“Yes and no. My friend Patric wanted to make sure I am still alive. I’ll call him later. The other was Mr. Green. The parts won’t be here for three or four days, so I’m out of my apartment until then. I’ve got to hope the smoke lifts or I can find a place to crash. This is crazy.”

“That’s douchey.” Adam finished off the water. “I’m kind of not surprised.”

“I’m sorry.” Again with the sorries... Jesus. “It is douchey. I’ll get my stuff and clear out. You need your space. If I’d known he’d goof off with the parts, I would’ve left you alone.”

Adam frowned. He crunched up the bottle and left it on the side table then turned back to Matt. “What are you talking about? You’re not the douche. Let me guess, he blamed his asthma?”

“Yeah. So?” He gathered his cord and computer bag. “If the air quality is bad like you said, then it’s not safe for him to be out in the smoke and shit.”

“He could’ve gotten the parts over-nighted. Wouldn’t have even had to leave the building.” Adam shook his head. “He’s yanking you around.”

“It’s fine. I’ll call Pat and see if he’s got a spare couch. I don’t want to put you out.” He tucked his laptop into the bag. He’d worry about shutting it down when he went back to his apartment and gathered clothes for the trip to Pat’s. God, he needed more friends beyond the people at the sex store and the few surfers he’d hung out with who refused to carry cell phones.

“Why? I offered that you can stay here. There’s no reason you’ve got to go.” Adam took the bag from Matt’s hands and placed it on the coffee table. “The bed is big enough for you and me, if we want, and the couch also folds out.”

“You’re sure?” He’d heard Adam right—the bed is big enough for the both of them. What was Adam thinking? Or what had Adam seen? He twiddled with the hem of his shirt. “This won’t cramp your style?”

“I’m positive.” Adam’s eyes twinkled. “I’ve got movies and plenty of food. How about I make you spaghetti tonight? Yeah? It’ll be like our own date or oasis.”

“A date?” he blurted.

Adam half-shrugged and smiled. He moved the computer over and sat opposite Matt on the coffee table. “Yeah, it’s not like we can go out, and I’ve wanted to catch you for the last month. This wasn’t exactly planned, but it’s a good reason to stay in together.” His grin faltered. “You’re not convinced.”

“I’m not.” God. How was he going to say this? “You’re my brother’s friend. You’re like brothers with him. I’m—I’m an interloper. This was a freak occurrence, and you’ll see you’re not as interested in me as you were him. I’ll just go.”

Adam placed his palms on Matt’s thighs and leaned forward. “You’re going to convince yourself you don’t deserve this, aren’t you?” He eased closer until their knees touched.

Matt bit back the groan. The heat from Adam’s touch seeped into his body. Even he couldn’t deny there was a sizzle between them, but that sizzle had to be because of the smoke and the situation. If there hadn’t been any reason to stay in, they’d be acquaintances and nothing more.

“You’re feeling it, too.” Adam moved his hand higher on Matt’s leg. “Kiss me. Just once. If you don’t think it’ll work out between us after that kiss, then I’ll back off.” He inched closer until there was only a whisper between them.

Matt stared at Adam’s lips. One kiss wouldn’t hurt anything, right? Just one. He’d realize they weren’t meant to even be fuck friends...right? “You sound like a commercial.”

“You talk too much.” Adam bridged the gap between them and planted his mouth on Matt’s. The moment they touched, Matt could’ve sworn the world stopped spinning. Heat flowed through his body, and his nerve endings tingled. One kiss wasn’t going to be enough.

Matt pulled Adam onto his lap and continued tasting him. The spice from the Thai food lingered on Adam’s lips, and the way he moaned sent shivers down Matt’s spine. He continued to taste and explore Adam. Who knew Adam was so hot?

Matt had noticed, but he’d never had the nerve to act. Now he wished he found his gumption a little sooner. He eased his arms around Adam’s waist and slid his hands into Adam’s back pockets. Damn. His ass looked hot as he walked and felt just as good beneath Matt’s palms. He liked this too much—being with Adam.

Adam smoothed his fingers into Matt’s hair and tugged. Not a huge pull but enough to ensure Matt felt his touch. Matt’s scalp tingled. Being so close together, he smelled not only Adam’s cologne but also his soap. God, it was hot. He shifted in his seat just enough to ease the pressure on his cock. He’d never expected a kiss to be so decadent and to make him want to rip Adam’s clothes off.

Adam broke the kiss but didn’t pull away. His breath warmed Matt’s cheeks. “Well?” Adam asked. “What do you say?”

“I’ll stay.” This time he didn’t mind blurting. He wanted to be right there with Adam. He kissed Adam once more. “I think Pat’s place just filled up.”

Adam kissed the tip of Matt’s nose. “Good to hear.” He closed his eyes and scooted away from Matt a bit. When he did, the bulge in his pants rubbed against Matt’s jean-covered cock.

“Oh shit.” Adam opened his eyes and stared into Matt’s. “We should start the spaghetti.” His voice had dropped an octave, and Matt swore there had been a catch. Adam swallowed and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “You know, a little fortification for later?”

“Yes.” Matt nodded. He definitely liked the way things were going. His common sense screamed he and Adam would only last as long as the fires. Once the smoke cleared out, he’d be gone, too. But did it matter? Was there a chance they could be more? And why was he already thinking in terms of couple-hood when they’d only connected for a few hours?

“Come on.” Adam stood and reached for Matt. “I’m no slouch in the kitchen, but help is always appreciated.” He hoisted Matt to his feet.

“Adam?” Matt hesitated. “What exactly are we?”

Adam turned and tilted his head. He narrowed his eyes as if deep in thought. “Last time I checked, we’re gay men, and we’re together because there’s a big fire burning half the state. Why?”

Matt raked his fingers through his hair. His scalp still tingled from Adam’s touch. “I know we’re gay. I meant—are we friends?”