Page 3 of His for the Holidays
Mason looked Adam up and down. His best friend’s brother had changed alotin the years they’d known each other, at least physically. He was no longer the skinny, shy kid that needed Drew and Mason to defend him. He’d started working out in high school, and he’d grown into his wide, goofy smile and slightly too-large front teeth. Adam filled out his jeans, and the t-shirt he was wearing did nothing to obscure the fact that his muscles were firm and sinewy.
“Mase?” Adam cleared his throat. “We don’t have to. It was a dumb suggestion.”
Mason blinked once, bringing himself back to the moment. “Strip poker? You’re on.”
two
Chapter Two
Adam
What in God’s name had possessed Adam to suggeststrip pokerof all things? His stomach hurt just thinking about it as he rifled through the hall closet looking for the battered deck of playing cards. The ache intensified when he found the cards. For a while, Adam stared at the deck in his hand, heart pounding in his chest so hard he thought it might burst through his ribs.I mean, he’s hot and everything, but he’s not into me, and isn’t that the whole point of strip poker? To get naked with someone you’re into? He’s straight, for Pete’s sake!
“Hey, little—uh, Adam.” Mason slapped a hand on Adam’s shoulder blade. Adam’s whole body lit up at the touch, and his shoulders tensed.
“Jeez.” Adam stepped away quickly.
Mason cleared his throat. “Oh, sorry. Did I scare you? Just wondering what was taking so long.”
“I couldn’t find the cards.” Adam forced his gaze to meet Mason’s. He’d barely looked at the guy since Mason had agreed to the game of strip poker, except to check out his ass while Mason had built a fire in the fireplace, which had been totallyallowable since Mason had been too busy to notice Adam’s staring. And it was a very nice ass, if Adam was being honest.
They each took a seat, Adam on one couch, Mason on the other. Mason dealt first. Adam picked up his cards and immediately put them back down.
“Wait a second. You’re still wearing your shoes. How is that fair? Also, we need to lay down ground rules. Are socks one item or two?”
The self-confident grin that slid across Mason’s face made Adam wonder if he wanted to punch him or kiss him. “Doesn’t matter to me. You’re going to lose, anyway.”
Bravado surged through Adam. “Fine. Your shoes come off before we start. And I vote that each sock is its own thing.”
“Whatever you say, brother.” Mason toed off his shoes and tossed them near the door. “Now pick up your damned cards and start playing.”
Adam quickly realized he was a terrible liar. Mason called his bluff every time, and before Adam knew it, he was barefoot and shirtless, while Mason was still fully clothed, head to toe. The fire blazing in the fireplace kept him warm enough, but still his nipples drew tight and hard.
Mason licked his lips again as he tossed down two pairs. “Hah. Gotcha again.”
Adam glanced at his cards. Three of a kind. He swallowed thickly. Then Adam shrugged and dropped his cards on the table. “Wrong.”
Mason frowned, his ginger hair falling in his eyes. His gaze flickered from his own hand of cards to Adam’s and back again. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.”
Pointing at Mason’s feet, Adam allowed himself a small smile. “Time to pay up.”
Without missing a beat, Mason dropped his hands to the hem of his gray v-neck shirt and yanked hit over his head. It was onlya moment before Adam realized what had happened. His groin throbbed as blood rushed to his cock. Mason had clearly been working out, his shoulders broad and muscled, his pecs firm, abs sporting a six-pack easily. Breathing became much more difficult, throat constricting. Adam inhaled through his nose, nostrils flaring.
“How’s that for paying up?” Mason stretched his arms wide, then relaxed.
Did he just flex? God, he’s showing off, isn’t he? Jerk. He must know I’ve been checking him out this whole time and he’s just messing with me, as usual.“Great, thanks. Deal the hand.” Mason narrowed his eyes a little, and Adam couldn’t tell if it was hurt or curiosity. Adam stared into the fire as Mason dealt.
Adam pulled off three of a kind again, but Mason placed a straight on the table, cackling in delight when he did. It hit Adam all at once that he was going to need to remove his pants, and then the only thing that would stand between him and total nudity would be a thin, gray pair of boxers. And to make matters worse, he wasdefinitelystill sporting wood.
In a panic, he stood, jostling the ancient coffee table and knocking the entire deck to the floor. “This is stupid.”
Mason laughed again, more quietly, and shifted in his seat. “You’re just mad because you’re losing.”
Adam’s gaze drifted down to Mason.Is he …? No, no way his dick is hard.“No, I’m just tired. Let’s go to bed.”
“Fine.” Mason sighed. “But help me pick up the cards.”
Adam squatted to the floor and started picking up the deck, and Mason leaned forward to do the same. They stood at the same time, nearly bumping chests they were so close to one another. Mason’s chest rose and fell as they stared at each other, Adam having to look up a little to meet Mason’s gaze.
