Chapter 2
Steve asked, “Will you guys come to the party and pitch in?”
Adam’s groan ended as Marc’s began.
Steve sat on the edge of the couch. “Carmen’s felt down lately. I don’t know why. He’s secretive. I know he grew up in the middle of a pack of five kids. His best memories are birthday parties. His parentsmade each kid feel special for the whole week. Carm will be twenty-seven.”
“And why are you inviting us?” Marc smirked, shaking his head. “Carm is convinced we’re gay. He hates everything that isn’t white, male, and Republican.”
Steve shifted to salesman mode. “First, you and Autumn are great cooks. Second, we are all Navy family, and one of our own needs friendship and support.” Steve took a deep breath. “I don’t approve of his sometimes-hateful attitudes, but he’s never reported you as possibly gay. He could have, just to be a jerk. That shows something in him. I know he’s a mouthy bastard, but he has good qualities. He loves our country, works hard, is reliable at work, and is my friend. He has a caring side, but he’s afraid to show it.” Steve looked more toward Autumn than the guys.
Nods of agreement circled the room.
Autumn perked up. “I’m in. I’ll make it my early celebration. His birthday is the twenty-first. On September twenty-second, 1862, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.”
Marc grinned. “How do you remember trivia like that?”
“A good black woman knows her history, especially when it deals with freedom.” Her voice dipped. “I had relatives who were slaves. It’s not trivia to us. I wrote school reports on slavery since junior high.” The room grew quiet as the guys stared. “Aw, sorry. I didn’t mean to get so serious.”
Adam snickered and drew Marc into a sideways hug and kissed the side of his head. “Let’s help with the jerk’s party.”
Marc nodded and gazed into Adam’s sexy hazel eyes.
Steve shook his head. “Doing things like that contributes to the rumors that you guys are gay.” He shrugged. “I’m just saying, as a friend. If you are, I’m good with it.”
Marc’s gut roiled, and he fired back. “There’s nothing wrong with showing closeness or friendship. It doesn’t mean you’re sleeping with the person. We’re close friends with Autumn, and we don’t screw around.”
Autumn draped an arm around Marc and kissed his cheek. “Settle down, or I’ll have to put you in a time-out. Steve was just letting you know about things.”
Marc settled. “Sorry, Steve. You’re a good friend.”
Autumn hugged Steve. “I agree. You’re a good human, a credit to your species, and an idealist who wants to save the world.” She kissed his cheek. “Please excuse Marc. He’s on his period.” Everyone except Marc laughed. Autumn went on. “Let’s give the jerk a nice party. We’ll find kids’ birthday wrappings and make it fancy. I’ll make spaghetti, meatballs, and Italian sausage.”
Marc piped up. “I’ll make a pan of German chocolate cake.”
Adam added, “I’ll bring booze.”
Steve beamed and gave another glance to Autumn. “Thanks, guys. I’ll make an awesome salad. That’s one of the reasons I’m so proud of you. My place. Six P.M. Just a small group, maybe ten people. I hate big parties. I’ll get others to pitch in with chips and other drinks and stuff.” He looked at Autumn. “Any chance you’d go as my date?”
Her eyes enlarged. “You’re asking me out?”
Steve’s Adam’s apple slid up and down. He nodded.
Adam gripped Marc’s ass so Steve couldn’t see.
Steve said, “I’ve wanted to ask you out for a while, but—” He lowered his gaze and shuffled his feet.
Autumn held his hand. “Honey, do you know how old I am? I’m thirty-nine. You’re twenty-four.”
Steve chewed his lip. “I know. You’re pretty, sexy, intelligent, and kind. It’s fun to be with you, and I can get free dental work from you.”
Marc felt awkward for Steve. It was always hard for Marc to ask someone out. He tried to lighten the moment. “Dude, we’re in the Navy. All our dental care is free.”
Autumn pulled Steve into a hug. “I don’t think we’re a match romantically, but you’re a good friend, and I want to keep you that way. Okay?”
He nodded and held her. “Okay. Sorry.”
Autumn went nose to nose with him and, in a mother’s voice, said, “Never be sorry for your feelings. I’m flattered.”
Steve stepped back and gave a weak smile. “Thanks, everyone, for helping with the party for Carmen.”
“It’s the right thing to do.” Autumn smiled. Steve left.
Marc crowed, “Autumn, you handled that well. I have to be on duty soon.”
With their privacy restored, Adam pulled Marc close. “Don’t make me go to our room and jack off. I need some relief. You’re so sexy, Marc. I love being with you. I love you. Your soft skin, clean shaved face. Gosh, I hate to kiss a guy with hair.” He pecked Marc’s face, squeezing his ass. “You’re such a hottie.” Being the same size, they locked gazes.