Page 31 of A Quick Buck

“Oh, Christ!” Crybaby turned around as soon as Noah walked out.

Junior cackled. “God, that’s the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Put pants on!” Crybaby groaned.

“Fuck you both.” Noah stretched his arms above his head and flexed. “I look ah-may-zing. These were a huge hit at Pride last year.”

“Looks like yous is tryin’ to get Mr. Star to hit that ass again,” Junior said. “Desperately.”

“Fuck off.”

“Whatever.” Crybaby was still looking at the wall. “Pants, please.”

Noah headed over to his dresser and poked through until he found a black mesh sarong. He tied it around his hips, grabbed some sandals, and presented himself for Crybaby’s approval. “There. Better?”

Crybaby grimaced. “At least I can’t tell your fuckin’ religion now. For fuck’s sake. Let’s go.”

“Oh, man.” Junior laughed. “Where’s Mace when you need him? He would die if he saw this shit.”

“I’m detecting a hint of jealousy.” Noah walked tall as he and his escort went downstairs, making sure to pop his hips with every smack of his sandals. “Not real confident when swimsuit season hits, huh?”

“Oh, fuck you.” Junior grunted. “I’ve totally got an awesome fuckin’ beach bod just fuckin’ waitin’ to go under here. Yous don’t even know.”

“Uh-huh. I’m sure.” Noah grinned at Crybaby. “What about you?”

“Shut up,” she said. “You and your little rainbow skivvies got some fuckin’ brunch to eat.”

The pool was lush with a big waterfall feature, a canopied bungalow, and lots of overstuffed patio furniture. The foliage was thick, full of flowering bushes and tall palms. It was peaceful, and honestly it was one of Noah’s favorite places to hang out at the house.

When Noah walked outside, Alistair was lazily stretched out in one of the lounge chairs. Crybaby and Junior stayed back by the edge of the patio, parking themselves in some shade. They obviously weren’t worried about Noah making a run for it; after all, they could shoot him if he tried.

Alistair was wearing nothing but flip flops and khaki shorts. He was on his cell phone, and he barely looked up when Noah came sauntering up.

Undeterred by Alistair’s refusal to acknowledge him, Noah sat down in the chair across from him. There was a pitcher of orange juice, fresh fruit, and flaky pastries. The food, however, was not the spread that had Noah’s attention.

Holy crap, why did Alistair have to be so hot?

His skin was tan, a little ruddy across his broad chest, and both of his nipples were pierced. He was thick, powerful, and Noah wanted to lick the curve of his belly. The hair on his chest was white, leading down to the hem of his shorts like an inviting trail of snow.

Damn.

“Hey, Ro-bow!” Alistair was grinning as he spoke into the phone. “It’s been a long time. Ah, yes, far too long.” He listened for a moment. “I’m glad to hear it, darling. How’s my boy? Is married life treating him well?” He laughed. “Good!”

Noah grabbed a piece of pineapple to nibble on, waiting for Alistair to get off the damn phone. He wanted to know what the big news about his uncle was.

A comment about his outfit would also be appreciated.

“I’m very happy for him. Truly.” Alistair either didn’t notice Noah scowling or he didn’t care. “No, it’s all right. Don’t you worry about that now. I like him right where he is. Over there, being bossed around by his new husband.”

Noah hadn’t heard Alistair talk to anyone quite so casually before, and he was getting curious.

“Uh-huh. Hmm.” Alistair listened for a bit. “And now they’re actually getting married? And after six guys, huh? Will wonders never cease.”

Noah cleared his throat loudly.

Oh, that got Alistair’s attention. He glared at Noah and held up a finger in warning, his voice still friendly as he said, “Well, you can tell our newly engaged friends they’re welcome to stop by after their trip. I’ve missed them. Even Roger.” He chuckled. “I know Crybaby has as well. Whenever Scout makes tiramisu, they talk about him.”

This wasn’t going anywhere, and there didn’t appear to be any pertinent information to glean from listening to this stupid phone call.