Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

  “Put me down for here and here.” Gerald tapped his finger on a date and moved in together.

  “That’s a sucker’s bet. You all just started dating,” Tomas said.

  “Says the man who decided to go after Bernie and then ended up living with him a few months later.”

  The other men in the kitchen started muttering their agreements.

  “You’re not me. And I say you won’t be living with Bur by this date.” Tomas pointed to the date on the paper.

  “We shall see,” Gerald stated.

  “I’m going to enjoy rubbing your nose in it when I win,” Tomas said.

  “You can’t fight my good luck. I’m on a winning streak. When I sit in the chair watching the TV, I think fondly of all of you.” Gerald made a dreamy expression then smirked. “I have to figure out what I’m going to buy with my new winnings.”

  Heckling and jeering, the men made obscene gestures. Gerald retrieved a beer, absently listening as various men made their bet.

  BUR STARED after Gerald as he swaggered into the kitchen.

  “He doesn’t even have a clue,” Alex said.

  “About?” He focused on the men around him.

  “Destinations, the bar we took him to, is a classy place. Lots of attractive men go there. A lot of couples frequent there too. Single guys go there when they’re looking for something beyond a warm body. If Ramirez had given any of the guys that night a glance, they would have approached him. But I don’t think he even saw them checking him out. From the time we got there, I spotted quite a few men who couldn’t take their eyes off him,” Alex said.

  Bur could empathize. He had the same problem. Gerald returned. He handed Bur a beer, then joined the other men across the room. Bur noted it was the brand he preferred.

  “He sounded like he had fun. We’ll have to make plans to go there.” He raised the bottle to his lips.

  The men talked about going back to Destinations and started making plans for it. Bur watched Gerald as he conversed with Longoria. Gerald looked at him and winked. Bur shook his head. Gerald was a confounding mix of arrogance, gentleness, and refreshing bluntness. When he thought he had him figured out, Gerald did something to make him realize he wasn’t as he expected.

  “Give us details about you and Bur dating.”

  Someone Bur couldn’t see from where he stood, spoke. He didn’t recognize the voice. Bur leaned back against the wall, waiting for the tale. Gerald was funny when he told them stories about his dates.

  “We went to Finley’s. Bur—”

  “That was you? Crap. I missed the live performance. But the message boards said it was an impersonator,” Simon Harris said.

  “They also said I was in Budapest. But here I am,” Bur said.

  Ramsey had come through, and the media believed he was still overseas. If he didn’t do anything else to garner attention, it would die down.

  “He was fabulous.”

  Bur glanced at Gerald, surprised. He was further shocked as Gerald broke down his performance without any joking. Gerald didn’t just stop there; he even tried to sing some of the lyric. Bur winced at the horrible rendition of his song.

  “Stop abusing my song.”

  “You wrote that one,” Simon said.

  Bur nodded. Gerald looked surprised.

  “Cal or I wrote all our music.” Bur debated internally a moment, then said, “I could sing it for you all, but promise me no one will post it to any Internet site.”

  “You shouldn’t even think anyone would do that.” Gerald’s reprimand was gentle.

  Bur thought about the men he had come to know and conceded, “You’re right, Gerald. I trust you guys.”

  “Did you all hear that? He said I was right. Quick, tape it. I want to have it for proof,” Gerald said.

  Bur strolled over to him. He poked him in the stomach.

  “You’re so funny,” Bur said.

  He faced the men again. “Do you all have a camera so you can record it for Simon?”

  He winked at Simon. He’d gotten to know him, and although he was a fan of his music, he’d never asked him to sing for him. Just like he hadn’t asked Simon to repeat some of his favorite lines from movies Simon had starred in. Miguel left and came back with a camcorder. Gerald stood next to Miguel. When Miguel was ready, Bur, as he had the night before, locked gazes with Gerald. He opened his mouth and hit the high note he was known for. He held it, watching Gerald. Bur let the music flow through him. Although they had never released to the public any a cappella songs, they had written a few that could be performed that way. “Ground Swell,” one of their biggest hits, was one. Bur embraced the words, letting them flow out of him. As the ballad rose, he swayed with it. At the last note, he opened his arms and belted it out, making it trill up, then down, and holding it. He breathed out, going silent. The men in the room stared at him. Then they applauded wildly.

  “Hey, I want a copy of the performance too. Why does only Simon get one?” Tomas said.

  Simon rose and snatched the camera from Miguel. He backed away with it.

  “I’ll make anyone who wants copies, but no one is getting this. Knowing some of you”—Simon pointed at various men—“you’d erase it without realizing it.”

  The men protested. They argued with Simon. He was insistent that he wasn’t giving it up. Hector, his partner, had to put himself between the men and Simon. Bur watched their antics and missed his bandmates. He felt a hand slide around his waist.

  “That was even better than last night.” Gerald kissed him.

  “Thanks.” Bur glanced back to where Simon was surrounded. He raised his voice to be heard over the men. “Simon, the rest of my bandmates are moving to Mapson.”

  “TrebleBur is moving here? Hector, we need to become a threesome. I have a shot at getting near Calhoun Buchanan.”

  Hector glared at Bur. “Bur, why? I thought you liked me. He’s obsessed with this guitar player.”

  “You’re on your own with that one.” Bur chuckled.

  “Come on, Hector. Think about it: a sexy Scotsman in our bed.”

  “I have enough trouble with you. And don’t forget, if there is anyone in our bed, it works both ways,” Hector retorted.

  Simon scowled and grabbed Hector, hands in his shirt. “I don’t fucking share you.”

  “There’s my Sim. Ditto.” Hector smiled, pleased.

  “Damn it. I hate when you’re right. Okay, just one kiss. A peck,” Simon said.

  “Humph. No tongue,” Hector said.

  “You’re missing out, Simon. He’s really good with his tongue.” Bur laughed.

  “Bastard,” Simon said.

  Hector rolled his eyes. The other men in the room laughed.

  Bur couldn’t wait to see Calhoun’s and Simon’s faces when they met.

  “Who’s this Calhoun? How would you know anything about his tongue?” Gerald growled.

  Bur glanced at him, surprised. His gaze was narrow and jaw clenched.

  “My bandmate. We used to date a long time ago. But you know this already. You mentioned you’ve checked us out.”

  “I listened to a few of your songs. Found a few articles, but none I read said you fucked someone else in TrebleBur.”

  “That was years ago.”

  “He’s moving here. I’m going to have to see this jerkoff you fucked.”

  “We’re friends. Aren’t you friends with any of your exes?”

  “But that’s different,” he sputtered.

  “Why? Because they’re women and Cal is a man? Or is it that I’m gay, and you therefore think I’m a slut? Assumptions about gay men again, Gerald. Did you go visit the places I sent you?”

  “I did. And I’m not saying this because I think you’re a slut, or even because you’re gay. I—” He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck, then lowered it. “I was wrong.”

  “Wait. Say that again. I didn’t hear you.” Bur put his hand by his ear.

  Gerald pulled down his hand. “Stop i
t. I’m not saying it again.”

  “I still haven’t heard an apology,” Bur said.

  “Not in my way. I don’t apologize often,” Gerald said.

  Bur blinked. “You don’t.”

  “He doesn’t,” various voices around the room said.

  Bur glanced at the men, realizing they were the center of attention, then focused on Gerald, who shrugged. Bur moved closer to him, lowering his voice.

  “Did you really go to the sites I sent?”

  “Yes. And it was informative. But I have a bone to pick with you. None of them covered sex.” Gerald matched his tone.

  “That I’ll teach you personally,” Bur said.

  “Humph. You have a better hang of it than I do. But I need some pointers.” Gerald raised his voice. “Hey, guys. While we play, tell me some porn sites. Come on. I need to win some money.” He kissed Bur and went to join the other men.

  Bur shook his head. Gerald’s quicksilver changes were making him dizzy.

  “He couldn’t have possibly been jealous,” Bur whispered.

  “Why not?” Harper asked.

  Bur turned, not realizing he was close by. “We’re… he’s—”

  Harper cut him off. “Watching you try to figure Gerald out is going to be amusing.”

  Bur watched Gerald talking as the first set of players sat at the table. “I don’t think there is any figuring him out.”

  “Wow. That was quick. Just accept he’s Gerald, and enjoy being with him.” Harper touched his shoulder and moved closer to the table.

  Bur continued to study Gerald, then joined the others. He stopped behind Gerald and looked at his hand.

  “Too bad,” Bur said.

  The other men started putting more money on the pile. Gerald went in. Miguel called the hand. They showed their cards. They stared at Gerald’s, then glared at Bur.

  “What? Good money means better dates.” He chuckled.

  Gerald put his hand palm up on his shoulder. Bur smacked his against Gerald’s.

  “Shit. Them joining forces is so bad. We’re gonna lose lots of money,” Tomas moaned.

  Gerald turned his head and winked, then focused on Tomas. “You are so in for it, buddy. With Bur by my side, you’re in for it. Stop your whining. It’s good for you to lose for a change.”

  Bur agreed with him. Them being side by side seemed like a good idea to him.

  “I’VE GOT this, Gerald,” Bur growled.

  Gerald still pulled out his wallet as the line moved toward the cashier.

  “Gerald,” he said warningly.

  “You can get the next one,” he replied.

  It was the same refrain Gerald had used for almost three weeks. Every time they went out, just them or as a group, he insisted on paying. He kept telling Gerald he had money, but Gerald didn’t listen. Bur didn’t comment again. When it was their turn at the cashier, he stepped past Gerald.

  “Bur—”

  “I already bought tickets online.” Bur handed them to the cashier.

  Gerald frowned. Bur was pleased he’d outsmarted Gerald. They passed through.

  “You shouldn’t have done that,” Gerald protested.

  “I’m paying for everything for this date. No more protests. Enjoy it,” Bur said.

  Gerald didn’t respond as they strolled through the museum. Soon, they were discussing the various exhibits, especially their favorites. The lively discussion continued long after they left and headed to an early dinner. When they entered Destinations, the bar Gerald had mentioned before, Bur noted the pool table and darts. He also saw some of the men’s attention on them. They sat at a booth and ordered. Their conversation continued easily. After they ate their meal, which was delicious, they went and joined in a game of pool. At Gerald’s turn, Bur watched his ass as he bent over, taking his shot. He was already semi-erect, as was a regular occurrence around Gerald. With the view of what Gerald called his best feature, Bur’s cock went hard. He gripped the pool stick.

  How does his ass look naked?

  Bur tapped the cue on the floor. Although they had been spending a lot of time together, shared many kisses and touches, they still hadn’t gone to the one place he really wanted to be—a flat surface. Heck, he’d settle for a hand job or something. Gerald was very tactile, touching him often, but he hadn’t gone any further. Bur could have pushed for more, but he hadn’t. He had no clue as to why. Gerald’s shot cleared the table. The men around them heckled him. Gerald straightened. Bur noted that his gaze hadn’t been the only one on Gerald’s ass. Gerald moved toward the men they had been playing with and, from his manner, Bur could tell he was joking, although he was too far away to hear what he said. Bur observed the man who approached Gerald from the left. The man put his hand on his back and leaned in to say something. Gerald listened, but moved away from the touch. Bur raised his beer to his lips, covering his smile.

  Gerald didn’t appreciate when a stranger touched him, even casually. He counted off in his head, watching the group of men. Before he could reach six, Gerald was making his way to him. Gerald leaned on the wall next to where he sat on a stool. He picked up his beer and sipped.

  “Is it okay if we spend Valentine’s Day at my house? We can watch movies. We’ll have to order dinner in, since I don’t really cook dinner well. I’ll make something for dessert.”

  “You bake?”

  “Yeah. Mom taught me. Said since I have a sweet tooth, I better know how to make stuff for myself. I like it. It relaxes me,” Gerald replied.

  “I only bake when I’m upset. How about, instead of ordering in, I’ll cook something.”

  “Making a meal together. That sounds like a plan. But come by early in the morning. I’ll make you breakfast.”

  Or I could spend the night and be there for breakfast. “Sure.”

  “We’ll do sandwiches for lunch. Give me the list of what you need to make dinner, and I’ll get it from the store.”

  “I’ll get what I need,” Bur said.

  Gerald frowned. “I can—”

  “Valentine’s Day is next week. Tuesday, if I’m not mistaken. Don’t you work that day?”

  “I switched shifts,” Gerald replied as he averted his face.

  Bur figured it was because he wanted them to be together on that day. He pushed his shoulder against Gerald’s side.

  “Are you ready to go?” Bur asked.

  “Yep.” Gerald drained his beer.

  “Okay. I’ll be right back.” Bur got off the stool.

  He strode out of the back room and into the main part of the bar. Bur made his way to the bar to pay the bill. When the bartender noticed him, he gave him the ticket they had gotten with their meal. The man went to the register to check. He returned with a bill folder with their check, putting it on the bar. The bartender went to serve another customer. Bur pulled out his wallet, opening the bill. He frowned as he saw the credit card receipt. The bartender came back.

  “You only need to sign it.”

  “It wasn’t my card. He’s in the pool room. Send someone and ask for Ramirez,” Bur stated.

  He slid the folder back to the bartender, then put his wallet away, turned on his heels, and headed for the door. Bur pulled out his cell and scrolled through the numbers, dialing the car service he frequently used. They were discreet and efficient. Within five minutes, they were there. Bur got in.

  “Bur!” Gerald called.

  He closed the door, and the driver pulled out. Bur kept his head straight. He clenched and unclenched his fist on the way to Harper’s. The fifteen minutes it took didn’t calm him one bit. At the house, he got out. Bur strode up the walk. The sound of a vehicle came to a screeching halt behind him.

  “Bur, what the hell?” Gerald asked.

  He went up the steps, unlocked the door, and slammed it behind him. Bur walked across the entryway to the stairs. The door opened behind him.

  “Bur. You left—”

  “Shut the fuck up.” He turned, the fury bubbling up. “I told y
ou I was paying tonight. But you had to go behind my back and pay anyway. I’m tired of it. I’m not the fucking girl. Hell, even if I was one, these days women can and do pay on dates when they go out.”

  “I don’t see you as the girl. But you don’t have much money—”

  “For fuck’s sake, Gerald. I have money. Do you want to see my bank statement? Is that what I have to do to prove it to you?”

  “No. I don’t want to see it. But I pay because I want to show you I’m serious about us.”

  “If you’re serious, then let me pay for shit too. How would you feel if I was paying for everything?”

  Gerald frowned. “I wouldn’t like it.

  “Exactly. And we both know why. It would be a blow to your pride. Why do you think it’s so different for me? Let me pay too!” Bur roared.

  “Okay. I get it.” Gerald approached him.

  Bur eyed him, frowning. Gerald slid his arms around his waist.

  “I’ll let you pay too.” Gerald leaned down. “You do know seeing you in a temper is a turn-on.”

  “Then do something about it,” Bur stated.

  Gerald leaned down and kissed him. He sucked Bur’s tongue aggressively and pulled him against his body. Bur gripped his shoulders, rubbing against him. Gerald pulled back, breathing out. He released Bur and tweaked his nose.

  “You’re addictive. I still want ice cream from the Flavor Shoppe as we planned. And you’re paying.” Gerald strode to the door.

  Bur stared at his ass. He really wanted to see it naked.

  GERALD OPENED the door to Bur’s knock. He reached for the bags, and Bur handed them to him.

  “Got more in the car.” Bur turned and went back to his vehicle.

  Gerald took the bags to his kitchen, placed them on the island, then went back to the door. Bur was already returning holding two boxes, a larger one and a small one on top. Gerald took the smaller one and stepped back.

  Bur passed him, then paused. “Kitchen?”

  “Oh, this way.” Gerald led the way.

  He placed the box on the island next to the bags. Bur put his down. He then turned to Gerald and kissed him. Gerald returned it. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something move. He continued to kiss Bur. And it did again. He pulled away from Bur and stared at the small box.