stared at her, dumbfounded that she’d just invited him to Thanksgiving. He and Theron hadn’t even fully discussed it yet. Aristotle had mentioned what he did for the holiday, and Theron had described what he was planning for the kids at the center. Now the invite from his mother.

  “I have plans with my brothers and some friends,” Aristotle said.

  “Hmmm… from what Theron mentioned in our last phone call, you usually have a late dinner at about nine o’clock. With the center Thanksgiving lunch and coming to my house, you will have quite a busy day. Theron would have gotten around to asking you himself once all this party stuff was done, but I’m impatient and want to know now.” Kira winked. “Theron said you have a big appetite.”

  Aristotle choked, stifling a laugh. He knew Theron couldn’t have possibly meant it the way he was thinking when he talked to his mother, but still.

  “Now agree to come to Thanksgiving at my house. With you being an organizer, you can figure out how to make time for all three places.” Her ey
es twinkled.

  “Does anyone ever say no to you?”

  Theron’s mother charmed Aristotle. She reminded him of his own mother, who made everyone go along with what she wanted.

  “Not often.” Kira settled beside him. “Since that’s all settled, what are you watching?”

  “I didn’t say yes.”

  “You’re coming. A mother knows when her kids will do as she wishes.” Kira’s gaze was on the TV.

  “Kid?”

  “You’re with my son, so by extension, that makes you one of my kids.” She glanced at him. “I’m curious about your furniture business.”

  Aristotle heard the unspoken request in her tone. “You can come by anytime.”

  “Are you going to give me some furniture too? You had my boys all laughing at poor Theron for being wooed with furniture.” Kira stroked the cushion of the couch. “This is really lovely. You do good work, Aristotle.”

  “I might give you something. And I wasn’t wooing him.” Aristotle scowled. “He needed to furnish his house, and I had stuff he could use.”

  “I can see you mean that. You’re a doer, Aristotle, just like my Jorge.” That was her husband. “When you see something that needs to be done, you don’t just talk about it. You get it done. Jorge will love seeing your workshop. He messes around a little with woodworking as a hobby. He made that.” She pointed to the wolf carving that was as tall as a basketball in the center of the table.

  Aristotle was shocked. He’d noticed it and appreciated the fine details, and he’d meant to ask Theron about it.

  “He did that? We’re definitely going to have to talk.” Aristotle would enjoy speaking with a fellow appreciator of wood creations.

  “He’ll like that. Every time we’ve visited Theron in the last few months, he’s been salivating over the furniture. We usually had to track him down, since he was off studying some pieces that he wanted a closer look at.” Kira shook her head.

  Because of conflicting schedules, Aristotle had missed the times Theron’s parents had come to visit him.

  “I’m looking forward to your visit.” Aristotle meant it too.