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  I took a deep breath. Seemed as if getting the business partner part figured out and perfected was the top priority. I could keep pushing down the others. For now. I nodded at Caroline and walked toward Benji.

  He met me halfway and took my hand with a smile on his face. Whether it was forced or not, I didn’t know. But his touch and smile helped me relax slightly.

  Before we had a moment to tackle the room together, Bode and Caroline were beside us shaking hands.

  “Bode Silver, Benji’s twin.” Bode was definitely a people person as was evident in his genuine, relaxed, welcoming smile.

  “Caroline Golden-Phipps, Rhys’s sister.” Caroline was well-practiced in meeting, greeting, and socializing.

  “What are we going to do with these two?” Bode winked and crossed his arms across his chest as he smirked at his brother.

  Caroline nodded. “I was just thinking the same thing.” She glanced between Benji and me. “I really hope you boys will grow up and confront the feelings you’ve got for each other. But, most importantly for now, I hope you’ll work this room and show off your art.” She turned to Bode. “Introduce me to that beautiful man you walked in here with.”

  Bode held out his elbow and Caroline took the crook of his arm as they walked away.

  Benji snorted. “I wonder if she means Sage or Kyson.”

  I glanced down to where our hands remained joined. My heart was as warm as the heat of that simple touch. “Well, she easily could be referring to either of them.”

  Benji nodded. “You ready to do this?”

  I squeezed his hand. “Yeah.”

  We reluctantly let go of each other’s hand before moving to one of the larger groups of visitors. Almost immediately, we fell into a very surprising but natural rhythm of introductions, small talk, speaking highly of each other’s work, and then elaborating on our own work a bit.

  Within an hour, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much, and the random squeeze from Benji’s hand before we’d approach another customer or group gave me a thrill each time we touched.

  About forty-five minutes before the first day’s opening was scheduled to close, Benji pulled me to the rug in the middle of the display floor. He cleared his throat and began to speak as he took my hand.

  “My partner, Rhys, and I wanted to thank you all for coming out to support The Silver and Gold Creative today. Just as Rhys and I have a lot of similarities and differences, so does our artwork. We want this studio to be a place that encourages and celebrates those similarities and differences in ourselves, our work, others, and our community.”

  Benji’s palm was sweaty in mine, but that was the only clue that he was nervous as he spoke so eloquently. I squeezed his hand and cleared my throat.

  “If you wish to purchase any artwork today, please see myself or Benji.” I smiled and hoped I didn’t look as awkward as I felt. “If not, please continue to browse. We’ll be open this weekend as well, so please stop by. We’d love to see you all here as regulars to enjoy the coffee, tea, treats, and, of course, the art. And be sure to watch for Benji’s art lesson schedule. He’ll be teaching a variety of topics for all ages.”

  The crowd gave a small, quiet round of applause before returning to their browsing.

  “Thank you,” Benji whispered. “That meant a lot.”

  I shrugged. “After you talked up my work so much, it felt like the right thing to do.”

  We mingled with a few guests until Benji was pulled away to help with the purchase of a set of mugs.

  “You two almost made that look fun.”

  I turned to find a man who looked so much like Benji and Bode that he had to be their cousin, Kyson. I smiled. “It actually was fun.”

  “I’m Kyson. The cousin.” He held out his hand.

  “Rhys. The,” I paused and frowned, “business partner?”

  Kyson laughed. “If that’s the best you can come up with, it’ll work. For now. But I think you and Benji are the only two people who don’t see how badly you have it for each other.” Kyson glanced toward the door and I heard the audible intake of his breath. “Nice meeting you. Come into Mass. Ave. Massage for a free session sometime,” he mumbled before beelining straight for the door to greet the super-hot silver-fox who had just entered.

  Benji and I cleaned up and organized after the last customer left. As I took the trash out, a thought ran on a continual link through my head like a damn freight train. We needed to talk. I wanted to talk. I wasn’t ready to give up on whatever had barely had time to get started between us. But that meant swallowing my pride and admitting my insecurities, talking about feelings, and being vulnerable.

  I didn’t want to do any of those things.

  But I did want Benji back in my life as more than just a business partner.

  Or I at least wanted to give whatever we might have had a chance.

  I ran a hand over my face and breathed deeply.

  Did he feel anything close to the jumble of emotions I was feeling?

  I stood at the backdoor and stared at it for several moments. Finally, with a phrase my dad used to say echoing in my head—“You gotta risk it if you want the biscuit.”—I yanked open the door and found Benji in the front wrapping up the few leftover pastries.

  He turned and smiled. “I don’t think we should put these out again tomorrow. Want to take them home?”

  I swallowed my fear. “Yeah, they’ll be perfect for dessert.”

  Benji’s face fell briefly, but he immediately covered it with a soft smile. “Have someone coming for dinner?”

  I glanced down at his fashionable shoes and cleared my throat. “Was hoping you’d come over for dinner.” I forced my eyes to meet his. “Maybe we could talk? Clear the air? Figure some things out?”

  Benji’s chest expanded as he took a deep breath and a sparkle shone from his eyes.

  “Unless you don’t think we have anything to talk about or figure out?”

  He shook his head. “No, I’d love to talk and sort some things out. Can I bring anything?”

  I wanted so badly to tell him to bring an overnight bag, but that seemed premature and presumptuous. “No. We’ll order pizza or something. I’ve got beer and hard cider. Bring wine if you want some. Dessert is provided.” I gestured toward the pastries and winked.

  Benji nodded. “Okay. I’m going to swing by home, shower and change, and then I’ll be over. Forty-five minutes?”

  “Perfect.” I wanted to pull him to me and hug him, but I just followed him out the backdoor.

  We mumbled our goodbyes.

  My heart thudded in my chest. Could I be open and honest with him? Could Benji do the same? Would we find we were on the same page? Or had our chance slipped away?

  As I drove home, I thought about our circumstances. Yes, being forced to share the building had been a shock and not what we wanted to do. But if I’d had my own studio and Benji had his own, would we have been able to keep up any sort of relationship? Would we have even wanted to? We would have been true competitors. Would we have put forth the effort to continue?

  Maybe being forced together was a blessing in disguise? Sure, it sucked at first. Knocked us on our asses and threw us for a real loop. But maybe we were finding our feet and getting a chance to give us a shot.

  I gave the apartment a quick straightening, threw all the laundry in the washer, lit a couple candles, and changed the sheets. Just in case.

  I was giddy with anticipation as I jumped in the shower. As hot water pelted my face, I forced myself to bring it down a few notches. Maybe Benji would prefer to just lay to rest whatever we’d had before, patch up our business partnership, work towards being just friends. The thought was a gut-punch, but I knew I needed to be prepared for the possibility.

  9

  Benji

  I ran up the stairs, said a quick hello to Bode and Sage, and quickly shut myself in the bathroom. I rummaged through the cabinet and came up victorious with an enema kit. Was I likely being very presumptuous? Yes.
But I was one to err on the side of caution; better safe than sorry.

  I took care of business and jumped in the shower. Fifteen minutes later, I stood in front of my closet full of clothes and ran a towel through my dark hair. Would it be poor form to wear sweats and a t-shirt? We weren’t going out. I was tired and ready to just be comfortable.

  I shrugged and shimmied into a pair of sexy, orange mesh underwear, pulled on a soft gray shirt and a nicer pair of casual, straight-legged sweatpants. I knew I was possibly setting myself up for a huge letdown, but I tossed a toothbrush, deodorant, razor, and a pair of underwear into a backpack. Even if I spent the night, I’d need to come home to get dressed before heading to the studio tomorrow.

  Cracking the door of my room, I listened for Bode or Sage. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to talk to them, but I was in a hurry to get to Rhys’s place. The living room and kitchen appeared quiet. Bode and Sage had either gone to their room or down to The Salty Lizard. I crept out of my room and pulled the door shut.

  As I tiptoed through the living room behind the couch like a kid trying to sneak out of the house, two heads popped up from the couch.

  “Gotcha!” Bode grabbed my arm over the back of the couch.

  I jumped and cursed.

  Sage and Bode laughed.

  “What the fuck are you two doing? You almost gave me a damn heart attack.” I shifted the backpack on my shoulder and hoped they wouldn’t notice it.

  No such luck.

  Bode chuckled. “Well, you made enough noise digging in the bathroom cabinet to rival a fucking herd of racoons. So, we assumed you were possibly prepping for a rendezvous with Rhys. We decided to hide and see if you attempted to sneak out. The backpack you’re so adorably trying to hide makes me think we were right. Overnight at Rhys’s place? What changed?”

  “It’s actually a gaze of racoons.” Sage, on his knees next to Bode on the couch, hooked his arm through my brother’s elbow.

  Bode glanced at him, shook his head, and kissed Sage hard. “Fuck, I love you. For so many reasons, but partly because you’re a fucking genius.”

  Sage blushed, but looked to me. “Did you and Rhys fix things?”

  I lifted a shoulder. “Not sure.” I blushed thinking they knew I’d prepped for possible sex. Oh well, they did the same. It’s why we bought enema kits in bulk. “Rhys invited me over for dinner. Says he wants to talk and figure things out.” I moved the backpack on my shoulder. “I may be being too hopeful, but I’d rather be prepared.”

  Bode pulled me against the back of the couch and hugged me from his kneeling position on the cushions. “That’s great. I hoped you two would pull your heads from your asses and give yourselves a chance.”

  “We’ll see what happens.”

  “Just be honest with each other. Tell him how you feel and what you want.” Bode slapped me on the back. “We won’t wait up.” He winked and I laughed.

  “If Sage starts sharing his knowledge of collective nouns, you’ll probably be too busy fucking him senseless all night.” I waggled my brows and gave a little wave as I turned to leave.

  As I headed toward the door, I heard Sage.

  “A pandemonium of parrots, a wisdom of wombats, an ambush of tigers, a shrewdness of apes.”

  I could just picture him murmuring in Bode’s ear as he teased my brother with his random knowledge of what to call groups of animals.

  “Fuck. To the bedroom now. You are so damn fuckable.”

  Bode must have thrown Sage over his shoulder because as I slipped on my sneakers, Sage shrieked in laughter and soon Bode’s door slammed shut.

  I laughed. I was so happy for Bode and Sage. They were together because Bode finally admitted he wanted Sage. Of course, they had different obstacles than Rhys and I had, but they were together because they worked through their issues.

  I wanted Kyson and Bay to be together. Maybe they could work through their challenges.

  Maybe Rhys and I could work out things and figure out what might be growing between us.

  Arriving at Rhys’s place about five minutes later, I tossed the backpack in the trunk. I’d come down and get it if I needed it. Showing up at his door with an overnight bag could definitely cause awkward vibes.

  I stood outside Rhys’s door and rubbed a sweaty palm on my pants with the pastries in the other hand. Taking a deep breath first, I blew it out and knocked.

  He opened the door with a smile, his face flushed.

  I took in his clothes and noted he’d dressed similarly to me. “Glad to see we had the same thought in dressing for comfort.” I walked past him and put the pastries in the kitchen. I wanted to hug him, pull him close, bury my face in his neck and just breathe him in. Instead, I stood awkwardly.

  Luckily, there was a knock at the door.

  “Pizza.” Rhys went to the door and returned with two boxes. “I got just cheese and loaded. Wasn’t sure what you’d be in the mood for.” He walked past me and went into the living room. “Bring whatever you want to drink. I’ll take a beer, please.”

  I loved that Rhys seemed comfortable with me being there, but I was so nervous about our talk and whatever might happen, I wasn’t sure I could stomach any food. I grabbed Rhys a beer and myself a hard cider.

  By the time we’d each nibbled a piece of pizza and drained our drinks, I was about to jump out of my skin.

  “You want to clean this up for now and talk? Eat later if we’re hungry?” Rhys raised a brow.

  I nodded and launched myself from the couch to gather the boxes and empty bottles. Rhys picked up the napkins and plates.

  “These in the fridge or on the counter for now?” I held up the boxes.

  Rhys was rinsing the beer and cider bottles at the sink. He gestured with his chin toward the counter. “There’s good for now.”

  As if my body and heart were acting completely out of accordance with what my head said was a good idea, I moved close to Rhys, standing behind him and pressing my front against his back as he dried his hands on a towel.

  He froze.

  “I am completely on board with talking and figuring this out,” I whispered against his ear, “but I need you to know that I’ve missed this, I’ve missed you, and I’m dying to kiss you.” I trailed my lips along his neck and relished in the shiver that traveled through him.

  Rhys turned and wrapped his arms around my waist. “Set a timer. We kiss for five minutes. Then we talk.”

  I slid my phone from my pocket and set the timer a split second before Rhys walked me backwards. When my back hit the wall, he cupped his hands around my face and stared at me for a moment.

  I couldn’t breathe. I needed him, I wanted him.

  Rhys groaned before devouring my mouth. Our lips met with a hot spark and I savored the familiar flavor of him. I whimpered and opened my mouth. When his tongue brushed against mine, I thought my knees were going to give out.

  I rolled my hips against his and enjoyed the hitch in Rhys’s breathing. His cock was as hard as mine and the heat from his arousal seeped through my pants. The mesh underwear I’d chosen did nothing to stop the spread of pre-cum as I continued to rock our dicks together. I knew my sweatpants would have a wet spot.

  I palmed Rhys’s cock and mumbled against his mouth. “I want to suck you, choke on you, swallow everything you can give me.”

  Rhys groaned and kissed me, thrusting his tongue deep.

  Beep-beep-beep.

  We pulled apart with a moan.

  “Fuck.” Rhys adjusted himself. “Maybe we talk after.”

  I chuckled. “I think we should talk first. Clear the air and all that. Then we have all the time in the world.”

  Rhys rested his forehead against mine and sighed. “Fine. But I need to calm myself down for a minute. You can use the guest bathroom if you need.” He grabbed two waters. “Two minutes.”

  Two minutes later, we settled on the couch and chugged our water.

  “You okay with me going first?” Rhys screwed the lid back onto his
bottle.

  I nodded.

  When I thought he’d start talking, he just sat there.

  I waited.

  “Why is this so hard? Does it seem weird that we’ve been intimately close, but I have so much trouble finding the words to tell you how I’m feeling?” Rhys took another drink of water.

  “You mean that it seems odd we’ve eaten each other’s ass, but talking about feelings and emotions and what we want is difficult?”

  Rhys snorted. “Yes, exactly that. I can tell you how I want you to suck me and rim me. I can tell you how hard I am for you. I can describe exactly how I want to fuck that delicious ass.”

  I squirmed. “Not helping.”

  He cleared his throat. “Sorry. Okay, I’m going to try to get through this without sounding like a total idiot.”

  “Would it help if I said I think this thing between us moved to something more than just some random hookups and kinda slapped me in the face with the intensity of how much you started to mean to me? And then when we got smacked with the shared lease and pulled away from each other, I realized that I missed what we had. But we were both acting like fools and let it get in the way of any type of relationship. Would any of that help you get started?” My face burned hot as the words spilled and my heart sped up when Rhys took my hand.

  “God, yes. That helps.” He took a deep breath. “At first, I just didn’t want to share. Then when I realized it meant we’d be creating our art in the same space, my insecurities took over. I worried you’d see that I’m not perfect, you’d see that my art isn’t the best. I imagined these scenarios where crowds came to the shop and everyone was there to buy from you, but they only laughed at my work. I worried that you’d make so much more money because you were able and wanted to give lessons. I don’t have that talent or desire.” Rhys ran his thumb over my hand. “Then I got pissed because my creativity started to suffer and I blamed you. It wasn’t until Caroline and Bode talked to us that I finally admitted to myself that my work was suffering because I missed you. I miss us.”