Magic & Mistletoe (7 page)

“And you’re interested in me?” Harry cursed his insecurities, but the words slipped out before he could stop them.

“Yeah.” Andrew kissed him softly, with his mouth closed this time, but lingering before pulling back. “I’m interested in you.”

The air around them seemed to crackle with tension, and Harry wondered if that was Melia’s doing too. He wanted nothing more than to drag Andrew inside and spend the next couple of hours locked in his bedroom. But they couldn’t because Andrew had plans.
Damn it
.

Another loud cheer erupted out of the lounge, breaking whatever moment they had going on, and Andrew checked the time on his watch and sighed. “I really have to go. Abi’ll be here soon, and I need to shower and change.”

Leaving was the last thing Andrew wanted to do, judging by his expression, and Harry grabbed hold of his belt, stopping him from going too far. “You could both come here if you wanted?” he blurted out, trying to think of a way to get Andrew to stay. It was the first thing that came to mind, but the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea.

“But Abi—”

“Jason’s girlfriend’ll be here in a bit, so Abi won’t be the only girl.”

Andrew wasn’t fully convinced, but now Harry had the idea in his head, he was desperate to get Andrew to agree to it. Sunday was ages away; he couldn’t wait until then to see him again. “Look, as soon as the footy finishes, we’re gonna order some food—probably an Indian from that place in Downend—and then either watch a film or, knowing Karen, play
FIFA 16
until she beats us all.”

Andrew smirked, and Harry tasted victory.

“Abi does like a bit of footy. And Indian food is her favourite.”

Harry grinned. “Is that a yes?” He tugged on Andrew’s belt, making him suck in a breath when Harry’s fingers brushed along the front of his trousers.

Andrew swallowed, his eyes dark as he stared back at him. “I want to—” He licked his lips, and Harry let his fingers stray downward again to skim over Andrew’s cock. “—but that’s cheating.” He stilled Harry’s hand and moved back out of his reach. Harry let him go this time. “Here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to go back downstairs and shower. I’ll text Abi to see what she says, and then I’ll text you. How does that sound?”

It wasn’t the emphatic yes Harry had been hoping for, but it was a definite maybe. “Yeah, sounds good.”

“Okay, then.”

 Harry watched Andrew turn and head back down the corridor towards the stairs, crossing his fingers in the hope Abi was the sort of girl who liked meeting new people.

As soon as the front door closed, Jason popped his head around the lounge door, one eyebrow raised. “Well? Where’s Andrew?”

“He went back to his flat to shower and change.”

Jason glanced at the door, then back at Harry. “Is he coming back? I thought you’d be dragging him off to your room after that kiss.”

If only
. “He already had plans tonight.”

“Oh?” Jason frowned. The last girl Jason had dated, before Karen, had cheated on him with a guy she worked with. Ever since then, Jason had zero tolerance for anything like that. “With who?”

“His friend Abi.”

Jason didn’t look mollified by that answer, so Harry elaborated. “She’s just a friend. Andrew isn’t like that.”

“Good.” Jason walked into the hall and leaned against the wall next to Harry.

“I told him to bring her too, so he’s going to ask.”

Jason did smile then, and he nudged Harry with his elbow. “Well, in that case stop moping around out here and come help me get the beers.”

“Fine.” Harry nudged back and then followed Jason into the kitchen to get the drinks.

Not even ten minutes after Andrew left, Harry’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He straightened his legs out, so he could retrieve it easily, and he nearly knocked Alex’s beer over in the process.

It was half-time in the footy, and Jason had muted the TV while the adverts were on. Consequently everyone in the room heard his text alert and turned to look. Harry ignored them. Surely that was too quick to be an answer from Abi. He let out a resigned sigh, fully expecting Andrew to tell him he wasn’t coming back. He thumbed open the message.

The text was more like an essay than a quick yes or no, and Harry felt a fondness creep in as he thought about Andrew taking the time to type it all out.

Spent longer than I thought kissing in your hallway. Abi got to my flat the same time I did. She said yes to coming back to yours for the evening and was far too enthusiastic about it for my liking. I apologise for her in advance, she’s like a female version of Jason.
Harry groaned to himself. Perhaps it wasn’t wise to let them meet.
Jumping in the shower as soon as I send this, and be back up to yours for about 8. See you in a bit
.

It wasn’t until Alex threw an empty beer can at him that Harry realised he was sitting, grinning down at his phone.

“Stop that. It’s disgusting how happy you look right now.” Alex ducked as Harry threw the can back at him. “Must have been some text message.”

Lewis pulled a face and eyed Harry’s phone warily. “You’re not sexting, are you? Because that’s bang out of order while we’re here.”

Harry scoffed and typed out a quick reply before setting his phone on the coffee table. “No, I’m not bloody sexting. Andrew’s coming up in a bit, and he’s bringing his friend with him, so please don’t embarrass me.”

Both Alex and Lewis looked affronted at that.

Alex pointed at Jason. “Karen loves us.”

“She’s had time to get used to you.” Harry dodged another beer can Alex sent his way, and laughed. “But seriously, I’ve finally convinced Andrew I’m not a complete twat. Please don’t undo my good work by pointing out all my shortcomings.”

“Give us a little credit.”

They both grunted, but then the adverts finished and all attention turned back to the TV.

* * * * *

Abi bounced with excitement as they walked up the stairs to Harry and Jason’s flat. Andrew prodded her in the side, making her giggle. “It’s just a curry and a film or whatever. I don’t know why you’re so excited.”

She glanced down at him from two steps in front. “Are you kidding? One, I love curry, two”—she started to tick them off on her fingers—“I also love playing FIFA, because let’s face it, there’s no way we’ll be watching a bloody film and I’m gonna wipe the floor with all of you. And three, there will be single men there.” She paused mid rant. “Are they hot? Please tell me they’re hot.”

Andrew shrugged. “They’re not my type, but yeah, they’re attractive. And I said I
think
two of them are single. I don’t know for sure.”

“Well, fingers crossed they are. I’ve been cooped up in that house all week. I feel like a nun. All I want is a bit of harmless flirting. Is that too much to ask?” She sighed dramatically and Andrew laughed. He had no doubt she’d get plenty of that. Abi was tall and slim—almost as tall as Andrew—with shoulder-length dark hair and big boobs. But she was confident and assertive, and sometimes that put men off.

He somehow didn’t think Lewis or Alex would see it as a bad thing, though. He hoped not anyway. Abi was great, and after the last few months, she needed cheering up.

“Oh.” She stopped and grabbed hold of Andrew’s hand. “And four, and probably the most important one, I get to meet Harry.”

Andrew felt the blood leave his face as she fixed him with her best innocent look. “What are you going to do?”

“Oh God, don’t look so worried. I just want to meet him and make sure his intentions are impure.” She laughed loudly as he lunged at her, and she managed to skip up the last two steps out of reach.

“I already regret bringing you. I should have sent you back home to your parents and just come on my own.” He pushed past her to the door and blocked the way so she couldn’t get through.

“I’m hurt.” She clutched her hands to her chest and sniffed. “I only have your best interests at heart.”

“Mm-hmm.” He finally let her go through the door, but made her squeal by tickling her ribs mercilessly as she squeezed by.

They were still laughing and smiling as they reached Harry’s flat and knocked.

Andrew had expected Harry to answer, but when the door swung open, Alex stood there instead.

“Oh, hey.” He smiled at Andrew while scratching idly at his belly where his T-shirt had ridden up. “Come in.” Alex stood aside to let them pass, and as soon as his gaze landed on Abi, he immediately straightened and pulled his T-shirt back down. “Hi, you must be Abi. Nice to meet you.” He actually held out his hand to her, a faint blush on his cheeks.

Andrew expected Abi to laugh at Alex or take the piss, but when Andrew glanced at her, she had a shy smile that he wasn’t used to seeing on her. He noticed her gaze flick up to the mistletoe over the door. She took Alex’s hand, and he pointed up.

“Can I kiss you? It’s tradition.” Alex smiled at her, and Andrew would have rolled his eyes if they didn’t look so charmed with each other.

And okay, Andrew so didn’t want to be stuck in the doorway with the pair of them swooning over each other.

Thankfully Harry wandered out from one of the rooms down the hall, pulling a long-sleeved T-shirt down over his head. “Hey, was that the—” When he saw Andrew, he grinned.

It took Andrew a couple of seconds to tear his gaze away from Harry’s abs, because
wow
, he’d not been expecting him to be so toned. Not that Andrew was bothered either way, it was Harry’s personality that drew him in more than his looks, but he wouldn’t say no to getting his hands all over those muscles. When Andrew finally looked up, Harry was staring at him.

Andrew walked towards him without looking back to see what Abi and Alex were up to. The door hadn’t closed, so presumably they were either kissing or still thinking about it. He gestured over his shoulder. “I can see why you put mistletoe there. It makes for a good ice-breaker.”

Harry looked to where Andrew was pointing and laughed. “I take it that’s Abi.”

Andrew nodded. When he glanced back, they were grinning at each other, both with suspiciously flushed cheeks. “Yep. I would introduce you but she’s busy saying hello to Alex.”

Harry huffed out a laugh. “So I see.” His gaze flicked towards the door to the living room on Andrew’s left, and then he reached out and took Andrew’s hand. “Come here for a second.”

Andrew went willingly as Harry tugged him back towards the door that he’d just come out of. When they were inside with the door closed, Harry pushed him up against it and reached up to cup his face. “I wanted to say hello properly.”

“Good idea.” Andrew slipped his hands around Harry’s waist and drew him closer. Without waiting for Harry to make a move, Andrew kissed him.

In the privacy of Harry’s bedroom, the rest of the world seemed miles away. Andrew closed his eyes and lost himself to the feel of Harry’s mouth against his. Harry must have shaved because his skin felt smooth, and Andrew felt a pang of guilt that he hadn’t done the same. Harry would definitely notice the scrape of stubble from Andrew’s chin and cheeks—he’d shaved yesterday morning, but it had already grown back enough for Harry to feel it.

Harry moaned into Andrew’s mouth, then pushed his hips forward, and Andrew forgot about anything other than the way Harry’s cock rubbed against his through their jeans. He could happily stay there all night, with Harry’s fingers in his hair now and his body warm and solid where he moulded himself to Andrew.

A bang on the door made them both jump, and Harry stepped back with a wry smile. “I think they’re hungry. We were waiting for you to get here before ordering food.”

“Come on, then.” Andrew knew better than to keep them from their Friday-night takeaway. He adjusted himself and glanced down to make sure nothing was too obvious.

Harry snorted. “I wouldn’t worry. It’s not like they don’t know what we were doing.” But then he checked his own dick and blushed when the outline was easy to see in his skinny jeans. He shrugged. “I’ve known them for ages. It’s nothing they haven’t seen before.”

Apart from a couple of raised eyebrows and knowing looks, mainly from the girls—and like Abi could talk—no one mentioned anything. They all crowded around a couple of menus in the lounge and tried to decide what to order.

Karen, Jason’s girlfriend, and her sister, Kate, must have arrived while Andrew and Harry were otherwise occupied. Brief introductions followed. Abi had obviously introduced herself already because she seemed to know everyone’s names.

Harry and Jason’s flat was bigger than Andrew was expecting. Certainly a fair bit bigger than his was, anyway. The open-plan living area consisted of a good-sized kitchen and lounge area, all decorated with multicoloured fairy lights. Andrew smiled to himself; it was a lot, but he kind of liked it. They didn’t have a dining table, but there was a fairly large coffee table in front of the sofa. Two armchairs made up the rest of the seating, and with eight of them, it was a tight fit, but Andrew liked being surrounded by people. With the tree in the corner of the room twinkling merrily, it gave the whole room that warm Christmas feeling that he loved.

Alex and Lewis sat on the floor with Abi, while Karen and her sister took the chairs. Jason took one end of the sofa which left Andrew next to Harry on the other end, squashed so close that they touched from their shoulders all the way down to their ankles. Not that Andrew minded.

“Do you know what you’re getting?” Harry had his glasses on to read the menu.

The black frames suited him, and Andrew stared for a second, wondering if they could maybe skip food altogether.

“Well?” Harry turned to face him and smiled.

He looked so relaxed and happy. With a sigh, Andrew leaned into his side more and smiled back. Everything else could wait. “Yeah. I think so.” He tugged the menu closer for a final look, then settled back into the cushions.

Harry hesitated, then put his arm around Andrew. He rested his hand on the top of Andrew’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

“Is this okay?” he whispered.

Warm breath ghosted over Andrew’s ear and he shivered. “Yeah.”