Page 37 of See My Words

He flitted off, and Scott headed back to the free-weight section to snag his own duffle from where he’d tossed it in a corner. As he walked toward the entrance, he caught sight of Madison patiently coaxing an older man through some therapeutic yoga stretches. Despite owning her own studio, Scott knew she volunteered a few hours a month here at the gym, helping people suffering from chronic pain who couldn’t afford her boutique rates. She really was a good person. He sighed, remembering the look of devastation on her face as, with a few well-chosen words, Scott had deliberately destroyed what hadn’t even had a chance to get off the ground.

Self-loathing choked him. He hadn’t deserved her, and he sure as hell didn’t deserve Rylan. He shouldn’t be planning a trip with him, what he should be doing was heading home to break up with him, because hurting him a little now was better than hurting him a lot later.

“Stop overthinking things.” Minh’s soft voice at his shoulder made him jump, and he whirled around. “You said it best, Rylan has your number. Relax, be yourself, and try to enjoy what you have with him. You’re not gonna fuck it up.” Minh snorted. “Somehow, I don’t think he’ll let you.”

“But what if I—”

“Stop that shit right now, Scott Ashworth,” Minh said fiercely. “Let’s go get your man, head north, and have the time of our lives. Period. The end.”

He tugged on Scott’s arm, but Scott planted his feet stubbornly. “I need to talk to Madi for a minute. I want to apologize to her.” He stared at Minh, daring him to laugh or make fun of him, but all Minh did was pat Scott on the arm.

“Okay. Meet you at your place in a few.” He moved off.

“Don’t tell him my surprise,” Scott called after him, “or I’ll kick your ass.”

Minh extended his middle finger at him flippantly. “Wouldn’t dream of it, my love. Wouldn’t dream of it.”

* * *

Rylan looked up from his computer as a key sounded in the lock, wondering why Scott would be home so soon. Confusion turned into a surprised pleasure when Minh opened the door and walked into the living room to flop down next to him on the couch.

“Wow, hey,” he said, leaning into Minh’s smacking kiss on the cheek. He set his computer aside. “What’re you doing here?”

Minh winked at him. “Sudden change of plans,” he said cryptically. “You’ll see.” He bounced back up. “Come talk to me while I shower.” He lifted one arm and sniffed his armpit, wrinkling his nose. “Jesus, I stink.”

Minh pulled his tank top over his head and tossed it negligently to the floor, moving off toward the bedroom, stripping as he went. Rylan followed, trying not to stare as Minh, now stark naked, pulled a small toiletry kit out from under Scott’s sink and extracted a razor from it.

“What were you working on so busily?” Minh called to him, turning the water on in the sink, the sound drowning out his next words. Rylan hesitated for a moment, and then, with an internal shrug, went to lean against the doorjamb to the bathroom.

He gulped, letting his eyes wander freely over Minh’s incredible body. He was lean and wiry with a dancer’s slight build, his brown skin smooth and almost hairless, calf muscles defined from spending so much time in high heels. He wasn’t ripped, but instead was sleek and toned, buttocks high and rounded. Rylan cleared his throat, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I couldn’t hear you. What?”

“I asked what you were working on,” Minh repeated, his voice muffled as he contorted his cheek to drag the razor over it. “You looked so intent.”

Rylan shrugged. “Just updating my resume, you know? So I have it ready to go if and when something comes up.”

Minh turned and pointed the razor at him. “You’re never leaving Spectrum, so why bother? You make Teena look way too good, and baby, she’s all about looking good.”

Rylan chuckled. “You should see the pictures I took the other night. Hot.” He made a show of fanning himself, laughing as Minh advanced on him, dripping water and shaving cream everywhere.

“Go get your computer and show me right now!”

“After your shower, oh vain one. Besides, I’m a little too, uh, distracted right now to concentrate.”

Minh smirked at him, tossed his razor into the sink, and moved to turn on the shower. “Fine. You’re such a fuckin’ tease.”

“Takes one to know one.” Rylan didn’t bother to hide his perusal as Minh stepped under the spray and soaped up. He jumped as arms suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind, warm lips nuzzling his neck.

“Enjoying the view?” Scott whispered in his ear, sucking the lobe.

Rylan leaned back against him. “Immensely,” he admitted. He took in Scott’s sparkling eyes, the amused quirk of his lips. “But I like this one much, much more.”

“Mmm. Good answer.” Scott nipped at Rylan’s lower lip, his tongue soothing the little sting. Rylan groaned, turning to wrap his arms around Scott’s neck and lift his face invitingly. Scott kept the kisses light, just brushing Rylan’s lips with his own, chuckling as Rylan clutched at him in frustration.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish,” Scott breathed, “unless you want an audience. Minh likes to watch.”

“Let him.” Rylan licked Scott’s collarbone, sliding his hands down the back of Scott’s shorts to cup his ass before digging his fingers into the tight globes. Scott caught his breath, his eyes darkening, and he bent his head, about to capture Rylan’s mouth when his phone vibrated in his pocket, startling them both.