Page 101 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“You’re hideous.” He got off him and walked out.

Ody laughed, pushing himself up. “Get back here!”

Mano headed into the kitchen, but Ody caught up and jumped onto his back. Mano grabbed his thighs to steady him.

Ody leaned in, his voice soft against his ear. “I know you meant gorgeous.” He bit his earlobe.

Mano jerked, grabbing it as Ody slid off him. He stared at him, wide-eyed, still holding it. Ody laughed, already backing away.

After breakfast, Mano went to take a quick shower. He had just pulled off his shirt when Ody’s voice came from behind him. “Can I come with you?” He leaned in, his nose brushing his neck, breathing him in.

“No.”

“Come on… What, you want me to beg?”

A slow smile spread across Mano’s lips. “Maybe I do.”

Ody held his gaze. “Please?”

“That’s it?” Mano raised an eyebrow. “You’re not even trying.”

“Can I please come shower with you?”

Mano crossed his arms, looking him over. “You look bored.”

Ody narrowed his eyes. “You just love teasing me, don’t you?”

“Oh, you have no idea.”

Ody softened instantly, pressing his palms together in front of his face. “Can I pleeeease shower with you? Please? I’ll be good.”

“You’ll be good?” Mano echoed, amused.

Ody nodded, wide-eyed, innocent.

Mano tried not to smile but failed. “You look so good begging with those big green eyes of yours.”

Ody’s lashes fluttered as he glanced away, his cheeks flushing.

“Come,” Mano said, brushing past him.

Ody grinned and followed, already pulling off his shirt.

By night, they were walking along the harbor, small boats rocking against their ropes.

Ody felt his phone vibrate. Anna’s name flashed on the screen. When are you coming back?

His chest tightened before he typed back. Tomorrow

Anna: We need to talk

“What the hell is wrong with these idiots?” Mano’s voice snapped him out of it.

He looked up just as three kids sped toward them on bicycles, shouting. Mano grabbed his arm and yanked him against his chest. One bike clipped Ody hard, the rider losing control and crashing into his friend. The third braked behind them.

Ody sucked in a breath, clutching his arm.

Mano scanned him quickly, eyes sharp. “What the hell are you doing, riding like fucking idiots on the sidewalk?”