Sparks (9 page)

Seeing the chicken was ready, he plated two dishes and scooped up the baby carrots, putting them over the pan-seared chicken. He placed some wild rice next to it, then added spears of grilled asparagus. Picking up the two plates, he walked over to Bernie, leaning over and kissing him thoroughly. Bernie moaned, and Tomas straightened and took the plates to the table. Bernie opened the fridge and got their drinks. Tomas sat waiting for him. Bernie put a glass of juice in front of him, then his own at his place before he sat. Tomas lowered his head and said a quick prayer before picking up his fork and taking his first bite.

“Enough about my day. How was yours?” Tomas asked.

As they ate, he listened to Bernie fill him in on his day. He didn’t understand half of what he said when he discussed his experiments, but enjoyed hearing him talk about it. Bernie was the sexy one. His eyes lit up when he talked about what he did and the students he taught with Robert. The tension from the hectic day Tomas had had faded as Bernie spoke.

“
T
HAT
was delicious.” Bernie stood and picked up Tomas’s plate with his own.

Tomas had made dinner, as promised. It was even better than breakfast. Tomas stood, stretching, then grabbed the glasses. Bernie went to the sink, filling it up and washing their dishes. Tomas kissed him, then went out of the room. Quickly, Bernie finished and grabbed his laptop and bag from the stool by the island. Sitting at the table, he spread out his files and got to work.

“Is what you’re working on so important it can’t wait until tomorrow?”

He glanced up at the sound of Tomas’s voice.

“Not really. Just getting a head start.”

Tomas came over. “Good. Come watch TV with me.”

“You know I don’t watch with you.”

“You
used to
not watch. From now on, unless what you’re working on is important, I’d like you to. Hell, even if it is, you can at least sit on the couch with me while you work.” Tomas put out his hand.

Bernie shut down his computer and put his hand in Tomas’s. Tomas pulled him up.

“Thanks,” Tomas said, leading him to the living room.

Tomas sat and pulled Bernie down next to him. He maneuvered Bernie against his side and took up the remote. He flicked to the station, then put it down. Tomas leaned back and held him. Bernie sighed, inhaling his scent as they watched TV.

Being with him is so comfortable already. Where is this going?

Days later, as he waited for Tomas to pick him up to go to Bacchus Sloan, Bernie still didn’t have any answers. He stood as a knock came on the door. He walked to it and pulled it open. Tomas was dusty and looked worn. He came in and kissed him softly, keeping away so as not to dirty Bernie’s clothes.

“Crazy day. Do you mind staying in? I’m beat.”

“That’s okay. Go shower, and I’ll make something quick to eat.” Bernie pushed down his disappointment. He’d been looking forward to dancing with Tomas.

“I’ll be out in a sec,” Tomas said.

“Go straight to bed. I’ll make something you can eat there.”

“You’re the best,” Tomas sighed.

Tomas walked down the hall, the trudge of his footsteps slow, before turning into Bernie’s bedroom. It was still a strange feeling, seeing him go in there. Tomas usually showered, if he had to, in the spare bedroom next to the lab—which he used for some of the research he did for his work—on the other side of the living room. Bernie went into the kitchen. He heated up some soup and made some grilled-cheese sandwiches. Putting the food on a tray, he grabbed a bottle of juice. He picked up the tray and went to the bedroom. Going over to the bed, he stopped at the sight of Tomas asleep. He stepped away and placed the tray on the desk. Going back to the bed, he pulled the covers over him. Tomas opened bleary eyes, raised the covers, and pulled Bernie down onto the bed with him. He rolled Bernie and cuddled him against his side. In seconds, Tomas was asleep. Bernie settled against him.

Jerking awake the next morning, Bernie rubbed his hand over his eyes. Reaching out, he frowned at the cool bed. Raising up, he didn’t see Tomas. He got out of bed and went down the hall to the kitchen. Still no Tomas. A paper propped up on the vase in center of the island caught his attention. He went over and picked it up and read it.

Enjoy your movie night. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Tomas

Bernie tapped the note on his finger. Disappointment filled him. Tomas had spent every night with him since the first.

“Best not to get used to it.” Bernie put the note on the counter.

He went to get on with his day.

B
ERNIE
headed toward the pounding on the door. Recessed lights lit the darkened hall. Frowning, he looked out the peephole. Stepping back, he jerked open the door.

“Do you know what time it is?” Bernie demanded.

“I couldn’t sleep without you,” Tomas muttered.

He pushed past Bernie and went down the hall. Bernie blinked, and then smiled. Movie night had been fun, as usual, but once everyone left, he had missed having Tomas beside him. He had just gotten to sleep when the pounding started on the door. Closing and locking the door, he went behind Tomas. Entering the bedroom, he saw Tomas was already in bed, on the side he thought of as his.

“Undress,” Tomas said.

Bernie did as Tomas asked, then slid in next to him. Tomas cupped his hip, pulling him close. His naked erection rubbed against Bernie’s. In a second, Bernie was hard. Tomas murmured and shifted, rolling him onto his back.

“Let me get some protection,” Bernie said.

“No. Just like this,” Tomas whispered.

He rocked his erection against Bernie’s, and Bernie moaned at the silken glide of their cocks against each other. Tomas kissed him, gentle and slow. Thrusting, he increased the friction of their rubbing erections. Bernie whimpered. The contrast to the aggressive way they screwed was so startling. It felt like they were making love.

Don’t be silly. This is just sex.

Tomas slid his lips down Bernie’s chin onto his neck. He licked the pulse fluttering there. Bernie shivered, rocking against him. Tomas murmured something against the side of his neck that he couldn’t make out. He moved against Bernie sensually, driving Bernie’s need to a fever pitch. Tomas pressed him harder into the bed, rolling his hips. Bernie moaned as he abraded the sensitive flesh of his cock. Tomas licked down his chest. His tongue traced the tattoo over Bernie’s heart.

“The first time, I was surprised when I saw this. You with a tattoo. So sexy. Why’d you get a treble clef over a trinity? And each of these letters, and the word ‘Triumvirate’?” Tomas licked each part of his tattoo.

Bernie’s breath caught at the feel of his tongue on his flesh. He pulled together his scattered thoughts.

“Treble, trinity, and triumvirate all mean three. The letters….” He paused, trying not to let the memories overwhelm him. Finally able to continue, he spoke. “The letters represent me and those I care about. I don’t want to talk about it.”

Tomas glanced up. He shifted onto his side, pulling Bernie against him, hugging him tightly and rubbing his back.

“Shhh… you don’t have to. Relax.”

Bernie tried to relax. Gulping, he closed his eyes and held Tomas hard. After some time, he withdrew and opened his eyes. Tomas’s gaze was patient and understanding.

“I’m sorry,” Bernie whispered, feeling his face go red.

“No need for that. I’m here if you need to talk. I’m a great listener.” Tomas’s voice had no judgment, just the open invitation to be there.

Bernie blinked away the tears that welled up in his eyes. He buried his head against Tomas’s chest. Tomas held the back of his head, kissing his forehead. Bernie sighed. He shifted against Tomas, feeling his still-hard erection. Rocking forward, he gasped as their cocks rubbed against each other. Tomas groaned, his hand gripping his hip. He stilled Bernie.

“Just let me hold you. Sleep.”

Bernie glanced up, shocked. Tomas kissed his lips gently. Bernie sighed, licking the taste of him. Tomas slowly released his lips and tucked him against his body. Bernie listened to his even breathing.

“I don’t know if I can sleep,” Bernie said.

“Don’t think about it. Relax.” Tomas’s voice was steady.

“Are you trying to torture me?”

“I’m trying to be a gentleman,” Tomas grumbled.

“You don’t have to be.”

“I’m gonna be. This once. So appreciate it and shut up,” Tomas growled.

Bernie chuckled.

“Laughing at me doesn’t help.” Tomas swatted his ass.

“Hey.
With
you. Laughing with you,” Bernie insisted.

“I’m not laughing. Now shut up and sleep.” Tomas tightened his hold on him, holding Bernie’s head firmly on his chest.

Bernie closed his eyes and waited for Tomas to fall asleep. Once he did, he would get up and do some work.

Chapter Five

A
HAND
shook him. Bernie swatted at it. The hand continued to shake him. Blearily, he opened his eyes and glared at Tomas.

“Why ya waking me? You said sleep, and that’s what I’m trying to do. Go away.” Bernie closed his eyes.

“You sure are mouthy for someone who’s sleeping. Now, up. We have plans.” Tomas sounded cheerful.

“No plans. Sleep,” Bernie moaned.

“Are you welshing on our bet?”

“I’m no welsher.” Bernie opened his eyes.

Absently, he noted Tomas was fully dressed as he stood by the side of the bed.

“Then get up and let’s go. I’m leaving in twenty minutes. We’ll eat breakfast when we get there. Chop chop.” Tomas clapped his hands.

“Let me find a weapon, and I’ll be happy to chop you.” Bernie bared his teeth.

“You’re not usually this cranky in the morning.”

“I am when someone wakes me up in the middle of the night, then revs me up, then goes all
gentlemanly
,” he grumbled irritably, thinking of the night before.

Tomas pouted. “Try to do something good, and you get no appreciation.”

Bernie sat up, getting off the bed next to Tomas. Standing, he kissed him thoroughly. He licked inside his mouth and suckled his tongue. Pushing him away, Bernie sauntered to the bathroom. In the doorway, he glanced over his shoulder. Tomas was facing him with his arms crossed over his chest.

“That’s my appreciation. And later, I’ll fuck the gentleman out of you,” Bernie promised.

“We can do it now.” Tomas walked toward him.

“Oh, no. You got me up, so we’re going wherever the hell you plan on taking me.” Bernie stepped quickly into the bathroom, closing and locking the door.

“Open up, Bernie.” Tomas’s fist pounded on the door.

“No. I’m getting ready.” Bernie laughed.

He turned on the shower and got in. As he cleaned up, he noticed Tomas had stopped pounding. He heard a scraping sound. Turning off the water, he got out and grabbed a towel. Wrapping it around his body, he went to the door. Opening it, he looked at Tomas, and then at what he held in his hand.

“What were you doing?”

“Taking the door off the hinges.” Tomas didn’t even sound apologetic.

He threw down the power screwdriver and reached for him. Bernie danced back.

“Uh-uh. We’re going out. Unless you want to forfeit what you want to do today.” Bernie stopped.

Tomas stopped reaching for him and frowned. “I don’t. Get dressed. I’m leaving in five.”

Tomas stomped to the bedroom door. Bernie laughed as he dressed, then, running his fingers through his messy hair, he followed behind him. The front door was open. He looked out and saw Tomas waiting at the end of the driveway. Grabbing his keys, he locked the door and went down the steps. Tomas took his hand, then started walking. Confused, Bernie walked beside him.

“Are you gonna tell me where we’re going?”

“Nope.” Tomas sounded disgruntled.

“Are you gonna be in a pissy mood all day?” Bernie asked cheerfully.

“You seem in a better mood.” Tomas glanced at him, then back at the road.

“Yeah. It’s Saturday and a beautiful day.”

“It is. You’re going to fulfill your ‘gentleman’ crack.” Tomas smiled and hugged his shoulder.

“I will.” Bernie winked.

They walked silently. As they neared Paget Street, Bernie was curious about all the people already bustling around. Tomas stopped.

“Now you know what we’re doing today.” Tomas sounded pleased.

Bernie hated to burst his bubble, but had to. “Umm… I have no clue.”

“You don’t know about Paget Saturdays?” Tomas looked surprised.

Bernie shook his head. Tomas put his arm over Bernie’s shoulder and led him down the street as he explained.

“Paget Weekend is on every fourth weekend from April through September. Paget Street is blocked to traffic and becomes a sort of street fair. It’s a local event where businesses and organizations from all around Mapson set up booths in the center of the street. The businesses who are on Paget get a booth every weekend of the fair. Others throughout Mapson have to apply. Vendors are rotated for the various weekends. So if you see something you want, get it, since that vendor might not be here if you come back another time. There’s also a local band performing in Paget Park, which is closed off for dancing. Oh, yeah. Bacchus Sloan also gets a regular booth. It’s set up in the park. They serve beer and wine. Mackenzie actually lets other brewers in Mapson showcase their wine or beer. When April rolls in, the residents of Mapson look forward to it. I thought you’d lived in Mapson since you started college. How can you not know about Paget Weekend?” Tomas gave him a look of disbelief.

“I was focused on my studies. Didn’t take much time to socialize.” Bernie shrugged, blushing.

On surviving.
He wouldn’t say that out loud to Tomas.

“Among other things.” Tomas’s look said he understood.

He didn’t know it all. Bernie strolled down the street with him. People were setting up. It looked like there would be a lot of different things. He could hear a band warming up.

“Today will be hectic. Lots of people come for this. I wasn’t sure if Harper would want to be involved this year, but Kenton said he would. Usually, the poker crew comes and helps with set-up and manning the booth, but Harper is still being stubborn and pushing everyone away. He’s getting help anyway. We’re going to help Harper and Kenton set up. By the time that’s done, we can check everything out. Starting with Alex, there will be a rotation to help man the booth. Usually, Mackenzie has enough people for his booth, but if he needs help, he’ll let us know.” Tomas led him down the street.