According to Design

by Nicole Dennis

  “Kind of a last minute decision since I finished the window,” Wyatt said. “I also finished the first set of keychains. They’re all in the box.”

  “You finished the window! Where is it? I want to see.” Samuel rounded the corner behind Sully. The energy of an excited child surrounded him when he heard Wyatt.

  “It’s in the Soul. I need help carrying it inside and lifting it into place. Is the wall ready?”

  “Yup, I added in the channel you requested. The drill and anchoring screws are behind the desk,” Sully said. “Dakota! Get your ass out here.”

  “Is Reece around?”

  “No, he needed to start another job. For the most part his job is finished,” Sully said. “Dakota!”

  Keegan winced when Sully shouted again.

  “And you wondered why I texted them instead,” Wyatt said in a low side tone.

  Keegan glanced at him and chuckled. “Understood.”

  “Shout again and I’ll kick your ass. Into the gulf,” Dakota threatened. He went to stand by Samuel after exiting the hallway. He deliberately moved away to glare at Samuel while he bounced on his toes. “What got into you?”

  “Wyatt finished the window.” Samuel clutched Dakota’s sleeve.

  “That has you bouncing like a kid?”

  “Duh. I want to see what you created. Go. Go help them bring it inside.” Samuel released his grip and pushed Dakota to move toward the door.

  “Okay. Okay. Lead the way, Wyatt,” Dakota said. “Before he blows up with his excitement.”

  “Don’t want that to happen. It’s messy.” Wyatt led Dakota and Sully out of the door.

  Keegan watched them leave and stood near Samuel.

  “How did you get roped into coming here?” Samuel nudged Keegan’s side.

  Keegan flushed.

  “Do you like him?”

  Keegan nodded.

  “Congratulations. I hope it works. You two are adorable together. Are you spending the weekend together?”

  “On doctor’s orders,” Keegan said and winced. Why did I say that?

  Samuel raised both eyebrows in surprise. “Pardon?”

  “I ran into a bit of trouble and Wyatt helped rescue me. I still ended up at the clinic and Doctor Sheffield wouldn’t let me go home alone. Wyatt took me home with him and Collin for the weekend to keep an eye on me.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “I am now, but there’s stuff in my past I need to handle. Again.”

  “There’s always crap back there to handle,” Samuel said. “I found having someone stand by your side while you’re handling shit makes it so much better.”

  “I’m learning about that part,” Keegan said. “He’s been amazing. So gentle and patient.”

  “You found a good one,” Samuel said, placing a hand on Keegan’s shoulder.

  “Yeah. Yeah, I did. Hope I can keep him too.”

  “There’s a lot of good men in this small town.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “Don’t know, but I thank whatever cosmic being I must placate every day for letting me come down here,” Samuel said and they laughed together.

  The door burst open. Dakota walked inside backwards, complaining while he carried the large glass and metal window. Wyatt supported the middle while Sully held the far end. Keegan and Samuel shuffled out of their way.

  “Keegan, Samuel, remove the protective layer,” Wyatt said. “Keegan, show Samuel how to unwrap it.”

  “Right, come on,” Keegan said and pointed out the taped and fastened layers.

  “Got it,” Samuel said then tackled his side by Dakota.

  Keegan handled the side next to Sully first and made his way to the middle. “Move one hand,” he said to Wyatt. He unwrapped the section. “Now the other.” He finished tugging the last layer and tossed it behind him.

  “Oh. My. God,” Samuel said.

  “Oh, you haven’t seen all of it,” Keegan said, nudging Samuel with his elbow this time.

  “Okay, guys, around the desk. Careful, Dakota, go to your left,” Wyatt directed. “Sully, where did you stash the drill and screws?”

  “Samuel, second shelf to the right,” Sully said. He helped maneuver the glass around the massive front desk.

  Samuel scrambled to get the tools and set them on top.

  “On three. We lift and set the edge in the bottom channel. The rest will slide into place,” Wyatt ordered and counted down. “Samuel, Keegan, help to make sure we’re on the mark.”

  Everyone assisted to lifted the beautiful glass in place and hold it while Wyatt used the drill to screw it into place.

  “Secured. Everyone can let go and step away,” Wyatt said.

  “Oh. My. God!” Samuel squealed and raced all the way to the front door for the full effect.

  Keegan winced. The man literally and loudly squealed. He stared at a bouncing Samuel.

  Chandler raced into the room and looked around. “What is going on?”

  “Samuel’s freaking out and doing his pogo dance,” Dakota said. He leaned against the counter and watched his lover dance around the lobby.

  “Oh. Is that all?” Chandler said and shook his head.

  Keegan couldn’t understand what was happening. He looked at Wyatt, who shrugged.

  “We’re almost finished and this is his first project that he’s in charge of,” Sully explained. “The window is gorgeous. Some of your best work, Wyatt.”

  “Are the LEDs in place?” Wyatt asked.

  “Oh, yeah, hold on.” Sully reached around to flick a switch.

  The LED ropes lit up and reflected the window even better. All of those little details became sharper, the colors more vivid.

  Samuel squealed even louder and continued to dance.

  “Okay then. Perhaps we should escape while we can,” Wyatt said to Keegan.

  Sully stood near them and chuckled. “I think that’s a good idea. Mail us the invoice and Chandler will make sure the check is cut.”

  “Thanks,” Wyatt said.

  “Do you want lunch?” Dakota asked, lifting his voice over Samuel’s squealing.

  Wyatt looked at Keegan. “Want something?”

  “Sure, I won’t turn down Dakota’s cooking,” Keegan said.

  “Go on to the kitchen and find Malcolm. We have crab cakes, pulled pork sandwiches and catfish sandwiches for a quick lunch menu. I’m still not running things at full capacity,” Dakota said and glared at Sully.

  “Not my fault. Honest.” Sully lifted his hands. “It’s this old building. I didn’t think we would have to restructure the entire ceiling. I’m not the idiot who cut through the beams instead of moving the pipes.”

  Dakota grumbled.

  “Thanks, Dakota.” Wyatt took Keegan’s hand in his and led the way around the corner. They escaped past the arguing men and squealing Samuel with finesse.

  Keegan didn’t bother to wave as he walked with Wyatt. “That was smooth of you to get us out of there.”

  “Takes practice,” Wyatt said.

  Keegan chuckled and studied the vast kitchen when they entered.

  Malcolm moved with ease between the center counter and the professional grade stove. He caught sight of them and paused in his work. “Oh, hey there, Wyatt and Keegan. Good to see you here. What was all that noise out there?”

  “Samuel squealing with delight at the window Wyatt created for him,” Keegan said.

  Malcolm blinked. Twice. “Oh. ’Kay.”

  “Yes, it’s strange. I wouldn’t go out there any time soon,” he added.

  “I’ll make sure to follow that suggestion. Did Dakota send you in here?”

  “He offered us lunch,” Wyatt said. He stood behind Keegan and wrapped an arm around his waist.

  Keegan held back a needy sigh.

  Okay, that’s it, I’m going against doctor’s orders.

  “Sure. What would you like? Here are the choices unless Dakota already told you.” Malcolm pushed a printed piece of paper across
the counter.

  “I’ll take an order of crab cakes and sweet potato fries,” Keegan said.

  “Wyatt?”

  Wyatt perused the menu next to him. “Catfish sandwich.”

  “Spicy mayo or herb remoulade?”

  “Remoulade. Coleslaw on the side.”

  “To go?”

  “Yes, please,” Keegan said before Wyatt could answer.

  “You got it. Give me a few minutes,” Malcolm said and he went to work on their orders.

  “Why don’t want to stay and eat?” Wyatt asked.

  “I have plans.” Keegan grinned. He held up a hand and flipped up each finger while he listed the parts. “You. Me. Lube. Bed.”

  Wyatt blinked. His mouth opened and closed.

  “It seems I made you speechless.”

  “Soon as I heard lube. Yup.”

  “Keep that in mind as we head home. Hopefully Collin will still be busy or away at Lucas’s place,” Keegan said.

  “The doctor…”

  “We’ll find a way around it. I’m not letting this moment slip away. I’m tired of being afraid. I want to take a chance with you,” Keegan said. He stepped closer and placed his hands on Wyatt’s chest.

  “Why now?”

  “You’ve been amazing ever since we met. I’ve never had a better weekend away from hanging out with my fathers, and I want a chance. Please tell me I’m not the only one feeling this connection.”

  Wyatt glanced to the side and shifted one of Keegan’s hands to cup his crotch. “Feel that? That’s my connection to you.”

  Keegan moved his fingers around the hard erection. He trailed them down until he found the base then dragged them along the length. “Okay, you’re packing.”

  Wyatt grinned. “Oh yeah, I am.”

  “I like.”

  “Should I warn you two how there are cameras in the ceiling? They see everything,” Malcolm said. “And I do mean everything. With sound.”

  “What? Oh, shit,” Keegan said. He backed up quick and put his hands behind him.

  “Too late.” Malcolm laughed and put a paper bag on the counter. “Here’s lunch, fellas. I hope you enjoy a delightful afternoon. Per Dakota, no charge.”

  Wyatt grabbed the bag’s handles and pointed a finger to Malcolm. “Not a word.”

  “It’s all on tape. Sorry,” Malcolm said.

  “Go. Go. Go now,” Keegan said and pushed Wyatt forward. “Thanks, Malcolm. Could have said something sooner?”

  “Ruin the fun? Oh hell no. Plus I get to see what reaction Chandler has when he sees it. Dakota, of course, will ban you from ever entering the kitchen again,” Malcolm said. He leaned on the counter and wiggled his fingers.

  “Sounds like you know this from experience.”

  Mal sighed and winked. “It was an excellent chocolate mousse I shared with Reece.”

  “Do we want to know?”

  “Dakota got red in the face, sputtered and hollered. It was glorious,” Mal said.

  Wyatt shook his head.

  “What’s that for?” Keegan asked.

  “If you only knew Malcolm’s true intentions,” Wyatt said. He side-glanced at Mal to catch his cheeky grin. “We’re taking our private time out of here and keeping it private.” He lifted a hand and waved it deliberately at the closest camera. Then he captured Keegan’s hand and led them out of the kitchen as fast as possible.

  Malcolm’s laughter followed them.

  * * * *

  Back home, Keegan followed Wyatt to the kitchen where Wyatt set the bag on the counter. Wyatt deliberately shifted his gaze from the bag to Keegan and back a couple of times. He was about ready to bust out laughing at Wyatt’s attempt to figure it out.

  To make things easier, Keegan moved until he slid against Wyatt’s frame and draped his arms around Wyatt’s broad shoulders.

  “Screw lunch,” Wyatt said.

  “Screw me instead,” Keegan replied.

  They laughed before their lips met in a hard passionate kiss. Their mouths opened, tongues plunging. They continued to take and taste one another.

  Wyatt pulled back long enough to say, “Bedroom. Collin will murder us in our sleep if he walks in and finds us naked.”

  Laughing, Keegan pulled back, grabbed hold of Wyatt’s hands and tugged him toward the master bedroom. Both of them were eager. They raced each other to the room.

  Wyatt kicked the door shut then locked it. He snagged Keegan close and pushed him against the door. He lifted and pressed Keegan’s hands flat. He planted his lips on Keegan’s mouth, nipping his lower lip.

  Keegan loved how Wyatt took control but kept it gentle. He submitted with ease to Wyatt’s demands. Still eager for more, he flipped off his shoes and kicked them away. He placed his ankle behind Wyatt’s knee and used the countermeasure to bring him closer.

  “Hell…” Wyatt muttered. His knee almost collapsed with the pressure. “Brat.”

  Keegan laughed against Wyatt’s mouth, slanted his head and met Wyatt’s mouth for another demanding kiss. He circled his hips away from the door. Their interested cocks brushed and pressed together. He lifted his leg in counter motion to tilt his hip and increase the connection while their mouths continued to play, tease and dance.

  “Definitely a brat,” Wyatt said. He pushed away from Keegan, breaking the hold. He grabbed the back of his shirt and tugged it over his head. “Strip.”

  “Ooh, so romantic,” Keegan said.

  Wyatt tossed his shirt to the side and continued to back away toward the bed. He held his hands out, showing off his sculpted chest and abdomen.

  Keegan yearned to trace the V-line created between his abs and hips. The dark blond treasure trail, which bisected Wyatt’s belly and disappeared behind the jeans, also beckoned Keegan’s touch. Wyatt had just enough body hair splattered across his upper chest to make things interesting. He adored the vivid display of tattoos covering Wyatt’s entire left arm along with his upper left chest and back where the dragons roamed. He adjusted his glasses, amazed they hadn’t steamed, and contemplated the handsome man standing before him.

  “Keegan, come on and walk to me. I’ll take care of your heart,” Wyatt said. His fingers moved in ‘a come here’ gesture. “Take the first step, honey.”

  “Honey?”

  “Sweetie?”

  Keegan planted his hands on his hips. “Cupcake,” he retorted.

  Wyatt’s eyebrows shot straight up in surprise.

  “Okay. Guess we’re going there,” he said and held up his hands to surrender.

  Happily taking the win, Keegan straightened from the door and unbuttoned his shirt while walking toward Wyatt. He shrugged to let the garment fall down his arms then tossed it away. He was paler than Wyatt’s golden shade. While toned, he wasn’t as muscular. Then again, he didn’t lift and move heavy sheets of steel, hammers and all kinds of impressive equipment. Wyatt didn’t need a gym, his studio provided one of the best work-out programs.

  “You’re thinking too much,” Wyatt said in a sing-song tone. He hopped undignified from one foot to another to remove the heavy boots he preferred for long hours in the studio, then his socks. He pushed all of it away and placed his hands on his jeans.

  “How do you know I’m thinking about something?”

  “You get a little wrinkle right between your eyebrows,” Wyatt said and pointed to his face to show Keegan.

  Keegan let out a disgruntled sigh. He did the hopping dance to remove his socks—’cause socks in bed while having sex were so uncool in his mind. He rested his hands on his jeans and groaned.

  “What now?”

  “Hairy.”

  Wyatt laughed. Hard. So hard he fell back on the bed, chortling with pleasure at Keegan’s discomfort.

  Keegan stalked to the bed and kicked Wyatt’s shin with his bare foot. “Ow…” He hopped to check his poor toes. He missed Wyatt’s quicksilver movement and collapsed on the bed. The maneuver caused him to splay across Wyatt’s body. All breath left him. His glasses went
askew on his face. “What the hell?”

  Wyatt tilted the glasses back in place across his nose. “You’re too damn adorable sometimes and you don’t even know what you’re doing.” He embraced Keegan and rocked them. He curled his head forward to nuzzle Keegan’s cheek and neck, making him wiggle. The scratchy growth gave him beard-burn.

  Wyatt rolled them around until Keegan was on his back. He pushed up to his knees, undid his jeans, then shifted to the side to wiggle and pull out of them. The movement revealed he wasn’t commando but wore blue briefs. There was a damp spot along the length of his thick erection. Wyatt cupped his fingers around his balls and slid them up along the shaft.

  Keegan licked his lips at the sight of the shiny damp head of Wyatt’s cock slip out of the brief’s waistband. Wyatt tapped Keegan’s hips in a silent order to lift them after taking care of the button and zipper. He let Wyatt pull both his jeans and long briefs down his legs then tossed them aside.

  Wyatt crawled back up the bed, trailing his fingers through the body fur covering Wyatt’s thighs and around his cock and balls. “I like natural fur on my man,” he said, his voice almost a purr. He bent over to capture and kiss Keegan. He reached over to the closest nightstand and located the lube. With a few pumps to keep things slick, he nudged the bottle away. Wyatt created a tunnel with his fingers around Keegan’s cock.

  Keegan pumped his cock through the tunnel. “More.”

  Wyatt released Keegan’s cock and circled his hand around his own interested dick to spread more slick. He rubbed his hand on a section of the sheet so his grip wouldn’t slip everywhere. Then he lifted his leg to rest his thigh across Keegan’s legs. After tilting forward, he kissed Keegan while drawing his hand down Keegan’s neck and shoulders to play with Keegan’s nipples. He plucked and pinched them. Keegan moaned underneath the sensation. He shifted his hips to rub his thigh along Keegan’s cock. At the same time, he continued to lick and nip along Keegan’s jaw and neck.

  Keegan curled toward Wyatt, moaned and grabbed at Wyatt’s knee to create additional pressure. “More… Please.”

  Wyatt spread Keegan’s thighs wide and rolled to cover his body. He lifted his hips and shifted to align their cocks between their bellies and hips. While he pushed up on his arms, keeping their chests apart, the position brought their hips closer. He ground and rolled the bottoms of their cocks and balls together.