“Wow. I think she’d really like that,” Skylar told him with a huge smile. “You’ll have to ask her of course, but it sounds right up her alley.”

  “And speaking of things I’m not so good at….”

  “Do I need to ask my mom to come over?” Skylar asked him, eyebrows arched.

  Nolan laughed. “Oh God, no. I wanted to ask you a favor actually.”

  “A favor? Does it involve your luscious cock?”

  Nolan felt his face turn beet red. “Um, well, actually, you see, I need a date. But it’s for an awful family thing, and I don’t want you to go in thinking it’s just a simple date because it’s… complicated. But yeah, I need a date and I was hoping you would be willing to help me out.”

  Skylar reached out and grabbed his shoulders as Nolan stood there stammering. “So why is it complicated?”

  “My baby brother has asked his boyfriend to the big family Christmas event. His father, my stepfather, took it as well as I expected. That’s why I never brought a date to one of those, because I didn’t want to give him an excuse to cut me off from my brothers. But of course, now that Den has stepped up, you better believe that I’m going to support him. So all three of us are coming with male dates. Tor’s isn’t really a date, just his best friend, but the two girlfriends are plotting and planning and the whole thing is turning into a production. But yeah, I need a date. And you… well, you were who I thought of.”

  Skylar just stared at him. “Wow. Okay, that was a lot. But to sum up, you need a date for a super awkward family holiday event.”

  “Right. And right now I’m kinda obsessed with the idea of dressing you up and showing you off to the world. Make no mistake with the dress code, the idea is for us to shine and sparkle and be gay as fuck, to take some of the attention off my little brother.”

  “I’ll have you know I can rock a tux. I happen to have one that’s tailored to perfection to make me look fabulous. So how bad is this formal event likely to be?” Skylar asked.

  “Well, the 1950s want my mom and stepfather back,” Nolan said, and Skylar burst out laughing. “No, really. I love my mom, but I realized a long time ago that I never came first for her. She adored my father, and when he died she just broke. Then when she remarried, it was as if she got her mojo back. She’s all tied up with being the perfect wife. And my stepfather is very rigid and the perfect embodiment of the 1950s company man. He has expectations of his family, most of which revolve around how they can support him in his career.”

  “That sounds kinda awful,” Skylar murmured, reaching over to grasp Nolan’s hand.

  “I’ve always kept my personal life quiet, but that all changes now. So I need a date. In this case, I am offering up a full night of my luscious cock at your disposal if you will come along and play the part of doting boyfriend in my big fat gay coming out.”

  “Can I get a preview of coming attractions?” Skylar asked.

  Without another word, Nolan grabbed his hand and dragged him back to his office. Skylar’s mom had Jasper entranced, and Lisa was perfectly capable of managing the gallery. He had just stopped in to support Jasper on the first night of his show. And what a night it was turning out to be.

  He swiftly closed the door and rounded on Skylar, stalking toward his prey. Skylar’s eyes grew wide as Nolan stepped up and traced his cheekbones while he drew in his scent. Nolan moved his hands farther down the man’s body until he reached his pants, and then he undid the zipper and drew out Skylar’s cock.

  “Commando. Nice. Makes this so much easier,” Nolan said, then sank to his knees in front of Skylar. The whimpering above him was very nice and grew needy and desperate when Nolan licked the tip of Skylar’s cock before he swallowed it down. He explored further and found Skylar’s balls and caressed those with his hands while he did wicked things with his tongue to the cock that filled his mouth.

  “I’m gonna, too much, Nolan!” came the incoherent cry above him as Skylar’s balls drew up and a flood of cum filled his mouth. He swallowed happily, continuing to stroke his balls in a soothing motion. Skylar slumped heavily, leaning his hands on Nolan’s shoulders.

  “Wow,” he breathed out. “Okay, deal. I’ll come to the 50s revival party with you and shine like a beacon of gayness to the world.”

  Nolan laughed as he stood, pressing a kiss on Skylar’s lips, letting the taste of the man’s release linger on their mouths. Eventually, he pulled back just a bit as he tucked that beautiful cock back in, then rested his forehead against Skylar’s. He just breathed and wondered at the feeling of contentment that shot through him at that moment.

  “And consider that whole boyfriend thing?” he asked.

  Skylar looked at him intently. “Is that really what you want?”

  “Yes. I know it’s sudden, but yes,” Nolan said, struggling to explain. Words failing him, he pressed another kiss to Skylar’s mouth. Until loud voices drifted in from the room outside.

  “I’m sure he’s probably in his office. Why he snuck back there rather than being out here dealing with all these people touring the gallery, I have no idea,” Tor said from right outside.

  “Remember, you just bought a hippo,” Nolan said urgently, guiding Skylar into the nearest chair and walking behind his desk when the door opened. Damn. He really needed to remember to lock that thing.

  “There you are! What are you doing hiding back here? Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize someone was with you.”

  “Hey, Tor. This is Skylar. He owns Fortress Dojo, that fitness and karate studio over on Old St. Augustine. Most importantly, he bought one of Jasper’s pieces, and we were making arrangements for delivery,” Nolan said, trying to sound normal. “Skylar, this is my brother Tor. And this is Tor’s best friend since forever, Byron.”

  Skylar shook both men’s hands, and it was amusing to see him stand next to the two much taller young men. But Nolan knew just how much muscle and tone was hiding under Skylar’s clothes… but no. He couldn’t go down that path or he’d be useless to talk to anyone tonight. The drooling would get in the way.

  “We left the rest of them out with your new featured artist.”

  “Well, let’s go join them,” Nolan said, leading the group out of his office with a sigh of relief. No one suspected a thing.

  As they walked, Byron and Skylar discussed fitness routines and he fell in step with Tor, who promptly clasped his shoulder and whispered in his ear, “Dude, that fooled no one. Making arrangements? Those must be some sexy arrangements you work out with your clients.”

  “Tor!” Nolan managed to choke out just as they entered the showroom floor.

  “Ah, there you two are!” Mrs. Lopez said as she caught sight of them. “I was just chatting with this charming young man here while Jasper gave the ladies a tour.”

  Nolan introduced everyone as Jasper returned with Julia and Jazz.

  “It looks amazing, Jasper,” Den said. “Nolan told us it was your opening night, so we just had to drop by.”

  “Thanks! It’s been so exciting. I was really worried, but it’s been, just, everything. Nolan, thank you. So much. This is beyond anything I could have imagined.”

  “That’s my job, Jasper. Everyone is loving your pieces, as well they should,” Nolan said firmly. “By the way, guys, Sky here has agreed to come with me to the holiday party. So please be nice to him. I don’t want to give him the excuse to flee.”

  “That’s a lot of arrangements for you to make, brother. Was there payment involved—Hey!” Tor yelled as Byron elbowed him.

  “I’m glad you can come, Sky. I won’t promise it will be fun, but it should be eventful,” Den said. Nolan was struck again at how mature his little brother had become.

  Skylar just laughed. “So I gather. And I will be honored to go with you and support you.”

  Nolan reached out a finger and traced it over Skylar’s shimmering curls. “I thought you were coming with me, Shimmer.”

  “Awww,” all three women breathed behind him.

  I Feel Pretty

  Skylar

  SKYLAR COULD not believe he was doing this. Really. Nolan had warned him, but no, he hadn’t taken him seriously. And now… he was about to join Nolan’s brothers and their dates at a spa for treatments with all of Jazz’s apparently copious aunts there to supervise. And Nolan, who was going to be a bit late because of a last-minute “art emergency.” Damn that man.

  Taking a deep breath, he entered the upscale spa, pausing in the entrance as he allowed the calming wood-plank decor and barely heard music to soothe him.

  “Skylar!” said a voice off to the side. Then a sudden missile launched at him and right into his side. All sense of calm promptly fled.

  “Julia, sweet, I said I would come.” He had to admit he had been surprised when Julia had called him in the middle of the week to suggest the spa day, but there was no way he was going to refuse the invitation. He had really enjoyed meeting Nolan’s brothers and friends and was looking forward to spending more time with them.

  “I know, I know. I’m just excited! This will be so much fun,” she exclaimed, grabbing his hand and dragging him through the lobby.

  As he entered the room that had been set aside for them, Den sat front and center looking miserable, and he burst out laughing.

  “Is it truly that bad, Den?” he asked.

  “Look around, man. So much…,” Den muttered under his breath. “Tor and Byron are just basking in all the attention.”

  Skylar had to laugh because Den was right. The two men were at the center of a lot of female attention as they got primped to within an inch of their lives. And they were quite literally preening as they sat shirtless with the women slathering mud masks on their faces.

  “Skylar, this is my boyfriend, Aaron. Who I think is raking in the points owed for every minute we are here,” Den said, introducing the absolute cutey standing next to him. He had a mop of luscious curls that framed a dark-skinned cherubic face and hazel eyes.

  “Thanks so much, Jazz! I can’t believe your aunt Cathy owns this place. It’s so sweet of her and her sisters to host us!” Julia exclaimed.

  “Well, we did promise her hot pictures of Tor and Byron in return,” Jazz reminded her friend. “Speaking of which, time for a pic, guys!”

  The two friends just laughed and happily posed together. It looked absurd, especially when they started to make ridiculous faces that cracked the mud. The girls who were hovering seemed happy with the pose as well. Come to think of it, Skylar thought as he contemplated the abs on display, maybe it wasn’t all that ridiculous.

  “Hey, no perving on the straight guys,” Nolan said as he wrapped Skylar up in a hug. “Especially not the straight guy that’s my little brother.”

  Skylar just laughed. “No worries, darling. Just trying to figure out if that pose was ridiculously hot or just ridiculous, and I’m really not sure.”

  “I suspect that Julia and Jazz would tell you their boyfriends are ridiculously hot. Personally, I think the green stuff on their face just doesn’t offset their hair very well.” Nolan shrugged and grabbed Skylar’s hand. “Let’s go rescue the youngsters and get them somewhere less… overwhelming.”

  After collecting Den and Aaron, they headed over to several stations in a quiet corner of the room. Two of the aunts came over and assessed them critically.

  “Okay, darlings, my name is Ira and this is Lydia. I see you have fled the scene. But we shall still get you all ready for the big night. Ms. Wayfair was most adamant that you gentlemen will look marvelous when leaving here. Let’s start with something easy, shall we, and soak your hands and feet? I promise you won’t melt or anything. It will merely feel wonderful, especially with a bit of massage.”

  The two women quickly set up seats with appropriate places to soak, and Skylar settled back with a sigh and allowed the deliciously warm water and smell of mint to do its magic. Ira and Lydia worked quietly, and soon enough they had been soaked and scrubbed and massaged, finally ending with a facial and head massage.

  Suddenly a burst of laughter erupted from Den. “Aaron, love, your hair is ridiculous right now.”

  Sure enough, Aaron’s curls had morphed into a raging case of bedhead with a side of static electricity.

  “Good thing we have the stylist right here to finish up,” Ira said, waving over a young man who had just arrived. Thankfully it didn’t take too much longer, and Skylar knew his color was still perfection, so a quick trim and he was ready to go. He looked around, and damn, did they clean up nice. Den and Aaron definitely looked the most changed, and he smiled at the transformation.

  “Don’t you look good!” Julia said as she came over and gave Den a kiss on the cheek. “Not too painful, was it, guys?”

  Den just grumbled as the rest of them laughed.

  Nolan

  NOLAN TOOK stock of the havoc that had been wreaked in his house. Formal wear was strewn in bits and pieces all over his bedrooms. Julia and Jazz had taken over his kitchen and back deck to take pictures once everyone was ready. The bathrooms were saturated with styling products, and water had been splashed everywhere. But he grinned from ear to ear as he looked at his family and friends. Getting ready for the formal event tonight had taken on a life of its own, and they had their own pre-party going on. Sadly, Nolan suspected that this one was a lot more fun than the real party to come later.

  Tor and Byron came out of the guest bedroom, followed closely by half of the basketball team. The other half were wandering through his living room, carrying beers and playing on the PS4. Loudly. But the noise died down as everyone got to see the final unveiling. Julia and Jazz rushed in and squealed.

  They did look amazing. Tor wore a traditional tuxedo, which had been tailor-made for him, and a deep purple shirt. The outfit set off his mahogany hair and piercing blue eyes. Byron also had on a traditional tuxedo, but with a white shirt that highlighted his sculpted cheekbones and dark skin. He had always reminded Nolan a little bit of Denzel Washington. Tor and Byron together were a striking couple. The girls immediately grabbed them into the other room for a photo session, working their friends in on the fun as well.

  Once the chaos had been removed to the kitchen, Den and Aaron hesitantly came out. They had gone for straight-up traditional. Den had cleaned up well, and it was amazing to see how dashing he looked now. Aaron, well, that boy was all kinds of adorable. Nolan could see why Den was so enamored.

  Cordelia stepped up to help both young men with the finishing touches on their ties. She had insisted on coming over with Skylar to make sure the youngsters had someone looking out for them. From the way the two were smiling shyly at her, they were both basking in her attention. There was something about her that just shouted out “Mom” with all capital letters and cookies.

  Nolan turned when Skylar came over, a water bottle held out. “Thanks, Shimmer. You look amazing.”

  And he did. The man was wearing a tuxedo that had a deep royal blue tint, and a peacock-style vest. The combination played off his amazing hair and made for quite the breathtaking sight. Nolan had chosen to wear his normal tuxedo, as it was tailored to perfection. But he’d paired it with a steel-blue shirt and a royal-blue bow tie. He was vain enough to hope it highlighted his deep blue eyes.

  Cordelia hugged them both. “Look at you two! The six of you are going to make quite an entrance.”

  “Speaking of making an entrance, let’s go face the music and let the girls take our pictures,” Nolan told the group as he dragged everyone to the kitchen. When he got there, photos were being taken out on the deck. Julia and Jazz had put their boyfriends in the middle surrounded by the rest of the basketball team, who were all in uniform. He had no idea how the girls had talked them into that, but he suspected they could talk just about anyone into doing what they wanted. The Christmas lights he had strung along the railings shone brightly in the early evening light, providing a nice lighting backdrop for the pictures.

  “These are great. The site is going to go through the roof again. The likes from the spa day were amazing, and this is going to be even better!” Jazz exclaimed excitedly.

  Skylar took her phone and herded the two girls into the picture. A couple of the guys placed the girls on their shoulders behind their boyfriends. Nolan laughed when the team tossed around several basketballs covered in Santa hats. Nolan was seriously impressed that the entire team had taken everything in stride and were all here to support their teammates. Skylar took a bunch of photos and handed the phone back for the girls to sort through once they jumped down.

  Nolan grabbed Skylar as they wandered back into the kitchen and kissed him hard, then realized that they had an audience who was doing their best paparazzi impression.

  “So. Hot. OMG,” Julia muttered, and he had to stifle his grin as he looked over at her.

  “Jazz, I’m not sure it will be safe to post those pictures. Ovaries will explode.” Julia chuckled.

  “If we don’t post that picture, the team will never forgive us. They agreed to stay home today as long as we posted enough pictures. Poor Nolan had enough people showing up at his house. Okay, we just need a picture of Den and Aaron, and then one of all of you,” Jazz said, fully in control of the situation. The rest of the pictures went quickly, and then it was time to load up into the limo that Nolan had arranged for the evening. The rest of the guests in the house were planning to stick around until they came back.

  “Call us if you need us to come down there and kick anyone’s ass,” Julia said. Nolan caught her up in a huge hug, glad that Tor had found someone so amazing to be by his side.

  Party Down

  Skylar

  SKYLAR HELD tight to Nolan’s hand as they approached the entrance to the building. He hadn’t been too sure exactly what this “family holiday event” would look like, but apparently, it involved renting out the exclusive club at the private golf course. Much like downtown, there were lights everywhere, and the palm trees, in particular, were sparkling. Christmas music could be heard throughout the grounds, and the current song about a white Christmas was particularly out of place in the almost seventy-degree weather.

 

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