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They showered, taking turns lathering each other up, like teenagers discovering their bodies for

the first time. After, they helped towel each other off before Tyler went into the kitchen and began preparing breakfast. When Alec emerged from the bathroom, he was welcomed by the delicious

aroma of bacon and coffee.

"You're spoiling me."

"Who says this is for you?"

He squinted at Tyler, trying to fake a mean face and it came across as cartoonish and ridiculous.

"What I meant is that you're always taking care of me… rescuing me… playing me songs…

allaying woodpeckers. Now, you're cooking for me. I could get used to this."

"I was kind of hoping you would."

"Maybe I should cook for you."

"I've kind of got it handled here," Tyler said, spatula in one hand, frying pan in the other.

"No. I mean tonight. I should make dinner."

"Are you inviting me to your place?"

"Maybe," Alec said coyly, sitting at the kitchen table.

"Technically, it'smyplace. But I accept your invitation."

Alec's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Tyler placed a cup in front of him and began pouring coffee. "Cream?"

"Yes, please."

He turned with the pot and headed back to the stove. "I built the cabin years ago… for Brett. I couldn't have it just sit there, so I rent it out."

"Soyou'reMelody Rentals."

"One and the same."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"I didn't want to spook you."

Alec thought about it for a moment. "I guess it would have been a little weird… had I not just spent the night getting…bestialwith you. But now I think it's kind of—"

Tyler placed a slice of his breakfast casserole and side of bacon on the table in front of him.

"—sweet."

"I didn't want it to sit empty, and this is my home. So Al and Misty suggested I start renting it out. It's not really for the money so much as it needs to get some use."

"Well, I'm certainly grateful. Now, maybe even more so."

"Me too."