Elias
ELIAS
He wasn’t sure how long he’d been sleeping, but the bleary edges of his thoughts told him he’d been out for at least an hour. The day before, despite hoping he’d get a lot of sleep, he’d found himself waking up constantly. So once more, he’d dragged himself into the station, barely awake. Even Cade commented on how tired he looked, which was saying something since he usually looked tired anyway. After the shift ended, he’d dragged himself back to his apartment to have a nap.
grunted into the couch pillow, unsure if he wanted to be awake. At the edge of his thoughts, he realized he’d woken up for a reason. However, he couldn’t remember anything in particular waking him up. Opening his eyes to stare at the back of the couch, he listened to the quiet of his apartment. After several seconds, he heard the soft sound of sliding paper somewhere behind him.
groaned. “Remind me why I gave you a key to my apartment?”
Cade snickered. “Because you love the idea of me sneaking in to watch you sleep.”
“Creep.”
“Aw, but you look so cute when you’re napping.”
“Nothing about me is cute.”
“Oh, you look like a hibernating bear.”
“Don’t you do it.”
“What? You don’t want me to call you Osito?”
groaned at the nickname his mother had coined for him years before and had followed him around ever since. ‘Little bear’ had been cute when he’d been a scrawny eight-year-old and maybe amusing when he’d hit his teens and shot up so his mother’s head barely reached his chest. It had even been partially fitting when he’d bulked out to his current size, and his body hair had become dark and thick. Yet, even as an adult, he didn’t mind his mother’s somewhat ironic but ultimately affectionate term for him. She was his mom, after all, and like hell, was he going to stop her or even try.
rolled over to glare at his best friend. “I hate you.”
Cade was sprawled in the massive chair, one long leg thrown over the arm, with his back pressed against the other. A thick book was propped open on his lap. As much as Cade hated being called a pretty boy, even had to admit the man could be a model. Cade resembled his father, with a strong jaw and defined cheekbones, giving him a masculine yet not blocky appearance. His auburn hair always fell just right, looking casually and carelessly messy no matter what. It was his eyes that drew women’s attention more than anything. They were the only thing Cade had physically inherited from his mother. Thankfully, Cade’s bright hazel eyes were full of laughter and wry humor rather than the sharp, critical appraisal of Pamela Masters.
“What?” Cade asked after the silence stretched.
“Your Spanish is atrocious,” told him.
“Your mom always tells me it’s good.”
“I swear to God, Cade, this better not lead up to some mom sex joke.”
Cade looked up, frowning. “We both know your mom is off-limits. She’s a nice lady. I’m not gonna be a dick about her.”
grunted. “Right, sorry.”
Cade’s frown disappeared instantly, giving way to a smirk. “As if I’m going to take offense. We both know you’re a grump when you first wake up.”
“Especially when I wake up to find an intruder in my chair,” said as he pushed himself up.
“Is it intruding? You gave me the key. That’s pretty much an open invitation.”
“No, it’s not.”
“It was for me.”
grunted but wasn’t going to argue. Cade had far too much practice arguing and even more at twisting words and conversations to get what he wanted. Growing up with his bulldozer of a mother, Cade had honed his skills of misdirection and careful manipulation.
And there was also the fact that Cade was right. For anyone else but his family and Cade, a key from would have been meant as an emergency thing or given out of necessity. In truth, the two of them spent as much time at each other’s apartments as they did their own. Though if he thought about it, Cade tended to show up at ’ place more than the reverse.
gave him a sleepy smile. “How’s your mom?”
Cade looked up, curling his lip. “Really?”
“Really.”
“We both know damn well it was an hour of absolute hell.”
“I’d think you’d be immune to her needles and knives.”
Cade shrugged, turning his attention back to his book. “I’m over her poking and prodding. It’s the boredom of having to pretend like I give a shit that kills me. I’m telling you, hell isn’t agony and pain, it’s listening to my mother go on and on about charity dinners and the gossip doing the rounds of her social circle. Seriously, why she wants me to marry some high society woman when most of them seem to be cheating on their husbands is beyond me.”
“Maybe she just thinks that’s to be expected,” said.
“Which provides the horrifying idea that she might be doing the same.”
“I mean?—”
“No, I can’t imagine my mother doing anything like that. The woman wouldn’t know passion if it bit her on the ass.”
“I mean, she had you.”
Cade snorted. “And she’s never let me live it down.”
remained quiet, unsure what to say as always when Cade’s mother and their relationship came up. and his mother had not always seen eye to eye, but warmth and love had always existed between them. Between Cade and his mother, however, there was an ocean of animosity and disapproval on both sides. Pamela’s attitude toward her son had always struck as one of businesswoman and employee. That Cade didn’t fit into her world or her expectations brought her the same frustration he imagined someone would have if their arm started doing what it wanted instead of what was commanded.
“Did get a girl to take my number, though. Whether or not she’ll call after seeing my mother in action is a different story,” Cade continued.
winced. “Front row seat?”
“Yeah, maybe I should take her to a cage fight if she calls me. It’d be the same experience.”
“Do you remember this one’s name?”
Cade stuck his tongue out. “Julie. Apparently, one of her friends had, uh, already known me.”
snorted, rubbing at his sleep-filled eyes. “So all that talk about showing someone a good time wasn’t bullshit then.”
“I know, right?”
It was a strange facet of their friendship that the conversation didn’t bother . Even as a teenager, he’d never been comfortable hearing about his friends’ conquests or anything with a sexual context. Learning that any of his friends was a good fuck would have been ’ cue to change the subject. Yet, like with so many things, Cade was an exception.
Even their first meeting had been an exception. was not a man who warmed to people, and people usually didn’t take to him quickly. He was a big man with a serious face, and his reserved manner made him appear big and scary. Yet, on ’ first shift at the station, Cade had been the one to look at him and genuinely smile.
And make a joke, of course.
Cade looked up, cocking his head. “What are you smirking about?”
“I remember the first thing you ever said to me,” said.
Cade laughed. “Something like ‘Jesus fuck, you’re a big ass motherfucker. At least now we have someone around here who can reach the top shelf,’ wasn’t it?”
There had been a playful wink added at the end of the statement, and Cade had taken his hand for a warm handshake. Considering how polite and rigid everyone else’s greeting had been, Cade’s had been a surprise. had found himself shocked into silence, shaking the hand of the man who was grinning like an idiot. And it had been Cade who had dragged him around the station, showing him everything and teaching him the ins and outs of working there.
still wasn’t entirely sure what it was about that tour, but somewhere along the way, he realized he’d made a new friend. He’d never said it aloud, but he’d walked away from that shift feeling like something inside him had slid into place with a quiet click. He didn’t know if it had been the same for Cade, but they had become friends rapidly after that, growing closer over the past two years.
Cade snorted, shaking his head. “Quit thinking so damn hard. You just woke up, dude.”
“Going back to sleep sounds good,” admitted.
Cade gave him a knowing smile. “Maybe you should eat first?”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Hey, don’t make me call your mom.”
scowled. “That’s cheating.”
“Then eat some damn food, and I’ll let you sleep the evening away.”
let out a wide yawn, stretching his arms until he felt the stiff muscles pull. “Thanks, Mom. So good I have you to watch out for me.”
At a glance, an outside observer who knew about their upbringing might assume would be prone to henpecking and worrying. Yet it was Cade, the product of a home as cold and distant as ’ had been warm and encouraging, who bore that particular mantle. supposed it worked out for the best since he was most prepared for a relationship where someone nagged out of concern, stuck their nose in business that wasn’t their own out of worry, and pestered because they loved. In a strange twist of fate, it also turned out that Cade was the better cook out of the two of them.
Cade’s attention turned back to his book. “Speaking of, how is your mom?”
eyed him doubtfully. “You’re telling me she hasn’t spoken to you?”
“Not recently.”
grunted, surprised. His mother had taken to Cade because she knew that in terms of motherly affection, Cade knew about as much as the desert knew rain. But aside from the fact that his mother hadn’t learned much about Cade until after her last visit, Alexandra Cortez was a woman who poured love into any soul she took a shine too. That she would learn more about Cade’s childhood in the months after their first meeting had only increased her desire to smother Cade with love. The end result, between Cade’s need for love and Alexandra’s refusal to take no for an answer, was she had taken on the role of a second, and maybe even primary mother figure for Cade.
“Surprised she’s let you get away with it,” said as he stood up.
Cade snorted, turning a page. “She’s been letting you get away without calling her.”
“She doesn’t dote on me like she does you.”
“Jealousy?”
“Not even the slightest.”
And there was none. If anyone could love several people at once, it was his mother. Alexandra Cortez had spent much of his youth adopting all of ’ friends and those of his siblings. That same desire to care extended to over a dozen dogs and cats, a few birds, and other assorted critters. He remembered the large monitor lizard she’d taken on for about six months until a new owner, vetted by his mother, had come along.
With that, walked around the big chair Cade had made himself at home in. Without thinking, he ran his hand through the man’s hair, tousling it. As expected, Cade grunted in annoyance but said nothing as he continued to read. It was meant as a show of affection but also to irk Cade, who was oddly touchy about his auburn hair that he never believed cooperated no matter what he did. was probably the only person outside Cade’s numerous sex partners who could get away with touching his hair.
Stepping through the small archway, made his way to the bathroom at the end of the hall. The only other door was to his left, which led to his bedroom and a closet. Much like the rest of the apartment, the bathroom wasn’t big, but that probably had a lot to do with the huge tub he’d installed. He got away with it because the building manager was easygoing…or he really liked firefighters.
After going to the bathroom and soaking his face with enough cold water to wake himself up, he stepped back into the hall. He glanced through the archway, unsurprised to find Cade still curled up in the chair, reading diligently. For all his active, restless energy, few things could engross Cade and keep him still for hours like a book.
stepped into the small dining room, equipped with two chairs and a small table, and into the kitchen. It only took him to open the humming fridge to remember he had nothing worth preparing. There was a jug of milk and a drawer full of cheese but little else except deli meat. Grunting, he closed the door and glanced around the cabinets, hoping he might remember something. His slowly awakening mind reminded him that there was nothing and would be nothing until he dragged himself to the store. He let out a groan.
From the living room came Cade’s wry voice. “So, I’m guessing me ordering us something earlier was a good plan?”
perked up. “You ordered food?”
“That Thai place you like so damn much.”
hadn’t felt hungry when Cade insisted he should eat. However, just the mention of the Thai place a few blocks over was more than enough to send ’ stomach rumbling in sudden desire. Few places could manage the spicy-sweet combination that reminded of the Mexican cooking his father had loved so much while he was growing up, yet it was somehow different. Strangely, no Mexican place in Port Dale managed to assuage that nostalgic urge in quite as well.
“I won’t say you’re a lifesaver,” began.
“But you’ll be thinking it quite loudly,” Cade finished.
leaned into the living room, smirking at Cade. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
Cade looked up, bright hazel eyes gleaming with amusement. “Or, you know, definitely will.”
“Probably means I should pick the movie tonight, then?” asked, raising a dark brow.
“Weren’t you about ready to pass out a few minutes ago?” Cade asked.
Maybe he was, and maybe he wasn’t. But it was obvious Cade was wide awake and had already taken steps to take care of , even if it did come in the form of a bit of bullying. Plus, it had been almost a week since they last did anything together. had had his nap, and he wasn’t willing to throw away the few hours they might have to chill by sleeping it away after gorging himself.
“Eh, something spicy and fun sounds good,” said.
“We talking food or movie?”
“Yes.”
Cade snorted. “Sounds like a plan.”
Plus, knew Cade had seen his mother earlier that day. If a person ever needed some sense of normalcy, comfort, and warmth, it was Cade after a meeting with Pamela.
chuckled. “Sounds good to me.”
* * *
Once more, he found himself having to grope at the fuzzy edges of his thoughts to realize what was happening. The TV was still on, but it wasn’t as loud as he remembered. It was obvious he’d fallen asleep again, stuffed full of delicious Thai food and an easy-to-watch without getting absorbed movie. A pleasant weight was on his lap, and he had to work to drag himself up from the haze of sleep that wanted to pull him back down.
Cracking open his eyes, he blinked at the bright light from the table beside the couch. The weight on his lap turned out to be Cade’s legs stretched comfortably across ’ thighs. The man had propped his back against the other arm of the couch. Apparently, he’d decided had officially conked out for the night, and Cade was no more interested in the movie than . Cade had dragged his book over to resume reading.
That Cade was fast asleep was a testament to how late it must be. fumbled his hand on the other side of the couch, picking up his phone. It was well past midnight, going on one in the morning. No wonder Cade had fallen asleep. The only things that could keep Cade up past eleven were a few drinks, some good music, and a pretty girl who had his eye. The book must have been good, though, as it was still in Cade’s hand, draped over his chest.
’s little movement hadn’t done much to stir Cade from his sleep, but he knew the moment he moved the man’s legs, Cade would be awake and alert instantly. That speed to alertness came in handy when you were sleeping in the station and a call came in. Cade swore up and down he’d been like that his whole life. In reality, had seen the man sleep deeply more than once, though no one else ever admitted to seeing it. Maybe it was just a product of their friendship, but it still felt nice to have someone be so comfortable they broke their sleep habits around you.
Grimacing at a sudden, urgent pressure at his waist, knew he would have to wake the man up. Mindful of not startling Cade awake, he lay a hand over the man’s thigh, giving it a light shake.
“Hey, Cade,” said, voice sleep roughened.
Cade’s eyelids fluttered. “I’m awake.”
“You are now, but I need you to get up,” told him. “Or at least move your legs.”
Cade chuckled thickly. “Is that why you’re copping a feel?”
rolled his eyes, taking his hand off Cade’s leg and slapping it lightly. “Keep dreaming, pretty boy, now get up so I can piss.”
“Mm, yeah, I’m kinky, but not that kinky,” Cade admitted, pulling his legs back to let up.
“Duly noted.”
Finally extricated from Cade's non-stop warmth, stood up and went to the bathroom. From the living room he could hear shuffling and the sound of the TV going off. had had Cade stay overnight enough times to know that the next stop would be, yeah, there went the front door as Cade locked it and tested it. Next would come the kitchen, where Cade would grab a bottle of water and down it in one go. The crinkling of the plastic bottle echoed down the hallway, and as washed his hands, he heard Cade's soft footsteps down the hall.
stepped out of the bathroom, turning off the light behind him. His bedroom door was open, and he walked in to find Cade sprawled on the right-hand side of the bed. The overhead light had been left off, and only the moonlight streaming in through the curtained windows illuminated the room faintly.
“Not the best-looking bedmate I’ve ever had, but you’ll do,” said as he pulled at his shirt.
Cade snorted, curling himself around a pillow. “I’m the best-looking thing you’ve had in this bed for months.”
“You’re the only person I’ve had in that bed for months,” admitted as he dug out a pair of loose pants from the closet.
“Gotta get you a girl one of these days.”
“I think you more than make up for it.”
“True.”
Cade had already managed to strip down and dress in a pair of loose shorts he’d left behind. All that was left was for to crawl into bed too. The bed was huge, with enough room for even ’ bulky, long body to share the space without touching the other occupant. It was precisely the argument he’d used for why Cade might as well share the only bed in the apartment rather than trying to sleep on the couch.
It was the one aspect of their friendship they kept to themselves. Cade’s mother would have had a fit to think of her son sharing a bed with another man, even if it was platonic. The guys at the station would be just as bad, though that would be more ribbing than any moral outrage. Only a few of their sex partners had ever known about it, well, and the last ex had.
For the two of them, it was perfectly normal and sensible. It wasn’t like they were naked and cuddling, whispering sweet nothings to one another. And maybe there was something nice about having someone to share the space with, in the most literal sense. If really thought about it, having Cade around most of the time, even at night when they rambled on about stupid shit or talked seriously, was far better than most of the company had hosted in his bed.
Cade grunted, interrupting ’ drifting thoughts. “Fuck, I forgot. You busy on Saturday?”
’ eyes flickered open, narrowing suspiciously. “Don’t tell me you’re about to invite me to another one of your mother’s parties. I’m not doing it again, Cade.”
Cade laughed. “God, she brought that up today. I’d take you along for that shit just to piss her off.”
“I know you would. Hell no.”
“Well, it’s not her party.”
“But it’s a party I have no business being at.”
Cade groaned. “Somewhere along the line today, I agreed to go to some cocktail party. And half the City Council is going to be there.”
couldn’t help his laugh. “Which means a certain secret admirer will be there.”
“Ugh. I think to be a secret admirer, you actually have to keep it a secret.”
grinned. “True, she’s not very subtle.”
Christine Hoffman had the distinction of being the youngest member of Port Dale’s city council. She was also unmarried and not shy about wanting to change that. would admit she looked good, and despite being surrounded by a conservative and old-school circle of men and women, she sure didn’t act or dress like it. Considering her penchant for short skirts and blouses that rode just the right amount of low, he was amazed people like Pamela, who wouldn’t be caught dead wearing anything remotely revealing, had anything to do with her.
“You could always just bite the bullet and go out with her,” told him.
“Yeah, thought about that, then I realized that if I did, I’d never hear the end of it. My mother would be over the moon and wouldn’t stop trying to get me to go out with her again. And c’mon, you heard Christine, she doesn’t want just a date,” Cade protested.
“Oh right, that comment about wanting to ‘tame’ you,” said, barely holding back another chuckle.
“Oh, shut up.”
“Think it involves a collar and leash?”
“Have you seen the boots that woman wears sometimes? I wouldn’t be surprised if she has a whole room full of fun things to ‘tame’ me with,” Cade muttered with a shudder.
smirked. “And you want me there, why?”
“Because I need someone huge to hide behind.”
“Aw, thanks. You really know what to say to make a guy feel special.”
“Seriously, just having someone there, having you there, will make it easier to sit through. We only have to be there for, like, an hour, maybe two. Then we can get our asses out, come back to one of our places, drink a six-pack, and shoot at each other.”
raised a brow. “Got something new?”
“Dude, do you remember Halo?”
snorted, remembering his teenage years spent shooting his friends and aliens on the old Xbox console. “Yeah, of course.”
“They remastered it, and guess who bought it?”
“Hmm, so I have to endure one of your stuffy dinner parties,” began.
“Not mine!”
continued. “And in exchange, I get beer and the chance to relive my teenage gaming years?”
“That about sums it up.”
grinned. “Well, I guess you do know how to say the right things.”
“You’ll go?”
“You’ve charmed the pants off me, Mr. Masters. How could I say no?”
“Thanks, .”
smiled. “Anytime, buddy.”