Tom laughed. “That sounds about right.” His smile faded and he couldn’t help the soft sigh that escaped him. “Someone hurt him pretty bad.”

  Ken led Tom over to one of the smaller bars and they put in their orders. “Joe told you?”

  “He won’t talk about it. I just know something happened that really hurt him. Every time I think he’s starting to let me in, he pulls away.” Someone had really done a number on Joe, but Tom didn’t want to pry or push.

  Ken nodded somberly. “When Joe’s ready, he’ll tell you.”

  “I wish there was something I could do to make Joe understand I would never hurt him. I really care about him.” He took a sip of his drink. Man, he needed to lighten up. This was a party, one he was attending with Joe. Not the time to be sulking. “So how did you and Gordon meet?”

  “You’d never believe it, but I ended up on his operating table. I was rushed to the hospital after suffering from appendicitis. I remember being in so much pain and then blacking out. When I woke up, the surgeon was there, and I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. There he was, standing over me. The most gorgeous man I’d ever met.” Ken sighed and twirled the little umbrella in his drink. “He saved me twice that day.”

  “That’s got to be the sweetest thing ever. Next to Joe, that is.”

  Ken clamped a hand over his mouth to contain his delighted giggle. Managing to compose himself, he leaned in close. “You more than just care about him, don’t you?”

  “Oh?” Tom asked.

  “You should know that Joe has never, and I do mean never, brought anyone to any of our parties. Ever. I really didn’t expect him to come, much less ask for two costumes. That says a lot, believe me. Tell me. What’s Joe said to you?”

  “This is Joe we’re talking about, remember?” Tom mumbled. “He’s just….”

  “Stubborn? Pigheaded? Wouldn’t know love if it came shimmying down the drainpipe with neon signs and trumpets blaring? If he did actually recognize it, would then think he didn’t deserve it and try to run from here to Timbuktu?”

  “Wow, you really do know him well. I think he cares about me. He’s been amazing. It feels right, being with him. But if I get too close, he bolts.”

  “Wow.” Ken whistled. “He has got it bad.”

  “So… running away is a good thing?” If that was the case, then Joe was nuts about him.

  “Joe has a habit of letting his emotions run away with him, but he’s good at covering it up when it happens. It’s all part of that goofy charm of his. The idea of being in love scares the hell out of him, which is understandable, but someone has to teach him that if he doesn’t take a risk, he’ll never get what he wants. Everyone’s got buttons. Even Joe. We just need to find the right one and push it.”

  Tom studied Ken warily. The look on his face made him a little nervous. He looked like a cat ready to pounce. “Oh?”

  “Don’t you worry, handsome. I know Joe better than Joe knows himself.” He spotted Joe still chatting with Gordon, then looked toward the other end of the roof. “Tom, I’d like to introduce you to someone. Well, someones.” He grabbed Tom’s hand and led him across the roof to a group of young men flirting and tasting each other’s cocktails.

  “Boys,” Ken purred, getting the attention of the five pretty young men—all of whom looked to be in their twenties. They were dressed in Greek togas. “Tom, meet the Brooklyn Brats.”

  “Hello,” Tom said nervously as five blond heads and five pairs of sparkling blue eyes all turned simultaneously toward him, their pink lips smiling widely.

  “They’re brothers,” Ken whispered. “They’re also scandalous, hell on earth, notoriously flirty, and love a good soldier. Have fun.”

  Before Tom could utter a word, Ken was gone and the five blonds were devouring him with their eyes before slowly circling him.

  So, this is what it feels like to be thrown to the lions.

  Joe finished telling Ken and Gordon about the circumstances surrounding Tom’s sudden appearance in his life, making sure to leave out the parts with the men looking for Tom. He trusted his friends wholeheartedly. Not only were they good people, but they fussed over him as much as Bea and the kids, if not more so. Joe felt guilty for not keeping in touch as much as he wanted. He had a habit of hiding away in his own little world.

  “If I were you, I’d take that as a sign,” Ken said with a grin. He took another sip of his cocktail, a mischievous look in his eyes.

  “Yeah, a sign that you need help,” Joe grumbled, tightening his hands around the whip. He was grateful for the prop. He wouldn’t have known what to do with his hands otherwise, seeing as his pants had no pockets. Well, fake pockets. What was it with clothes and fake pockets? What was the point? They were deceptive, and evil. “You’re suggesting I shack up with a guy I found outside my doorstep because he’s good-looking.” Not that he’d been doing less scandalous things with Tom already, but his friends certainly didn’t have to know that.

  Ken waved his concerns away. “Don’t be silly. He’s not just a gorgeous man you found on your doorstep. He’s Tom. You’ve been living with him for a few weeks now, spending all day and night with him. So what if you don’t know where he’s from or what his job is? What’s it matter compared to having someone completely crazy about you?”

  Joe choked on his drink, then murmured, “Thank you,” to Gordon for the napkin to wipe the dribble off his chin. Classy. “Who said he’s crazy about me?”

  Ken shrugged.

  “No, Ken, no—” He mimicked Ken’s shrug. “Use words. Words that make sense to normal people like me and Gordon.” That got a snort from Ken.

  “Normal? Honey, normal people don’t stick their heads in household appliances. Besides, who wants to be normal when you can have a Roman centurion?”

  “When did everyone become such an expert in Roman history?” Joe frowned. At the puzzled expressions he sighed. “I thought he was a gladiator.”

  Gordon shook his head. “Gladiators were combatants. Centurion’s had the helmets with the plumes. They were officers of the Roman armies.”

  Joe was uninspired. “Thanks, professor. I’ll make sure to brush up on my history lesson before the next costume party.” He’d started to open his mouth when he heard a gaggle of laughter and titters erupt from the corner of the roof. Craning his neck around Ken, his jaw nearly unhinged at the sight of the Brooklyn Brats all over Tom. “When the hell did he become such a social butterfly?”

  “Hmm?” Ken casually turned to see what Joe was scowling at. “Looks like he’s quite the catch. They’re practically throwing themselves at his feet.”

  “Among other things,” Joe grunted, his eyes narrowing at the spectacle. “Those little hussies! Look at them. They’re shameless.” One blond Adonis was hanging on to Tom’s left bicep. Another was tugging at the hem of his tunic. A third was running his fingers through the helmet’s plumes and giggling. The fourth was wrapping himself in Tom’s cape, and the fifth wasn’t bothering with any subtlety at all as he ran his finger slowly down the faux sword attached to Tom’s belt. The man himself seemed to be completely unawares, standing there chatting away. My God, he couldn’t be that oblivious. Could he? “Someone should save him.”

  “Maybe he doesn’t want saving,” Gordon mused. “Most men don’t when caught in their clutches. After all, they’re very picky about their prey. Everyone knows they only sink their teeth into the best meat.”

  Joe shot him a glare. “Tom’s not meat, and he’s not interested in becoming their prey, either. Besides,” he purred, fluttering his lashes, “he’s crazy about me.”

  “Maybe he’s tired of waiting for you to reciprocate?” Ken countered most nonchalantly, his eyes everywhere but on Joe.

  “What do you mean?” Joe asked, feeling the blood drain from his face.

  “Well, I mean, the man might not remember who he is, but surely you don’t expect him to wait around for you forever, do you? He might meet someone else who doesn’t find his lack of identity a problem and steal him from you.”

  “Well, considering he’s not mine to begin with, they wouldn’t be stealing,” Joe said haughtily, though his heart was fighting him on that one. What if Tom really was waiting for him? He was always so sweet and affectionate, always the one to initiate things. Sometimes he thought maybe Tom did it because he was grateful to Joe, but the more he thought about it, the less he believed that. From the very beginning, Tom wore his heart on his sleeve, always being open and honest with Joe.

  “So you’re just going to let the lions have him? If they don’t finish him off, I guarantee there are a few more vultures circling at the moment.”

  Sure enough, when Joe scanned the rooftop, there were at least six or seven more men waiting for their chance at Tom. God, it was like a feeding frenzy. It wasn’t so much the thought of them ogling Tom—because frankly it was hard not to notice the man—but the thought of someone waltzing in and taking Joe’s place in Tom’s heart, all because he was too much of a coward to take a chance. Taking a deep breath, Joe tilted his top hat back and gave it a firm pat before making straight for the lions.

  “All right, beat it,” he growled, shooing the disgruntled youths away and grabbing Tom by the waist, pulling him hard against him. Tom’s eyes widened and he flushed, sending a tingle up Joe’s spine. Joe crushed his mouth to Tom’s and kissed him hard, claiming him right there in front of everyone.

  For a moment Tom appeared too stunned to move. He was probably wondering if Joe had done what he thought he’d done. Joe couldn’t believe what he was doing, but all further thought fled from his mind as he kissed Tom heatedly and thoroughly. It was only when they were forced to come up for air that Joe saw the look of raw desire in Tom’s eyes, and it sent a shudder through him.

  “I thought you wouldn’t come for me.”

  “You thought wrong,” Joe said, sounding breathless. An “oomph!” escaped him when Tom brought Joe up hard against him, kissing him deeply. It was only when Joe felt someone give his coat a gentle tug that he realized Ken and Gordon were trying to get their attention.

  “As thrilled as we are, boys,” Ken said, beaming, “you’re making the natives restless. Not to mention, very, very jealous.”

  Tom laughed shyly, and Joe, who’d only just realized what he’d done in front of everyone, wrapped his arms around Tom’s waist, and buried his face against his neck.

  Ken’s eyes danced with amusement. “Well, it’s better than an oven.”

  Joe glared at Ken, who cackled as he walked off, and the DJ began to play a soft romantic ballad.

  Tom slipped his hands around Joe’s waist and started to sway, his voice laced with amusement when he said, “Since we’re already here, how about a dance?”

  Joe put on his big boy pants and pulled back to meet Tom’s eyes. The man really was handsome. “I’d like that.”

  “Thank you for coming to my rescue,” Tom said, taking Joe’s hand in his and placing the other on Joe’s waist. They swayed slowly in time to the music. Joe couldn’t remember the last time he’d slow danced with someone. Had it been prom?

  “Well, you are my date. I could hardly leave you to become their dinner, though you didn’t look all that alarmed.” Joe narrowed his eyes, ignoring the way his lip twitched, clearly eager to smile.

  “I was trying to be polite. The experience was quite traumatizing, actually.” Tom pouted, and Joe went along with it.

  “Was it now?”

  “Yep. I think maybe I might need some soothing.” Tom brought Joe in a little closer and gave him a soft kiss. “Maybe some of this….” He brushed his lips over Joe’s for a feathery kiss before moving his lips to Joe’s jaw. “Maybe a little of this….” He nipped at Joe’s jawline, his voice low and husky. “Maybe a few more drinks, a little mingling, and we find ourselves a little privacy where we can… reassure each other.”

  Joe all but melted against Tom. “I think that can be arranged.” He couldn’t believe his boldness, but he took Tom’s hand and led him back to the stairs leading to the apartment. Joe bit on his bottom lip, hoping Ken wouldn’t mind—not that he would, really, but still. Was he going to do this? Joe refused to give it any more thought. He hurried through the apartment to the large linen closet at the end of the hall past the guest bathroom. Making sure no one saw him, he opened it, then pushed Tom inside before following him in. He turned on the light and closed the door behind them. There was plenty of room.

  “Joe, what—”

  Joe cut Tom off with a kiss. He couldn’t let himself think too much or he’d get cold feet. He’d never done anything like this before. Lucky for them, Joe didn’t have to worry about Tom’s pants, considering he wasn’t wearing any. Joe got on his knees, and Tom sucked in his breath. Joe lifted the lower half of Tom’s costume.

  “Hold that.”

  “Okay.”

  Joe couldn’t help but chuckle at Tom’s eager acceptance. As a reward, Joe pulled down Tom’s black boxer briefs, freeing his already half-hard shaft. It was as amazing as the first time he’d seen it. The man was gorgeous all over, and all Joe wanted to do was taste him.

  With a smile, Joe took hold of Tom’s erection and drew it into his mouth, moaning around Tom’s length. Tom bucked his hips and threw a hand out to the side, grabbing a fistful of the shelved towels as Joe proceeded to suck, lick, and nip Tom’s erection. He started off slow, loving the taste of Tom, the scent of shower gel and his musk. Joe held the base of Tom’s cock as he pulled off him and pressed the tip of his tongue to Tom’s slit.

  “Oh God, Joe….”

  Tom’s plea resulted in Joe doubling his efforts. He picked up his pace, keeping his lips pressed tight around Tom as he moved up to the tip, where he worked his tongue around the head before he moved back down, making a meal out of Tom. He popped off Tom long enough to wet his finger before sucking Tom down again. With his wet digit, he carefully pushed it against Tom’s hole, moaning when Tom gasped and thrust his hips up. Joe swallowed Tom almost down to the root and allowed Tom to take hold of his head and thrust his hips, sliding himself in and out.

  “Joe, I’m going to come.”

  Joe responded to Tom’s breathless declaration by pushing his finger further into Tom and crooking his finger.

  Tom gritted his teeth as he cried out, spilling himself inside Joe’s mouth. Joe swallowed down every drop, moving his hand to Tom’s leg as Tom doubled over and held on to Joe’s head until he was spent. Joe stood and cupped the back of Tom’s head. Tom gazed dreamily, his silver eyes sparkling with need, want, and something that made Joe’s heart skip a beat. He leaned in and kissed Tom, slipping his tongue inside Tom’s mouth so he could taste himself. Tom groaned and his knees wobbled. Joe pulled back and nipped at Tom’s bottom lip.

  “How’s that for soothing?”

  Seven

  Another great day.

  The café had been busy as usual, and everyone worked hard. Of course there may have been a little play in between. Ever since Ken and Gordon’s party, it was difficult for Joe and Tom to keep their hands off each other. With a sigh, Joe finished turning the chairs over and placing them on the tables. Just his luck. After all these years, he’d finally found a guy who he could possibly have a future with, and the man had amnesia. Then again, what were the chances of a man like Tom even noticing Joe if he hadn’t ended up unconscious in his garden?

  Squeals, giggling, and laughter filtered in through the kitchen doors. What on earth? Joe finished up and pushed through the swinging doors just as Donnie whizzed by and a handful of flour smacked Joe in the face. Eyes shut, he stood serenely.

  “Joe, I’m so sorry. Keep your eyes closed.” Tom gently blew on Joe’s face then dabbed at his skin with a wet paper towel. When it was safe, Joe opened his eyes. He arched an eyebrow at Tom, who was doing his best not to laugh. He was failing quite spectacularly. “I’m sorry. I really am.”

  “And here I thought Bea and Donnie were the ones needing supervision.”

  Donnie and Bea both protested simultaneously. “Hey.”

  Joe shook his head at Bea in shame. “Aren’t you a little mature for this?”

  Bea lifted her chin in defiance. “Even I know when to have a little fun.”

  What was this now? “You’re saying I don’t know how to have fun?” He knew how to have fun. He couldn’t think of any examples at the moment, but he could have fun.

  “Prove it.” Bea took his hand and poured a load of flour onto it. Joe was less than inspired.

  “I don’t have to prove it. And these are my ingredients you’re tossing about willy-nilly.”

  Bea pursed her lips and chucked another handful of flour at his face. “That’s for saying willy-nilly. No grown man says that.”

  “I say it, and I’m a grown man,” Joe protested, wiping the flour from his face.

  “That’s debatable,” Donnie replied with a giggle.

  Joe gasped. “Et tu?” He pointed behind Donnie. “Is that a spider?”

  “Where?” Donnie turned around. “I don’t see it.” He turned back to Joe and got floured.

  Joe grinned smugly. “Debate that.”

  He should have known better. Everyone peered at each other before they launched into an attack. More flour floated through the air than, well, air. It was snowing down, covering them from head to toe, except for Tom. Tom was a little too clean, so Joe decided to enlist the help of his enemies. He caught Donnie’s attention and motioned toward Tom. Donnie enlisted Elsie, who then recruited Bea. The four of them grabbed a handful of four and set their sights on Tom.

  “Oh, I see how it is.” Tom narrowed his eyes as he backed away. “Gang up on the new guy.”

  “Someone has to take the fall, Tom, and you’re too darn good.” Joe had prepared to launch his attack when Tom pulled some super spy move and ended up with his arms around Joe before he knew what hit him. He let out a yelp as Tom lifted him off his feet, the flour in his hand falling away as he was thrown over Tom’s shoulder. Joe couldn’t stop himself from laughing. “Put me down!”