Sean: I know it’s Christmas time, but my family celebrates on Christmas Eve and I hoped you’d like to go with me. Also, they’re having a work party at Slip to celebrate. I’d love it if you’d be my date.

Mateo: Only if you go with me to my parents on Christmas Day and to the training center for their holiday celebration thing.

Sean: I’m on school break and Slip is closing from Christmas Eve to January 2^nd, so I have nothing but time.

Mateo: Awesome.

The Slip party went off without a hitch. Boston had been thrilled to see Mateo. At least, as much as Boston was ever thrilled to see anyone. The man had charm, but Sean recognized most of it was faked. When Boston was with his husband, Kaz, he was someone else. They made Sean jealous sometimes because—in his heart—Sean knew he’d never have what they did.

Since Sean’s work party turned out to be on the same day as the one at Mateo’s training facility, they’d gone to Slip first. Mateo drove. Sean drank. He needed the fortification. Considering Sean worked with the public, meeting strangers shouldn’t have been such a big deal, but the people who worked out with Mateo daily weren’t strangers to Mateo. They’d be looking at Sean, judging, and finding him lacking. He spent the ride there talking himself off the ledge. Surely there’d be someone nice there, and not just the asshole who’d been at Slip with Mateo the night they’d met. He could do this. Mateo was with him. By the time they pulled in the parking lot of Aden’s gym, he’d somewhat made peace with his current circumstances. The heated glances Mateo had been tossing his way all night definitely helped. They were such an odd mixture of friends and nothing at all. Yet, they weren’t nothing. There was something there. Sean spent every moment in Mateo’s company waiting for this thing between them to explode, destroying their friendship and turning messy. The good kind of messy. The kind that took over and controlled every thought.

Mateo ran around the Jeep and opened Sean’s door, as if scared Sean would do it before he could get there—the way he always did. Sean let it go on because it was adorable. Mateo held his hand on the way to the door. He let go only long enough to hold the door open for Sean. Sean’s steps faltered as he crossed the threshold. The place looked like the North Pole had exploded inside. It didn’t snow in the Keys, but apparently it did inside Aden’s gym.

The most beautiful man Sean had ever seen overcame him. Truly, it was like a gorgeous rocket launched at Sean’s body. “Hiya. I’m Remy,” the dude said as he hugged Sean like they weren’t complete strangers. “And you’re Sean,” he added before Sean could speak. He grabbed Sean’s hand and tugged, dragging Sean along in his wake. Sean cast a desperate look at Mateo. Judging by the man’s huge smile, Mateo didn’t intend to rescue him. “Don’t worry about Mateo,” Remy said over his shoulder. “He’ll be along. Being as how he’s always talking about you, he won’t let me keep you but a minute, so we have to hurry.”

Sean had no idea what was going on, but Remy said Mateo talked about him all the time. The knowledge had his cheeks aching from smiling. Several familiar faces stood out in the crowd as they passed. It seemed the men here frequented Slip. Finally, Remy’s steps slowed as they reached the doorway of an office. He grabbed Sean’s shoulders, maneuvering him into a specific position in the entryway. Sean went along, because… he had no idea why, but he was a little scared to disobey.

“There,” Remy said, sounding triumphant. “Stand right there and don’t move.”

Sean nodded, because what choice did he have? He got the feeling people didn’t say no to Remy often, and when they did, they immediately changed their mind if his smile fell. Remy disappeared inside the office and reappeared seconds later, holding a bright red box. He held it out to Sean. “Mateo told me you were coming.”

The tips of Sean’s fingers were numb as he accepted the gift. “You bought me a present?” Sean was beyond stunned and moved. He didn’t even know who this guy was, and was afraid if he did, he’d have to be jealous, because he’d never compare to this guy.

Remy nodded. “Of course. You’re a guest in my house. Well, technically, it’s a gym, but still, it’s my husband’s gym and you’ve never been here.”

Thank God. He was married. “I didn’t bring you anything. Now I feel rude.”

Remy waved off his words. “You brought me you. I’ve been super excited to meet you, but I don’t go to Slip, so I’ve had to wait for you to come to me. Open your present.” Remy was practically dancing in place.

Sean was hyper aware of Remy watching his every move as he lifted the lid on the box. There was an Aden’s Gym T-shirt inside along with a generic holiday card. Sean scanned the front before flipping it open. “Welcome to the family. This card entitles you to one free year at Aden’s Gym. Come hang out with your man and watch him in action on us. We’d love to know you better.”

Sean glanced up—stunned. “Are you serious?”

Remy beamed. “Yes. Mateo is a huge part of our family here and we want you to be too. Trust me, having people who love and support you, surrounding you while you fight for a title—that’s so, so important. One day soon, Mateo will win and he’ll need you.”

He didn’t know what to say. Remy obviously believed Sean’s relationship with Mateo was more than it was. He didn’t have the heart to argue. Plus, he was moved. Sean didn’t know how much a place like this cost per year, but even if it was a dollar, Sean couldn’t afford it. He swallowed. “Thank you. This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.”

Remy clapped and hugged him again. “Yay. We’ll be such good friends. I just know it.”

Mateo appeared from the crowd. “There you are.” His gaze moved over Sean’s face. No doubt, Sean looked every bit as emotional as he felt. “What did I miss?”

“Remy gave me a present.” Sean’s voice might’ve cracked on the last word. If so, he couldn’t be held accountable.

“And he’s standing under the mistletoe,” Remy said, pointing at the plant hanging over Sean’s head and sounding entirely too pleased with himself.

Mateo’s gaze shifted to the spot above Sean’s head before meeting Sean’s stare once more. “So he is,” he said, pushing the box Sean held aside before invading his space. Sean didn’t have time to run or dodge. Mateo touched his chin, tilting Sean’s head back, and claimed his mouth. He heard Remy giggle and then nothing else. Nothing could’ve prepared him. It wasn’t innocent. This wasn’t a game between friends. Mateo sucked Sean’s bottom lip between his and lightly sank his teeth in. Sean couldn’t move or react. Blood pounded in his ears and oxygen was nonexistent. Mateo teased Sean’s mouth open with his tongue, and Sean let it happen. The stroke of Mateo’s tongue against his was better than Sean imagined. He didn’t want to stop. Reality waited at the end. Mateo was the first to pull away. He swiped the moisture from Sean’s bottom lip with his thumb. Sean tried tearing his gaze away from Mateo’s eyes, but there was something there. He wanted to beg for Mateo’s thoughts.

Mateo looked away and focused on the box in Sean’s hand. “What did you get?”

“Um.” Sean glanced around. Remy was gone.

Without waiting for Sean to gather his thoughts, Mateo sifted through the contents and read the card. “Whoa.”

That shook Sean out his haze. “Was that an ‘I can’t believe you’ll be hanging around all the time’ whoa or a ‘you don’t want to know how much this gift is worth’ whoa?”

“Definitely the second one.” He set the card back in the box. “I’m thinking I owe Remy big time for giving me the gift of luring you here for the next year.” He met Sean’s gaze. “And for that kiss.”

Sean couldn’t breathe. “He seems great.”

Mateo nodded. “Actually, he’s the greatest person I’ve ever met. Well, he was, until I met you.”

“I doubt I compare—”

Mateo kissed him again. This time, Sean didn’t see it coming, but that didn’t stop him from immediately opening for Mateo. It was quick—over as fast as it began.

“I think you should move out from underneath this mistletoe before someone else steals my place.”

Sean stepped sideways and into the back of a man he hadn’t noticed. The man turned. He had sweet-looking amber eyes and looked slightly familiar. “Excuse me,” Sean muttered, moving away.

Amber Eyes smiled. “It’s no problem. I’m Isaac,” he said, holding out his hand for Sean to shake.

Sean shifted the box to the opposite arm and accepted. “Sean.”

Isaac nodded. “I was at Slip with Mateo the night you two met.”

Oh. That was where Sean had seen him. This wasn’t the ass, but he’d still abandoned Mateo when he’d been drunk with no way home. Sean didn’t know whether to kiss him or kick him. “I remember,” he said instead.

Mateo took over. “Isaac is the Super Middleweight Champion.”

“Seriously?” Sean asked, trying to sound impressed. Mostly, he was just uncomfortable. “I’m sorry. I don’t keep up with sports.”

Isaac shook his head. “Don’t worry over it. I just won the title last week. Oh,” he said, as if remembering something important. He turned slightly and drew the man he’d been speaking to, before Sean ran him down, forward. “This is Daniel.”

He’d been there that night too. Sean remembered him. Still not the ass, so this was okay. Sean held out his hand. “Sean. Nice to meet you.”

Daniel accepted and held on. “The pleasure’s all mine. You should run.”

A surprised snort of laughter escaped Sean. “What?”

Daniel kept shaking his hand. “Seriously. You should run. Get as far away from this player as possible.”

Sean realized he meant Mateo. A shot of anger roared through him. His face hardened. He felt it happen. “You should mind your own business.”

Daniel dropped his hand and smiled as if nothing happened. “Can’t. Sorry. I’m a reporter. Being nosy and intrusive is sort of my thing.”

Sean’s anger didn’t abate. He recognized something in Daniel. Daniel was a controlling man. Sean hated those. It didn’t matter if the man was the best person in every other way. Sean couldn’t handle it. “If you need some info to make you feel better about this moment, I’m fine with that. Mateo is a damn good person. If you see me running, it’s because I’m trying to get away from you.” Sean turned away and caught sight of Mateo’s stunned expression. He immediately felt like shit and turned back around. “I’m sorry,” Sean said, not meeting Daniel’s gaze. “You probably didn’t deserve that.”

The man’s low chuckle had Sean’s gaze sliding his way. Daniel was smiling. He looked younger and kinder. Sean’s guilt tripled. “Actually, I completely deserved that. It was nice meeting you, Sean.” Daniel and Isaac walked away, leaving Sean burning alive with embarrassment.

He cast an ashamed glance Mateo’s way. “Jesus. I completely understand if you never want to talk to me again, or—at least—don’t want to be seen with me in public.”

“Are you joking?” Mateo asked, sounding more serious than he’d ever heard the man. “You’re my best friend. I don’t know what I’d do if you never spoke to me again.”

Sean’s eyes burned. There was a real probability he might cry. No one had ever called him their best friend before. He didn’t know what was happening between them. They felt like more than friends, but—raging hormones aside—Mateo was his best friend. His only friend. “That’s probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” Even as he made the claim, Sean expected Mateo would think he was pathetic.

“You’re under the mistletoe again.”

“It’s okay if you want to kiss me again.” In Sean’s head, the words had rushed from his lips on a yell. In truth, they came out in a whisper that sounded closer to a plea. It seemed—when it came to Mateo—Sean didn’t have any pride. Neither did he miss it.

* * *

Meeting Sean’s parents had been nice. It turned out they were older, having started their family later in life. Sean’s dad drove a fishing boat for party tours. Sean’s mom altered clothes from their home. They weren’t rich in money, but they were awesome. Neither parent had batted an eye over Mateo’s presence. Mateo hadn’t stopped smiling since Sean’s mom had shyly admitted Sean had good taste.

Meeting Sean’s parents was part one of Mateo’s plans for the evening. They were headed to Mateo’s parents’ house first thing in the morning, and he’d yet to give Sean his gift. Mostly because he was nervous. “I’ve been thinking. You should stay the night at my house.” He didn’t give Sean time to argue. “It’s late and we have to leave early.”

No sound came from Sean’s side of the car. Mateo chanced a glance. Sean was watching him. He wished he had time to inspect Sean’s face and pick apart his mood, but he needed to watch the road. Sean finally responded. “Either way, we’ll have to stop by my place. I need to get some clothes together and I don’t have your gift with me.”

A smile exploded across Mateo’s face. “You bought me a gift?”

“Of course.” Sean said the words as if it was a given, but Mateo knew how hard Sean struggled for everything.

“Guess we’d better run by your house, then,” Mateo said, trying to keep the massive happiness from his voice.

“Give me five minutes,” Sean said as he slid from the Jeep when they reached his apartment. “It won’t take long for me to grab some clothes.”

“Maybe grab more than one night’s worth. You know, in case we’re out late again tomorrow.”

Sean smiled and shut the door. Mateo couldn’t stop smiling as he watched Sean head inside. Staying true to his word, Mateo barely had time to miss him before he was back—overnight bag in hand.

“That was quick.”

Sean winked. “I’m good.”

“I’m sure,” Mateo agreed as he backed out of his space. Damn, he wished Sean knew exactly how much Mateo would like to find out for himself. He hadn’t stopped thinking about that kiss. Since meeting Sean almost three months ago, Mateo had fantasized more than he cared to admit. Remy had pointed out that mistletoe and Mateo had struck without thought. All he’d known was he didn’t want to miss his chance. He’d thought to steal a small taste, but then he had Sean in his arms. Sean had kissed him back—like he’d been every bit as desperate. To make matters worse, Sean had immediately ripped into Daniel for him. No one ever stood up for him. Not only had Sean done so, he’d immediately apologized, because his heart was so goddamn pure. Mateo spent all his time torn right down the middle. Should he marry Sean before he wised up or send the man packing before he destroyed him?

“You’re being awful quiet.”

“Dreading my parents tomorrow,” Mateo said, only half lying. “Loved yours, by the way. You’re lucky.”

“I’m not a very good son,” Sean said, surprising Mateo. “They don’t see me often.”

Mateo watched the road and nodded. “I imagine most people don’t see you often. Things will change when you’re out of school. I’m sure they’re proud of you for doing something with your life. If no one else has told you lately, I’m proud of you.”

Sean touched Mateo’s hand on the gearshift. Mateo didn’t hesitate linking fingers with him. He glanced over. Sean stared out the window, looking lost in thought, or just lost. Sometimes, Mateo wondered if Sean was unhappy. He tried hard to change that, but he didn’t think it had anything to do with him. Mateo didn’t know how to start that conversation. His house came into view, pulling his thoughts in a new direction. He’d convinced Sean to stay. Could he also talk him into another kiss?

He carried Sean’s bag inside. His heartbeat sounded loud inside his ears. There wasn’t a single reason for Mateo to be nervous. Sean had taken countless naps, sleeping next to Mateo. In fact, nap time had become his favorite time of the day. He’d yet to fall on Sean like a love-starved sicko. Mateo doubted he’d start tonight.

Mateo tried focusing on something else as he carried Sean’s bag to the bedroom. The instant he turned the light on, his gaze landed on Sean’s Christmas present. Damn, he hoped Sean’s pride didn’t stop him from accepting. After setting the bag aside, he snagged the gift and headed back down the hall. Mateo found Sean grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. It was such a small and insignificant thing, but Mateo couldn’t stop smiling. Sean was comfortable here. Goddamn, he really wanted to keep Sean, but nothing good ever happened to Mateo. He’d given up trying for happiness years ago.

“Hey, baby. Let me see your phone.”

Sean choked on his water, laughing. The sight had Mateo hard as a rock. Sean’s happiness was the sexiest thing on the planet. “Why? Are you in the mood to wince and mutter to yourself?”

Mateo released a loud and weary-sounding sigh. “Please?”

With a shrug, Sean dug his phone from his pocket and passed it over.

Mateo popped the back off and removed the SIM card before setting the phone aside. He didn’t look to check Sean’s reaction. Instead, he pulled the new smartphone he’d bought Sean from his back pocket and inserted Sean’s card. He spoke while keeping his gaze locked on his chore. “I tried to think of something you needed, because I want to make your life easier, but I would also love it if you got to enjoy something frivolous for a change. So, yes, this is the newest phone on the market, but you need it.” He handed it to Sean. “Merry Christmas.”

Sean didn’t take it. “That’s not fair. You know I can’t afford to spend that much on you.”

Mateo didn’t think. He reacted. His feet moved. Their bodies collided. Mateo pinned Sean to the counter where he couldn’t get away. “Do you know what I want most in the world?”

Sean shook his head but didn’t speak. With his chin tilted up, Sean held Mateo’s gaze, but he looked wary.

“You’re giving it to me right now,” Mateo answered. “I want your time. Your company.” Mateo swallowed. Sean made him so goddamn weak and strong at the same time. “I need to know you have a reliable phone to reach me with if you need me.” He stuffed the phone in Sean’s front pocket, refusing to be rejected.

“Okay.” Sean’s agreement came out so low, Mateo wouldn’t have heard if he hadn’t been standing so close. “Do you want your present?”

Mateo’s hunger grew. Without thought, his hands moved to Sean’s hips. His thumbs brushed the bare skin above Sean’s waistband. “You mean this isn’t it?”

Sean’s smile melted Mateo’s heart. “No. It’s in my bag.”

Even though he didn’t want to, Mateo took a step back, freeing Sean. He didn’t watch as Sean disappeared down the hall. He was afraid—if he did—he might follow. Thankfully, Sean returned before Mateo had too much time to think about it. Sean handed him a small box. It was cheerfully wrapped to perfection. He almost hated to mess up the hard work that had gone into the packaging. Nervous anticipation rolled off Sean in waves, so Mateo dug in. It was a watch. Even though it wasn’t an expensive watch, it wasn’t cheap either.

“I know people don’t really wear watches anymore and I’ve never seen you wear one, this is more a sentimental piece. Flip it over.”

Mateo flipped it over. The back was engraved. “Time always flies when I’m with you—Sean”

Mateo’s chest tightened. He set the watch on the kitchen island and closed the distance between them. “Why are you so amazing?” Mateo asked as he gathered Sean against his chest and squeezed.

Sean wrapped his arms around Mateo and held on. His voice came out muffled against Mateo’s chest. “I wish I could do more. You do so much more for me than I do for you.”

That was enough of that. Sean was obviously blind because Mateo wasn’t worth the space he occupied. After linking fingers with Sean, Mateo headed down the hall. He stopped by the dresser and dumped his pockets. Sean did the same. He’d been avoiding Sean’s stare. His head spun. Mateo had never wanted anyone more, but he respected the hell out of Sean. Not to mention, there was something vulnerable about Sean. Mateo always feared pushing too hard or going too far. Losing Sean wasn’t an option. Mateo would stay here on the edge of something huge forever if it meant he got to keep the man in some capacity.

When there was nothing left to distract him, Mateo finally met Sean’s gaze. “Will you come to bed with me?”

Sean snorted out a laugh. “I already agreed to stay the night.”

Mateo didn’t smile or look away. “I know, but I also want to kiss you again.”

The humor in Sean’s expression melted away until he matched Mateo’s intensity. “Okay.”

“On the bed,” Mateo said, motioning toward the waiting bed.

“Okay.” Sean didn’t look scared. Neither did he look comfortable.

“I promise my pants will stay on.”

Sean nodded. “I trust you.”

That made one of them.

* * *

There was a good chance Sean would hyperventilate. If Mateo didn’t think he was pathetic, Sean didn’t know why. He was certain most men were braver. Mateo was probably used to having men jump him hours after meeting him. When it came to matters of sex, Sean was a failure. Once upon a time, he’d been different. That was a lifetime ago.

Sean spent an awkward moment wondering what to do next. Mateo took control, saving him from floundering. He fingered the hem of Sean’s shirt. “Can I have this?”

Sean didn’t hesitate taking off his shirt. Mateo’s gaze still never wavered from Sean’s face, even as he pulled his own shirt up and over his head. Sean almost swallowed his tongue. Mateo spent every minute he wasn’t with Sean at the gym. It showed. He was damn glad he’d taken his shirt off first or he might not have worked up the nerve to do so after seeing Mateo’s body.

Mateo wiped away Sean’s insecurity in an instant. “Goddamn, you’re sexy.” Sean might’ve thought Mateo was only flattering him if not for the man’s eyes. The way he stared at Sean screamed he meant every word. In one quick motion, Sean found himself in Mateo’s arms. The man’s mouth moved against his. His teeth gnawed at Sean’s bottom lip. Sean’s feet left the floor when Mateo grabbed two handfuls of ass and lifted. Without thought, Sean wrapped his legs around Mateo’s waist. Mateo headed for the bed.

The mattress welcomed him as Mateo climbed into bed and settled between Sean’s thighs. Behind his zipper, Sean’s dick begged for Mateo’s touch. The man’s tongue was heaven. Mateo might’ve promised their pants would stay on, but that didn’t stop the man’s hips from moving as if he was already buried root deep inside Sean. Sean gasped for air as Mateo’s mouth moved from his lips to his throat. He hadn’t been fucked in his clothes since high school. It was happening now. The way Mateo ground down on him massaged Sean’s dick through his clothes. He already knew he’d come in his jeans. All Sean could do was try to keep it from happening too fast.

“Tell me if I scare you,” Mateo said against Sean’s collarbone. “I promise I’ll stop.”

Mateo’s hands were everywhere. He had a handful of ass, holding Sean in place as he rocked against him. A thin layer of sweat coated Mateo’s skin. Sean craved the flavor of the man’s salt on his taste buds.

“I’m not afraid,” Sean lied. He was fucking terrified, but not for any reason that would make sense to Mateo. Before Mateo, he’d had nothing to lose. Everything he owned was barely holding together. His life was pretty much empty. Then, Mateo had appeared from nowhere, and suddenly, Sean had so much to lose, he could barely breathe at the thought. Now Mateo kissed him like he felt the same, and Sean was scared shitless at how badly he wanted it.

“You’re gonna come in these jeans.” Sean whimpered at Mateo’s claim. “Don’t worry. I will too.”

Sean would be the first to orgasm. He already knew it. Not only was Mateo doing amazing things to his body, it was hot as hell that Mateo wasn’t the least bit embarrassed to blow in his jeans during the equivalent of a teenage make-out session.

“Fuck, Sean.” Mateo’s mouth opened over Sean’s again. Their tongues fought. The friction of their bodies wasn’t enough, yet it still threatened Sean’s sanity. His entire being focused on the building ache in his cock. Mateo’s mouth moved from Sean’s mouth to his jaw and then to his ear. He held Sean’s jaw as he tongued Sean’s neck. Mateo’s thumb brushed his bottom lip. Sean opened his mouth and drew the finger inside. He couldn’t control himself. His tongue stroked Mateo’s thumb, licking it the way he wanted to savor the man’s dick.

Mateo’s lips touched Sean’s ear. “Goddamn,” Mateo breathed. “You’re so fucking hot. I want you on my dick so goddamn bad. You make me weak. All I think about is you and all the ways I want you. Damn, Sean. I can picture that tongue licking my dick.” Without warning, Mateo claimed his mouth again and palmed Sean’s cock through his jeans. It was as if that was what Sean had been waiting for all along. A gasp ripped from his throat, vibrating through their kiss. Ecstasy tore through him. His cock pulsed in his jeans, filling his underwear with hot cum. Mateo moaned. It was the sexiest sound Sean had ever heard in his life. Mateo pulled away and held Sean’s gaze as he came. Sean couldn’t close his eyes against the sight. He’d never felt more connected to anyone in his life. This was the other half of Sean’s soul. Eventually, he’d have to admit it or lose Mateo forever and that wasn’t an option.