Behind the Stick Read online

  “Where would you suggest I live? New York?” Oliver shot back.

  “You love it here when you visit.”

  “Yet I have no desire to settle down in one place.”

  Luka smothered a laugh at the squabbling.

  “Sorry.” Kyle glanced over at him as he spread butter on a biscuit. “When we get on a roll…”

  “I get it,” Luka said. “You should see me with my sisters.”

  “How many sisters do you have?” Oliver asked.

  “Two.”

  Oliver looked intrigued. “Either of them hot and single?”

  Kyle snorted, which turned into a coughing fit, and Luka glanced over at him to be sure he wasn’t actually choking on biscuit before answering Oliver.

  “Ruby is single. She works for a fashion house here in Chelsea, and she’s a hell of a singer.”

  “If she’s half as pretty as you, I’m in,” Oliver said with a wink.

  “She got the blue eyes from our dad like I did,” Luka said. “More style and vocal talent though.”

  Oliver nodded. “She sounds gorgeous. You’ll have to make introductions.”

  “Uuuuuuh.” Kyle buried his head in his hands. “Please, no.”

  Luka chuckled. “I can just imagine my mom’s head exploding. ‘Two white boys? Why, God?’”

  Oliver looked back and forth between them. “Your mom’s not okay with the race thing?”

  “Not particularly.” Luka sighed. “There’s some history there with an ex of mine. She’ll come around eventually. It just sucks right now.”

  “Ah, got it.” Oliver shared a look with Kyle. “It sounds like it’s coming from a good place at least,” he said, his voice sober. “Good to know your mom cares. Our mom didn’t want kids. She cared for Kyle and me, but she wasn’t particularly loving or nurturing.”

  “Oh, man, I can’t imagine that,” Luka said, shaking his head. He’d never doubted how much his mother loved him for a second in his life. “My mom may occasionally go too far in the other direction but…”

  Kyle shrugged, his tight expression broadcasting discomfort. “Oliver and I have each other, even if we don’t get together as much as we’d like.”

  “True enough.”

  The conversation moved on to other topics, and Luka enjoyed getting to know Oliver more. He seemed comfortable with Luka and Kyle’s relationship and any reservations Luka might have had melted away.

  After breakfast, Oliver paused on the sidewalk outside the diner. “Okay, here’s the plan. I’m going to clear out for the day.” Kyle opened his mouth, but Oliver made a slashing motion with his hand. “Look, we’re not planning to leave until tomorrow anyway. I’ve got some stuff I want to do while I’m here in New York, and I’m sure you guys want time together. It’s a win-win.”

  Kyle shook his head. “By stuff to do, I assume you mean someone you want to hook up with?”

  “It’s possible.” Oliver’s grin was sly. “Don’t you worry your pretty head about it. I’ll be back in time to get plenty of sleep tonight. But just to be on the safe side, I’ll call on my way back to your place. I think there’s been enough awkward pants-less moments for the three of us today.”

  “You’re right about that,” Kyle said with a laugh. “Go do your thing and I’ll see you when you get back.”

  Luka stuck a hand out. “If I don’t see you later, it was great meeting you, Oliver.”

  Oliver shook Luka’s hand, then pulled him in for a half-hug. “You too, Luka. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”

  Luka’s chest warmed. Oliver seemed sure Luka and Kyle would be together in the future, and that was a good thought. After the stress from the Clarke-Padilla family, an open and welcoming attitude from the McKee side was a relief.

  * * * *

  Luka flipped onto his side and propped himself up on one elbow. Kyle gave him a lazy, sated smile. The moment they’d gotten back to the apartment, they’d been all over each other. They’d made it inside, but barely, and only gone into the bedroom because they needed condoms and lube. Luka had even contemplated always carrying some with him. Not that he was complaining. Kyle had pushed him down onto the bed and ridden him hard.

  No, he had no complaints at all.

  Luka leaned down and pressed his lips to Kyle’s in a slow, thorough kiss. “That was nice of your brother to clear out,” he said when he drew back. Luka skimmed his nose along Kyle’s throat before nipping at the soft skin there.

  “Mmm, I’ll have to thank him.” Kyle sounded a little breathless.

  Kyle dragged his blunt nails down Luka’s back, making him shudder. He’d catch shit at the station if Kyle left marks, but Luka couldn’t be bothered to care.

  He wanted to keep going, and he didn’t think Kyle would argue either, but a thought had been nagging at him since before breakfast. Luka drew back with a reluctant sigh.

  “We should have that talk now. About whether or not we’re seeing anyone else.”

  Kyle sighed, too, but he shifted on the bed and met Luka’s eye. “Yeah, I agree. Jesse and Cam had a hell of a time with things because they didn’t talk, and I don’t want it to become an issue for us.”

  “Same,” Luka agreed. “I know we haven’t been dating for long, but it seems good to lay it all out. Plus, we’ve already talked about how things work for you with Jesse and Cam.”

  “Well, like I started to say earlier, I haven’t gone out with anyone else.”

  Luka nodded. “Neither have I.”

  “And, to be frank, I’m not looking to.”

  A pulse of relief went through Luka. “Same here. I don’t want to put any pressure on you about your expectations for the future, but I feel good about where things are heading with you.”

  “Me, too,” Kyle said. “This thing between us feels like it has potential. I want to explore that.”

  His expression was so open and honest, and affection washed over Luka in a warm rush. How is it so damn easy with Kyle? What could have been a difficult conversation just wasn’t.

  “Me too. With my previous partners, I’ve always been monogamous once things started to get serious,” Luka said. “I know you’ve said you like wiggle room however. And the idea of watching you with Jesse and Cam, and potentially joining in…well, it’s a huge turn-on for me.”

  “It seemed so when we talked about it the other day.”

  Luka’s cock stirred with interest again at the thought. “I’m not ruling it out.”

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Kyle said. “I could live without the hook-ups, but it’s nice to know I don’t have to.”

  Luka hesitated. That thought nagged him. “Could you? I mean, you and Jesse seem so close, and it sounds like you’ve really missed him since he and Cam got together.”

  “I have missed him,” Kyle said. “He’s one of my best friends and I love him. Not in a romantic way.”

  “I understand.”

  “There have been some huge adjustments to our friendship, but Jes and I talked about it. I realized I was missing my best friend more than anything. Don’t get me wrong, hooking up with him is a lot of fun. So is hooking up with him and Cam. But I can live without both of those things. I don’t want to live without Jesse’s friendship though. After he and I talked, we agreed to reach out to each other more often. Prioritize the friendship.”

  “I understand that,” Luka said. “So you’re up for the two of us being monogamous except for the occasional group thing with your friends?”

  “Yes. I am definitely up for that.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  Kyle leaned in and kissed Luka hard, but there was a thoughtful expression on his face when he drew back. “Luka, I’m sorry if this doesn’t come out right, but would you ever miss being with a woman?”

  Luka thought about it for a moment before he shook his head. “No. As long as I’m happy with my partner, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything, no matter who I’m with.”

  Kyle let out a small hum a
s if considering Luka’s comment. “Okay,” he said. “But do you want to keep that door open a tiny crack? If you ever changed your mind, you should feel free to bring it up so we can discuss it.”

  “Well, I think it’s always good if the door is open for discussion in a relationship,” Luka said. “Just to be clear, if I ever did say I wanted to be with a woman, would you take part, too? I got the impression you had no interest in that direction.”

  “I don’t,” Kyle said.

  “Have you ever had sex with a woman?”

  “Yes. My hometown was small, and I didn’t know any other gay guys while growing up. I dated a few girls. But I slept with my high-school girlfriend and it didn’t do much for me, and that was kind of the light-bulb moment, you know?”

  “Sure.”

  “I don’t have any real desire to have sex with a woman. But if that mattered to you, we could figure out how to make it work. Even if it just involved me watching.”

  “It seems to me we each have a bit of voyeur and exhibitionist in us.”

  “Yup.” Kyle slid a hand over Luka’s hip and pulled their bodies flush. “One that I think could be very, very fun to explore.”

  Luka made a small sound of pleasure and pushed Kyle onto his back again. “How about we start now?” He pressed a kiss to Kyle’s chest, then one a bit lower. And another lower yet. “You lay back and watch while I suck that gorgeous cock of yours. No closing your eyes. I want you to see me take. Every. Last. Inch.”

  Kyle raised his arms and rested his head on his joined hands. “Challenge accepted.”

  * * * *

  “What are you guys planning on doing in Vermont this weekend anyway?” Luka asked later that afternoon.

  He and Kyle were seated on the bed, eating gang gai and pad see ew from a takeout Thai place down the street. They’d flipped a coin to see who would put on pants and leave the bed long enough to collect the bags and pay the delivery guy.

  “We’re going to visit our dad’s grave,” Kyle said, his voice quieter than usual. “It’s his birthday this weekend, and Ollie and I make the trip up to Barre every year. That’s where Dad was born and where he’s buried.”

  Luka nudged him with his knee, his hands too full with the takeout container and chopsticks to reach out and touch Kyle like he wanted. “That’s a nice tradition. It’s been a while since I’ve gone to visit my dad’s grave. I should do that soon.”

  “Well, if you ever want company…”

  “Thanks.” Luka offered him a small but sincere smile. “I appreciate that. I wish he could have met you.”

  Kyle licked his lips. “Do you think he’d be okay with you dating a white boy?”

  “Yeah, I do,” Luka said. “He had a big heart. And he just wanted us kids to be safe and happy. I think he’d be annoyed by my mom’s attitude right now.”

  “No luck there yet, huh?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Luka said. “Maybe it’ll be better once she meets you.” His mood brightened at the thought. Surely, once Lydia and Regina met Kyle and saw him with Luka, they’d feel differently. “Do you feel up for meeting some of the Clarke-Padilla clan?”

  An uncertain expression passed over Kyle’s face. “Yes?”

  “You don’t sound too sure about that.”

  “I’m nervous,” Kyle admitted. “I already know two of them aren’t thrilled with who I am. It’s hard starting with a handicap.”

  “I understand.” Luka leaned in and brushed his lips across Kyle’s. “But I know who you are. They’d be fools not to like you.”

  Chapter Nine

  Ignoring the knot in his stomach, Kyle walked east on Bleeker Street with Luka at his side. Three weeks had passed between Luka inviting him to meet the Clarke-Padillas and an actual date being set, and now that the time had come, Kyle wanted to back out in the worst way. As in take hold of the hem of Luka’s navy wool peacoat and turn him right back around so they could find someplace else—someplace friendly—to spend their evening.

  Kyle stifled a grumble. Outside of his makeshift band of friends and Oliver, Kyle didn’t do big families. He didn’t do biphobic siblings. And he really, really didn’t do mothers who disliked him sight unseen. Kyle had handled enough maternal bullshit of his own growing up, thanks. He didn’t want anyone else’s. Fuck, he’d spent almost an hour deciding what to wear tonight, and how stupid was that?

  Except…Luka had been looking forward to this evening. He’d talked about it often as the date approached, his excitement obvious and sweet in the most endearing way. He grinned at Kyle now, his face alight, and Kyle smiled back.

  Tonight isn’t just about you.

  Right. This night was about Luka sharing the people he loved most in the world with Kyle. About him letting Kyle deeper into his life because Luka thought their relationship could be built upon. That knowledge amazed and humbled Kyle and made him willing to put up with a little bullshit in return. He’d said as much to Oliver when his brother had asked how Kyle planned to work around Luka’s mom.

  Kyle gave himself a hard, internal shake. He could do this.

  “The band’s name is Lune Rouge, right?” he asked.

  “That’s right.” Luka turned their tickets over to the bouncer at the entrance of the art cabaret where Ruby’s band would perform that evening. “Otherwise known as Red Moon to those of us who chose Spanish class over French in high school.”

  They stepped inside and Kyle smirked. “Something tells me having a bilingual family member might have had a lot to do with your choice.”

  “Busted.” Luka rested his palm on Kyle’s lower back as they moved to the coat check. “Tomas helped us all out with language classes. Well, most of us anyway. He tried to help Ruby, but girlfriend just had to take Italian to be different.”

  “I heard that, you brat.”

  Kyle blinked in surprise at the voice that spoke directly behind them, but Luka laughed and turned to embrace a woman clad in black with a headful of glossy platinum-blonde hair. Aside from a long-sleeved leotard, she wore what Kyle thought was a long skirt made of leather-like material, cut from waist to ankle into long narrow strips. The skirt showed off a whole lot of leg when she moved, the deep, toned skin flawless and smooth from hip to impossibly high heel.

  Wow.

  Luka’s sister was a total knockout, all long limbs and ripe curves, and Kyle was totally staring at her. That had to be a first.

  “What are you doing out here?” Luka asked her. “You tryin’ to peep my man before everyone else?”

  “Of course.” Smiling eyes peered over Luka’s massive biceps at Kyle. “I’m Ruby,” she said, “and if this big oaf ever lets me go, he can introduce us.”

  Luka turned his sister loose, and she stepped forward to extend a hand to Kyle. Ruby’s clear blue eyes were beautiful like her brother’s, and her smile could have powered a jet engine. If Kyle had ever found women desirable, Ruby would be at the top of his list.

  “I’m Kyle.” He shook Ruby’s hand while Luka handed their coats to the woman behind the counter. “I’m sure you guessed as much.”

  “I could tell from Luka’s smile when you walked in together that he was in the company of someone who makes him happy.” Ruby winked. “Since he talks about you all-l-l-l the time, I figured you couldn’t be anyone but Kyle.”

  Kyle’s cheeks went hot. “That’s—”

  “A sign my sister’s wig is too tight,” Luka cut in. “You need to take that thing off your head and let some blood flow back to your brain.” His voice held a teasing note despite his narrowed eyes, and Kyle thought he looked outrageously appealing in his button-down and black cargos.

  Ruby flipped yellow curls over her shoulder with a practiced hand. “Don’t you talk about my wig, Luka Clarke,” she said, her tone haughty. “If Kyle doesn’t already know you like him, that’s on you.” She cocked her head at Kyle. “My brother means well, but he can be a bit emotionally constipated when it comes to expressing his feelings.”

  “Oh,
no.” Luka offered an arm to Ruby, his expression a mix of pained and amused. “I need a drink and for you to stop talking before Kyle gets spooked and takes off running.”

  Kyle belted out a laugh. “I’m fine. A little overwhelmed, maybe, but okay.”

  Ruby linked her free arm around his. “That’s the spirit. Now you just have to get through meeting the rest of the family. What can I get you boys at the bar?”

  “Kyle’s a tequila guy,” Luka replied, “and he likes a margarita.” He met Kyle’s gaze over Ruby’s head. “You think you can stomach another man’s cocktails?”

  “Of course.” Kyle waved Luka off. “I’ve worked in nightclubs. I learned more about mixing drinks inside them than I ever would have back in the tavern in my hometown.”

  “Hey, Luka!” a voice called from a knot of people gathered by the bar, and several faces turned their way.

  Kyle quelled a sigh. So much for getting a margarita down before meeting everyone. He summoned up a smile.

  Ruby turned him and Luka loose, then flagged down a bartender while Luka made introductions. He kept a hand on Kyle’s shoulder the whole time, and Kyle welcomed that touch because he felt dangerously over his head within seconds. Two parents, three siblings, and a brother-in-law…what the fuck had he gotten himself into? At least, the bakery cousin and her husband had stayed home with their kids.

  The next five minutes passed in a blur of handshakes, greetings and smiles—some wider than others—while Kyle assigned names to faces. The Clarke-Padillas were an attractive bunch for sure, though none so flamboyant as Ruby. Enormous energy radiated from all of them, and Kyle sensed the affection underlying their often-teasing exchanges. Unfortunately, they were all curious about Kyle, too, and the weight of that attention twisted his insides so tight he couldn’t even enjoy the margarita Ruby passed his way.

  “I’ve got to get backstage,” she said over the chatter building around them. “Everybody be nice to Kyle and try not to scare him too much.” She flashed a grin Kyle’s way, then pushed through the crowd.