“I’ll show you. Have a few other recipes I can show you too. We can cook together.” Tomas took Bernie’s hand and placed it back on his thigh, holding it.
“I met Kenton at 2H Book Nook the other day. He mentioned that you have a sweet tooth.”
“Ah. That’s how you ended up with Harper. His bookstore is nice, isn’t it? I remember when Provenza asked Kenton to actually follow his passion of cooking and run the café. Kenton refused. We had to convince him he was good enough. His pastries and sandwiches he serves are delicious.”
“I had the caramel sticky bun. They loaded me down with some of the pastries. I had the cheesecake and some other things, but gave the rest to Alex. Couldn’t keep them in the house or I would eat them all. They were all so good. Kenton mentioned that you and he grew up together.”
“Yeah. We did. Mami taught all of the kids in the family to cook, which, in her eyes, included Karl and Kenton. Kenton took to it. He was the reason I got so interested in cooking. We used to challenge each other to see who could make a better meal. After we got into it, Mami would let us have our own version of Iron Chef. The family loved it, getting so many different meals and desserts. You didn’t get to meet him before Karl died.” Tomas cleared his throat, then continued. “At the funeral, Kenton… well, he was as much of a mess as Harper. Karl was his only blood relative left. He took it hard. Left to travel overseas for a few months. Had a cooking tour, learning about various cultures and their food. Harper was running the whole store himself. Kenton just got back a few weeks ago. We have plans for him to teach me some of the things he learned while away. He’s really knowledgeable when it comes to food. It wasn’t always like that, though. Man, I remember the time we tried fondue….”
Bernie enjoyed hearing about Tomas’s friends. There was fondness in his tone as he talked about Kenton. Raising his cup, he glanced in surprise at the stick of cinnamon in it. He took a sip of his tea, and it was sweetened the way he liked it. He realized Tomas had stopped speaking. Bernie glanced at him.
“What’s my favorite color?” Tomas asked.
Although confused, Bernie answered without hesitation. “Blue. Although you prefer dark blue.”
“Exactly. I know how you like your tea. Same as you know I prefer drinking juice, with cranberry as my favorite.” Tomas smiled softly.
Bernie was shocked he had noticed. When they grocery-shopped, Bernie always made sure to buy a variety of juices, especially various flavors of cranberry. He flushed, biting his lip. Tomas rubbed his finger over Bernie’s lips. Bernie lowered his eyes. Tomas put a hand under his chin and raised his head.
“You notice the little things about me, and I about you. We already know a lot about each other, but we need to learn to function beyond friends. That’s what I meant last night. Giving this thing between us a chance. Now, finish your breakfast so I can drive you to the university.”
Tomas stood and took his cup and plate to the sink. He put them in the dishwasher, cleaning up the pots he had used to make breakfast.
“I can drive myself,” Bernie said, eating.
“Your car is a death trap. You need a new one.”
“I like my car. It gets me where I’m going,” Bernie defended.
“With the amount of miles it has on it, and the way it looks, I’m surprised it’s still running.”
“RAV4 is a good car,” Bernie stated.
“Yeah, it is, and that’s probably why it still works. What year is it, anyway?” Tomas asked.
“It’s a 2001.”
“What? Really? Definitely need a new one,” Tomas said.
“I’ll get one, eventually. But the one I have is good for now,” Bernie said firmly.
Finished, he stood and joined Tomas. Tomas took his dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. Closing it, he turned to Bernie, pulling him into his arms.
“You need a new car.”
“You are not buying me a car,” Bernie said firmly.
“How did you know that’s what I was planning?” Tomas looked exasperated.
“As you mentioned, I know little things about you. And your need to mother-hen makes me know that’s what you’re thinking. So don’t do it,” he warned.
“I want you to be safe. Like locking the doors,” Tomas said.
“Okay. I’ll lock the door. But no new car. Deal?”
“Fine. For now.” Tomas sighed.
“Good. Now, I’m driving myself to work.” Bernie kissed him softly.
“Okay. Call me when you get there,” Tomas mumbled against his lips.
Bernie leaned away. “Why? I never did before. I’ll be fine.”
“We talked about this Saturday night. Bossy, possessive, stubborn, and aggressive. As for the mother-hen crack, I disagree with that. So call me.”
“If this bothered you so much, why didn’t you say so before?”
“Don’t I drive when we go out somewhere? As for your diving yourself to and from the university, I had to grit my teeth and accept it. That was before Saturday.” Tomas’s tone was intense.
“Okay, okay. I’ll call. Although I don’t think it’s at all necessary,” Bernie grumbled.
A warm feeling filled him at Tomas being overprotective. He wouldn’t dare tell Tomas that, of course.
“For my peace of mind.” Tomas rolled his eyes and kissed him.
Bernie chuckled. “Don’t want you to lose it more than you have.”
“You’re gonna pay for that later,” Tomas promised.
“I look forward to it.”
“Come on. We don’t want you to be late.” Tomas escorted him toward the door.
Tomas snagged Bernie’s biker bag, and they went to the front door. Exiting, he waited as Bernie locked the door. Tomas tested it. Bernie rolled his eyes. Tomas escorted him to the SUV. Bernie opened it, standing in the driver’s side doorway while Tomas pulled the back door open and put in his bag. Then Tomas closed the door and stepped up to him, kissing him thoroughly. Bernie gripped the top of the door, locking his knees. Tomas pressed against him, rubbing the front of his jeans-clad cock on Bernie’s before Tomas pulled back, then winked.
“To hold us until later. I’ll make dinner, so don’t cook. See ya later.” He stepped back and walked away.
Bernie blew out a breath. Licking his lips, he looked after Tomas. His firm ass flexed in his jeans.
“Stop ogling my ass and go to work, kid!” Tomas called.
“I’m not a kid!” Bernie called back.
Tomas turned, walking backward while replying, “It’s a habit, honey. I’ll work on it. Have a nice day.”
Tomas faced forward and went to his Avalanche, which was parked at the sidewalk in front of the condo. As Tomas got in, Bernie’s cell rang. Frowning, he pulled it out from the holder. Glancing at it, he looked back at Tomas’s truck.
Picking it up, Bernie said, “You could have just gotten out to talk to me.”
“I’m waiting for you to get in your car so I can follow you to work.” Tomas’s voice came over the line.
“That is not needed.”
“Get in the car, Bernie. I’m doing this.” Tomas sounded stubborn.
“Fine.” Bernie got in the car.
“Put in your Bluetooth so you have both hands on the wheel.”
“I don’t have one.”
“You don’t? Okay. I’ll speak to you after we get there.” Tomas hung up.
Bernie clicked off his phone. Starting the car, he listened to that familiar rattle and shake. Backing out of the driveway, he got on his way. As he drove, he saw Tomas in his rearview mirror. In short order, he was pulling into the university parking lot. Finding a space, he parked and got out. Grabbing his bag, he strode to Tomas’s truck, which was idling behind his SUV.
“Let me see your phone.” Tomas held out a hand.
Bernie frowned, giving it to him. Tomas studied it, then gave it back. Bernie reached for it. Tomas gripped his hand and pulled him close to the window. Taking the silent demand, Bernie lea
ned down and Tomas kissed him. Moaning, Bernie suckled his tongue. Tomas withdrew, a smirk on his lips.
“Go, learn, and educate the masses. See ya later.”
Bernie stepped back. Tomas honked his horn and drove away. Bernie touched his lips, staring after his truck. A horn sounded again, making him jump. He looked around. Spotting Robert’s vehicle, he jogged over.
“Hey, Bernie. I see you’re running late, like I am. Get in and ride with me to the lab,” Robert said.
Bernie went around the SUV and got in. He buckled in. Robert drove on.
“What happened to the Camry?” Bernie asked.
“Even though I told him not to, Miguel bought me a Highlander. He gave it to me when we went home after the poker game on Saturday. I couldn’t refuse it, since he claimed it was a pre-birthday and post-anniversary present. Damn stubborn man.” Robert flushed.
It was just like Miguel to give Robert a gift in such a way that he couldn’t refuse. Miguel and Robert’s one-year anniversary was more than two months ago, and Robert’s birthday was next month. Bernie chuckled, but sobered as he thought of Tomas. He hoped Tomas had listened and didn’t get him a car. Robert parked, and they got out. Bernie joined Robert at the hood of the SUV.
“Nice color,” Bernie said, touching the hood.
“It’s called Sizzling Crimson. Thank God it’s so dark. I couldn’t see myself in a bright red car,” Robert said as they walked toward the building.
“Even if it was a Corvette?”
“Well, maybe,” Robert said.
Bernie laughed. They went down the sidewalk and through the door. Robert stopped to talk with another professor while Bernie went on to the lab and started to work. Sitting on his stool, he shifted at the reminder of his vigorous weekend with Tomas.
“Bernie, are you okay? You were walking funny,” Robert said as he entered.
“I’m okay. Just had a busy weekend.” Bernie flushed, ducking his head.
“If you’re sure you’re okay.” Robert sounded unconvinced.
“I’m good.”
He bit his lip. Usually, he shared with Robert, but he wasn’t sure if Tomas wanted anyone to know. The sound of Robert’s steps walking away came to him. Getting back to work, Bernie focused on the experiment he was doing.
WHISTLING, Tomas drove toward the office. Pulling up to the gates, he punched his code and drove in when they opened. He drove toward the two-story Tudor-style house that was their office. The grounds around it were the best example of their work. The area around the office was divided into four sections. On each plot, a little away from the main office, were smaller houses in a similar style as the main office. Those housed the offices for each crew manager and their teams. They let the crews decide how to landscape their area. It was a great way to show their work, and had become a sense of pride for the crews. Each year, Tomas and Malik picked which crew had the most innovative landscape area. That crew then had free rein to implement their design around the main offices. Pulling into his space, Tomas turned off the truck and got out.
Spotting the sign on pillars in the front lawn that read “Rodbro Landscapers,” a sense of pride filled him. They had gone from barely scraping by to being a well-known company. Their contracts varied from residential to professional projects. Malik, Link, or Tomas drew up all landscaping plans that one of the four crews then implemented. Link was the boss over all the crews and assigned projects based on their strengths. Link also led one of the crews, which was made up of the best people they had. They could do anything. Malik and Tomas rotated among the crews, working with each one.
Punching a code next to the door, Tomas entered the house. The top floor had presentation and meeting rooms. The entire left side of the top floor also had what they were known for—a solarium. Each solarium they did was an oasis designed to the requester’s wants. It was very early, so Tomas had the office to himself. Sheldon, who was in charge of the front reception area and scheduling, would be in shortly. Tomas strode to the left, down the hall on the ground floor to his own office. Opening the door, he went inside and sat at his desk. He booted up his computer. Glancing around his spacious office, he wondered what Bernie would think of it. Bernie had never come to his office. He made a mental note to bring him by.
Unrolling his plans for the project he was working on with Link’s crew, Tomas frowned and made notes. A ping made him pull out his BlackBerry. Reading the message, he placed the phone on the desk. He made more notes.
“Are you ready? Didn’t you get my text?” Malik asked from the door.
“I got it, but why are both of us needed for this meeting? And why is the project Link’s crew is working on being reassigned?” Tomas asked.
He was surprised at the change. Neither he nor Malik liked changing crews on projects midstream. It wasn’t like this was that special a project—just a residential landscaping. Hell, they hadn’t even done the evaluation yet. He couldn’t understand why the change was made with no notice.
“It’s a special request from Jerrod,” Malik replied.
Tomas leaned back in the chair. At Malik’s words, he knew why. Jerrod Morgan was not only a good friend, but had given them their first major job. They had met Jerrod when he strolled into their offices eight years ago. Jerrod had been dressed casually, but from their first look at him, they knew he was somebody to be reckoned with. He had requested a meeting. Since they were so small and had no real clients, they had seen him right away. He had wanted to know how they handled residential jobs and had given them basics on what he liked. They didn’t usually give ideas without visiting the property, but Jerrod had insisted. Then he’d listened as they gave him general ideas. With his questions interrupting them, they realized he’d known all about their new business. His questions were probing, and he was sharp. Once he had finished interrogating them, he left as suddenly as he had come. They hadn’t known what to expect.
For months after, they didn’t hear a word. Then one day, Jerrod strolled back into their offices. That time he had dressed impeccably, in a suit they could tell was expensive. He had been accompanied by what seemed like an army of people. Before they knew it, he had hired them to redesign the grounds of his massive estate. While they did the job, they had become friends. Jerrod was hands-on with the design. He had even worked beside them, digging in the dirt. That had impressed them. Since then, they had worked on various projects for Jerrod. Hell, when Jerrod wasn’t traveling to one of his numerous business things, he even had an office there. They still weren’t sure how he had gotten office space at their business. Jerrod’s excuse, of course, was that they had stolen his right-hand man.
“Sheldon. I should have known he was the one who would reschedule everything for Jerrod. We should fire him,” Tomas growled.
“Then where would you be without me?” a modulated voice asked.
The voice matched the man. Sheldon came in, dressed impeccably, as usual, in what he considered casual wear—a soft-looking dark-green shirt with one button open at the neck and black slacks with a crisp crease down each leg. His black loafers shone. His pale-blond hair was precisely styled around an aristocratic face. Sheldon placed a cup on Tomas’s desk. He sat in the chair in front of the desk, holding his ever-present book—the book that kept them where they needed to be, and that he used to meet all their needs.
“You’re not going to butter me up with cranberry juice,” Tomas said.
“Would I do that?” Sheldon’s bright blue eyes were innocent.
“That look won’t work. Jerrod isn’t your boss anymore. We are.”
“Oh. I thought you were firing me.” Sheldon looked at his trim nails.
Tomas retorted, “We still can.”
It was an empty threat. Sheldon had taken over their offices right after they finished their first project with Jerrod. At the time, they had told him they couldn’t afford him. He had said, in his snotty tone, that once they could, they could pay him what he was worth. He wasn’t going to organize their pitif
ul business for money, but for the challenge. Tomas hadn’t liked the tone or words, and hadn’t wanted to hire him. Malik had convinced him to give Sheldon a chance. Tomas hadn’t regretted it for a moment. He would never admit that to Sheldon, or tell him he appreciated what he did for them. They both preferred to match wits. Or, in Tomas’s case, as Sheldon had said numerous times, he tried to keep up with what was above his intellect.
“Speak for yourself. I’ll pay him myself before we lose him,” Malik said, sitting in the other chair.
“See, that’s why I like you best,” Sheldon said, then he looked at Tomas. “Unlike some growly asses.” Sheldon looked down his nose at him.
“You can’t just rearrange the schedule because of Jerrod.” Tomas sighed.
“He’s never asked me before. And I wouldn’t have, but he pulled the one thing I couldn’t say no to.” Sheldon’s brow furrowed.
Tomas waited for him to continue. When he didn’t, Tomas turned his attention to Malik.
“You know what he’s talking about?” Tomas asked.
“He asked a favor as family,” Malik said, frowning.
Tomas’s eyes narrowed. Sheldon was Jerrod’s cousin. They were each other’s only family and were more like brothers. Sheldon was actually a full partner in any business Jerrod did, but he had chosen to work on the organizational aspects of their businesses. He let Jerrod be the face for their various business dealings. In all the time Tomas had known them, Jerrod had never asked for anything due to being family. Neither man ever had. For Jerrod to do that, it had to be something big.
“Did he say who this Del is?” Tomas asked about the name he received in the text message.
“No. I’ve never heard of him,” Sheldon said.
Tomas was even more intrigued. Sheldon usually knew these things.
“Jerrod has to explain what’s going on.”
“He’s out of town and incommunicado since his call.” Sheldon glowered.
“Whatever the reasons, we need to go so we’re not late for the meeting.” Malik stood.
Tomas got up and walked around the desk to join him. Sheldon stood and walked out with them. He went behind his desk and handed them a file.
Sparks Page 6
