I gripped his biceps. "Mm. That sounds nice. But I need you to kiss me again."
His hands were gentle as he held my face, his lips soft and warm. The apartment disappeared as we immersed ourselves in one another. Give and take until we were both humming.
Only the sound of someone clearing their throat snapped us out of it.
I looked over at the building manager. "We'll take it."
We pulled up outside Owen's beautiful home in Oak Bay. It wasn't as large as some of his neighbours' homes, but it was kept to perfection. I knew real estate agents often did well moneywise, but Owen must be selling more than the average agent. Liam had told me he was driven and obsessed with wealth. The Alfa Romeo SUV in the driveway confirmed that.
A Christmas barbeque at Owen's was a tradition for theSalish Sea Societyand over recent years, the group had been growing if you included the partners of the taken men.
I manoeuvred over the lip of the front door. Liam had opened it without ringing the doorbell. He led me through the front entry into the kitchen where a lively conversation was happening.
Standing around a massive island Brody was beside Noah, then Ethan and Daniel, Owen was on his own, and then there was us. I took Liam's hand as we joined the others.
I was a little nervous. Noah, Brody, and Ethan, I knew well because they volunteered at the Rainbow Youth Centre, but I didn't know Owen and Daniel at all.
The group of men erupted in words of welcome upon seeing us. Hugs were given, including some for me from Noah and Ethan. Handshakes and greetings from everyone else. I felt more at ease, even though Owen was sizing me up. Liam had told me that sometimes he and Owen didn't see eye-to-eye, but that he was a decent guy and Ethan's best friend.
And Daniel. He was a good bit older than Ethan. They were very handsy, clinging to one another. In love. Liam had shared about their daddy kink, spanking, and Ethan's manties.
None of those things were for me. Liam had over the years experimented with the sexual components, but they weren't anything he wanted to continue—especially with me.
We had found our own rhythm.
"Since we're all here," Ethan said. "I have news."
Owen groaned and rolled his eyes. "I'm going to guess it has something to do with the uniformly sized Christmas presents you brought with you today for us."
Ethan clapped his hands together. "The coffee table books of me are done."
Liam looked at me. "Ethan has a photographer friend, Carlos. Ethan posed for him in sheer manties and corsets. The guy did an entire book solely of Ethan."
I stared at Ethan.
Holy shit.
I suppose it didn't surprise me. Ethan was a good-looking guy who had a sultry edge to him that would translate well in sexy photos. "Have you seen any?" I asked Liam.
Liam nodded. "They're extremely hot. And it sounds like we'll have one for our new home."
Noah slapped the counter, his eyebrows raised, overhearing what Liam had said. "What? Liam. You didn't tell me this. Are you and Jamal moving in together?"
Liam smirked. "It's new. We get the place on February 1st. It's set up to accommodate Jamal and his wheelchair. Lower counters. Leg room under appliances. Stuff like that."
"How did Mamma react?" Noah asked, directing his attention to me.
"She was upset," I replied. "But she understands why I want to do it." I looked up at Liam. His expression was warm and kissable. "Whywewant to do it."
"Kind of fast," Owen said and crossed his arms.
"Don't be such an ass," Ethan said to him. "They're in love. Let them be happy." He pursed his lips. "I think you should be next to share, Owen. You have interesting news."
"Maybe I don't want to talk about it," Owen replied.
"Are you embarrassed?" Ethan challenged.
Owen grunted. "Fine. Skylar and I have been texting."