Chapter 2: Theme Stated
Brad slid open his patio door and set the six pack of craft beer on the patio table. Cindy got stuck in traffic and would be a little late, she'd texted earlier. It was still six thirty and Brad was nervous. He'd never propositioned a man before. Oh, lots of women, but never this. His hand shook a little as he walked back into the kitchen for the steaks. Cindy was bringing a salad and chips.
As he bent over to open the gas valve, his mind on what it would be like to be naked with another man. As he turned the knob to let the gas flow, he wondered what the other man's penis would feel like in his hand.
It was a thought that both excited and terrified him. He'd seen enough XXX websites to know the basics, but he'd never actually done it. He shook his head, trying to clear the thought. He didn't want to get ahead of himself.
Just then, he heard a knock at the back gate of the yard. He swung it open and Andy stood on the other side, holding a bag in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. Brad smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "Right on time," he said, opening the door to let him in.
"Hope I'm not too early," Andy said, stepping inside.
He handed Brad the bag containing a store-bought appetizer plate. "I figured I could contribute something. I didn't know what you'd have ready, so I grabbed a little bit of everything."
Brad took the bag, a smile still playing on his lips. "Perfect. I appreciate it, really.
You didn't have to, but I'm glad you did." He set the bag down on the table and gestured to the wine. "And what's this?"
Andy held up the bottle, a shy smile on his face. "A nice red.
I figured it would go well with the steaks," Andy said, his voice a little uncertain as he handed the bottle to Brad. He was nervous, the kind of nerves that made his hands shake slightly and his palms sweat. He hoped Brad didn't notice.
Brad took the bottle, his large hand enveloping Andy's for a moment. Andy felt a jolt at the contact, a spark of something he hadn't felt in a long time. Brad pulled away, breaking the moment, and set the wine on the counter.
"Excellent choice. I'll open it in a bit. Cindy's running late. Traffic! Says she'll be here in fifteen minutes. That's time enough to get things set up and the grill hot." Brad moved to the counter, grabbing a bottle opener to crack open a beer. He handed one to Andy, who accepted it gratefully, the cold bottle a small comfort against his suddenly sweaty palm.
"So, how's work been?" Brad asked, settling into a chair at the patio table and taking a swig of his beer. The grill was already making heating up noises.
Andy joined him, sinking into the chair opposite. "Same old, same old. Spread-sheets, reports, the occasional late night to meet a deadline." He took a sip of his own beer, the cold liquid helping to calm his nerves.
Brad nodded in understanding. "I feel you. Nothing like a good Excel sheet to liven up your day," Brad joked, taking another sip of his beer. Andy chuckled, appreciating Brad's attempt to lighten the mood. It was working; his nerves were slowly starting to settle.
"So, I've been thinking about branching out, you know? Maybe taking on some freelance work. Something to challenge me a bit more," Andy said, his voice gaining confidence as he spoke. He'd been thinking about this for a while now, and it felt good to finally voice his thoughts out loud.
Brad nodded, his eyes reflecting genuine interest. "That's a great idea, man. I've been doing some side jobs and could use some help with what little I know about spread sheets and accounting. Maybe you could help?" Brad suggested, a grin spreading across his face.
Andy felt a rush of unexpected excitement. Not only was Brad taking an interest in his professional life, but he was also offering him work. It was a far cry from the mundane tasks he was used to at his day job.
"Really? That sounds amazing. I'd love to help out," Andy replied, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.
Brad nodded, taking another swig of his beer. "Yeah, it's just some small stuff. Nothing major. But it'd be good to have someone I trust to help me out."
Andy smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him at Brad's words.
He was always the one doing the helping, the one offering support and assistance. It was nice to be on the receiving end for a change. "I'd be happy to help, Brad. Really."
Brad clinked his beer bottle against Andy's, a grin still playing on his lips. "To new beginnings, then."
Andy nodded, taking a sip of his beer. He felt a sense of camaraderie with Brad, a connection that went beyond their brief chats over the fence or Brad's occasional deliveries of Andy's mail. He felt seen, appreciated.
Just then, the sound of the gate opening echoed through the backyard.
Cindy appeared, her long brown hair tied up in a messy bun, her eyes rimmed with exhaustion. She was holding a large bag of chips and a bowl with what looked like Tupperware salad containers nestled inside.
"Sorry I'm late, guys. Traffic was a nightmare," she said, setting the food down on the table. "I found a short cut, though!"
Brad stood up and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "No worries, babe. You're here now, and that's what matters." He turned to Andy, "Andy, this is Cindy. Cindy, this is Andy.
He lives next door," Brad introduced, a smile still playing on his lips.
Andy stood up from his seat and extended a hand towards Cindy. "Nice to meet you, Cindy. I'm Andy," he said, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in his stomach. Cindy's hand was soft and warm as she shook Andy's hand, her grip firm and confident.
"Likewise, Andy. It's great to finally meet you. Brad's told me a lot about you," Cindy replied, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled.
"He said you're the unsung hero of this neighborhood, always helping out and being there for everyone."
Andy felt a blush creep up his cheeks at the compliment. He was rarely praised, and the sudden attention made him feel both pleased and uncomfortable. "Oh, I don't know about that. I just do what anyone would do," he said, shrugging off the praise as he sat back down in his chair.
Cindy sat down next to Brad, her eyes flicking between the two men as if assessing them. "Did you guys start drinking without me?" she teased.
"I'll get you one, babe!" Brad stood up quickly. "You two get to know each other a little." Cindy winked at Andy, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She turned to Brad, "I'll just be a moment." She headed inside, leaving Andy and Brad alone at the table.
Andy shifted in his seat, suddenly feeling the weight of Cindy's words. He looked at Brad, who was watching him with an expression he couldn't quite place.
"So," Andy started, trying to find something to say. He could feel his cheeks growing warm under Brad's gaze. "You and Cindy, huh? When did that happen?"
Brad chuckled, taking a swig of his beer. "About a year ago. We met when I was doing some electrical work in her building. We started off as friends, but eventually, it turned into something more," Brad replied, his voice warm as he spoke about Cindy.
Andy nodded, taking another sip of his beer to hide the flicker of jealousy that surged through him. He'd always admired Brad from afar, envying the ease with which he seemed to navigate life and relationships. The thought of Brad and Cindy together made Andy feel a strange mix of envy and longing.
"She seems great," Andy said, trying to keep his voice neutral.
"Andy, can I ask you something?
It's kind of personal," Cindy said as she returned from the house, two beers in hand. She handed one to Brad and took a swig of her own before turning her attention back to Andy.
Andy felt a pang of nervousness at the directness of her question. He again shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his grip tightening on his beer bottle. "Sure, what is it?" he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
Cindy leaned in, her elbows resting on the table. "Brad and I have a... unique relationship.
We're very open with each other, and we've both explored some... different things in the past. Sexually, I mean." Cindy took another sip of her beer, her eyes never leaving Andy's face. She seemed to be gauging his reaction, trying to read between the lines of his carefully composed expression.
Andy swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. He had a feeling he knew where this conversation was going, and it both terrified and thrilled him. "Oh, really?" he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. He cleared his throat and tried again, "That's...interesting," Andy replied, his heart pounding in his chest. He was trying to keep his voice casual, but he could feel the color draining from his face. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his grip tightening on his beer bottle.
Cindy smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent a shiver down Andy's spine. "It is, isn't it? And it's made our relationship stronger, I think. We communicate openly about everything, and it's brought us closer together," she said, her voice soft and warm.
Brad nodded, his eyes never leaving Andy's face. "She's right.
We do talk about everything. Good, bad, and fucking fantastic," Brad added, his voice deep and low, sending a shiver down Andy's spine.
Andy swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. He felt like a deer caught in the headlights, unable to look away from the intensity of their gaze. "I, uh, I guess that's...good," he stammered, trying to find the right words.
Cindy leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper. "We've been talking about adding some spice to our sex live, and the idea of watching someone else with..." she stopped and looked at Brad,... "with my Brad I realize is a huge turn on for me." Cindy's eyes flicked to Brad, who was watching Andy with an intensity that made Andy's heart race.
Andy felt like he was going to hyperventilate. His mind was racing with thoughts of what Cindy was suggesting, and his body was reacting to the idea in ways he hadn't experienced in a long time. He could feel his cock stirring in his pants, pressing against the fabric and begging for release.
Brad took a long swig of his beer, his eyes never leaving Andy's face. "Yeah, we've talked about it. Cindy and I. At first I was, hell no! But it wasn't long, talking with her, that I began to get curious about it. We watched some porn together, and I watched some on my own.
He stopped, took a long swig and finished his beer. As he set it down, his hand went out to Andy's forearm. "It's a real turnon now. Hell! " Brad exclaimed, glancing down at his own bulging jeans. "Look at me! I'm hard as a rock thinking about it! Thinking about being naked with you!" He stepped closer, his other hand now on Andy's other arm. "If I'm gonna get naked with another man, Andy, I want it to be you." Brad's voice was low and gravelly, sending shivers down Andy's spine.
Andy's heart pounded in his chest, his breath came in short gasps. He couldn't bear to look at Brad, this is, this willing, and turned to Cindy.
"You want me to...you want me to have sex with Brad, while you watch?" asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
She smiled and nodded, her hand sliding down to Andy's bulge.
"Feels like you what to, too!" Cindy said, her hand applying gentle pressure to Andy's crotch, making him gasp. The touch was electric, sending a jolt of pleasure through his body. He felt a flush spread across his face, and he worried he might faint from the combination of shock and arousal.
.