Page 54

Austen

“Come on!” I yell, ready to pull my hair out.

“What the fuck?” Cameron hollers, equally frustrated. The crowd boos and bellows along with us as my brother shoves his opponent against the glass.

The ref blows his whistle, and I groan in frustration as my brother is sent to the penalty box. Again.

I lean back in my seat, huffing out my disdain. Cam looks at me, an amused grin on his face.

“What?” I ask, leaning back in my seat. “Do I have mustard on my face or something?” I say, running my hands over my mouth. He shakes his head.

“You’re so cute when you get all worked up,” he says. I glare at him.

“I’m not worked up. That was a shitty call—”

“Mhmm.” His gaze sparkles like diamonds. He’s been in a weird mood all day. I half wonder if it’s because it’s my birthday. Or maybe it’s because my brother is in town and got us these killer seats for his game. I was surprised when he messaged me, telling me he’d left two tickets at the door for me and my boyfriend. Cam leans back in his seat, stretching to put his arm around my shoulders. His hand hangs off my left shoulder and I reach up to grab it without thinking. The touch instantly calms my nerves. Players skate by and I catch Alex looking back behind the penalty box, his gaze finding mine.

“What the fuck?” I mouth, shooting him a judgmental glare.

He has the audacity to shrug and act like the fact he just punched a guy in the jaw isn’t a big deal. But I guess for him, it’s not. He’s angry on the ice. Even more so after his injury.

He just got cleared to play, so you think he’d be less likely to get into a fight considering the last one nearly ended his career with a serious knee injury.

I don’t miss the smirk on his face and he nods, turning back around to watch the game from his time out.

True to Alex’s personality, he gets back out on the ice as if nothing’s happened and shoots the winning shot. The crowd cheers, including my boyfriend next to me, who still doesn’t even like sports.

“Yes!” he says with a grin. “I knew they’d win.”

“You knew nothing,” I tell him with a grin of my own as we rise from our seats, and he doesn’t answer me, just keeps grinning.

My phone goes off and I check it, seeing Alex’s text to come back to the side entrance the players use.

“Alex wants to say hey,” I say. “You good with that?”

Cam nods. “Yeah, of course.”

I lead us to the side entrance, leaning against the shadowed wall. A million people walk back and forth, but no one shoos us away. My brother comes out a few minutes later, still in his Reading Rioters jersey, his dark hair sweaty and sticking to his face.

“Hey kid,” he says with the biggest smile. Victorious.

“Hey,” I say casually. His gaze flashes to Cam.

“Cameron,” he smiles. “Saw your Dior ad on the way in here. Should I be asking for an autograph now or—”

Cameron chuckles. “If you ask me to sign your abs, I’m out.”

Alex pouts. “You’re no fun,” he rolls his eyes, flashing me a knowing look.

“I got something for ya,” Alex says, pulling a small gift bag from behind his back.

“What?” I can’t hide the surprise on my face.

“Well, I mean, technically Mack pitched in too, so…” He coughs, his voice cracking just the slightest. It is kind of dry in here.

I take the package from his hand.

“Open it,” he pushes.

I carefully pull out the paper and reach my hand in the bag. I pull out a bottle.

Of vodka.

“Keep going, there’s more!” Alex presses, his excitement uncontained. I reach in to pull out a plastic bottle of cranberry juice and my cheeks heat. Cameron laughs, genuinely and deeply.

“What? What’s so funny?” Alex says, but his smirk tells me he knows exactly what he’s doing. Asshole. “There’s one more thing,” he says, clearing his throat.

Cam grabs the bottles from me so I can pull out the last item. A plaque that says. in very fancy lettering, Always Take The Shot.

I can’t help but smile.

“That’s from Mack.” Alex says, his voice strangely soft. “He said you’d get it.”

I nod, trying to keep my emotion in check, because fuck, he was right.

He was right about so much, and I need to tell him how lucky I am to have him as a friend.

“Yeah, I get it,” I say, putting the plaque back in the bag. Cam hands me my bottles with a grin and I put everything together in the gift bag.

“Thanks,” I say genuinely. Alex glances at Cam, his gaze serious.

“Take care of my fucking brother, you hear me?” he says. “Because I’m all out of crises at this point.”

Cam chuckles. “Won’t be a problem.”

Alex nods with a grunt. “Good. Because if you break his heart, I might have to dent that perfect jawline.”

“Alex!” I say, my entire face flushing with heat. Alex laughs.

“God, you are so easy!” he says, giving me a shove. Cameron laughs too, and pretty soon so am I. I shake my head as I shove him.

“Asshole,” I mutter.

Alex flashes me a smile. “Don’t I know it.” He looks to the right, his shoulders tensing.

“I wish I could stay. Wish I could take my baby bro and his boyfriend out for a drink for his birthday, but… I have a bus to catch and we’re off to Vermont.” He sighs, and I don’t miss the weariness in his voice.

“I get it,” I say. Cam wraps his arm around me and pulls me close, which makes me blush… again, but Alex doesn’t seem to care. If anything, he looks kind of sad. Wistful, even.

But what would Alex have to be sad about? He just won his game!

“Thanks for the tickets, Alex. Have a safe trip.” Cam extends his free hand, and my brother takes it, shaking it before letting go.

“Anytime, man. And thanks.” Just as I think he’s about to turn away and leave, he pulls both of us in for a hug. It’s a little awkward, I’m not going to lie, but it’s nice too.

I don’t think I’ve ever hugged my brother this much until I got divorced.

Funny how once my life fell apart, it came back together so much stronger than before.

“Alright, you kids have fun,” he says, turning away. I don’t miss the glimmer of what looks like a tear in his eye, but he hides it well.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he says as he flashes a perfect, toothpaste-commercial grin, and I realize it’s a mask. Like the one I used to wear.

I want to ask him what he’s hiding, or more aptly what he’s hiding from, but I know better. My brother is mostly an open book, but if there are things he needs to keep private, I more than anyone understand. I’ll tell him later if he needs to talk, he can talk to me. Not that I think he would, but…

It feels like the right thing to do, and if I can return the favor, for him being there for me, I will, any way I can.

Cam leads us out into the cold air, never once taking his arm from my shoulders.

“You ready for your birthday present?” he asks, grinning wickedly.

“Yes,” I say, turning in his arms. I gaze up at him with interest, thrusting against him with a chuckle.

He kisses me softly on the lips before kissing me on the nose.

“Good, because I’ve been waiting all day for this,” he says, and excitement blooms in my chest and my cock.

The ride back to Cam’s isn’t long. He’s much closer to the city than I am, after all.

He leads me up, the butterflies in my stomach taking flight. When he opens the door, I’m met with all the memories of this place.

Of us.

He closes the door softly as I walk in, once again marveling at the gorgeous view. I can hear him walking behind me, opening the fridge. I expect him to ask me if I want something to drink, but he doesn’t.

“Close your eyes,” he says. “No peeking.”

I sigh, but do as he says. There’s the faintest scent of burning sulfur, and I think he’s lighting a candle. The air smells sweet, like chocolate on chocolate on chocolate. Whatever that candle is, fuck, it smells good.

“Okay, you can open your eyes now,” he says, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation.

I open my eyes, to see him standing there, holding one chocolate cupcake with a single candle in it.

“What—”

“Happy birthday, baby. Make a wish.”

My heart swells like my cock does every time he says that word. Baby.

I never thought I’d be such a sucker for terms of endearment, but fuck.

“No need,” I say as I blow it out, taking the candle out and making a show of licking the frosting off. It’s super sugary, like packaged frosting. “I already have everything I want,” I tell him.

Snow falls outside, the twinkling lights of the city dancing with the snowflakes in perfect harmony. I take the cupcake from his hand and carefully unwrap it. His smile is the best gift. Biting into the cupcake, it’s moist and delicious and I groan with delight.

“This is really good, Cam. Where did you get this?” I moan, practically devouring it in one bit.

“Pinterest,” Cam says deadpan.

“What do you mean Pinterest?” I ask, my eyebrows shooting up, because that would mean… “Did you make this?” I ask with surprise. He smiles proudly.

“After two tries and a complete mental breakdown, yes.”

My heart is so fucking full, I think I might explode.

“You baked me a cupcake,” I say breathlessly. “For my birthday.”

He wraps his arms around me, both of us swaying even though there is no music.

“Don’t get used to it,” he teases as he kisses me, licking some frosting from my lips.

I grind my cock against him as he slips his tongue in my mouth.

“Do I get birthday sex, too?” I ask humorously.

Cam’s hands slide beneath the waistband of my jeans and underwear, finding my ass rather quickly. His fingers tease my seam before he grabs my asscheek so hard I think it might leave a mark. My cock jumps and I groan.

“Of course,” he says. “Whatever you want, baby.”

“First, I want another cupcake,” I say solidly, imploring him with my gaze. “Because they are really good. Then I want you to fuck me. Over the couch.”

Cam kisses me before leaving me to head to the fridge, shaking his head.

“You kill me, Austen, you know that?”

I smile as he grabs not one, but two more cupcakes from the fridge. I meet him at the island as he unwraps his carefully, and I do the same.

“Thank you,” I say as he bites into his cupcake.

I don’t wait until he’s done to dive in and kiss his chocolate swatched lips. His hands find my face and we shift around a bit, laughing, licking, and enjoying one another.

It’s a blur of chocolate and skin after that, and before I know it I’m bent over the side of his couch, staring at the twinkling city lights while he buries himself inside of me.

His thrusts are hard. Fast.

It’s a lot to keep up with, but I can’t deny it makes my head spin and my dick harder than a slab of marble. I know I’m going to feel this tomorrow, no doubt, but I’m more than okay with that. I push back against him, meeting his thrusts. He wraps my hair around his fingers, squeezing and letting go in the way he knows I like, which doesn’t help my case one bit. My balls tighten, and I know I’m going to come any fucking second.

“Cam…” I manage to get his name out before his grip tightens and he groans, his free hand finding my cock quickly as he stills behind me. I come with his name on my tongue, filling his hand.

“Shower?” I ask, taking his hand—which is now decorated with my cum— and slide a finger in my mouth. I lick it clean and he curses.

Cameron nods. “Probably a good idea.”

I grin, following him wordlessly into his shower, where it takes us far too long to get clean, and by the time we make it to his bed, it’s nearing midnight.

I curl close to him, pulling him into my chest.

“Best birthday ever,” I tell him, and I mean it.

I take a deep breath as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

“You got this,” I tell myself. “It’s no big deal, just a party.” Except I know this party is a huge deal for a number of reasons.

I still can’t believe that I managed to get BrewTech operational this fast, but then again it helps when you have investors and a partner who supports your dreams and goals.

Almost as if he can read my mind, he materializes behind me. I see his reflection in the mirror, too, noting how handsome he looks in his Dior suit. The suit he wore in the ads that are plastered all over the city—still. I can’t believe they let him keep it, but I’m not complaining.

My cock isn’t either, judging by the way it hardens in my fucking pants at the sight.

God, I cannot believe he’s mine, sometimes. I can’t believe how easy it is to just… be with him.

“You okay?” he asks, his gaze meeting mine in the mirror. I focus on those perfect stormy eyes, swallowing my nerves. Just knowing he’ll be there is a huge comfort.

I’m terrified. Not because BrewTech is finally open, but…

The guest list includes my brother—and my parents.

I’ve never been so nervous in all my life. They don’t know the details of our history, but they know Cam’s been my best friend for years, and I told them we’re together, so it’s not like he’s a stranger, but they’ve never really liked him, even in a friendly capacity, so it’s a bit unsettling.

The last thing I want is my pain in the ass parents causing an issue at my opening.

“No,” I tell him, because if there’s one person I can be honest with, it’s Cam.

I let out another sigh as he slides his arms around my waist.

“You’ll be fine,” he says, his voice calm.

I turn in his grip, looking up into those sparkling eyes and do my best to believe him, but before I can protest, he kisses me, stilling my nerves. My arms find their home around his neck and I relax.

He chuckles when he breaks away, taking my undone tie and doing it up for me. My cheeks heat and I smirk.

“Thank you,” I say.

“Anytime, baby. Now let’s go, we’ve got a fucking party to attend,” he says with a grin.

Walking into the building feels monumental, because it is. The pale blue walls and modular furniture stand out against all the LED rainbow lighting, and the place itself is packed within minutes of opening. I take pictures with Tanner and the other two investors, shake hands with some industry folks I met through the video game developer conference I attended earlier this year.

Just as I’ve caught my breath, I hear my name, loud and clear.

“Brewer!” The familiar timbre of Paul’s voice makes me stop. I haven’t talked to him or Andre in years. I turn to see them, but they aren’t alone. Alex, Mack, Trey and Hudson are all dressed up, and I can’t help but feel equally surprised and terrified.

“No shit,” Cam says, his voice full of shock.

They descend on me like rabid wolves, pulling me into bro hugs and slapping me on the back, and it’s awkward, but also nice.

Really nice.

When the slapping and hollering is done, there’s a moment of silence. Paul, Andre, Trey and Hudson all turn their attention to Cam, and I freeze.

“Cameron,” Mack says. It’s not the politest of hellos, but he extends his hand. Cameron eyes it skeptically, but takes it and shakes it.

“Mack.” He smiles. They drop hands, and I notice Paul, Andre, Trey, and Hudson all look at Mack. Like he’s the leader of their posse.

I can’t help but grin at that.

“Congratulations, kid,” Alex says as he pulls me into a tight hug. He moves to hug Cameron, who actually lets him. “This is so fucking cool,” he says, looking around the building. A waitress comes by with a tray of champagne flutes that disappear too quickly into all our hands.

“Damn right it is,” Cameron says with a wicked grin. He slides his hand around my waist, pulling me close, and my cheeks heat.

Those damn butterflies start flying in my stomach, not because I’m scared, but because even now, here like this, there’s nowhere else I want to be. I lean into him with ease as Alex curses.

“Fuck,” he bites.

Mack takes a sip of his champagne. “What?”

“Mom and dad are here,” he complains.

“You knew they were coming, ” Mack says, and there’s a strange tension between them. I don’t miss the panic in my brother’s eyes, but before it can register for everyone else, he grunts and pushes away from the table.

“I need to take a piss,” he bites. Andre finishes his glass of champagne and slams it down like a beer bottle on the table.

“Me too,” he says. Paul, Trey, and Hudson grunt in unison, and I tighten my grip around Cameron’s waist as they take their leave. My parents look all around at the building as they make their way over to us.

“H–hey,” I say nervously as they approach us. Cam’s grip on my waist is like a vice. I’m not the only one who’s nervous, apparently.

“Austen,” my mother smiles, pulling me towards her. I kiss her cheek, but I don’t move too far from my boyfriend. My father twists his lips, looking at Cameron. Sizing him up, most likely.

He just nods with a grunt in his direction.

Well, at least that’s something.

“Are you going to give us the tour?” my dad asks.

I blink, looking between them and Cameron.

“Uh… yeah, sure,” I say as he nods slightly. I move towards them. “Right this way.”

I get all but two feet into my tour before my dad says, “Aren’t you coming, Cameron?”

I stop dead in my tracks, next to my dad. I turn to look at him, unable to hide my grin.

His grey eyes sparkle as he smirks.

“Of course,” Cam says, wasting no time catching up to us. He grabs my hand, linking our fingers together and I smile the most genuine smile. My mother mutters something under her breath, but I ignore her. My dad clears his throat, reminding me I am actually supposed to be showing him the building.

“Right,” I say, clearing my own throat as I walk hand in hand with my boyfriend, showing off my accomplishments.

My mother doesn’t say much. My dad, Cameron and I do most of the talking once I get to going about the building itself, and explaining my plans for A War of Fire & Ice.

“Isn’t your brother supposed to be here,” my mother asks as we finish the tour. It’s not a huge building, but I’ve divided the spaces well. Of course, Cameron helped with that. He knows architecture way better than me.

“He is,” I say, looking over the crowd of people. I can still see the guys, but no sign of Alex. Or Mack, for that matter. “Somewhere.”

She purses her lips as my dad extends his hand to Cameron. He takes it, shaking it firmly, then offers me his hand to do the same.

“Well, we must be going,” he says sternly. He pulls me into a hug, which is unexpected.

His voice in my ear is also quite unexpected.

“Proud of you son,” he says, patting me on the back. When I told my parents I was getting a divorce, they didn’t take it well. Especially my dad, who claimed he raised me better.

Whatever that’s supposed to mean, so this… His words hit me harder than a fucking brick.

“Thanks,” I say as he lets me go. My mother judgmentally scoffs at Cam as she grabs my father’s arm and practically drags him out the building.

When they’re gone, I breathe easier. My brother comes around the bend, his face flushed, hair a mess. He looks pissed, and a little drunk.

Of course, that look is par for the course for my brother. He’s well-known for his partying antics. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went off to hook up with someone in the middle of my party. It would be just like him.

When the party’s over, it’s just Cam and me. We sit on the modular couch, with the remaining two glasses of champagne. There’s confetti and glitter all over the floor, streamers and balloons hanging haphazardly from the ceiling. It’s going to be a bitch to clean up.

I turn to Cam, my glass half full.

“Happy anniversary,” I tell him with a grin. Cam blinks, and I can tell he’s doing the math in his head.

“Happy anniversary, baby.” He clinks his glass against mine.

“So what happens next?” I ask, draining the last of my champagne. Cameron finishes his drink and sets both our glasses down on the black coffee table.

He grabs the end of my tie, wrapping it around his wrist. He pulls it, making me close the gap between us. My cheeks flush as my gaze falls to his lips.

“Whatever we want,” he says huskily.

I grab him by his shirt collar, sliding my hand beneath it, settling my hand on his neck. His pulse kicks up and I grin as I kiss him.

“I can think of a few things,” I breathe against his lips.

Cameron kisses me as he pulls me closer, using his free hand to grab my hair.

“Me too, baby,” he says, kissing me slowly, beneath the rainbow colored lights.

And I think the best is yet to come.