Page 11 of Through the Fire: Matt & Adam

Chapter Five

“Why are you so hardon yourself? Because of Nick? I’d tell you he’s not perfect, but I doubt you’d hear me.” Adam tucked one arm under the pillow and opened his palm on Matt’s hip. Having Matt in his bed was better than he’d ever dreamed. “I need to confess something. When Nick and I were in college, he’d tell me about you. The more I heard, the more I liked you. I’d never even met you. Then I moved here, and who is my neighbor? You. What are the odds?”

“Yeah.” Matt toyed with the silver chain around Adam’s neck. “I’m sure Nick said plenty.”

“He did, but the thing is, I didn’t believe him.” Adam smoothed his hand around Matt’s forearm, stilling Matt’s movements. “No one and nothing is going to live up to Nick’s expectations. That’s why he and Garig split. Garig knew damn well he wasn’t good enough. Nick made a point of enforcing that train of thought, too. The whole thing with Garig and you having the one-nighter was because he wanted to hurt Nick, but true to form, Nick wasn’t hurt. He’d already moved on.”

“What?” Defeated didn’t begin to describe the look on Matt’s face. He closed his eyes. “Everyone knew but me, and again Nick got the last laugh.”

“Nick wanted it that way—laugh and all. I don’t understand how, but he thought the whole situation would put the both of you in your collective places. Garig would see he’d never be good enough for Nick, and you’d see you were only worthy of Nick’s cast-offs. Pretty shitty, if you ask me.” Adam twined their legs together and rubbed his flaccid cock against Matt’s. “I wanted to say something before now, but I didn’t. I should’ve. I thought you were miserable at your job or just in a blue mood. I was wrong.” And he wished he would’ve made a move so much sooner. If the sex was any indication of the kind of romance they’d have, then he didn’t want the relationship to end.

“This is how it’s always been. I can’t do anything enough to make him happy, but instead of telling me I’m lousing shit up, he makes me think I’m a bad person.” Matt groaned. “It’s crap, but I’ve gone along with it, because he’s Nick. My folks always said they loved us equally, but I wonder. He got away with so much because he seemed to be good at everything. I struggled with school and wanted to surf, so they thought I was lazy. I’ve never been able to get out of that mind frame.”

“You’re not lazy—I’ve seen you. Your dedication to surfing is awesome. I also doubt you’re not smart. But you’re right, you’ll never be Nick. Do you really want to? I’m not horny as hell for Nick. I’m hot for you.”

“It was pretty hot a little while ago.” Matt finally looked Adam in the eye, and he smiled. Not a fake or limp one, but a real, honest smile. “You make me horny, too.”

“Which is why I want you to forget about him.” Adam tilted Matt’s chin until he looked into Matt’s eyes. “Nick is my best friend. Yes, he’s your brother, but he’s also doing his job. You need to do yours.” He pressed his lips to Matt’s. Kissing him would never get old.

“Adam,” Matt murmured. “This is bad.”

“Why?” He nibbled Matt’s bottom lip. “I’m horny. You’re getting there.” He slid his palm over Matt’s crotch. Matt might not be able to admit he liked Adam, but his blossoming erection gave him away.

“Adam.” Matt pulled away and shook his head. “This is a bad idea.”

“No.” He’d spank Matt if the opportunity came. “Talk to me. I’m so ready to fuck you then to have you in my ass again. What’s eating you? Explain so we can sort this out, and I can suck that dick.”

Hurt swam in Matt’s eyes. “You said it yourself. I’m second best to my older brother.”

“You need to worry less about being better or whatever than him and just being yourself. You’re awesome as you are.” He caressed Matt’s cheek. “I’m right here with you during a freak occurrence. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.” He swiped his thumb across Matt’s bottom lip. “You’re sexy, smart, and sweet. I think about you all the time.”

“Why?”

“Lots of reasons.” Most of all because he wanted to fuck again. “You’re only obsessed with appearances because of your past. When you’re not trying to be like your brother, you’re free and so handsome. I think about our conversations. You listen to me. We don’t just talk to get into bed, but there’re actual words being said. You didn’t try to get into my bed the first day you met me, and when I made a few overtures, you got so damned cute and embarrassed. Matt, the fire has been the best thing to happen to me—it brought us together.”

“You’re too smart for me.”

“I know.” He shrugged then sobered. “Part of me wants to go again, but part of me wants a breather. How about later we’ll try Nick on the chat? If nothing else, you’ll know he’s okay. I don’t expect you to exorcise your demons during the wildfires, but if you’ll let me in, I think we’ve got a chance to have a really hot time.”

Matt smiled again. “I agree.”

The damage from the fires wouldn’t be fixed in day, but one day could make a difference. Adam closed his eyes and cuddled Matt in his embrace. Tomorrow would be the first day of their dating lives together. He’d been crap with other boyfriends, but something about Matt was unlike his exes. He and Matt could grow together. If he worked his hours right to coincide with Matt’s schedule, they’d have time for dates and such. He settled against the pillows and yawned. Fire might destroy an awful lot, but it also allowed for rebirth, and that’s what he and Matt needed. Tomorrow, he’d show Matt they were meant to be together.

* * *

MATT SIGHED AND ROLLEDover. He opened his eyes for a moment and noticed the bright green numbers beside the bed. What the—? He blinked. Bright green? His clock had red numbers. He scrubbed both hands over his face. What the hell? A hand flopped onto his belly. He froze. A hand? He focused on the arm and body connected to the hand. Adam.

How...he must’ve been really tired, but he knew exactly how he’d ended up in bed with Adam. He closed his eyes once again in order to gain his bearings then glanced toward the window. Instead of sunlight, the world outside was still dark.

Still dark? He checked the numbers on the clock again. 7:30 a.m. How in the hell was it still dark at seven thirty? He crinkled his nose. The smoke on the other side of the window circulated enough for him to see it. Oh yeah—the wildfires.

Beside him Adam snorted. “I’ve wanted to wake up like this for so long.”

“Like what? In the dark?” He had a feeling he knew what Adam meant, but he wanted to hear the words.

“With you in my bed and happy.” Adam scooted tight against Matt and rested his head on Matt’s shoulder. “I don’t regret a moment of our time together.”

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