Page 35 of Common Goal
Kyle brushed his thumb over Eric’s knuckles, then released his hand. “Thanks.”
Eric turned away before he did something unforgivable, like invite Kyle to share his own bed. He led Kyle to the bedroom that was on the same floor as the kitchen. It was Eric’s favorite of the two guest rooms.
“Oh wow,” Kyle said when Eric turned on the bedside lamp. The room was at the front of the house, and there was a large window that looked to the street. The wall with the window was exposed brick, which Eric loved, and the rest of the walls were stark white, as was the bedding, the armchair in the corner, and the rug. Above the bed’s light-stained maple headboard hung a large framed black-and-white photograph of a fog-laden rocky beach.
“There’s a white noise machine,” Eric said, gesturing to the small device that sat beside the lamp. “If you need it.”
“I might,” Kyle said. “I’ve been in the city for over six years and I still can’t quite block out the noise at night.”
“Where’s home?”
“Vermont. Or, it was home, anyway.”
Eric didn’t like the sound of that, but he also knew that three in the morning wasn’t the time to be getting into sad stories. So he just said, “I love Vermont.”
“Me too. This photograph is beautiful. Do you know where this is?”
“Wales.” Eric hesitated a moment, then said, “I took it.”
Kyle’s head whipped around, his eyes wide under his glasses. “Youtook that?”
“I dabble. I’m not a professional by any stretch.”
“You could be. Holy shit.” He winked. “What other talents are you hiding?”
Heat crept up Eric’s neck. Kyle was not making it easy to think pure thoughts.
“Sorry,” Kyle said. “That was the last one. I promise. I’m just sleepy and silly. And I haven’t had sex in forever.”
“Right. No problem,” Eric said stiffly. “I’ll go get you those pajamas. And a toothbrush. Do you need anything else?”
“Can’t think of anything.”
Eric left quickly. He did not like how easily flustered he got in Kyle’s company. In his bedroom, he took a moment to compose himself, then he grabbed his softest pair of pajama pants and a T-shirt before going to the bathroom to find a new toothbrush and some toothpaste. When he returned to Kyle’s room, he nearly dropped everything he was carrying.
Kyle was sprawled out on the bed, shirtless with the button of his jeans unfastened. His body was lean and toned—the body of an athlete who was built for speed.
Kyle propped himself up on his elbows, his abs flexing as he curled up to face Eric. “Is this duvet coverlinen?”
“Yes,” Eric said weakly. “The sheets are too.”
Kyle fell back on the bed and let out a long, guttural moan of pleasure that made Eric lower the bundle in his hands so it covered his crotch. “Fuuuuck. And these pillows,” Kyle continued, oblivious to the alarming spike in Eric’s arousal. “I am so fucking horny for this bed.”
Oh, come on, universe. Not fair.
“I have pajamas. And a toothbrush. I’ll just...” Well, Eric couldn’thandthem to him. Not with his erection trying to bust through his pants. “I’ll leave them here.” He set them on the chair in the corner and turned quickly toward the door. “Goodnight.”
“Hey,” Kyle said.
Eric paused, but he kept his back to Kyle. “Yes?”
“It was a good party. Everyone had fun.”
“You think?” Eric turned his head to the side so he wasn’t completely shutting Kyle out.
“Definitely. I watch people drinking and having fun several times a week at work. I’m an expert on who’s having a good time and who isn’t. The party was a hit.”
“That’s good to hear.” He stood for another moment, waiting to see if Kyle had anything more to say, then said, “Sleep well.”
