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Brandon scrubbed both hands over his face, then stared at himself in the mirror. He’d retreated to the bathroom. The love in Aydin’s face had been too much for him. He didn’t deserve that kind of love. Christ, he was a player. He danced from man to man, not letting any of them get too close. He hated Valentine’s Day and could’ve sworn they’d split by then. The strain from his brother’s constant anger and his own wanderlust should’ve shown Aydin they weren’t going to last.
But he wanted them to stay the course. Fucking hell.
The longer he stared at himself, the more he realized he didn’t look right. The tiredness around his eyes, the sunken quality in his cheeks. Even the pink in his hair looked dull. Jesus. He’d muted himself. For Aydin? No. For the damn review.
What about his boyfriend? What did he think? Aydin liked his flamboyance. They hadn’t fucked yet—only made out and gave each other handjobs—but when he wore extra glitter and liner, Aydin hugged him more. Touched him more.
He had to stop thinking negatively and use his best assets. He needed the makeup and color. If he was going to be himself, then he had to look the way that made him happiest. He stood a little taller. Yeah, a little liner, some shadow...he’d be himself. He picked up the tube of eyeliner and drew the dark lines across his lids, then swiped beneath his lower lashes. He added a little silver shadow, then pinched his cheeks. The color worked for him. He felt like the Brandon he should be.
“Brandon?” Aydin called. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” He switched out of the plain button-down and into one of his favorite T-shirts he’d left in the minuscule bathroom closet. He smoothed his hands over the word RAD in glitter on the front. The tight garment showed off his muscles and felt soft against his skin. When he looked at himself in the mirror, the confidence returned.
“Are you...” Aydin paused in the bathroom doorway. “Look at you.”
“Hi.” Brandon grinned. “You didn’t say anything, but I could see it in your eyes. I wasn’t being true to myself. You’re right.” I needed to be in my own skin.
“I love it. That shirt is you.” Aydin crossed the tiny room and kissed him. “Dinner’s ready. It’s probably cold by now.” He pinned Brandon’s body between his and the wall. “But I don’t want to eat.”
“You don’t?” Brandon grunted as he connected with the wall. Heat swam through his veins. He hooked his fingers in Aydin’s front pockets. “I’m sorry I’ve been moody.”
“Explain later.” Aydin crushed his mouth down on Brandon’s. He took control of the moment and ground his body against his boyfriend’s. He ran his fingers along Brandon’s ribs, then palmed his chest.
Brandon groaned. When he opened to Aydin, his boyfriend sucked on his tongue. Shit, he loved this. Who needed food when he could be with Aydin? Why was he even considering breaking things off?
Aydin straddled Brandon’s thigh. He rubbed the bulge in his jeans against Brandon’s leg. He moaned and slid his palm across the back of Brandon’s neck. He broke away long enough to gasp. His breath warmed Brandon’s face.
“I’d rather have you than ziti anyway.”
“Me, too.” Brandon stuffed his hands into Aydin’s back pockets and held him closer. He gave into the thrill of being in Aydin’s arms. Something vibrated in Aydin’s pants. Brandon paused. Why was Aydin’s groin vibrating? “Did you put something in your jeans? You’re buzzing.”
“I am.” Aydin toyed with Brandon’s hair. “My phone’s ringing.”
“You’re not going to answer it?” He stared at Aydin. The man wasn’t glued to his phone, but did tend to jump when it rang.
“Nope. Whoever wants me won’t get me right now.” Aydin ran his nose along Brandon’s. “Right now is just for us.”
“It is.” He kissed Aydin. He loved their closeness. Tonight, he wanted more than a kiss or to cuddle on the couch. He’d rather have everything—love and sex...hotter than he’d ever thought possible. Aydin’s pocket buzzed again, but louder this time. Brandon frowned and splayed his hand on Aydin’s chest. “Now what?”
“I don’t know.” Aydin pulled away from Brandon. “Must be the cosmos wanting us to get food.”
“I doubt that.” He grasped Aydin’s hand. “But I’m getting hungry. I’m betting the ziti you made is better than anything from a box.”
“I know.” Aydin laughed. “You’ll love it.”
“I know I will.” He followed Aydin back to the living room, then sat on the floor at the coffee table. “I still see steam coming off the ziti. We’re not too late.”
“Perfect.” Aydin handed over his phone. “Check to see who called. I’m going to get the bottle of cider.”
“You’re sure?” He swiped the screen to unlock the phone. “You don’t know who might be trying to get a hold of you?”
“No clue,” Aydin called. “I’m busy, so they’re not going to get me.”
Brandon retrieved the list of missed calls. He recognized the number listed four times in the last ten minutes. “It’s the theater department. They didn’t leave a message.”
“Oh, then it’s probably Nia.” Aydin wandered back into the main room and plunked the bottle on the coffee table. He sat beside Brandon. “She and Mike are doing a one-woman show tonight about Valentine’s Day.”
“Well...” He stared at the screen. “You’re ringing again. Same number. Want me to answer? Let it go to voicemail?”
“It’s not the dorm or the desk, so yeah. I don’t mind. I’ll find a movie on the television.” Aydin picked up the remote. “I’ve got nothing to hide.”
“I never said you did.” He frowned, then answered the call. “Hello?”
“Oh, my gosh, Aydin. We need you. You’re the only one who can fix this,” Nia said. “It’s a mess. Mike won’t allow anyone else near the lightboard, and he’s convinced if you don’t fix it, the show won’t go on.”
Brandon pinched the bridge of his nose. Nia had a flair for the dramatic. “Um, I’ll let him know. We’re in the middle of dinner. It’s Valentine’s Day, and we’d planned on spending it together.”
Now who was being dramatic? His heart squeezed in his chest. Jealousy filled his mind. Normally, he was the one people needed. He liked that Aydin was getting out of himself, but he couldn’t help the twinge of bitterness. He gritted his teeth. This wasn’t like him to be so emotional, and it could go away at any time. He didn’t have to be the top dog in everything.
“Wait, who is this?” Nia asked. “I thought you were Aydin.”
“I’m Brandon, his boyfriend.” Jesus. He’d talked to Nia. He’d been to the theater since he and Aydin had gotten together. “We met last week and during the production of Shadow.”
“Oh, right. Yeah. Hey,” she said. “Look, I need Aydin.”
He groaned. “I’m sure you do.”
“Will you give him the phone? I know it’s Valentine’s Day, but this is my grade and my problem. I need this fixed. Aydin’s the only one who can fix the lighting. It’s one night and one show. Please?” Nia asked.
“Just a minute.” He offered the phone to Aydin. “You’re in demand. Nia wants you at the theater. I want you here.” He sighed. “You’d better go help her.”
“Brandon.” Aydin groaned. He took the phone and pressed it to his ear. “Nia. I’m busy. Can’t Vic help?” He shook his head. “I don’t care. It’s my turn for a date, too.” He met Brandon’s gaze, then rested his hand on Brandon’s lap.
Nia’s timing stunk. Brandon caressed the back of Aydin’s hand with his fingers, then dug into the ziti. He savored the cheese and tomato flavors. Aydin sure knew how to cook. He ate with gusto. Each bite tasted better than the last. He ignored the call between Aydin and Nia. Why listen to the argument when he could savor his dinner?
“Well, shit.” Aydin tossed the phone onto the coffee table. “I knew I should’ve kept my mouth shut.”
“What?” He finished his ziti. “What’s wrong?”
“I told Mike if they needed help, I was a call away. I thought things would be fine. How many times have they had productions at the little theater and nothing happened?” Aydin asked. “Well, someone jacked with the light board. They did the run through, and none of the cues are correct.”
“So? Why can’t Mike do it? He’s just as knowledgeable as you are.” He pushed the bowl away, then picked up the glass of cider. “Is he too good?”
Aydin crooked his eyebrow. “Remember when we got together, and Wayne demanded your attention? He tried to screw up our date.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” The guilt from that interruption still haunted him. He’d tried to take Aydin to a nice date for New Year’s at the gallery, but Wayne, the pushy ass, butted in and wanted Brandon’s attention. Aydin had been understanding, despite being hurt, too. “Well, why don’t you go help them? The production won’t last that long, and they need you.”
“You need me,” Aydin said. “I’ve finally got a boyfriend for Valentine’s Day. I don’t want to screw this up by leaving.”
“You won’t.” Brandon sipped the cider. “I’ll be here waiting for you. Naked.” He winked. “Hell, I might even get your Valentine done by then.”
Aydin’s lips parted, but he said nothing.
“Go. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just one day and can go past midnight.” Brandon kissed him. “Promise.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am.” He cupped Aydin’s jaw in his hand, then brushed his lips across Aydin’s mouth. “I’ll be here and ready to do whatever you want when you come back. Just come back.” He wasn’t kidding. Valentine’s Day wasn’t a single twenty-four-hour period. Besides, he’d have time to create a proper gift for his boyfriend. He’d also be able to get the hell over his wishy-washy emotions.
* * * *
AYDIN FINISHED HIS cider, then glanced down at his dinner. God damn the theater. He loved being needed and his work with the various productions. Yes, he felt at home at the light table and when creating an illusion on stage, but couldn’t they have a night without him? Why tonight? Nia and Mike both knew damn well he had plans.
He had Brandon alone, no brother in the apartment, no work because he’d scheduled time off. He deserved to do what he wanted.
He left Brandon at the coffee table and grabbed his coat. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“I know you will.” Brandon grinned. “But I can’t guarantee I won’t eat your food.”
He’d expected that. Not exactly that Brandon would eat for all of them, but that he’d want more than one helping. “I made plenty for the next few days. I figured you’d want to take some with you for lunches or whatnot.” Aydin kissed him. “Should last you all week.”
“You know me too well.” Brandon grabbed the front of Aydin’s coat. “Bet your ass I want more, especially of you.” He kissed Aydin. “Hurry back.”
“I’m about to say fuck it and stay here.” Aydin lingered another moment. If he didn’t get moving, he’d never go. He sighed. “Hopefully, this won’t take long.” He grabbed his keys and stepped into his boots. When he walked out into the late afternoon chill, the wind whipped his face. He’d never wanted to be inside and warm with Brandon as much as he did right now.
Despite his misgivings, he hurried to his car, then drove across campus to the auditorium. A few cars were already in the lot. People milled in front of the theater. Well, shit. If there were people coming to see the show, then the least he could do was get the lights fixed so they’d enjoy their evening. He parked. Nia stood by the door. She waved.
He blew out a heavy breath, then headed into the building. “Hi.”
“Thank God.” She grasped his arm. “You wouldn’t believe.”
“What?” He made his way to the light table. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She shrugged. “We wanted you here. The lights won’t be right unless you do them. You’re the master of light.” She smiled and squeezed his biceps. “Mike can work the knobs, but he’s not you.”
Aydin pulled away from her. “I thought you told Brandon the lights were messed up.”
“They might be. I don’t know.” She shrugged again. “Mike said he needed you.” Her eyes lit up. “Mike, I got him.”
He froze. Got him? What? He turned to see Mike at the table.
The stocky man grinned and folded his arms. “Hey, honey.”
Aydin’s blood chilled. Honey? No one called him that except Brandon. “What are you doing?”
“Waiting for you to come over here so we can make this production a winning one.” Mike stood. He waved to the chair next to his. “I can’t do this without you.”
“Yes, you can.” Aydin stayed put. “I’ve seen your work. Don’t try to bullshit me.”
“Who says?” Mike widened his stance. “I keep trying to talk to you.”
“About?” He kept his distance. Something didn’t add up. His gut reaction was to leave—no explanations needed.
“Nia didn’t tell you?”
“What was she supposed to tell me? I have plans tonight. My boyfriend is waiting for me.” Aydin zipped his coat. “I’ve been had. I’m leaving.”
“Don’t.” Mike left the table. He hurried up to Aydin. “I—this was a mix-up. All I wanted to do was get some help. You set everything up correctly, but I wasn’t feeling confident. It’s fine. Have a good night.”
He didn’t trust Mike. The guy was nice enough, but Aydin could’ve sworn he was paired up with Nia. Why would he be asking about working specifically with Aydin? The strange feeling in the pit of his stomach increased. “Everything is fine?”
“It is.” Mike averted his gaze. “Look, Nia was trying to do something nice. She knew I wanted to work with you, and when you weren’t slated to help me on this project, I complained to her. She thought she was helping me out. I admire your work and look up to you.”
Aydin shoved his hands into his coat pockets. “Next time. We’ll sort something out.” If he had his way, he’d stay away from Mike for a while. At least until the odd feeling passed.
“I’d like that.” Mike paused. “You did a fantastic job with the scenery. I don’t know how you managed the minimalist theme and feel that she wanted without going over budget. I’d love to learn from you.”
He should be flattered, but not when he wanted to get the hell out of there. “Sure. The next project that comes along, we’ll try to sign on together.”
“Yeah?” Mike brightened. His smile widened, and he stood taller. “I’m glad to hear that. I’ll keep an eye out for your request.”
“Of course.” He fiddled with his zipper again. Request his ass...he wasn’t going to work with Mike until everything blew over. “I’m leaving. Brandon and I were in the middle of dinner. I’d like to get back before he eats mine.”
“He’d do that?” Mike asked. He stood back and swept his gaze over Aydin.
“He loves ziti.” Aydin smiled and tried to hide the shiver. The only person who ogled him was Brandon. “I’ve got to go. See you.” He’d never been requested before. Part of him wanted to be flattered. The rest of him wasn’t sure if he trusted Mike.
“Brandon’s a lucky guy.” Mike walked to the doors with Aydin. “Well, bye for now. I can’t wait to work with you.”
Aydin didn’t know what to say. Mike kept confusing him with what he’d said. He’d never gotten the feeling Mike wanted anything from him. The last he knew, Mike was straight, but the way he kept roving his gaze over him made Aydin wonder.
Aydin headed out to his car without looking back. A lucky guy? He thought so, but he was the one fortunate to have found Brandon. He shook his head and slid behind the wheel of his car. At least now he’d be able to go home. He’d have the rest of the night with Brandon and could relax. Thank God.
