Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

  “Say it again,” he said fiercely.

  “I love you.”

  “Aristotle….” He cleared his throat. “I love you.”

  “I know.” Aristotle winked. “There isn’t anything you could do but love me.”

  “Arrogant man.”

  “Yours.”

  “Yes, mine.” Theron kissed him.

  A cell rang. Recognizing the ring, Aristotle withdrew from their kiss. Theron reached for his phone.

  “Theron.” He listened a bit, then said, “I’ll be there soon.” Then he disconnected and turned off the phone. “I have to go. I—”

  “Don’t be sorry. We’re going to be together for a long time, and I don’t want to hear ‘sorry’ every time you’re called away.” Aristotle kissed him briefly. “Now go, and I’ll be here when you get back. And don’t ring my bell. Use the key I gave you.”

  He’d given Theron a key a few weeks earlier, and Theron hadn’t used it, instead ringing or calling when he came by. Theron had also given Aristotle a key for his place that Aristotle had already used.

  “Okay.” Theron rose and hurried out of the room.

  Moments later, Aristotle heard the front door slam. He put up his feet and watched TV, waiting for Theron to return.

  THERON LET himself into Aristotle’s. It was very late, but he hoped Aristotle wasn’t asleep. Closing the door, he turned off the lamp on the entryway table as he made his way to the stairs. The light on the stairs was on as he went upward. At the top, he went to Aristotle’s bedroom, turning off the switch for the hall light as he went in. The lamp on what he’d started thinking of as his side of the bed was on. Aristotle was sprawled naked on top of the sheets, asleep. Theron stripped, then retrieved some lube and a condom before he got in. He placed them on the bed beside him, then rolled against Aristotle, leaning on his chest. Aristotle blinked and opened his eyes, a smile coming to his lips.

  “Hey. You’re back.” Aristotle rubbed his back. “Is everything all right?”

  “Yeah. I had to spend some time with Jordan. The closer the trial for his parents gets, the more anxious he becomes,” Theron shared with Aristotle, since he already knew Jordan’s situation. Jordan and Aristotle talked often. Theron thought of it as Jordan seeing Aristotle as a big brother.

  “Yeah. He was telling me the other day he wants it to be over.” Aristotle sighed. “I hope it is. We’ll both be there with him during the trial.”

  Theron nodded. He’d planned on being there anyway before Jordan actually asked him, as well as Aristotle, to be there.

  “Did he ask you about working for me?”

  “What? He didn’t.” Theron frowned.

  “He asked me for a job. He said that when he’s emancipated, he’ll have control over his own life, and that earning his own money will help him do that.” Aristotle shrugged. “I didn’t know what to say. I told him to discuss it with you.”

  “There are some of the older kids who have part-time jobs, and we help them get an account to manage their cash.” Theron thought about those residents.

  If it didn’t compromise their safety, it helped some of the kids at Treble Duo to work. The staff’s goal was to help the residents, and if having a way to get money helped, they did that. Ultimately they wanted them to feel safe, find somewhere to go so they could live that way, or if they became old enough, to go out on their own if they chose. All the residents knew they wouldn’t be forced to leave, but it was the job of those who worked at the centers to help the residents feel stronger and want to live their lives independently. They had already had quite a few kids who got foster families. Two others had recently had their birthdays and were old enough to go out on their own if they wanted, which Theron knew they were planning to do. One who was also old enough had already said he would be leaving after the New Year. In the months of being open, they’d had many success stories, as well as some difficult cases that they were still working on.

  “I wasn’t sure how you handle that or if, in Jordan’s case, since his parents are dangerous, it was even a possibility.” Aristotle stroked along Theron’s back with his fingers. “I didn’t want to say something when I didn’t know what or how the logistics work. He should go through the center, and he knows that, but I think he was feeling me out to see if I would go for it.”

  “Probably. Jordan is a smart kid.” Theron put his chin on his hand on Aristotle’s chest. “Would you want to hire him to work for you?”

  “He’s taken to the woodworking very well. Taking him on to work in the shop wouldn’t be a problem. But if I do, it wouldn’t be just for working on furniture. He’d have to help out wherever there is need, like in the office if Dalton needs him.”

  “If he comes to me, we’ll figure it out. Then when we do, he can officially approach you like any other potential employer for a job. It’s up to you if you want to hire him. “

  “Okay.”

  Theron licked his lips. “I love you, Aristotle.”

  “Love you too.” Aristotle shifted under him.

  Theron looked down Aristotle’s body and saw his cock was already hard. Theron wanted to taste him, but first he had something he needed to say. Theron returned his attention to Aristotle.

  “Leaving you earlier, all I could think of was getting back to you and fucking.”

  “I’m not protesting.” Aristotle reached for his cock, stroking it.

  Theron followed his motions, moaning, then blew out a breath and looked into his eyes. “But as I was spending time at the center, as I have been doing a lot lately, I was thinking about the logistics of us living together. I need to live on-site, so I can’t move in with you. Your home and business are vital to you too, so you can’t move in with me.”

  “Who says either of us has to move our stuff?” Aristotle cupped his cheek. “We’ve been spending time between both our houses. We can keep doing that, but keep clothing at each our homes so we don’t have to keep using overnight bags. During the week, since it’s easier for you to walk to and from work, we can stay there. For the weekends and any holiday or vacations you have off, we stay here. For the weekends you’re on call, according to what’s going on, we can figure out if you need to be on-site or not.”

  “I forgot you organize so well. I said it because I was racking my brain because I wanted to live with you so much.”

  “If that’s a request, then I accept.” Aristotle grimaced. “We’re going to have to discuss getting you a bed like mine. I love you, Theron, but your bed has to go.”

  “What? Why? You said sleeping in my bed wasn’t a problem.”

  “That was before we decided to live together. Now we are, and I want us to change the bed to one I can sprawl out in.”

  “I’m not changing my bed.”

  “We can negotiate it.” Aristotle kissed him.

  Theron moved over him and rocked their bodies together. His shaft moved along Aristotle’s. Aristotle’s big hands cupped his ass, pressing him close, grinding them together. Theron gasped as Aristotle’s thick fingers rubbed against his hole, then pressed into his crease. Blindly he searched the side of the bed until he felt the items and pulled them to him. Flipping open the lube, he wrenched away from Aristotle’s kiss.

  “Lube.”

  Aristotle held out his hand and Theron coated his fingers with it, then went back to touching Theron, who pushed against his fingers, enjoying the stretch. They loved touching each other’s holes, and the preparation increased their desire. Theron widened over Aristotle’s fingers working his ass, clenching on them and moaning wildly.

  “In… now… Theron.”

  Theron scooted back, holding the condom, then opened it, smoothing it over Aristotle’s erection. He moved back up Aristotle’s body, then balanced over him on his knees. Aristotle guided Theron down onto his shaft. Theron shivered at the first glide inside. Bracing his hands on Aristotle’s chest, he moved slow and easy, prolonging their pleasure. Aristotle’s fingers dug into Theron’s hips as he moved.
/>   “Theron… yesss… please.” Aristotle’s deep voice went raspy as he babbled his pleasure.

  Theron watched that face he loved. The fierce expression tightened the skin until the lines stood out, and then Aristotle let out a growl. He reached for Theron’s cock. His firm, callused hand rubbed along his aching erection, jerking him with his every movement. Wrapping his hand around Theron’s cock, Aristotle held it just as he liked it. Theron pumped into the loose fist, then rocked back onto the blunt heat in his body.

  “Aristotle,” he moaned.

  Aristotle tightened his hold, rubbing his thumb over the tip, then pressed in the slit. Theron’s body went tight, and then he exhaled loudly as he came. Tightening on Aristotle’s erection, Theron jerked as pleasure flowed out of him, splashing on Aristotle’s stomach.

  “Theron.” Aristotle pushed up under him, shuddering as he, too, found release.

  Moving lazily, Theron worked to prolong his coming. Aristotle went lax below him, his breathing erratic. Theron leaned against his chest, licking the sweaty skin and enjoying the taste on his tongue.

  “Love you, Theron.” Aristotle cupped the back of his head in one hand, tugging him up.

  Theron went with his silent urging and came to him. “I love you.”

  He kissed him, closing his eyes, content.

  “HAPPY THANKSGIVING.” Theron took the plate of food from his mother and kissed her cheek.

  “You too, baby.” Kira turned to Aristotle. “Since you’re taking tomorrow off and Theron had to work, I’m coming to keep you company. Make sure you save me a piece of that famous apple pie from your mama’s recipe.” She lowered her voice. “We can watch that wrestling show you DVRed and eat pie.”

  “I can hear you, Mom,” Theron said.

  “Hush, you. I know you can, but I’m not talking to you, nosy.” She flapped her hand at him.

  “I hid one of them in the freezer and will cook it fresh for you. Come by early so I can make you breakfast too, and we can have leftovers for lunch.” Aristotle lifted her off her feet, then kissed her on the cheek.

  “If I wasn’t married, and you weren’t gay and in love with my son….” Kira grinned.

  Theron laughed, not even surprised at what she’d said.

  “See, Theron? If you don’t treat me right”—Aristotle put Kira down, then poked Theron in the side with his elbow—“like not letting me get a bed like mine for your place, I might go after your mama.”

  “Our place. And I’m not changing my bed.” Theron gestured between Aristotle and his dad, who was watching them indulgently. “Go right ahead trying to get my mama. Dad will kick your ass, and I’m not patching you up.”

  “See how he treats me, Jorge?” Aristotle pouted.

  Jorge focused on Theron. “It’s our way to fall for some interesting characters.”

  “You can say that again.”

  Aristotle and his parents repeated it. Theron ignored them and looked around for his brothers. He gestured, and they started getting ready from where they were.

  “We really have to go.” Theron shifted the plate to his other hand and hugged his dad, kissing his cheek.

  “You boys remember to act like you have some home training.” Kira snapped the dishtowel that had been tucked into the side of her pants at each of his five brothers as they came to kiss her.

  They dodged, then kissed her and their dad before going outside. Theron and Aristotle followed.

  “Between dinner here and earlier at the center, I don’t think I can eat another thing,” Theron groaned as they went to Aristotle’s truck.

  “By the time we’re done preparing, you will.”

  Theron seriously doubted that, but didn’t tell him so.

  HOURS LATER, Theron pushed his plate at Aristotle. “I shouldn’t have had that last piece of pie.”

  He took it, laughing. “‘I don’t think I can eat another thing’,” Aristotle mocked, then rolled his eyes. “For not eating, you sure put away a lot of food.”

  “Shut up.” Theron rubbed his stomach.

  The food they had all prepared together had been good. Theron looked around the living room at the men sprawled on the furniture. Some who preferred the floor were lying on it instead of taking an available seat. Those from second Sunday were there, as well as Byron. Taggart passed by and sat in the last vacant chair. Aristotle’s and Theron’s first Thanksgiving with their friends and family had been a success. Aristotle’s voice caught Theron’s attention.

  “Theron, are you watching this?” Aristotle gestured to the TV.

  Theron focused on the TV, then sat forward as he saw the name and picture flashing across the screen. He listened as the newscaster listed all the charges disgraced cop Bill Lowry was facing. Theron hadn’t known what Taggart was going to do about Billy. When nothing had happened after Anna left, Theron thought he’d let it go. Now, seeing the news, Theron realized he hadn’t and went after Billy in a different way.

  Theron looked at Taggart’s face, and as if feeling his scrutiny, Taggart turned to him. The cold expression on Taggart’s face made Theron shiver. It cleared, and he was the same contained man he’d come to know. Taggart shifted and pulled out his cell. Since it hadn’t made a sound, Theron assumed it was on vibrate. Taggart looked at the screen, put the phone to his ear, and said something too low for Theron to hear. Then he lowered his hand, holding out his phone and pressing a button.

  “Hey, guys. It’s my niece and baby brother. They want to say Happy Thanksgiving.”

  Theron lowered the volume on the TV.

  “Happy Thanksgiving!” Anna’s voice and a deeper male one said from the speakerphone of the cell.

  They all echoed the words. Taggart stood, and then his cool eyes met Theron’s.

  “We all have a lot to be thankful for this year.” Taggart left the room.

  Theron glanced back at the news, which had moved on to another story, then thought of Anna, who was in a new home. Then he thought of all this year had brought. There had been lots that happened that made Theron very thankful. With that in mind, he rose and left the room briefly. In the home office he now shared with Aristotle, he opened the file cabinet behind his desk, then went back to the living room. When he sat, Aristotle looked at him curiously.

  “Here’s your early Christmas present.” Theron handed him the paper.

  Aristotle opened it, looking at the invoice; then he lifted his head. “You bought me another bed like the one I have here.”

  “I got the information from your brothers, since they used the same man to custom-make theirs.” He leaned forward. “It’ll be here in time for Christmas.”

  “Good. That’s just enough time for me to build a platform for it.” Aristotle kissed him gently. “I love you.”

  “There have been so many changes, and each has made me better.” Theron pressed his lips to Aristotle’s, then moaned. “But loving you was the best chance I ever took. Love you, Aristotle Berkus.”

  Theron already expected that they would spend many holidays like this one—with family and friends, thankful for all they had. He relaxed in Aristotle’s embrace, enjoying the most important thing to be thankful for—being happy and secure in Aristotle’s arms, with the knowledge that through each and every change life would bring their way, they would be together.

  To my family, who have believed in me from the very beginning.

  Thanks for your support.

  Chapter One

  TAGGART MONROE tapped his fingers on the wheel of his vehicle, then made the turn and drove toward the gates of what looked like private residences. Once again, the security protocols that were in place for Treble Duo impressed him. The center to help children and teenagers was doing good work already, though they had been open only a few months. Security was very tight, and there were many rules that ensured the safety of the residents. The first was the look of the place, which portrayed a gated community, hiding the true nature of the facility. A similar setup provided a back entrance to the
center. He would have to drive past the houses inhabited by some of the people who worked there before getting to the buildings that housed Treble Duo. The facility’s security was why he was there today.

  Even as he repeated that to himself, Taggart glanced at the file sitting on the passenger seat of his car and knew it was a weak excuse to be here on the day after Thanksgiving. He should be home enjoying his day off; however, for some reason he couldn’t, so he figured he might as well get the file off his hands. Taggart focused back on the gate that swung open as he neared it. He knew it opened because his coder was recognized by the system, and it would register he was on the property. The thought of the annoyance that would cause made Taggart grin with pleasure. He whistled as he drove to the first turnoff and down the lane to the house. The early morning light made the two-story house and its surrounding gardens seem almost mystical. Taggart parked and grabbed the file from the passenger seat before he got out of his car. Closing the door, Taggart paused to look at his 1978 Firebird Trans Am Special Edition. The black paint gleamed in the sunlight, and the gold design on the hood had been restored to its previous glory. Leslie Hannigan was indeed a master with cars, and Taggart’s was running better than it ever had.

  “I see you’ve got your toy back,” said a man from behind him in a familiar deep baritone.

  Taggart knew the other man was trying to get him to rise to the bait. He put the file under his arm and pushed his hands into the pocket of his jeans before turning. “And as usual you’re drooling to get behind the wheel. But you know you won’t. It—”

  Taggart’s mind blanked at what he was about to say when he saw the other man’s muscular, bare chest. The tail end of the other man’s tightly braided black hair rested just below his stomach against the waist of the dark blue shorts he wore. Taggart had never seen him without a shirt or in shorts.

  “My eyes are up here.” Rhodes Winslow sounded amused. “Haven’t you seen a bare chest before?”