Steele got out of bed and dropped down to the floor to do what he’d done every morning since he was eighteen unless it wasn’t possible, one hundred sit-ups and one hundred pushups. Some people preferred coffee; he used exercise and core-warming to wake him. He was able to do the entire workout in twenty minutes, taking a short breather between sets. When he finished he got up and grabbed the towel and washcloth Green gave him last night and his toiletry kit.
Walking to the bathroom at the end of the hall, he heard the unmistakable sounds of moaning and desire. His steps faltered right before he got to Green and Ruxs’ bedroom door, which was pushed slightly open. Did they forget they had company? Or maybe they didn’t give a damn.
“Chris, yeah. Like that.” Steele heard Ruxs groan loudly.
For shit’s sake. He didn’t need to hear any of this. It’s why he hadn’t wanted to come here. The last thing he needed in his head all day was sounds of their sex. But it wasn’t what he thought. Steele inched past slowly, looking through the gap in the door. A soft-looking gray cover was pulled up to their waists, leaving their naked torsos visible. Both of them were on their sides facing the door but their eyes were sealed tight with ecstasy while Ruxs moved slowly behind his partner. This wasn’t the sweaty, balls slapping romp he’d imagined them having. No, Ruxs and Green were making lazy, passionate love to each other.
“I love you so much,” Green whispered, pulling Ruxs’ palm from over his heart and kissing each knuckle while Ruxs kept moving behind him.
Fuck. Steele kept walking before he got caught. He closed himself in the bathroom and leaned against the door. He looked down at his hard dick, refusing to touch it. It was just wrong on too many levels. That was private. It was their moment, their love, and he was too decent a man to try to hone in and jerk one out to it. He had to admit to himself that what he’d just saw was beautiful and inspiring. Steele pushed his erection down and closed his eyes, trying to think of anything but the hope and dream of wanting that kind of love for himself. A true partner to fulfill him in every way.
He tried to think of work, but all that came to mind was a hot geek. He smiled, wondering what Tech would wear today. Slim jeans with a dress shirt and a bow tie. He hadn’t seen him wear that yet, but he was actually looking forward to it.
He turned on the shower, pleased when it heated up in no time flat. He did finally moan when he stepped under the huge showerhead that pelted his neck and back. Oh god, that feels good. He needed this… really, really needed it. Maybe he’d pick up a pair of headphones or something today. Green had offered his spare room for as long as Steele wanted or until he found a place. With that comfortable, plush mattress and this showerhead, Steele was having a damn hard time saying no.
After dressing in a comfortable pair of jeans and his last clean long john, he slid on his steel toes and clipped his badge on his hip, concealing it like most undercovers. He was putting his wallet in his back pocket when the combined smells of seared meat and something sweet hit him. They got breakfast delivery here?
Steele jogged down the metal staircase and almost tripped down the last step when he saw Green in the kitchen in front of the stove, flipping what looked like French toast while Ruxs sat at the breakfast bar, shoving pieces into his mouth and reading something on his phone. It looked crazy and extremely domestic. Green didn’t look like your ordinary cook with his low-riding jeans and white wife beater. He had a shiny silver link chain riding low on his throat that made the jet-black tribal art covering his neck stand out even more. His sleeve of colorful floral tattoos was on full display, his usual white t-shirt hanging out of his back pocket. Turning dark eyes in his direction, Green motioned with his head to the stool next to Ruxs. Those two were so opposite, but similar. Ruxs’ fair skin, buzz cut, and pale eyes, juxtaposed with Green’s tan, tatted-up skin and dark brown hair that did what it wanted to do like Steele’s did.
“Just in time. You like sausage or bacon?” Green asked, flipping the thick pieces of bread in the expensive-looking frying pan.
Steele rubbed his hand over his stubble. “Um, both, actually.”
“Coming right up,” Green said with his back to him.
Steele watched Green pile his plate up with several pieces of bacon and about eight sausage links next to two heavenly slices of fluffy French toast. He was definitely staying. “Damn, Green. I didn’t know you could cook.”