I still hesitate before spending more than a hundred bucks at a time. Old habits are hard to break, and they’re even harder when other people are stuck in the habits with us.”
“Ugh, don’t talk in riddles,” I complain. “If you’re trying to give me advice, just spit it out.”
“If Hudson gets defensive, just realize he’s stuck in his usual reactions to you too. Give him some slack and give yourself some slack.”
“I’m going to try,” I promise.
“Good.” He reaches over and pats my leg, his touch warmer and more comforting than I expected. Then he grins evilly. “Want to go best two out of three?”
“You’re on.”
He beats me handily a second time, tossing down the controller when the game ends and rubbing his hands together.
“I think I’ve earned my cookies.”
“You have a one track mind,” I say, shaking my head and following him into the kitchen.
Riot grabs three cookies off the pan and leans against the counter as he shoves the first one into his mouth. His eyes roll back, and he moans around a full mouth. The sound goes right to my dick, bringing back the earlier sounds of his and Bishop’s moans combining into a filthy symphony. I shamelessly let my eyes wander over him as he enjoys his cookies, taking note of the telltale indent in his tight t-shirt that suggests his nipples are pierced. I wonder if he has anything else pierced. My eyes drop involuntarily to his crotch.
Why didn’t I take Bishop up on his invitation earlier?
My perusal of Riot ends on his face where I find his lips curled into a cocky smirk, his eyebrow quirked. Oh right, I was busy overthinking things.
“See something you like?” he rumbles flirtatiously.
I roll my eyes even as my face heats. Totally busted, but at least he doesn’t seem to mind it much.
“Do you like the cookies?” I ask needlessly. The pornographic noises gave him away. But talking about cookies is much safer than answering his teasing question.
“They taste like fucking heaven. What kind are they?”
“Rocky Road,” I answer, and he moans again, taking a bite of the next one in his hand.
“Have you always liked to bake?”
“Since I was a kid,” I answer. “It was a cheap enough hobby, especially when my mom was working two or three jobs, and I was left home alone. Plus, it turns out taking cookies and other baked goods to school is a great way to make friends.”
Riot looks sympathetic. “I’ve moved around a lot, so the lonely thing I get. It’s harder and harder to make friends the older you get, it seems.”
“It is,” I agree emphatically.
“Is that why you moved back here?” He finishes his last cookie and brushes the crumbs off of his shirt.
“That was a big part of it,” I admit. “I thought I would be happy. I thought all I ever wanted was to leave California, but I was wrong.”
Riot nods thoughtfully but doesn’t say anything. Silence hangs between us for several seconds, and my eyes dart to the clock on the stove. Damn, it got late fast. He follows my gaze.
“It’s late. I should probably let you get to sleep,” he says.
“Yeah,” I agree half-heartedly. It’s been cool hanging out with him tonight just the two of us, getting to know each other better. And the thought of sleeping on the couch is less than appealing.
“Why don’t you come to bed with us,” he suggests. My eyebrows shoot up, and my stomach flutters. He can’t really mean that; he’s only being polite. “Come on, it’s just to sleep, no pressure. I bet Bishop will be thrilled to wake up in the morning and find us both there.”
It’s certainly more appealing than the couch, even though I’m sure it’ll be a little crowded with three grown men in Bishop’s bed. Riot reaches over and takes my hand, and my heart beats a little faster.
“Okay,” I agree, linking my fingers with his and letting him lead me out of the kitchen. I hit the light switch as I pass it and follow him down the hall to Bishop’s bedroom.
It’s dark and quiet as we step inside, the only sound is Bishop’s soft snores. Conveniently, he’s lying in the center of the bed. We get in on either side of him, slipping beneath the warm covers. Bishop is laying on his side facing toward Riot, so I scoot close, spooning him from behind. Riot moves in close on his other side, pressing a tender kiss against Bishop’s