Page 14 of Third Crime's A Charm
“In here,” he called from the bathroom and waved as he passed, drying his arms and chest with a towel. “Just got out of the shower,” he added, then tossed the towel at the hamper.
He’s not a small bean anymore!
“Right!” Matteo spun and checked his watch.
Neither had bothered to cover themselves when they showered and dressed since they arrived at the beach house. That seemed childish and unnecessarily tedious after everything they had seen and done to each other the night they met. Matteo barely looked but had enjoyed taunting Truman, inwardly jeering and vowing it wouldneverhappen again.
Now, Matteo wasn’t so sure. He’d never used a man for sex before and the idea seemed gross when Truman was a heartlessdirtbag. Matteo could ignore how hot Truman was and forget that he was good with his hands and lips and…other parts sincehewas irredeemable. Why would Matteo stoop and waste his time with a bully?
“Did you need something?” Truman’s neck craned and he looked concerned.
Probably because Matteo was staring at the bean. “Um…” He gave himself a shake. “Donna wants to know if we’ll be here for lunch.”
“Nope.” Truman turned to the counter and reached for his pomade. “I thought I’d take you to my favorite lobster roll spot and do some sappy tourist stuff. It’s been a while since I’ve strolled and taken it all in. I’ve spent so much time rushing around Chicago or Manhattan with my head down lately.”
“Sounds nice. I like sightseeing.” Matteo’s head tilted to the side as he enjoyed the view of Truman’s ass.
There was a soft chuckle as Truman flicked at his hair. “People have manners here and they’re friendly but they don’t get in anyone’s business. I’ll cross paths with a director or a senator and we’ll have a friendly chat, like we’ve been next door neighbors for years. Then, we’ll keep it moving.”
“The absurdly wealthy cosplaying as normies,” Matteo replied knowingly. “We have upscale villages in Europe where rich people and royals can ‘blend in’ without mingling with the lower classes.”
“Matteo!” Truman turned, his cock swinging provocatively. “Your socialism is showing!” he whispered and pointed. “You aren’t wrong but in the court of public opinion, those are our peers and they’re the jury we have to convince.”
“I understand and I’ll let Donna know.” Matteo meant to leave but his feet were stuck to the carpet.
Truman prowled toward Matteo and leaned against the door jamb. “Was there anything else?”
Matteo snorted. “Anything else? Why would there be anything else?” Why was itso hardto keep his eyes on Truman’s face?
“You seem…distracted.” he said with a lift of his brow.
“Like I’m planning something important?” Matteo returned but Truman shook his head.
“Like you’re reconsidering something. Want to take back what you said last night?”
“Ha! I am not. You are an attractive man but I have self-respect.”
“Are you sure?” Truman glanced down at himself, then at Matteo. “You’re thinking something shameful right now. Want to know how I know?”
Matteo waved dismissively, refusing to acknowledge the hard-on pushing against the front of his shorts. “I’m not an animal, Truman.”
“But you want to be.” Truman laughed as he turned back to the sink. “Smooth on the streets, rough in the sheets. I remember how you like it,” he said and was watching Matteo through the mirror.
“I would hope so. It’s only been a few days. Get dressed, I’ll let Donna know,” Matteo said, tipping his nose back as he left.
In the hall, Matteo’s steps slowed and his confidence faltered. Donna had meant to sell Truman as a loyal and loving family man but Matteo didn’t appreciate how easy it was for him to switch between performances. And he didn’t like how easy it was for Truman to see through him.
They would be evenly matched in public because Matteo always wore his armor and he was never himself. He’d have to up his game when he was alone with Truman, though. Matteo still didn’t know why Truman wanted the star and needed to find out. That would have a bearing on what Matteo did, once he had it.
If Truman wants to play dirty, I’ll play dirty.
Six
Who knew that dating could be so much fun? For years, Truman had been too busy and had kept his flings fast and uncomplicated. He chose men who had lives—butneverwives—in other cities, who were just looking for a few days of companionship. Donna was there as a litmus test to make sure Truman’s instincts were right. There was little chance that Truman would get attached to or miss a man who couldn’t be decent to Donna.
“Truman! I have my own!” Matteo complained, dodging Truman’s spoon and laughing.
They were sitting on the grass, in the shade, and eating gelato. There were Adirondack chairs for the stand’s customers but Matteo hooked his arm around Truman’s and towed him to a quieter spot. Matteo was reclining against his chest and Truman was having fun spoon feeding him. He had allowed Truman to feed him bits of lobster and made the sexiest sounds while they ate lunch but it was obvious that Matteo wasn’t as enamored with the gelato.
