They didn’t leave their room until breakfast time was long past. Clad in loose pullovers, both men were joking and pushing each other as they ran down the stairs. Alex was still giddy at what he’d managed to do before they decided to join Ethan’s family in the kitchen. At first Ethan had resisted Alex’s efforts to please him in turn, but Alex wouldn’t take no for an answer. He’d immediately slid down between Ethan’s legs and wasted no time teasing Ethan. It was obvious that Ethan couldn’t hide his eagerness. Alex had taken him gently into his mouth, and Ethan buried himself all the way. They both shuddered in sweet pleasure when Ethan pulsated in release.
“Boys.” Ethan’s father nodded at them as he sipped his coffee.
“You two,” Ethan’s mom greeted them, “sit down and let me fix some breakfast for you. Nice sleep?” She winked teasingly.
Alex blushed and pecked her on both cheeks. “It was. I’m so sorry we missed breakfast,” he said, sounding almost too sincere. Ethan laughed quietly behind him. Alex jabbed his elbow into Ethan’s midsection.
“Oh, that’s fine, dear. We understand. You both must have been quite wasted after last night.”
“We were.” Alex laughed and took a chair next to Ethan’s father. Ethan followed suit.
“We left the gifts for you under the tree. Oh, and that was a very lovely pashmina, Alex, thank you so much.” Ethan’s mom took his hands and, smiling, Alex kissed her lightly on her cheek again.
“I’m glad you love it, Mrs. G.”
“Do you love my gift, too, mom?” Ethan winked.
“Oh, what was that again? Did you put anything there for me?” She laughed when Ethan pouted.
“Hey, don’t do that.” Alex poked him. “You know I can never stand to see you pout.”
They didn’t talk much after that, both of them busy gobbling down the delicious pancakes and syrup, poached eggs, and buttered fresh-made buns, and gulping down almost a pot of hot coffee. Alex rubbed his belly contentedly as he rose from the chair, thanking Ethan’s mom for the superb breakfast.
“Where are Aaron and Megan?” he asked.
“In the family room, I think,” she said.
The family room was one of Alex’s favorite places in this house. The flowery-patterned, overstuffed couch facing the TV set was perfect to sink yourself into. Ethan’s little sister, Megan, was sitting on one end with a laptop and Aaron, the oldest, was busy with the game console.
“Hi, guys.” Alex went to the corner where the Christmas tree was standing. He bent down to look at the remaining gifts and eyed the biggest one there. “Wow, is that for me?”
Aaron threw him a glance before turning to the TV monitor again. “Who knows?”
Alex raised his eyebrows, thinking of what he should say, when Ethan grabbed him from behind, almost toppling him over in the process.
“Hey, don’t start without me.” Ethan laughed, pulled Alex up by his shoulders, and kissed his lips. Alex could see Megan roll her eyes. He shrugged, smiling resignedly.
Ethan took the big present and handed it to Alex.
“Yup, it’s yours.”
What the hell. From the shape it looked like…
“A guitar!” Alex cried in surprise as he tore apart the wrapping paper to reveal a dark leather case that opened to a beautiful electric guitar. He had to sit down and hug the gleaming instrument. “Wow, Ethan, I never thought—thank you very much!”
“You like it?” Ethan smiled.
Alex didn’t want to turn sappy. He simply nodded, staring at Ethan and telling him without so many words that there would be more ‘thanks’ when they were all alone.
“I have something for you, too.” His package was not big at all and suddenly Alex felt it was quite lame. “It’s nothing at all, Ethan. It was just difficult to get an idea…”
Ethan undid the box and whistled softly.
“Nothing?” He flaunted the contents of the box for all to see. “A leather jacket is definitely not nothing.” Ethan caught Alex’s wrist and tugged him closer. A kiss on the lips was due.
Megan’s throat clearing and Aaron’s covertly disapproving look forced them to part.
“Get a room, you two.” Megan sneered.
Alex blushed and Ethan slung an arm around his shoulder, glaring at his sister. “Oh, we will.” His voice was clipped and he began collecting their opened gifts and the paper.
“Ethan, Megan was joking.” Alex frowned at the way everything had gone. Why and when had Ethan become so sensitive? What was going on here?
Ethan didn’t say anything, stomping as he left the room, leaving Alex alone with Aaron and Megan. Their eyes turned round, incredulous.
“Aaron, Meg, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with him.”
Alex retreated without waiting for their answers.