“Have you eaten anything today? I know everyone I’ve ever worked for doesn’t get even five minutes to take a piss, much less eat on performance days.”
That was another damn thing. He cared. Genuinely. It wasn’t a show. Blaze would know. He had seen every game ever played. “It’s no big deal. I’m used to going without.”
German snorted and stood. His thin pajama pants didn’t hide his erection, and German showed zero shame. God, his chest hurt. He hadn’t known longing like this before. The thing was, though. He just wanted to be here. If they never touched, Blaze’s life was better for having German in it.
He stood and followed German into the kitchen. “How often do you stay here? You seem more comfortable than just a visitor.”
One of German’s sexy shoulders lifted. “I’m a bit of a nomad, I guess. Since I don’t have a place of my own and Valon is amazing, he lets me crash here when I’m between assignments.” He opened the refrigerator. The muscles in his back flexed. Blaze’s knees weakened. “Do you have anything against a ham sandwich? I didn’t really buy much since I doubt I’ll be here long.”
“That’s fine. I’m not picky.”
German went to work while Blaze watched. The light caught the hint of silver threaded through the dark hair covering German’s jaw. It didn’t look like he tried to grow a beard or anything. It was more like he hadn’t shaved in a few days. That smattering of gray had Blaze’s curiosity piqued. There wasn’t as much in his messy hair.
“How old are you?”
German flashed him a laughing smile. “Much older than you.”
Blaze wasn’t having that shit. “I get the feeling you have no idea how old I am.”
German didn’t look up from his task. “How old is Valon? Twenty-three? Twenty-four? So my guess is right in there somewhere.”
“Valon is twenty-seven.”
“Ha. I never would’ve gone that high.”
Blaze smiled. He felt triumphant, and he didn’t know why. “That’s good, I guess. We’re all aging well despite the partying. I’ll be thirty next month. A Fourth of July baby. I’ve never gotten a birthday celebration I didn’t have to split with freedom,” he said, laughing.
German’s chin shot up. “Shut the fuck up. I didn’t want to insult you or anything, but you look eighteen.”
Blaze couldn’t stop laughing at German’s reaction. “I can show you my license.”
German shook his head and went back to finishing Blaze’s sandwich. “Thirty. Damn.” He pushed the plate Blaze’s way. It was just a sandwich, but it looked pretty damn good. Blaze took a bite. German chose that moment to break. “You know what? Yeah. I want to see that license. I call bullshit.”
Blaze nearly choked on his food from laughing. He twisted, showing German his ass so he could get Blaze’s wallet while Blaze ate.
German didn’t hesitate to grab it.
Blaze was a little disappointed he didn’t try to cop a feel in the process.
He flipped it open. “Well, I’ll be goddamned. You must come from good genes.”
Blaze spoke around his food. “I have money.”
German shook his head. “No amount of money brings back youth, and you have a very youthful look about you.”
Blaze swallowed his bite. “You never told me your age.”
“I’m thirty-eight.”
Blaze rolled his eyes. “That’s not old. You made it sound like you’re old enough to be my fucking grandpa or something. I have two brothers older than you.”
German looked fascinated. “Do you have a big family?”
Blaze nodded as he polished off his sandwich. He didn’t try to talk again until he washed it down with the rest of his champagne. “Two older brothers, one older sister, and two younger sisters. What about you?”
German made a dismissive motion like brushing away the topic, as if he wasn’t that interesting. “There’s just me. No family. How often do you get to see them?”
“All the time. My mom would murder me if I didn’t call every day. Why is it just you?”
