Page 209 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Leave me alone,” Mano muttered, rolling his eyes.

Ody snapped the photo anyway. He lowered the phone, glanced at it, and groaned. “Seriously? You look like I just beat you up.”

Mano let out a small laugh.

“There—hold that,” Ody said, lifting the phone again.

This time, Mano’s lips curved slightly.

“That’s more like it.” He snapped another picture.

“How many more?” Mano asked.

Ody didn’t answer. He leaned in, pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, then snapped the photo.

Mano blinked, eyes wide in the picture. “Delete it.” He reached for the phone, but Ody pulled it back, laughing.

“No, let me see it first.” He looked at the screen and burst out laughing. “It’s perfect.”

“Give it to me,” Mano said, stepping closer.

Ody took a step back. “If I show you, you’ll delete it.”

“Ody, I said give it to me!”

“Come and get it.” He smirked.

Mano narrowed his eyes, moving toward him. “You’re asking for trouble.”

Ody laughed, backing away until the railing hit his back. Mano caught up with him, but Ody lifted his arm higher, keeping the phone out of reach.

“Odysseus!” Mano reached for it, but Ody rose onto his toes.

“Come on. Take it.”

“You’re pushing your luck, little man.”

“What are you gonna do?” Ody challenged, laughing.

He didn’t answer. He stepped in and tickled his sides. Ody’s laugh broke out instantly, his arm dropping. Mano grabbed the phone and turned away.

“Please—don’t delete it,” Ody said, suddenly serious, his green eyes fixed on him, soft and pleading.

Mano looked back at him. His hand stilled around the phone.

“Please,” Ody repeated. “I want to keep it.”

Mano hesitated. “Don’t look at me with those puppy eyes.”

Ody stepped closer, sliding his arms around his neck and kissing him. Mano didn’t resist. His hands settled at Ody’s waist, pulling him closer.

Further down the path, a group of high school boys made their way up the hill, smoke trailing behind them.

“Fuck, I’m out of filters. Tom, give me one of yours.”

“Go fuck yourself,” Tom muttered, still tossing him one.

“You never answered me about Adkins,” one of them said. “How long do you think it’s been since she got laid? She’s always pissed when she teaches.”