For as long as I’ve known Patrick, he’s been a manwhore. He goes through pretty twinks as fast as I change my daily-wear contacts. But if it’s one thing he isn’t, that’s deceiving. He doesn’t cheat on his lovers and he’s faithful and monogamous when in a relationship.
Although, truthfully, I’ve never really seen him in a steady relationship.
So, it’s surprising to me that he’d act like this when Theo is still living in his home.
“Theo? Why in the world would he care? He knows what I’m about. And honestly, he needs to get over his ex and move on anyway. I’m just helping him through that.”
I consider this for a second and then realize it’s none of my business, anyway. Whatever goes on between Theo and Pat is their thing and I’m not to get involved. Even if I do care for them both.
“But you said you loved him.”
“I do love, Theo. Just as I love you. Now…let’s move on, shall we? How’s the class going? And how’s my baby boy, Woody?”
We talk for about ten minutes and then I have to end our call so I can finish making the pasta. It sounded like Pat was ready to go home with Ming, as well.
I was still a little confused by how nonchalant Pat was about Theo and their relationship. If it would be me in Theo’s place, I’d want to ensure fidelity. But maybe it’s just not like that between them. They’ve known each other a long time and have obviously come to some kind of mutual agreement.
But now I’m very curious about what’s going on with them and plan to ask Theo tonight.
As if right on cue, my door buzzes and I wipe my hands on the kitchen towel before heading to let them in. I know Theo brought Woody along. He goes just about everywhere with him. And I told Patrick that very thing so he doesn’t worry about his little guy’s care while he’s gone.
The “alpha incident” aside, Theo has been doing a pretty darn good job handling Woody.
“Coming,” I call, rushing to the door but stopping in front of my hallway mirror to do a final check on my appearance.
Not that it matters.
I have my curls up off my neck tonight, since it’s hot and steamy in my apartment right now. Of course my air conditioning unit had to go out yesterday and without the fulltime summer job, I have no extra income to shell out the thousand dollars for a new unit. I’ve been making due with my ceiling fans, window fans and a cooling unit in my living room.
While my complexion is pale and freckled, thanks to my Irish grandmother, Adelaide, at least my cheeks are extra rosy from the heat, giving me some much needed color. I’d added some gloss to my lips and a little eyeliner tonight to make my eyes pop.
I feel rather pretty, but insanely stupid for trying so hard to gain the attention of a gay man. Who the heck am I trying to please? If Theo notices anything about me, it’ll be my ability to act like I don’t find him attractive.
Swinging the door open, I smile convincingly.
His gorgeous white teethed smile assaults me where I stand and I’m rendered practically speechless.
Gay or not, Theo Crawford is one very hot man.
He steps in through the doorframe, Woody in his arms, as I admire his form. He’s not overly muscular, but the light blue t-shirt he wears pulls across his frame, accentuating the bulge of his biceps and the toned chest underneath.
And I know it’s toned because I saw it that night out on the balcony. When he walked out in only his khaki shorts, my mouth had gone bone dry at the sight of his chest. He has a very light dusting of hair between his pecs and then down the center of his torso leading to the edge of his shorts. What I would’ve given for the chance to run my hands down his abs.
His smile turns into a sideways smirk when he catches my appreciative gaze. I think my cheeks went from watermelon pink to strawberry red.
“It smells good in here. What’s for dinner?”
Theo bends at the waist and gently drops Woody to the floor, who goes scampering off to find his treat that I hide for him to find. It’s our little game we have. Keeps him stimulated and out of trouble.
His movements create a waft of air and I get a whiff of his fresh, clean scent. A masculine soapy smell and a spicy aftershave. But it’s not overpowering or cloistering. It’s fragrant and fresh.
“Mmm-hmm. Smells good.” I absently agree. I wonder what he smells like after sex?
He chuckles and moves around me. I must look like a lunatic.
Working to get myself refocused on why he’s here, and to pull all thoughts of sex with Theo out of my brain, I walk back into the kitchen and offer him a glass of wine.
“Can I have water first? I haven’t eaten today and I’m feeling a little dehydrated. And we both know how I get with too much wine on an empty stomach.”
