Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“How are you doing, Sparkle Pants?”
Shaking his head at the stupid nickname, he said, “Just thinking about the day I bought this and how crazy life was three years ago.”
“Life is still pretty fucking crazy.” Z stuffed throw pillows into a bag.
“Speak for yourself,” Tam said.
“Oh yes, you are the picture of calm, cool, and collected.” Z rolled his eyes behind Tam’s back.
“Maybe not, but three years ago I was locked up.” Tam’s bold statement shut Z up. “I’d say things have improved since then.”
“He’s got you there, Z.” Lirim folded another shirt and pushed it into the duffel he’d borrowed from his housemate for Ansel to use.
Z changed the subject. “Are you sure you want to sleep here tonight? You’re welcome on my couch.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.”
“You’re not going to have any furniture,” Ange said as she sealed the box he’d just finished packing.
“Fitch is bringing an air mattress.” He turned to wrap up another piece of crap, avoiding the shocked faces of his friends.
“Do you mean we’re finally going to meet the guy?” Ange asked.
“He’s coming?”
“When?”
“Holy shit, this is huge.”
“Christ, you’d think I’ve never had a man before,” he complained as he began filling a new box.
“Not one that lasted more than a couple nights.”
“And we’ve never met any of them.”
“Nobody has ever slept over, either.” This from Ange who’d stopped packing to smile at him.
“I invited him to have dinner with us tonight. He offered to help pack and move stuff with his truck.”
“I love him already,” Z said. “Anyone who saves me from lugging your crap on the subway is my hero.”
“I’m glad you’ve worked things out, Ansel.” Tam came over and hugged him from behind. “He seems like a good guy.”
“I’m reserving judgment. You guys are too easy to please.” Lirim wasn’t usually such a cynic. There was a knock at the door and everyone hushed. He opened it to find Fitch waiting with a box of donuts and six coffees.
“You’re spoiling them,” Ansel said, taking the coffee and ushering Fitch into the kitchen.
Everyone crowded around and started speaking at the same time.
“You’re the best.”
“Save me a chocolate one.”
“Bitch, get out of the way.”
“Thanks, Fitch.” Of course, Tam was the only one with any manners. Ansel grinned at Fitch and lifted a shoulder. They were his family, wild, crazy, and completely awesome.
“Chill out, guys. Let me introduce him so he knows who to avoid.”
Z looked up from his pastry and made a disbelieving sound through his teeth. “Too late for avoidance, babe. I’m Azariah Hayes, aka Z.” He held out his clean hand, which Fitch shook.
“Ah, the mouthy one. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Z laughed. “All true, I’m sure.” He grabbed a coffee and sat at the table.
“It’s great to finally put a face to the name,” Ange said, taking Fitch’s hand.
“You must be Ange.”
“The one and only.” She took a place next to Z.
“And these two are Lirim Savage,” Ansel said with a gesture, “and Tameron Kis.”
“Call me Tam.”
Fitch nodded. “Hi, Tam.”
Lirim looked Fitch over and finally stuck his hand out for a shake. “Nice to meet you.” He bit into the donut and went back to the living room.
“Sorry, I’m a little late. Had a little hitch in the plans this morning.” Fitch hooked his thumbs into his front pockets and met Ansel’s eyes.
Ange raised a brow. “What sort of hitch?”
“Mind your business, woman,” Ansel admonished without looking at her, because the look on Fitch’s face spoke volumes. Fitch had told his parents. Though Ansel was anxious to know what happened, he didn’t dare ask in front of their audience.
Fitch smiled, wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Everything is fine.”
“Damn, Ansel is blushing. Lirim, you’re missing it. Come quick, he’s turning beet-red.” Z snickered.
Fitch stepped away, putting distance between them like he was nervous showing affection in front of witnesses. So Ansel picked up a powdered donut and tossed it at his friend. A distraction for everyone in the room, including himself, because he ached at the loss of contact.
“Don’t be an ass.”
Z caught the donut and shoved half of it into his smiling mouth with a saucy wink.
“So, what can I help with?”
“Mr. Policek left the key to the basement. We have to move all the big stuff down there. The boxes are going to Z’s place.”
“Okay, I’ll start in the living room.” He turned, but Ansel stopped him with a hand on his arm.
“Thank you.” He pulled Fitch closer and was surprised when Fitch actually fell into the kiss with witnesses.
Ooohs and awws sounded behind them. Without ending the kiss, he shot his friends the finger.
* * *
“Did I pass the friend test?” Fitch curled an arm around Ansel’s naked shoulder while they lay on the air mattress, post-fuck.
“Does it matter?” Ansel blinked up at him.
“Of course, I want them to like me so I have allies.”