Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

“No. I want to see the fair.” Bernie had a mulish look on his face. He pushed past Tomas and went to another booth.

  Tomas rubbed his finger down the bridge of his nose.

  “He’s cranky due to lack of sleep. Be understanding,” Tomas said to himself as he went after him.

  As they went around the fair, Tomas kept repeating the words silently. Bernie was sullen and uncommunicative. The fun day Tomas had planned wasn’t turning out like he expected.

  After a few hours, he abruptly said, “Let’s go.”

  He didn’t wait for a response, just walked back the way they had come. Passing Harper and Kenton, he waved and kept going. When they were past the fair, he rolled his shoulders. He glanced at Bernie. He had his hands in his pockets and was slightly hunched. As they reached Bernie’s condo, Tomas stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. Bernie flinched. Tomas withdrew his hand.

  “What’s wrong? You didn’t like the fair?” Tomas wondered if it was more than being tired.

  “I’m fine. The fair was fine.”

  Hearing that, Tomas gritted his teeth, then spit out, “Stop with this ‘fine’ shit. All you said all day is ‘fine’. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” Bernie said in that sullen tone.

  “And now the nothing,” Tomas blew out.

  “Let’s just go to poker,” Bernie snapped.

  Tomas backed off, knowing if he said anything else, they would fight. “Fine for now. I’m going to give you until we get back to your condo later to decide to tell me what’s wrong. Christ, I thought you were difficult before, but, man, are you moody.”

  He sighed, squeezing along the bridge of his nose.

  “Moody? Mister growly ass,” Bernie spat.

  “At least I own up to it. I’ll see you at poker.” Tomas lowered his hand.

  “You’re not taking me?” Bernie sputtered.

  “You can drive yourself.”

  Tomas went to his truck, got in, and drove away. “Man, I’m never going to wake him up in the middle of the night again.” He shook his head. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. Bernie being so snappish was so different from his usual personality. He had to be really tired. Tomas’s thoughts flashed to the way Bernie reacted when he asked about his tattoo. There was something Bernie wasn’t telling him. And it had to do with what the tattoo represented to him. The letters represent me and those I care about. He heard Bernie’s voice again. The emotion behind his statement had been raw and painful.

  Who is it you care so much about, Bernie? He wouldn’t ask again. He would wait for Bernie to tell him when he was ready. He pulled into his driveway. Getting out, Tomas went up the walk to his house. The house was modeled after their childhood home, which Miguel lived in. He noted his flowers needed watering.

  Maybe I should bring Bernie here after the game. His cock went hard at the thought of Bernie in his bed. He went into his house much calmer.

  THROUGHOUT THE day, Bernie’s thoughts were consumed with the way Tomas wanted to hide him. Like a dirty secret. As they’d walked home from the fair, Bernie only answered briefly. When they reached his condo, Tomas had stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

  “What’s wrong? You didn’t like the fair. And don’t say that ‘fine’ shit again. All you said all day is ‘fine’.” Tomas sounded exasperated.

  “Let’s just go to poker,” Bernie snapped.

  “Christ, I thought you were difficult before, but, man, are you moody.” Tomas sighed, rubbing his fingers along the bridge of his nose.

  “Moody? Mister growly ass,” Bernie gritted out.

  “At least I own up to it. I’ll see you at poker,” Tomas said.

  “You’re not taking me?” Bernie gaped.

  “You can drive yourself,” Tomas said, walking to his truck.

  He got in and drove away. Bernie stood in the drive, mouth open. His eyes narrowed, and then he stomped to his car.

  “Probably his way of not letting anyone know about us. Well, that is fine. Asshole.” He got in and slammed the door.

  Backing out, he drove to Robert and Miguel’s. He turned off the SUV and sat for a moment. Getting out, he went into the house. He greeted the guys as he headed for the table. Sitting between Alex and Robert, he watched as they played.

  “Where’s Tomas?” Robert asked absently.

  “No clue,” Bernie snapped.

  Alex studied him. “What’s wrong with you?”

  Bernie glanced away, not saying anything. Alex reached over and turned Bernie’s face to his. His pale gray eyes were intent. Bernie pulled his face away.

  “What going on, Bernie?” Alex demanded.

  “Nothing is—”

  Tomas’s jovial voice cut him off. “So, whose money am I winning today?”

  Bernie stiffened. Alex looked to Tomas and then back to Bernie. The wicked gleam Bernie knew so well filled his eyes. Bernie stood quickly. The table shook, and everyone grabbed their bottles.

  “Sorry,” Bernie mumbled, turning away.

  He hurried toward the kitchen. A hand grabbed his arm. He gasped as he was pulled against a hard body. Startled, he raised his eyes to Tomas’s.

  “Honey, what am I going to do with you?” Tomas said.

  He lowered his head and kissed him. His soft lips moved against Bernie’s. Tomas licked along his lips and Bernie opened for him. He kissed him deeply. Sound faded as he gave himself over to Tomas. Bernie sagged against him. Tomas withdrew, licking his lips slowly. The whooping and hollering in the room registered.

  “I thought you didn’t want them to know,” Bernie whispered.

  “Until we could tell them together. If Harper had told them before, they would have interrupted our fun at the fair. Although it seems as if it wasn’t all that fun for you.” Tomas’s smile was wry.

  “I did have fun, but—” He bit his lip.

  “But what?” Tomas said.

  “Nothing. It was fun.” Bernie smiled cheerfully.

  “Boy, is that a false grin. What were you about to say, Bernie?” Tomas’s tone demanded an answer.

  “Yes. Do tell, Bernie. When did this happen?” Alejandro asked, sounding amused.

  “Saturday.” Bernie glared at him.

  He and Miguel were blatantly listening to their conversation. Alejandro frowned.

  “Ramirez won again. That lucky bastard,” Miguel said.

  “He’s gonna gloat about it,” Hector griped.

  Bernie turned his stare on Hector. Hector batted his eyes and blew him a kiss.

  “Behave.” Simon smacked Hector on the arm.

  “Now what fun would that be?” Hector pulled Simon against his side, nuzzling his neck.

  “So, Bernie. You’ve joined the need-a-room club.” Malik smirked, rocking back on his heels.

  “Come on.” Tomas gripped Bernie’s hand and led him to the kitchen, then out to the back deck.

  Tomas led him to the rail, away from the window. He crowded Bernie into the corner then leaned against the wall.

  “Talk.”

  “It’s n—”

  “And don’t say nothing,” Tomas warned.

  Bernie crossed his arms over his chest. He pursed his lips and moved his mouth around.

  “Trying to distract me by being cute won’t work.” Tomas bit his bottom lip.

  “I’m not cute.”

  “You are. And sexy,” Tomas said softly.

  Bernie smiled, a warm feeling filling him. His smile faded as Tomas continued.

  “And prickly. Moody and stubborn. C—”

  He put his finger over Tomas’s lips. “You could have stopped after sexy.”

  Tomas kissed his finger, removing it from his lips. “True, but then you wouldn’t know all the things I find I enjoy about you.”

  “Only you would find prickly, moody, and stubborn enjoyable.”

  “It works for me. Talk to me,” Tomas said.

  Bernie took a breath and said, “I thought when you told Harper not to tell anyone that you wanted to
keep us a secret. That you were ashamed of me.”

  He lowered his eyes. Tomas raised his chin.

  “I’d never be ashamed of you.”

  “I know it was stupid,” Bernie whispered.

  “I mean it when I say I want to see where this takes us. Look at me, Bernie.”

  Bernie followed his request. Tomas’s brown eyes were warm and intense. He pulled Bernie into his arms.

  “I already know what I want. I want you.” Tomas’s voice lowered. “I love you, Bernie.”

  Bernie gulped, then said shakily, “You can’t. We just got together.”

  Tomas scoffed. “Sexually. But we’ve been practically dating for over a year. By the Rodriguez family standards, we should already be married and living with each other. We’re moving the slow route.”

  Tomas winked. Bernie laughed, and then leaned his head against his chest.

  “We don’t even know each other. There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

  “I’m looking forward to finding out,” Tomas assured him.

  Bernie studied him. There was a surety in his face.

  “I can’t say it back. I don’t know if I ever can,” Bernie admitted.

  “You will. I’m patient and can wait until you can.” He used that same sure tone.

  “You and patience don’t go together.” Bernie pursed his lip.

  “True. How about, I’ll try to be patient. And you try to believe me when I say something,” Tomas said.

  Bernie ran his teeth over his bottom lip, then said, “I’ll try.” He put his fingers over Tomas’s lips when he opened his mouth. “And if I doubt something, I’ll talk to you.”

  “Christ, do we have to talk about our feelings and shit?” Tomas mumbled under his fingers.

  “Yep. That’s what a relationship is all about. And that’s what we’re having.” Bernie removed his finger and hugged him, laughing.

  Contentment filled him. They were in a relationship.

  “For you, kid, I’ll talk feelings and crap.” Tomas sounded put-upon.

  “Not a kid.”

  “Habit, honey. Te amo.” Tomas’s voice was hoarse and deep.

  Bernie recognized the Spanish phrase for “I love you.” He had heard it used among the Rodriguez clan. It spoke of the deep love they had for each other. He knew it was Tomas’s way of showing him how serious he was.

  “Why’d you wait to tell me this when we’re in your brother’s house?” Bernie groaned, grinding his hips against Tomas’s.

  “Must be crazy. I’ll rectify that.” Tomas cupped his ass, pulling him against his jeans-clad cock.

  Bernie whimpered. Tomas shifted and lifted him up, putting him over his shoulder. Bernie flailed.

  “Whoa. Be still. Don’t want you to fall.” Tomas kept a steady hold on him and strode around the side of the house.

  “Tomas, where are you taking me?” Bernie grunted.

  “Home,” Tomas said.

  “What about the game?”

  “Screw the game. I want you.”

  “I want you too. But I can walk,” Bernie pointed out.

  “Not fast enough,” Tomas said.

  “Tomas! What are you doing to Bernie?” Miguel called.

  “Let Robert explain it to you,” Alex said, laughing.

  “Alex,” Robert hissed.

  “What? If he has to ask, then you’re doing something wrong,” Alex said.

  The men hooted.

  Bernie heard the sound of a door opening. Tomas put him on the seat and buckled him in. Bernie looked out the truck window. The poker crew was all standing on the porch, watching them. Bernie lowered his head, blushing furiously. Tomas ignored them and got in the Avalanche. He started the truck. A knock on the window caught Bernie’s attention. Alex was smiling at him. He lowered the glass. Alex leaned into the window.

  “Since Bernie doesn’t have a brother, I’m taking on that role. Treat him right, Tomas, or you’ll answer to me.” Alex’s tone was hard.

  Bernie looked at him in surprise. Alex’s face matched his tone.

  “I plan on treating him right,” Tomas replied.

  “Good.” Alex nodded.

  He stepped back. Bernie clutched Alex’s arm. Alex smiled at him gently and patted his hand. Bernie squeezed his arm, then let go. Alex loped back to the rest of the men. Tomas pulled out. Bernie bit his lip.

  You should tell them.

  The truck stopping caught his attention. Tomas got out and came quickly to his side. He opened the door and yanked him out. Bernie ran to keep up with his quick strides. Tomas impatiently searched his pockets and took out his key. He unlocked the door and jerked Bernie inside. Tomas hustled him to the bedroom. He undressed him, his hands seeming to be all over him. Bernie laughed breathlessly. Tomas pushed him back onto the bed, then stripped off his clothes. Bernie licked his lips as each piece of clothing came off that delectable butterscotch skin. Tomas leaned over and kissed him. Bernie scrambled backward until his head touched the pillow. Tomas moved away briefly, then came back.

  Tomas lifted Bernie’s legs, and slick fingers rubbed along his crease. Bernie arched into them as Tomas readied him with efficient fingers. Tomas moved back, and then a sheathed, blunt head pushed against Bernie’s hole. Bernie spread, gripping Tomas’s back, and Tomas’s muscles flexed under his fingers. Tomas pushed in; Bernie gasped at the first penetration of Tomas’s hard cock. Tomas moved in slow, measured strokes. Moaning, Bernie clamped his legs around Tomas’s hips. He moved his hands down Tomas’s back to his ass. Jerking, he pulled Tomas deeper. Tomas kept up his rhythm, not increasing. Bernie thrashed his head on the pillow.

  “Just like this, honey.” Tomas’s voice seemed to vibrate through him.

  Tomas changed the angle of his thrust. With each glide of his cock, the head of his shaft rubbed against the sensitive bunch of nerves. Bernie’s balls drew up, and his cock belched out pre-cum. He whimpered.

  “Te amo, Bernie,” Tomas grunted.

  Bernie groaned loudly as his cock pulsed with his release. He clenched around Tomas, who roared as he came with Bernie. Tomas stroked in and out, and then he collapsed against Bernie. Bernie breathed harshly while Tomas’s chest heaved. He flopped onto the bed beside Bernie. Bernie removed the condom from Tomas’s soft shaft, tied it off, and threw it in the wastebasket by the bed. Bernie snuggled against him, stroking along his chest. Tomas laced his fingers with Bernie’s, raising them to his lips. He kissed them, then put them back on his chest. Bernie pulled the covers over them.

  “You’re a special man, Tomas Rodriguez.”

  “Back at you, kid.”

  Bernie poked him in the side. “Not a kid.”

  “Habit, honey. No poking, except the pleasurable kind.” Tomas laughed, tickling Bernie.

  Laughing, Bernie tried to get away. Tomas held him effortlessly, pinning him to the bed.

  BERNIE FROWNED as they bypassed Bacchus Sloan. He looked at Tomas, who was driving.

  “I thought we were going dancing.”

  “We are, but we have to go to the hospital first.”

  “Why? Is someone sick?”

  “Nope. We’re getting tested. Want to do away with the rubbers.”

  Bernie worried his lip. It was a big step. They had only been sleeping together for a little over a week.

  “Talk to me, kid.”

  “Not a kid.” It lacked its usual fire.

  “Habit, honey. If you don’t want to get tested, we don’t have to,” Tomas offered.

  Bernie glanced at him. Tomas looked calm and unaffected, but Bernie looked at the flexing of his jaw. It was working, which meant Tomas was biting the inside of his cheek. He did that when he acted like something didn’t bother him. Bernie was startled as he realized he knew such a thing. He smiled. Even if he didn’t consciously realize it, he had been studying Tomas’s mannerisms. As Tomas pointed out, he did know lots of things about this complex man. Tomas might come across as a bossy asshole, but he was anything but. The decision after t
hat was obvious.

  “I’ll hold your hand, since you’re afraid of needles,” Bernie said.

  “Fine. And I’ll make sure you don’t pass out at the sight of blood.” Tomas smirked.

  Bernie stuck out his tongue. Tomas laughed and pulled into the hospital parking lot. They got out and went in. In moments, they were in the elevator. When it got to the correct floor, Tomas guided him out. Bernie rolled his eyes when he saw the name on the office door. Tomas opened it, and his steps stalled.

  “Are you ready?” Alejandro brandished an extremely large needle.

  “Umm…,” Tomas said, releasing Bernie and backing up.

  “Stop frightening Tomas, Alejandro. Come on, Tomas.” Bernie stifled a smile, taking his hand.

  Tomas resisted as Bernie tried to urge him forward. Bernie scowled at Alejandro.

  “Fine.” Alejandro pouted and put down the needle.

  Tomas was stiff as Bernie led him to a chair in front of the desk.

  “I’m doing this here so the big baby’s rep doesn’t get damaged. Not like everyone doesn’t know he’s a chicken around needles,” Alejandro said dryly.

  “Just get on with it,” Tomas gritted out, sitting stiffly.

  Bernie sat in the chair next to him, holding his hand. Alejandro got down to business and took the sample. Bernie turned Tomas’s face to look at him, and he held his hand and his gaze. Tomas’s grip was tight on his as Alejandro touched Bernie’s arm. He looked. Tomas turned Bernie to look at him.

  “Eyes on me, kid,” Tomas said.

  “Not a kid,” he growled.

  “Habit.” Tomas kissed him.

  Bernie hummed.

  “I’ll take these to the lab. You’ll have results in a few days. I’ve gotta get to surgery. No fucking in my office,” Alejandro said.

  Bernie glanced at him, blushing. Alejandro laughed and squeezed his shoulder.

  “I’m not worried you would. It’s this Neanderthal who might influence you.” Alejandro smacked Tomas across the back of the head.

  Tomas swatted at him. Alejandro moved away and left.

  “You sure have them fooled. I wonder what they would think if they knew you were a wildcat in bed,” Tomas mused.

  “You can’t tell them,” Bernie said, gasping.

  “What’ll you give me so I won’t?” Tomas’s grin was evil.