Sparks

Family comes in all shapes and sizes. Some by blood and others you choose to be your family. To all my family, the ones by blood and those I chose, thanks for being there. Without you I would not be who I am.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 3

Chapter One BERNARD JENKINS took a deep breath at the sound of the front door opening, then closing. How is he going to smell? “Hey, kid. You shouldn‟t leave the door unlocked.” Tomas Rodriguez‟s deep voice came from behind him. “I‟m not a kid. I unlocked the door when you called to say you were on your way here.” The familiar refrain was always his reply to Tomas‟s admonishment. Bernie stirred the stew, then set down the spoon and turned to face him. He bit his lip to stifle a moan. Tomas was bent over, looking in the fridge. His dusty jeans perfectly hugged his round ass. From the state of his clothing, Bernie knew he had come straight from a job, which meant he would smell like a mixture of sweat, musk, and all man. Tomas straightened, holding a bottle of water. He opened it with long, thick, blunt fingers. How would they feel against my skin? Tomas leaned his head back as he drank deeply from the bottle. The buff, well-defined muscles of his arms stood out as he held his drink. His Adam‟s apple bobbed as he swallowed. Lowering his head, Tomas rolled his neck. His deliciously colored warm butterscotch skin tone had a light coating of sweat. He removed the band holding his hair. The slightly curling, inky-black waves fell down, framing his face. The sharp cheekbones, full nose, and hard, dimpled jaw

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 4 came together to make him very handsome. Dark, smokybrown eyes met Bernie‟s as Tomas smiled that infuriating smile that was a mixture of confidence and arrogance. Bernie wanted to kiss that wide mouth with its fuller bottom lip. As soon as it formed, Bernie pushed the thought away. Tomas walked toward him in long-legged, confident strides. Bernie returned his attention to the pot bubbling on the stove. Tomas leaned against the counter by the stove where Bernie was standing. His scent filled Bernie. It was the mixture he expected, with an underlayer of earth. “Still not safe to leave the door unlocked. Anyone can walk in.” “Don‟t you need to go shower? The food will be ready shortly.” Bernie shifted, gritting his teeth. “Yep. I do. Smells good,” Tomas said. Out of the corner of his eye, Bernie saw Tomas move. Bernie glanced at him just in time to see Tomas lifting a bag from by the door. Since most of the time Tomas came directly from whatever landscaping job he was working on, he‟d started bringing clean clothes with him and showering before they ate. During the winter months, Tomas hadn‟t come to dinner dirty from a job as often. To himself, Bernie admitted, he had missed the earthy scents from Tomas. With the arrival of spring the month before, there had been an increase in Tomas‟s work. Tomas had mentioned that was what usually happened and that they were extremely busy right up into fall. Bernie for one was very grateful for spring coming to Mapson, California. From now on he would equate the season arriving with Tomas smelling so very tempting. Tomas looked back at Bernie and winked, and then left, whistling.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 5 Bernie lowered the heat under the stew. He sat on the stool by the island, reaching for his glasses. At the last moment he stopped as he remembered that since his recent laser surgery, he didn‟t wear them anymore. Tapping his finger on the table, he tried to regain his control. Months ago when he‟d accepted the offer from his friend to rent the condo and moved in here, he had also agreed to Tomas‟s arrangement to provide groceries if Bernie would cook for them both. He knew what it really was. Robert Berkus—his friend as well as the professor he worked for as a research and teacher‟s assistant at Mapson University—had put Tomas up to it. Robert and Miguel, one of Tomas‟s brothers, were a couple who lived together. Initially Robert worried because he knew Bernie didn‟t have much money. Of course, Robert denied he had set up the situation with Tomas. Robert tried to convince Bernie that it wasn‟t charity; it was helping out a poor, starving bachelor who didn‟t know one end of a stove from another. Thinking of all Tomas‟s welldeveloped muscles and his brawny frame, Bernie believed calling him “starving” was an overstatement. “Don‟t go there, Bernie,” he whispered to himself. There had now been more than ten months of almost nightly dinners. The only times he didn‟t cook for Tomas was on their weekly poker-game nights, the monthly Rodriguez family gathering, or his own weekly movie nights. At first, it hadn‟t been a big problem feeding the pain-in-the-ass Tomas. The man was an aggressive, arrogant ass who liked to push Bernie to see what he would do. When he did push back, Tomas got a pleased grin that baffled Bernie. As time had gone by, he‟d realized Tomas wasn‟t as he seemed. It galled him to even admit it to himself, but Tomas was a good man. He was the first to offer help without anyone asking,

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 6 and loyal and loving to his family and those he called friends. Since the initial arrangement with Tomas, Bernie‟s situation had changed. Although he wasn‟t rolling in funds, money wasn‟t as much of an issue now with the stipend he had received. When he had mentioned it to Tomas, Tomas had adamantly stated they would go along as they had been. Bernie hadn‟t put up much of a protest. He actually enjoyed Tomas‟s company even though he couldn‟t figure out how Tomas felt about him. That was what bugged Bernie the most. He wondered if Tomas saw him as some sort of project, and whether, if he wasn‟t trying to help Bernie, Tomas might take him more seriously. Maybe he would see Bernie as more than a “kid,” as he called him. “What does it matter? He‟s straight.” Liar. He’s bi. Bernie pounded his fist on the island counter. Tomas might be bi, but from what he had seen the last few months, the man probably only dated women. Whenever they went to grocery shop or for Sunday brunch with Robert and Miguel, Tomas‟s brother, women seemed to be drawn to Tomas. They flirted with him outrageously, and Tomas flirted right back. “You need to get over this thing for Tomas,” Bernie said out loud. “Dinner ready?” Bernie jumped up, startled at Tomas‟s voice. Tomas looked at him in question. Bernie blushed as he hurried to the stove. He tripped. Firm hands grabbed him before he could hit the ground. Warm, dark, smoky-brown eyes met his. Tomas straightened, setting Bernie on his feet. “What am I going to do with you, kid?” His tone was affectionate as he ruffled Bernie‟s shaggy brown hair.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 7 Kiss me. Bernie stiffened and jerked away. “Sit. Let me share dinner.” He walked over to the stove. “I‟ll set the table.” Bernie flushed. He had forgotten to do it. Tomas patted his back, then placed a plate on the counter next to him. He took napkins and utensils out of the drawer and went to set the table. Way to go, Bernie. Tripping over your feet. Real graceful. What a way to impress him. “I don‟t want to impress him,” Bernie reminded himself. “You say something, kid?” Tomas asked. “Um… no,” Bernie replied. He finished serving the food and picked up the plates. Turning, he bumped into Tomas, losing his grip on the plates. Tomas‟s hands went under his, steadying them. “Whoa.” His eyes narrowed. “You seem off. Are you okay, kid?” “I‟m fine. Put these on the table,” he snapped, pushing the plates into Tomas‟s hands. Tomas took them, studying Bernie. Turning away, Bernie opened the stove and got out the bread. Grabbing a knife and another plate to set the bread on, he walked over to the table, noting Tomas had already poured some of the iced tea Bernie had made earlier for him and gotten himself a glass of juice. Taking his seat across from Tomas, Bernie focused on his food. “This is good. Don‟t remember it from the family recipe book,” Tomas said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 8 “Not from there. It was something I made when I was a teenager.” Bernie shrugged. “You should show Mami the recipe.” Bernie didn‟t respond. Tomas ate, not saying anything for a bit. Once they were done, Tomas took his plate and other dishes. He turned on the water in the sink. Bernie stood and went into the living room. He picked up his bag and laptop. Going back to the table, he set it down and booted up. Opening his bag, he pulled out some papers. “Don‟t forget that you don‟t need to cook tomorrow. Be ready to go at six, so we can avoid getting caught in the crowd.” “Huh. What?” Frowning, Bernie raised his head. Tomas continued to wash the dishes, answering as he did. “We‟re going to Bacchus Sloan‟s live-music night. From the way this has been talked about, and it being the first one, Robert and Miguel are getting there early to make sure no one takes our booth. I‟ll be by at six for you. The rest of the guys are saying we might make it a weekly thing if it‟s any good. Probably on Thursdays, so it won‟t interfere with your movie night. Oh, yeah. Hector said to let you know Simon said he would be back next week, so count him in for movie night.” Bernie nodded as he remembered what Tomas was talking about. Ever since Bacchus Sloan announced they were adding a dance area with live music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, people had been excited. “I‟m not going.” Tomas stopped and looked back at him. “You are.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 9 Bernie didn‟t appreciate his tone. He crossed his arms over his chest. “You can‟t tell me what to do.” Tomas wiped his hands on a dish towel and came toward him. He gripped the top of the chair closest to Bernie. “Don‟t make me tell Mami on you.” “Like your mom gives a shit about me going to Bacchus Sloan.” Bernie rolled his eyes. “She does. Even though you don‟t seem to like her or Papi, Mami cares that you work too hard and don‟t relax enough. Hell, they both do.” Tomas‟s face was serious. “It isn‟t that I don‟t like them. It‟s too complicated to explain.” Guilt filled Bernie. He did keep Tomas‟s parents at a distance. It wasn‟t them personally, but what they represented. He refused to go into the reasons why. Pushing it away, he focused back on Tomas. “Okay. I‟ll go,” he said. “I figured you would.” Tomas was smug. “Go away,” Bernie said. “I guess that means you‟re not going to watch TV with me.” Tomas laughed as he straightened. “As if I ever do,” Bernie replied. “True. But I have faith that one day you will.” Tomas walked out of the room. It was always the same when Tomas came for dinner. They ate, Tomas asked him to watch TV with him, and Bernie refused because of work. He was already way ahead in his course assignments, and the work he did for Robert in

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 10 the lab could sometimes wait. Yet he used them both interchangeably as excuses to keep Tomas at a distance. Tomas was always ragging on him that he needed to loosen up and not work so much. Tomas could go to his own house to watch television, but as Tomas had stated on numerous occasions, he stayed to watch hoping to entice Bernie to join him. If only Tomas knew how tempted Bernie was. “Dinner is bad enough. No way I could sit next to him watching TV too.” Bernie ran his hand through his unruly hair. “The man has you so addled you‟re talking to yourself. You need to stop it.” “You say something, kid?” Tomas called from the next room. “No!” Bernie called. The sound of the TV came on. He recognized the sounds of Big Bang Theory. Let it go, Bernie. Focus on what will never disappoint you—work. Bernie focused back on his papers. “Night, kid. Come lock up after me.” Bernie glanced up, startled. Tomas leaned against the doorframe of the kitchen. Noting the time on the wall clock read eleven, Bernie stood, stretching. He followed Tomas to the door. Tomas picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. He opened the door. “Don‟t work too hard, kid.” He ruffled Bernie‟s hair and went out the door. “I‟m not a kid!” he called behind Tomas. Tomas raised a hand, then went down the steps and the drive to his blue Chevy Avalanche. He got in, honked his horn, and drove away.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 11 Bernie closed the door, locking it. Going back into the kitchen, he turned off the lights and went back to the living room, shutting those lights off too. After he made sure the condo was locked up for the night, he went down the hall into his bedroom and got ready for bed. Lying down, he looked out the bay windows at the dark night sky. “You‟re just an obligation to Tomas, nothing more. So let it go.” Bernie sighed, then grinned. “And get ahold of this talking-to-yourself thing.” He rolled over and went to sleep.

TOMAS glanced over at Bernie, who was sitting by Alex Hayes. Bernie blushed, and Tomas stifled a smile. Although he was too far away to hear what Alex had said, Tomas figured it was something inappropriate. Alex liked nothing more than making Bernie blush. Tomas knew Alex and Bernie were only friends. Alex was as protective of Bernie as he was. Tomas looked around at some of his brothers and poker buddies. In actuality, all of them were protective of Bernie. Something about him brought out those kinds of feelings. Bernie‟s shy demeanor, clumsiness, and innocence combined to make him one of a kind. Yet for the past few weeks, Bernie had seemed to have something bothering him. Tomas shifted. The thought of Bernie being out of sorts didn‟t sit well with him. Bernie looked at him. His pale skin got redder as his blush got deeper. He lowered his lids over pale green eyes and ducked his head. Brown hair shielded his features. Not that Tomas needed to see his face. He‟d memorized Bernie‟s features, which were a mix of innocence

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 12 and sexiness—broad forehead, sculpted cheeks, thin nose, angular jaw, and Cupid‟s bow lips. Bernie pushed back his hair over an ear with slender fingers. A hand slapped Tomas on the shoulder. “Stop ogling Bernie.” “Quit it.” Tomas glared at Hector. His brother pursed his lips. “Why? It‟s true.” “Nah. He‟ll say it‟s to make sure Bernie is okay,” Malik, another of his brothers, said. “He‟s eating,” Alejandro, his oldest brother, interjected. “Make sure he‟s relaxing,” Miguel added. “Robert should stop spreading gossip,” Tomas retorted. Miguel grinned. “You should come up with better excuses.” “Or at least stop using the Mami card. Too much use, and it won‟t work as well,” Robert, Miguel‟s partner, pointed out. “Mind your own business,” Tomas said. “This is all of our business. That‟s what family is for,” Miguel said cheerfully. They all laughed. Tomas sighed, ignoring them. He leaned back and listened to the music. It was really good. Mackenzie, the owner of Bacchus Sloan, should be pleased at the huge turnout. Tomas glanced at the couples dancing. Smiling, he stood and walked to the other side of the booth. Putting out his hand, he waited. Bernie blinked, a startled look on his face. He flushed, biting his lip. Tomas leaned closer to him. “I‟ll tell Mami,” he teased.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 13 “You will, huh? Go ahead.” Bernie snorted. “Come on. Stop being stubborn. I‟ll teach you to dance.” Tomas took Bernie‟s hand and pulled him up. Alex chuckled, blatantly watching and listening. There was a look on Alex‟s face that made Tomas uneasy. Tomas ignored him. “What makes you think I can‟t dance?” Bernie‟s tone was more curious than anything else. Tomas wasn‟t about to admit that, with Bernie being so clumsy, he didn‟t expect much from him on the dance floor. “Just a guess.” He shrugged. “Assumption based Bernie sounded amused.

on

my

less-than-gracefulness.”

Tomas didn‟t answer. He led Bernie to a corner of the dance floor. It had enough space that he could teach Bernie to dance without making Bernie feel self-conscious. Tomas turned to him. Over Bernie‟s shoulder, he noticed the men at the table had all moved closer to where they were. He frowned. Robert and Alex were beside each other. Alex made a twirling motion of his fingers. Miguel, Alejandro, Malik, and Hector leaned next to each other, smirks on their faces. The rest of the poker crew were spread out around them, all staring. Bernie went to turn, but Tomas caught his hands, holding Bernie facing him. He didn‟t want Bernie to get nervous. With the yahoos watching them, he would. “So show me what you can do,” Tomas challenged him. Bernie stiffened, his pale green eyes narrowing. His lips curled into a sly smile. Uneasiness gripped Tomas. Bernie started to move. Tomas‟s mouth dropped open. The

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 14 gracefulness of Bernie‟s movements made it seem as if he didn‟t have any bones in his body. Bernie rolled his hips. He exuded sex. Bernie partially lowered his lids over those captivating eyes. In a slow glide, he moved into Tomas‟s body. The height of his lanky frame was a match of Tomas‟s own six-foot-three, brawny body. A slender finger lifted Tomas‟s chin, closing his mouth. Bernie leaned into the side of his face. His slightly curly, dark-brown hair brushed the side of Tomas‟s face. Tomas stifled a shiver. “Aren‟t you going to dance?” Bernie‟s soft voice sounded much more seductive than Tomas remembered. Tomas gulped. Bernie‟s hands slid around his waist and down his hips. He gripped Tomas and moved against his body. Shaking out of his stupor, Tomas shifted and moved with him. Bernie‟s soft sigh tickled the side of Tomas‟s face. Tomas‟s cock went rock hard. Pulling back slightly, Tomas moaned as Bernie‟s hands tightened on his hips, pulling him back against him. Giving in to his silent demand, Tomas moved against him. He felt the movement of Bernie‟s cock. It was a delicious friction between them as they danced. The herbal scent of Bernie‟s shampoo and soap surrounded them. With a gulp, Tomas put his hands on Bernie‟s shoulders. Through the cotton of his T-shirt against his fingertips, Tomas could feel the muscles in Bernie‟s shoulders. It was startling to realize Bernie had muscles. He was so gangly, and wore such baggy clothes, that Tomas hadn‟t even realized it. Bernie rolled his hips in a motion that made Tomas‟s cock jerk and his balls go tight. Jerking away, Tomas said in a hoarse tone, “Enough of the lesson, kid.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 15 “Not a kid. And thanks for the lesson.” Bernie smirked. He walked away, a sway in his hips. His ass looked fuller in his baggy pants. Tomas licked his lips. Raising his head, Tomas scowled as Robert and Alex slapped Bernie on the back. He turned away, pushed through the crowd, and went to the bar. Leaning on it, he waited his turn. He ordered from one of the bartenders and brooded as he waited for his beer. “You and Bernie looked good out there,” a melodious voice said. “Don‟t you have something else you should be doing?” Tomas scowled at Mackenzie Hannigan, the owner of Bacchus Sloan. “Nope.” Mackenzie put a beer on the bar in front of him. He opened the gate to the bar and came out, leaning next to Tomas. Mackenzie opened his bottle of water and took a drink. “So what? The kid can dance,” Tomas said. “He‟s not a kid,” Mackenzie pointed out. “He keeps saying that.” “And I don‟t think others see him that way.” Mackenzie sounded amused. Tomas glanced up sharply. He growled when he spotted Bernie dancing with two men. They were all over him. Tomas took a step. A hand settled on his shoulder. He glanced from it to Mackenzie‟s face. “I don‟t want my place to be busted up.” Mackenzie‟s tone was mild, but Tomas heard the clear warning. “I wouldn‟t do that,” Tomas said, defending himself.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 16 Mackenzie gave him a look. “Well, unless you‟re with me.” Tomas smiled. “Those were the days, buddy.” Mackenzie laughed, his dark green eyes twinkling. “Are you two plotting trouble again?” Alejandro asked. “Count us in. But not too much. Have to keep up the rep of being a law-abiding citizen,” Hector said. “Speak for yourself,” Malik replied. “Whatever it is, I don‟t want to know,” Miguel stated. “Please. You‟ll be the one leading the mischief,” Tomas said. His brothers flanked around them. They watched the dancers. “What‟s up with you and Bernie?” Miguel asked. Tomas took a drink. “I don‟t know what you mean.” The other men snorted in disbelief. Ignoring them, Tomas watched Bernie dancing with man after man. He slammed his mug on the bar and went over to Bernie. Pushing between Bernie and his dance partner, Tomas glowered at the man. The man backed away. Tomas looked back at Bernie. “Let‟s go,” he growled. He strode off the dance floor. Tomas waved at Mackenzie and his brothers, heading for the door. He pushed out the door and went to his car. Bernie‟s soft tread came behind him. Pushing the button to disarm his truck alarm, he went to the driver‟s side. Getting in, he slammed the door. Bernie got in beside him, closing the door softly. Tomas got them on their way. The ride was silent. In a short bit, he pulled up in

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 17 front of Bernie‟s condo. Impatiently, he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “I‟m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It won‟t happen again.” Bernie‟s voice was soft. Tomas glanced at him. His head was turned away, a blush staining his cheeks. He got out of the car and went up the drive to the steps. There was a slump to his shoulders. He tripped, then righted himself, rushing up the steps and into the house. Tomas sat a while, looking at the door. “What am I going to do with you, kid?” Tomas asked. Shaking his head, he drove automatically to his house.

TOMAS drove the trowel into the dirt. Leaning back on his heels, he wiped his forehead with his bandanna. Although it was only almost the end of April, it was already shaping up to be a very warm spring in Mapson. Rolling his shoulders and neck, he looked down the line of roses he was planting. They were looking very nice. Thankfully, the job wasn‟t too complicated, and he was working alone. Malik had tried to change the schedule so they could work together today, pulling the old gambit that he was co-owner of Rodbro—their landscaping business—and thus could change things if he wanted. Tomas knew why he had wanted to switch. Since Tomas was also a co-owner, he had made sure once Malik left to switch with Allen for this job. He knew Malik and Link, who also worked with them, would be surprised to see Allen when he went to the job. After last night, Tomas didn‟t want to hear the ribbing he would get from Malik or Link. His thoughts turned, as they had all day,

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 18 to Bernie—specifically, to how he had moved on the dance floor. He had been sexy. There seemed to be more behind that geeky exterior than Tomas knew. Do you even want to go there? Tomas unclipped his canteen from his waist, uncapped it, and drank deeply. He lowered it, recapping it slowly. “Nah. He‟s just a kid,” Tomas said. He remembered the blush and Bernie‟s soft apology. When he saw Bernie on Saturday, he would have to make sure Bernie understood there was nothing to be sorry for. “Maybe I should go by today.” As soon as he said it, he dismissed the thought. Friday was Bernie‟s movie night with Alex, Robert, and Simon, if he was in town. Tomas didn‟t impose on it. Usually, he spent the night at home catching up with things at his house, or sometimes going out with his brothers. The sound of a car coming up the drive caught Tomas‟s attention. Frowning, he stood as the squad car pulled up. Striding over to it, Tomas leaned down as the window lowered. Surprised, he studied the man in the car. Immediately Tomas thought something had happened to Miguel, but dismissed the thought as soon as it formed. He would have gotten a call, not an in-person notification. “Ramirez. What are you doing here?” Tomas was curious why Ramirez had tracked him down. Gerald Ramirez worked on the police force with Miguel. He was a close friend, although lately he hadn‟t been coming to their poker games or any of the other get-togethers they‟d had. “We need to talk about Bernie.” A fierce frown was on Ramirez‟s craggy face, and his black eyes were furious.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 19

Chapter Two BERNIE paced in front of the bay window. Stopping, he glanced at the clock over the mantle. Only three o‟clock. Almost two hours until Alex came by for movie night. Robert couldn‟t make it. Alex was bringing food so Bernie didn‟t have to cook. Technically, Friday through Sunday were his days off from both work with Robert and his own graduate classes, but he didn‟t use them all. He tended to go in at least half a day on Fridays. Today, he hadn‟t even gone in for a half day, just stayed at home. The day had been filled with thoughts of how good Tomas had felt pressed against him. His scent had been how he smelled when he went home to clean up before coming to dinner at Bernie‟s house. Bernie assumed it was whatever he used to bathe with. When Tomas cleaned up at Bernie‟s house, he smelled like Bernie‟s own herbal soap or shampoo. Bernie couldn‟t decide if he‟d rather have Tomas smelling of Bernie‟s things or of his own. He shook his head. “You practically attacked the man on the dance floor.” Guilt filled him. No wonder Tomas had run from the dance floor and avoided him all night. Bernie had flung himself at him. Shamelessly. Bernie ran his hand through his hair. He sat in the window seat looking at the sunny day. I can’t stay here and wait for Alex for two hours. I’m going stir-crazy.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 20 Coming to a decision, he stood and walked over to the entry table, opened a drawer, and took out his wallet and keys. Putting them in his pocket, he went to the door, then opened it, and paused on the porch, raising his face to the sun. The April day was warm and the sky clear. The great weather was one of the things he enjoyed most about living in California. He walked rapidly down the steps, cursing as he tripped. He glanced back at the open garage that held his old beat-up RAV4. Deciding not to take it, he turned and walked down the drive. Making a left, he walked toward Paget Street, the strip of quaint stores not far from the condo. He‟d seen them every day as he went to and from school and always wanted to check them out, but since moving to the area a bit over ten months ago, he‟d never found the time. You just want to stop thinking of Tomas. Bernie knew it was true, and he was not going to deal with it. At least not until he saw Tomas tomorrow for poker. He paused. Maybe he should drive himself to the game. Knowing Tomas, he would demand an explanation—one Bernie didn‟t want to have to give. He would just have to see what happened. Bernie started walking again. Ten minutes later, he stopped in front of the store he‟d come to check out. A stylized design of books on a table with “2H Book Nook” over it stretched across the front window. Through the glass, Bernie could see the store was fairly busy. Going to the door, he opened it and went in. Music filled the store. People were humming along with it as he skirted them, browsing the shelves filled with books. Absently, he took in the seating areas set up throughout the store. There was even a coffee shop with tables and booths to the left inside

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 21 the store. Some people had laptops and seemed to be working. Passing by one patron, Bernie noted the man was on the Internet. Cool. They have Wi-Fi. I’ll have to come with my laptop one day. The store was a good size, yet had a comfy and relaxed feel to it, unlike the bigger bookstores. He already liked it. As he walked, he looked at the selection of books. The store had a good variety of all kinds of books from fiction to nonfiction. Reaching the science section, Bernie looked through the titles offered. Impressed, he noted the books on quantum sciences, physics, and other topics. Biting his lip, he calculated in his head how much he had in his bank account. Picking just one book, he glanced at the sitting area set up close to where he stood. Glancing at his watch, then the book, he knew if he started to read, he would get caught up and miss movie night with Alex. At least at home he would hear Alex coming in. He walked back to the counter. There wasn‟t a line at the register, but the man behind the counter was on the phone. The man‟s head was bent as he whispered furiously. “I don‟t need you to come get me like I‟m a child. I can get home.” He paused, then sighed, rubbing his hand across his forehead. “Fine. You‟ll do whatever you want anyway.” His tone was bitter and resigned. The man hung up and gripped the counter with his hands. He shook his head. Bernie shifted and cleared his throat. The man looked up sharply, his hazel eyes weary. The man straightened. “Sorry. Did you need help, or to check out?”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 22 “To check out,” Bernie replied, putting the book on the counter. Something niggled at him. The man was very familiar. Suddenly, it dawned on him. “Harper Hillman?” “Yes. Do I know you?” Harper glanced at him, frowning. “Umm… I‟m a friend of Robert‟s. We‟ve played poker together a few times before….” Bernie trailed off as he realized what he was about to say. A sad look flitted across Harper‟s face. Bernie shifted, remembering the last time he had seen Harper. It was at Karl Provenza‟s—Harper‟s partner‟s—funeral. They had been together for more than ten years before Provenza was murdered. Harper had been grief-stricken. The tribute that Provenza had asked Miguel and Ramirez—his two best buddies—to do for Harper had been touching. When Harper had broken down, they had all been relieved he had finally started grieving. In the almost seven months since then, Harper and Ramirez hadn‟t come to the poker night, or any of the other get-togethers the poker crew had. Bernie studied Harper. He looked better, but there was still a brittleness to him. Harper was an intense man, but had a devilish side, at least when Provenza, who‟d been more affable, had prodded him to it. “I remember you now. Bernie, right? Nice to see you. Been a long time. Let me ring you up.” Harper rang up his purchase. Bernie frowned at the total. Mentally, he calculated the book and tax.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 23 “That‟s not the right price for the book.” He shook his head. “It‟s a discount for friends.” Harper smiled. Bernie blinked, startled at the statement. “I can‟t do that. I have money for it. I can afford it. I know what Robert probably told you guys, but I have money this year. I was awarded a special grant to use for my expenses,” he insisted. Harper seemed surprised. “I‟m sure you can afford it. And I‟m not sure what you mean by Robert told us something. He didn‟t tell me anything. This is the discount I give to all my friends. Provenza liked you.” Harper‟s voice faltered, and then he said firmly, “And I do too. I see you as a friend, so take the discount. Unless you don‟t see me as a friend.” “I do see you as a friend.” “Good. Then give me the money for the total here.” Harper beckoned with his hand. Bernie handed over the money. Harper finished the transaction and gave him his change. Harper put the book in a bag that had the same design as the window. “Did you find the science section had some good titles? I asked Robert to give me some recommendations so I could order them. Since he did, I‟ve noticed that more of the science majors from Mapson University are coming in and buying them. Do you have any titles you think I should get?” Harper asked as he handed Bernie the bag. “Ahh… that explains why you have such a good selection. I did notice there were a few that you could add. But they might not sell that well, since they‟re more for hardcore researchers. Your boss might not like that,” Bernie said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 24 “I‟m the owner of 2H, so that won‟t be a problem. I don‟t mind trying out some of the titles,” Harper replied. “2H? Is that because of your name?” “Yep. Provenza came up with it.” He cleared his throat, then continued. “So give me the titles.” “Con—” Harper interrupted him. “Wait. Let me get someone to cover this counter, and we can have some coffee.” Before he could answer, Harper hurried away. Bernie walked a little away from the counter. “Okay. Let‟s go.” Harper glanced at Bernie, and Bernie followed him. As they walked, Harper greeted various customers by name. He spoke to them and made recommendations for books. They all seemed to like him, and he was personable. Inside the coffee shop, Harper walked over to a back booth with a reserved sign on it. “Have a seat, and I‟ll get the coffee. What do you drink?” Harper asked. “Ummm… I prefer tea with a stick of cinnamon, if you have it.” “Got ya. Any special type of tea? We carry lots of kinds.” Bernie shrugged. “Anything is fine.” He‟d only had regular tea, so he was unsure of what other types there were. Harper walked away. Bernie sat, putting his bag on the seat next to him. He glanced around. The coffee shop part of the store was larger than he‟d thought from the glimpse he‟d had of it. The combination of the bookstore and coffee shop made the store larger than it

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 25 looked from outside. He looked over at the counter across the room. Harper went behind the counter and made their drinks. He was talking with the man at the counter, but Bernie was too far away to make out the man‟s features or hear their conversation. Moments later, Harper took up a tray and came out of the swinging gate toward him. When he got to the table, he placed the tray on it. Harper placed a pastry in front of Bernie along with a steaming cup of tea before sitting on the other side of the booth and sliding closer to him. “Hope you‟re not allergic to pecans or caramel. Since you mentioned liking cinnamon, I got us each a caramel sticky bun.” “No, I‟m not allergic.” Bernie grabbed a fork and took a bite. He moaned as he ate the first gooey bite. “Good, huh? We make them here in the shop. Actually, all the pastries are made here. We have a kitchen beyond those doors.” Harper looked at Bernie with a slight smile on his face. Bernie swallowed and asked, “Can I have the recipe? I‟d like to try and make them.” “I‟ll give you a copy of my recipe,” Harper said. “Yours?” “Yeah. Came up with it for Provenza. He loved caramel and pecans,” Harper said softly. Bernie frowned, sorry he had made him sad again. “It‟s okay to talk about him, sharing the memories you have.” He reached out and touched Harper‟s hand and then squeezed it.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 26 “Ah… you don‟t want to hear about all that,” Harper said. “I do. I had started to know a little about him from the games, but didn‟t get to know him before”—he paused, then went on—“he was gone.” Harper‟s gaze was intense, and then he gripped Bernie‟s hand. “Thank you for saying that.” “Saying what?” “Acknowledging he was here and gone. Everyone is so afraid of saying his name to me. They act like since he‟s gone, they can‟t talk about him. They treat me like I‟m broken. Not like me anymore. I miss him so much, but I miss being able to talk about us, him, or me, without being treated as if I‟m so fragile I‟ll shatter. I won‟t.” His voice was fierce. “Tell me about him.” Bernie turned his hand and held Harper‟s. “He was the one who pushed me to open 2H. He knew of my love of books and said I was friendly to people, not to mention too stubborn to fail or do it halfway. It was supposed to be just a small bookstore. Two years ago, when the two shops on either side were empty, Karl was the one who went and bought them so I could expand. He gave me the spaces for my birthday and paid to have them redone to expand the store and open the coffee shop. Even convinced his brother Kenton to run the coffee shop so he could bake the pastries he loved. Kenton didn‟t formally go to school for baking, but he‟s really good. Karl knew that Kenton would thrive at making pastries. Hell, Kenton has even started taking special orders for various private parties. Karl had a knack for knowing what others couldn‟t see or do

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 27 themselves. I loved that about him.” Harper‟s voice got choked. “He sounds like a good man,” Bernie said softly. “He was. He was a lot like Tomas—a nurturer, although they like to act tough and like they don‟t care. They do care, deeply.” “Tomas likes to boss people around,” Bernie grumbled. “Karl Drove me then said since he‟s

did too. But it was his way of showing he cared. nuts.” Harper laughed. He stopped, startled, and softly, “That‟s the first time I‟ve actually laughed been gone.”

Bernie gripped the hand he held. Music started to play. Harper frowned, then withdrew his hand. He pulled out a cell and glanced at the screen. “Ramirez,” he groaned. “Aren‟t you all good friends?” Bernie asked. “We are, but he‟s become overprotective. I‟ve become an obligation—one who can‟t be left alone,” Harper said in the same bitter tone as earlier. Bernie nodded, understanding about the feeling of being an obligation. “Was he the one on the phone earlier?” “Yeah. To check on me and tell me when he was getting me to take me home.” “If you don‟t want him to take you home, then tell him to buzz off,” Bernie suggested. Harper laughed, shaking his head. “I can‟t do that.” “You can.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 28 Harper looked speculative, and then he smirked. Pressing a button on his phone, he spoke. “Yes, Ramirez.” He listened, then said, “I don‟t need you to come get me. I‟ll find my own way home. F—” He pulled the phone away from his ear. Bernie could hear someone yelling, but not what they were saying. Harper frowned, then put the phone back to his ear. “Shut the fuck up. I‟m going home on my own. Deal with it. If I see you anywhere near my store or my house tonight, you‟re going to regret it.” Harper‟s tone was steely. The sound of an angry voice came across the line. Harper hung up. He grinned at Bernie. Bernie laughed. He glanced at his watch. “I‟ve got to go. Thanks for the tea and pastry,” he said. “You didn‟t get to drink it. Let me at least wrap the pastry for you.” Harper stood, put everything on the tray, and hurried away. Bernie stood and followed after him. Harper went behind the counter, boxed up his pastry, and put in a few more. “I don‟t need all those,” Bernie protested. “Should I be offended you don‟t like my pastries?” a familiar voice asked. Bernie glanced at the man who spoke. His eyes widened. Without being told, he knew he was looking at Karl‟s brother, Kenton Provenza. Kenton sounded and looked a lot like his brother. He had the same craggy features, blue-gray eyes, and black hair. Kenton‟s frame was more brawny and stockier than Karl‟s, and his hair longer and more unruly.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 29 “That‟s not what I meant.” “So what do you mean, Bernie?” Kenton‟s eyes twinkled with a devilish spark, just as his brother‟s always had. Bernie smiled and pointed. “I want some of those… and those.” “You got it.” Kenton smirked. Bernie gawked as Kenton efficiently boxed up the parties he‟d pointed to. Kenton slid the box to him. Bernie chuckled as he took out his card. “Now, you‟re not going to insult me with money, are you, Berns?” Kenton crossed his muscular arms over his barrel chest. “I don‟t need charity,” Bernie snapped. “You‟re as prickly as Tomas said, and cuter than your picture. And this ain‟t charity,” Kenton said. “You know Tomas? And you‟ve seen a picture of me?” “Yep. I grew up with and am best buds with the old pain in the ass. Used to work for him too. Robin was in here a while back, showing us pictures of his and Miguel‟s barbecue.” Kenton put his hands on the counter. “It was a blast.” “If you ever get that formula to paralyze Tomas‟s big mouth, let me know. Would love to see that. Gotta go. Have some customers to serve. Come back again, Bernie. I‟ll show you some of Tomas‟s favorite pastries. The man has a sweet tooth.” Kenton walked away. “I will!” Bernie called. “Here you go.” Harper put the pasty box with the store logo into a bag, which also had the logo.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 30 “I really can‟t take that.” “Don‟t piss off Kenton. He gets growly, and that‟s something I don‟t need to deal with.” Harper came out through the swinging gate and handed him the bag. Bernie took it. Harper walked with him to the door. Bernie paused, then said, “Come have movie night.” Harper looked startled. “Simon mentioned you all have that. But I don‟t want to intrude.” “Please. It‟s just us hanging out, watching movies. So come on. Don‟t want me to get growly. It‟s not a pretty sight,” Bernie said playfully. Harper chuckled. “Wouldn‟t want that. Let me check the front and get my bag.” Harper walked away. Bernie leaned against a wall close to the door and out of the way. Harper was back in no time. They left the store and headed for Bernie‟s condo. “So, what are the books you think I should add?” Harper asked. Bernie told him, and they talked as they went. Before Bernie knew it, they were at his house, and he led Harper to the living room then left him and went to get them drinks. Settling on the couch next to Harper, Bernie handed him a drink, and then turned on the TV. “So when are you and Tomas going to do the deed?” Bernie choked on his drink at Harper‟s question. Harper patted him on the back. After his coughing was under control, Bernie glanced at him. “I don‟t know what you mean.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 31 “Please. After that show last night, everyone is expecting you all will be doing it soon. At least, that‟s the bet going on.” “You heard about our dance?” Bernie flushed. “My phone was ringing off the hook when you all got on the floor. And Mackenzie gave me blow-by-blow details of you all getting wicked.” Bernie scowled. The Mackenzie, Harper was referring to had to be the owner of Bacchus Sloan. He knew Mackenzie not only from the eatery, but socially. Bernie had met him on the rare times Mackenzie made it to poker, or a few times hanging out with Tomas and his family. You would think the man would have a business to run instead of watching him and Tomas. Bernie sat up as the rest of what Harper had said registered. “There‟s a bet on us?” “Oh, yeah. Down to how long it will be and who will make the first move.” Harper laughed. “What‟re the stakes?” Bernie pursed his lips. “One hundred dollars,” Harper said. Bernie leaned back and put his hand in his pocket. Pulling out his wallet, he counted out some money. He put his wallet back and sat up. “Who do I need to give it to?” “You‟re going to bet on yourself?” Harper sounded shocked. “I‟m going to bet for never,” Bernie replied. “I‟ll bet that, too, and give it to Miguel,” Alex said, plucking the money out of Bernie‟s hand. “When did you get here?” Bernie glanced at him.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 32 “A little while ago. Long enough to hear Harper blabbing about the bet.” Alex leaned over and kissed Bernie briefly on the lips. “Should have known you would be in on the bet.” Bernie swatted at him. “You know it.” Alex laughed and dodged away. Alex moved over to Harper and kissed him quickly on the lips. Harper blinked, startled. “Ignore him. When he‟s around me, he likes to act like he‟s the „kiss fairy‟, just to make me blush.” Bernie rolled his eyes. “And it always works. I love seeing Bernie blush.” Alex grinned wickedly, touching Bernie‟s cheek. Bernie snapped his teeth at Alex. Alex laughed, then flopped down on Harper‟s lap. Harper stiffened. “Now, now. Don‟t get all stiff on me. It‟s good seeing you again, Harper. You just disappeared after Karl died. That‟s no way to treat people,” Alex stated. “Butt out.” Harper glared. “Nope. You need to stop being the antisocial ass and let your friends in.” “Alex,” Bernie said. “Hush, Bernie.” Alex‟s eyes had that stubborn look Bernie had become familiar with. Bernie leaned back, knowing it was useless trying to stop him. Alex turned his attention back to Harper. He shifted, straddling Harper‟s lap.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 33 “Cutting yourself off from those who love you is not the way,” Alex said. “Mind your business. What do you know about it?” Harper snarled. “I know more than you will ever know,” Alex said softly. Bernie glanced at him sharply. There was a sad look on Alex‟s face and in his pale gray eyes. Harper studied Alex, and something seemed to pass between them. Bernie opened his mouth to ask, but changed his mind. Harper pulled Alex into his arms. The two men held each other. Harsh sobs racked Harper. Alex looked at Bernie, his eyes looking lost. Bernie scooted over to them and hugged them both. They both sighed. Alex moved over Bernie onto his left side, cuddling in. Harper pressed against Bernie‟s right side. He put his arms around both men. Music started to play. Harper cursed and reached for his phone. Bernie snatched it out of his hand. He pressed it on. “Fuck off, Ramirez. Harper is with me,” Bernie growled. “Bernie?” Ramirez sounded shocked. “Yeah. Leave Harper alone. He doesn‟t need you hovering,” Bernie snapped. “What the fuck? How did he end up with you?” Ramirez said furiously. “Don‟t worry about it. Don‟t call again.” Bernie hung up the phone. “Oh, man. I can imagine Gerald‟s face.” Harper laughed. “He woke the sleeping Bernie, the one who gets all protective, stubborn, and pissy. Boy, he doesn‟t have a clue what he did.” Alex chuckled.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 34 The phone started to ring again. Bernie glanced at the number, then answered it. “Fuck off,” Bernie snapped and hung up. He glanced at Alex, then Harper. “So… movie, cuddling on the couch, and whatever food Alex brought.” The two men looked at each other, and then started to laugh. Bernie joined them, hugging them.

TOMAS pulled in behind Ramirez‟s already-parked car, and then got out of his truck and jogged up the driveway. After Ramirez‟s statement about Bernie, he had filled Tomas in on what had happened. Tomas wasn‟t sure how Bernie and Harper had ended up together at the condo. He didn‟t even know why Bernie had supposedly cursed Ramirez out when he called Harper‟s phone. He thought Ramirez was mistaken about Bernie cursing him. The Bernie they all knew wasn‟t one for confrontations, which was what he‟d told Ramirez. He‟d been able to convince Ramirez to go and have dinner with him so they could talk. Over the dinner, it had become obvious Ramirez was being overprotective— bordering on smothering—of Harper. Tomas had understood Ramirez, in his way, was looking out for Harper. Provenza and Ramirez had been extremely close. They‟d hung out together often. Provenza being gone had to be hard on Ramirez. In Tomas‟s opinion, Ramirez was behaving how a friend would act when trying to help out a friend‟s spouse when they died, except he was being extreme with it. Eventually, as the night wore on, Ramirez had become more and more agitated until finally he said he was going to

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 35 Bernie‟s with or without him. Tomas had agreed to go to the condo to keep the peace. Tomas caught Ramirez‟s raised fist just before he pounded on the door. Ramirez jerked his arm away. “Calm down, Ramirez.” “He cursed at me. Then that little fucker hung up on me. Eight times,” Ramirez growled. “Well, did you ever think to stop calling?” Tomas asked reasonably. Ramirez glared. “Open the door, or I‟ll kick it down.” “It‟s probably already unlocked door and strode in.

open.”

Tomas

opened

the

“He doesn‟t even lock his door? You need to get control of your man.” “He‟s not my man,” Tomas snapped. “Keep telling yourself that,” Ramirez retorted. Tomas went into the living room. Not seeing anyone, he went to the kitchen. “Where the hell did they go?” Ramirez grumbled. “I don‟t know. Maybe they went out.” Tomas went back into the hall. “I hear something in the back.” “That‟s the master bedroom,” Tomas said, heading that way. He pushed open the door. Glancing in, he frowned. Bernie and Alex, with Harper in the middle, lay in the bed, cuddled up together.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 36 “What the hell?” Ramirez asked, trying to push past him. Tomas pushed him out, closing the door. Ramirez pushed against him. Tomas shoved him back, herding him back down the hall. They strained as they scuffled. Ramirez finally reached the door, and Tomas got in front of him, pushing at Ramirez‟s barrel chest. “Stop. Don‟t go busting in there like an ass. You know what Harper said. Hell, Bernie too.” Tomas grunted as he held Ramirez back. “He shouldn‟t be in bed with him,” Ramirez growled. “You can trust Bernie and A—” Ramirez interrupted. “Not him. That Alex. I see how he acts around everyone. Always touchy-feely.” “You never had a problem with it before. Usually, you laugh it off and grope him. Thought you all were cool.” Tomas raised an eyebrow. “We are, but he still shouldn‟t be in bed with Harper. He‟s vulnerable right now. Doesn‟t know what he‟s doing,” Ramirez grumbled. Tomas released him, since Ramirez had stopped trying to push past him. Ramirez leaned on the wall next to the door, running his hand through his hair. Tomas studied him. The usually affable Ramirez looked frazzled and out of sorts. Lines of strain were on his face. “What‟s really going on? Why haven‟t you or Harper been coming to the poker games or other things?” “It‟s Harper‟s choice. And I‟ve been keeping close to keep his family”—there was a sneer in his tone—“from taking advantage of him. Ever since Karl died, they‟ve moved into

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 37 Harper‟s house. They‟ve taken over. And Harper doesn‟t even care that they have. He‟s just going through the motions and letting them have their way. Karl wouldn‟t have stood for it. Hell, the old Harper wouldn‟t have either.” Ramirez sighed. “It‟ll take time for him to get back on his feet. Give him time. He doesn‟t need you hovering.” Tomas put his hand on Ramirez‟s shoulder, squeezing it. “I‟m all he‟s got to stand between him and that family of his,” Ramirez defended. “He doesn‟t need a keeper. He needs a friend,” Tomas said. “Like you and Bernie? Don‟t talk when you‟re doing the same thing,” Ramirez sneered. “What do Bernie and I have to do with this?” Tomas withdrew his hand, frowning. “You act like Bernie‟s keeper, but he doesn‟t need one. Hell, with the stipend he got this year, he doesn‟t need to „cook‟”—Ramirez made quotation signs with his fingers—“for you anymore. You can give up the pretense of not being able to cook. Just come clean and fuck him already.” “I don‟t want to fuck Bernie,” Tomas insisted. Ramirez looked at him in disbelief. “You really have no clue. Even with the dance, where you all almost humped each other on the floor.” “Miguel talks too much,” Tomas growled. “Hell, I didn‟t hear it from him first. Alejandro told me. Then my phone blew up with calls from everyone else. It was the talk of the crew. And, of course, now there‟s a bet.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 38 “You take such pleasure in telling me that. What? You plan on winning this one too, like the one with Miguel and Robert?” Tomas said. “What can I say? I‟m lucky.” Ramirez smiled slyly. “Why does everyone assume there‟s something more between Bernie and me than what it is?” Tomas frowned. “You really are oblivious.” Ramirez looked baffled. Tomas said firmly. “The kid is nice enough, but he‟s just Bernie.” “He‟s not a kid. You two are already like a couple. The only thing you‟re not doing is fucking.” “That‟s not true. We‟re not like a couple.” Ramirez ticked off his fingers with each point. “Let us count the ways. One, you all buy groceries together. Two, he cooks said groceries for you. Three, you take showers here when you come to dinner. Four, you wash his clothes. Five, when you all are hanging out with the crew, you come together, with you driving. Six, he even goes to family dinner with you. Sounds like being a couple to me. Hell, if I could find me a woman to cook like Bernie does for you, I would marry her.” “We shop for groceries together because he cooks for me. Which he does because… well, that doesn‟t matter. I clean up here because if I come from a job, I smell bad. I wash his clothes since he cooks and to save him money since I have a washer and dryer in my house. If we‟re going out with the crew, it makes sense to go together to save gas. As for family dinner, he came so Mami could feed him, and I can‟t not bring him. The family would kill me,” Tomas said, defending himself.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 39 Ramirez shook his head. “My God. You really are oblivious.” “You too. You have someone who does all the same things you claim Bernie does for me.” “This isn‟t about me and Harper. And he‟s my friend. I don‟t go that way,” Ramirez growled. “Now who‟s oblivious?” Tomas asked. “Shut the hell up.” Ramirez straightened, getting in his face. Tomas put his hand up, stepping back. “Okay.” “Harper needs me to be his friend,” Ramirez growled. “Okay,” Tomas said. “Worry about you and Bernie, and what you‟re going to do about what‟s between you two,” Ramirez said. “There‟s nothing there but friendship.” “Who‟re you trying to convince, me or yourself?” Ramirez snorted. “No convincing needed. What‟s the stakes and rules of this bet?” Tomas asked. “A hundred. Who will make the first move, and by when.” “What did you bet?” “On you making a move by tomorrow.” “Huh. Why‟d you pick that?” Tomas queried. “Because if you don‟t wake up and make a move by then, you won‟t,” Ramirez said. Tomas pulled out his wallet and handed him a hundred.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 40 “So, you‟re making a move tomorrow. More money for me.” Ramirez rubbed his hands together. “No money for you. That‟s to bet on never,” Tomas replied. “You‟ll just hold out to make all of us lose, you stubborn bastard.” Ramirez frowned. “Oh, yeah. There‟s nothing between me and the kid.” Tomas smiled. “He‟s not a kid. Or an obligation. He‟s a man, one who sooner or later will make your stubborn ass see he‟s more than that.” Ramirez grunted, slapping Tomas on the shoulder. “The same goes for you. Harper doesn‟t need you treating him like a child,” Tomas said. “Harper doesn‟t know what he needs,” Ramirez growled. “And you do?” Bernie‟s voice asked. Tomas shifted, looking at him. “I know more than you do. Who the fuck do you think you are, hanging up on me?” Ramirez went over to Bernie, getting in his face. “I know he doesn‟t want to be treated like he‟s motherfucking broken,” Bernie growled low. “You don‟t know shit,” Ramirez gritted out. Tomas started over, but stopped, eyes wide, as Bernie pushed Ramirez while he spoke. “I know more than you. You‟re so busy treating him like an obligation, you don‟t—no, won’t—let him breathe. He needs that to find his feet again and learn to live without Provenza.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 41 “That‟s what I‟m trying to help him do,” Ramirez said. “No, you‟re not. You‟re smothering him. Back off,” Bernie hissed. “I‟m not going anywhere.” Ramirez crossed his arms over his chest. “Oh, really?” Bernie smiled, a nasty curl of his lips. “You might think you own the world. Well, you can control some people, but not me, and not Harper. Let the man have some say. Stop being an ass and controlling everything. He‟s not an obligation.” Bernie pushed Ramirez back with each word. “He‟s a person who needs a friend, not a keeper.” Tomas opened the front door and stepped out of the way. Bernie pushed Ramirez out the door. He glanced at Tomas, his pale green eyes fierce. “I‟ll see you for poker tomorrow. Now, get out,” Bernie growled. “I‟m going. You really should lock your door.” Tomas smiled, going out the door. “I will from now on, to keep some folks out.” Bernie glared at a sputtering Ramirez. Then he slammed the door in their faces. Tomas started to laugh. He had never seen Bernie pissed before. As he‟d cursed Ramirez, a blush reddened his cheeks, while his voice became a deep growl. It was entertaining watching him manhandle Ramirez out the door. “You need to check your man,” Ramirez said. “The kid isn‟t, and never will be, my man. I‟m putting my money on it. You‟re gonna lose that bet. Boy, that kid sure told you. Wish I had it on tape.” Tomas smirked.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 42 “He‟s not a kid. More like a typhoon. Never knew he had such a temper.” Ramirez scowled. The lights on the porch turned off. Tomas laughed again and turned to Ramirez. “Come on. Let‟s go before he calls the police.” “I am the police!” Ramirez cried. “And you don‟t want your fellow officers to come find you here on this porch, then have to explain why you didn‟t leave when asked.” “He wouldn‟t call the cops,” Ramirez scoffed. “I wouldn‟t be too sure of that. The kid seems to be doing a few things we don‟t expect. Bernard is turning out to be more than he portrays.” Tomas looked at the closed door.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 43

Chapter Three TOMAS observed Bernie as he laughed with Robert and Alex. Bernie glanced back at him and blushed, looking away. Tomas raised his beer to his lips to hide his smile. Since he had picked Bernie up for the poker game, Bernie had been acting all nervous. He‟d caught Bernie four times to keep him from falling, and that was just leaving the condo. Bernie‟s clumsiness had shown Tomas something else about who he was coming to realize was a complicated man. He thought back to all the times Bernie had seemed to fall over his own feet. In each instance, it was when Bernie had seemed nervous. He didn‟t even think Bernie realized it. And Tomas was going to keep that little tidbit of info to himself. “Are you ready to play, or are you gonna ogle Bernie all night?” A hand rested on his shoulder. “Just waiting my turn,” Tomas replied. Turning his attention from Bernie, he glanced at Alejandro, his oldest brother. Spotting his other brothers crowding around him, and a few of his cousins, Tomas stifled a groan. “Come on.” Alejandro made a gesture with his head while shifting his hold on his shoulder. Tomas found himself being led to the kitchen with his brothers falling in behind him. He shrugged out of Alejandro‟s hold and walked over to the island, standing

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 44 between Miguel and Hector. Tomas pushed his shoulder first against Miguel, then Hector. Both were sitting at the island. “Hiding out in here waiting for the interrogation to start?” Tomas asked. “More like Alejandro telling us to sit here and don‟t interfere.” Hector laughed. “Since it‟s his house, we decided to humor him.” Miguel rolled his eyes. “I‟m the oldest, so I get to do what I want. Right, little bros and cuzes?” Alejandro raised an eyebrow and leaned against the other side of the counter. “Sure” and “whatever” echoed throughout the room. Then they all chuckled. Alejandro snorted. “I get no respect.” “Oh, you poor thing. Want a tissue?” Malik made a rude smacking sound with his lips. Alejandro made a swipe at Malik, but he danced out of the way. Alejandro shrugged, then turned his attention to Tomas. Tomas spoke before Alejandro could. “I know all about this bet, and there is nothing going on between me and the kid.” “Bernie isn‟t a kid, no matter how much you try to use that to keep him at a distance.” Alejandro‟s rich brown eyes, so much like Tomas‟s, were patient. “I don‟t do that. Calling him a kid is a term of affection. And I have no reason to keep him at a distance. Nothing is going on.” Tomas frowned.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 45 The men looked at each other, then back at Tomas. Alejandro had that smile on his face, the one that made him such a great doctor. It was his “I‟m here with you, and will be here no matter what happens” smile. Tomas sighed and rubbed his fingers down the bridge of his nose. “Okay. You don‟t have to worry. I‟ll be careful and not get hurt.” “Hell, we‟re not worried about you getting hurt. We want to ensure that if you do go there with Bernie, you don‟t hurt him.” Tomas lowered his hand, looking at Alejandro in shock. He glanced at the other men, and they all nodded. Tomas couldn‟t believe what he was hearing. “You all are warning me away from Bernie?” he asked in disbelief. “No. We‟re warning you that if you do make a move, you better be sure about it,” Hector stated. “Really? „Make a move.‟ Are you a teenager? Just say it. If you plan on fucking around with Bernie, literally and figuratively,” Malik said. “Christ, Malik. Can‟t you say it better than that?” Miguel asked. Malik flipped him the bird. “You all are pussyfooting around it. Just be real.” They started to bicker. Tomas shook his head, stifling a laugh. His own family was more concerned about Bernie than him. A warm feeling filled him. He couldn‟t even be mad. It showed they all already saw Bernie as family. He was already one of their own.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 46 “Shut up. You all are losing sight of what this is about. Tomas and Bernie.” Alejandro gestured to Tomas, and then the next room. Tomas put his arms on the island. “Look. There is nothing between me and Bernie. There never will be.” He was firm. “You really believe that, don‟t you?” Alejandro studied him, and then he started to laugh. The other men in the room joined him. Tomas scowled, not understanding what was so funny. Alejandro sobered and shook his head. The others slowly stopped laughing. “He really has no idea,” Hector pointed out. “It‟s his stubbornness. Once he makes up his mind, it takes a sledgehammer to the head to change it,” Malik added. “But once he does, he‟s going to be all in,” Alejandro said. “As long as it‟s not today. I can‟t take Ramirez gloating if he wins another bet,” Miguel stated. “Can one of you start making sense?” Tomas growled. Alejandro looked at him, a soft smile on his face as he replied, “You have the same look Hector and Miguel had when they found Simon and Robert.” “You all need glasses.” Tomas snorted. The other men chuckled. Tomas flipped them off. Miguel shoved his shoulder, and Hector poked him in the side. Tomas swiped at them. “What the heck is going on here?” Robert demanded, entering the kitchen.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 47 “They‟re probably warning Tomas to treat Bernie right. Well, that and waking his stubborn ass up that Bernie is not a kid,” Simon answered. Tomas glanced at the two men as they stood close to the door. Robert frowned at Simon. “How could you possibly know that?” Simon shrugged. “Once you‟ve been in this crazy family long enough, you‟ll get to know how these Neanderthals think.” “Maybe, but since Miguel and I have already had this conversation, and Miguel agreed not to get involved with whatever is going on between Bernie and Tomas, that can‟t possibly be what‟s going on. Right, Miguel?” Robert looked pointedly at Miguel. “Ahh… querido, would I do that?” Miguel asked as he stood and walked over to Robert. “Yes,” echoed around the room. “Traitors.” Miguel gave them all a dirty look. “Come on,” Robert growled. He grabbed Miguel‟s hand and pulled him toward the back deck. The men standing between them and the door moved out of the way. Robert yanked the door open and pulled Miguel outside, closing it. Tomas shifted so he could get a better view out the bay window. He noted the others who couldn‟t see out the window had shifted to get a view too. Robert paced back and forth as he talked and gestured. Miguel leaned against the railing. “How long you think Miguel is going to let him get worked up before he grabs him and kisses him?” Malik asked, sitting on the seat vacated by Miguel.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 48 “Right about… now,” Alejandro said. Miguel moved, snagging Robert‟s arm. He tumbled him into his arms and kissed him. Even from here, Tomas could see the blush on Robert‟s face. He seemed to relax against Miguel‟s body. Miguel withdrew slowly from the kiss. He looked up at them and waved. Robert turned quickly. He flushed even redder and smacked Miguel, who was laughing hysterically. Robert stomped toward the door. He yanked it open. “Perverts,” Robert said. “Yep” and “proud of it” echoed through the room. Robert sighed, shaking his head. “You‟ll get used to it. These Neanderthals behave like boys when they get around each other,” Simon said. Tomas looked at him. Simon was snuggled up against Hector. “God. Get a room already,” Tomas groaned. “Remember that when you‟re all over Bernie.” “There is nothing between me and Bernie,” Tomas stated again. “There‟s medicine for denial.” Simon patted him on the shoulder. “It‟s the truth.” Tomas pushed his hand away and stood, walking toward the kitchen doorway. “Miguel, I really didn‟t believe you when you said Tomas didn‟t have a clue. But he really is oblivious,” Robert said. “I forgive you for doubting me, querido. Don‟t worry. When he does face it, he‟ll be really entertaining to watch,” Miguel said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 49 The men all started to laugh. Tomas ignored them and went into the other room. He took a seat at the table next to Bernie. “Why did all of your family go into the kitchen? What are they laughing at?” Bernie asked. “They have a case of the stupids.” Tomas met his pale green gaze. “Ah… ribbing each other again. Who are they picking on this time?” Bernie smiled that crooked grin. Tomas studied his lips, not really registering his question. An elbow hit him in the side. Tomas turned. “Did I hit you? So sorry.” Mackenzie smiled at him innocently. Tomas gritted out, “Do it again and I‟ll break it.” “You can try,” Mackenzie said cheerfully. “I think Tomas was the one they were messing with this time.” Alex sounded a little too happy. Tomas turned his attention on him. Alex smirked. Tomas looked around the table, and the other men had similar expressions. From their looks, he knew they all knew what his brothers and cousins had told him in the kitchen. “Why are they picking on Tomas?” Bernie‟s tone was sharp. Tomas glanced at him in surprise. His cheeks were flushed, and his fingers tapped against the table. Tomas put his hand over Bernie‟s, stilling it. Bernie‟s startled gaze met his. Tomas squeezed his hand. “It‟s okay. They were being Neanderthals.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 50 “Oh… he‟s using big words,” Hector said, gripping his shoulder. “That‟s not the only thing I‟ll use upside your head,” Tomas replied. He winked at Bernie and released his hand. The others came into the room, and they rejoined the game or went to watch TV. Talking, laughing, and heckling started as they played poker. Later, Tomas followed Bernie up the steps to his condo. He caught Bernie as he tripped on the top step, righting him and smiling indulgently. Bernie flushed and hurried to open the door. Then he turned, standing in the doorway. “I don‟t know why you walked me to the door. You usually just drive off,” Bernie rattled off in one breath. “I need a drink,” Tomas said, stepping toward him. Bernie backed up and tripped. Tomas caught him again before he could fall. Stifling a smile, Tomas set him on his feet and wandered to the kitchen. He flicked on the lights, went to the fridge, and opened it. He bent over and took out a bottle of water. He also snagged one for Bernie. A low sound came from Bernie. Tomas straightened and glanced at him. Bernie averted his gaze and sat on the stool by the island. He played with the place mat. Tomas walked over, placing the water in front of him, and leaned next to him. “Thanks,” Bernie said softly. He opened the water and raised it to his lips. Tomas stared at the long line of his neck as his Adam‟s apple moved as he swallowed. Clearing his throat, Tomas glanced away.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 51 “You‟re welcome. Did you lock the door? You really should keep it locked. When Ramirez and I came by last night, it was unlocked. That‟s not safe, kid.” “I‟m not a kid. And don‟t tell me what to do,” Bernie growled, his hand slamming against the counter. Tomas looked back at him. Bernie‟s looked furious. His lips curled in a snarl. He shifted, almost vibrating. In that moment, it hit Tomas. He put down his water and started to chuckle. “What‟s so funny?” Bernie snapped. Tomas sobered and watched him intently. “Damned if Ramirez isn‟t going to win the bet.” “What about the bet?” “You know about that?” Tomas asked, shifting closer. “Yeah. And it seems as if you do too. I bet on it.” Bernie looked uneasy. “Who and what did you bet, Bernie?” “Ummm… on no one, and for never. You called me Bernie.” Bernie looked baffled. “Yeah. That‟s your name.” Tomas shifted to stand in front of him. Bernie turned automatically to face him. Bernie‟s T-shirt hung on his lanky frame. The baggy jeans pulled, cupping his cock. Bernie pushed his shaggy hair back from his face with one slender hand. Tomas held back a groan. “I bet never too. But, Bernie….” He trailed off, staring at Bernie‟s face. “What?” Bernie asked, trepidation in his tone.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 52 Tomas said nothing, just continued to stare. A blush crept up Bernie‟s cheeks. He licked his lips and shifted nervously. Bernie stood abruptly, then tripped. Tomas caught him and pulled him against his body. “We‟re both gonna lose the bet,” he whispered close to Bernie‟s lips. “What? Why?” Bernie sputtered. “Does your blush go all over?” Tomas asked. “I… don‟t know. Let me go… Tomas,” Bernie whispered. The soft tone went straight to Tomas‟s cock. He pulled Bernie closer and closed the distance between their lips. “Later… much later,” Tomas promised. “Wh—” He closed his lips over Bernie‟s, cutting him off. Bernie gasped, opening for him. Tomas deepened their kiss, suckling his tongue fiercely. Bernie stiffened, and then relaxed. His arms came up, and he gripped Tomas‟s hair. Tomas moaned into his lips. Bernie whimpered and moved against him. The feel of his body against Tomas‟s drove all thoughts except one from Tomas‟s mind. He wanted Bernie. Now. Tomas changed his hold, cupping Bernie‟s ass. He lifted him up. Bernie wrapped his long legs around Tomas‟s hips. Without breaking their kiss, Tomas stepped back and strode to the kitchen doorway. He grunted as his shoulder hit the frame. Tomas continued on, putting one foot after the other. Bernie ground against his aching cock. Cursing into his mouth, Tomas gripped his ass, pulling Bernie against him. Turning, he pressed him up against the bedroom doorframe. He thrust against him. Bernie let out a wild

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 53 moan. Tomas took the sound down and licked along his tongue. Straightening, Tomas staggered and righted himself. He strode forward and lowered Bernie to the bed. He settled over Bernie, rocking against him. Tomas hissed at the friction against his hardened shaft. Gasping, he pulled his head back and thrust against Bernie. Bernie‟s face was flushed, and he whimpered. Tomas leaned down and bit against the side of Bernie‟s throat. Bernie arched and moaned, and then he stiffened, pushing Tomas back. Tomas growled and locked gazes with his. “This isn‟t because of obligation, or pity sex, is it?” Bernie was hoarse. “Obligation. No.” Tomas smiled slowly. “But pity, on the other hand. This is all about that.” “I don‟t want pity sex. Get off me.” Bernie scowled and pushed at him. “You didn‟t let me finish.” Tomas settled more firmly between his spread legs before continuing. “This is all about you taking pity on me.” “What?” Bernie frowned, his nose wrinkling in a sexy way. Tomas kissed his nose, then leaned back. “You taking pity on me for being so blind about this. About us. Let me have you, honey.” “Why are you calling me honey?” Bernie looked confused. Tomas smiled wryly. It was a slip of the tongue. One that somehow felt right. He decided to go with the truth to answer Bernie‟s question.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 54 “Now that I‟ve opened my eyes to what you are to me, I want you to be mine. My honey,” Tomas whispered, leaning down. Bernie shivered, then shook his head. “This seems so sudden.” Tomas looked at Bernie in disbelief. “We‟ve been hanging out for almost a year. And hell, you cook for me almost every night. I‟m at your house more than my own.” “Yeah. But until a few days… hell, a few hours ago… I was still „kid‟. What changed? Or are you just horny?” Bernie looked mulish. “Now you choose to be difficult? You‟re usually so agreeable.” Tomas groaned and rolled off him. Bernie put his hands over his eyes and shifted. Tomas caught his arm. He pulled Bernie against him and put his leg over Bernie‟s, trapping Bernie against him. Bernie shivered, then pushed at Tomas‟s chest. “Let me go,” Bernie gritted out. “After I answer your question,” Tomas snapped. “You don‟t need to touch me for that.” Bernie subsided and glowered. “I find that I have to.” Tomas leaned down and kissed his lips softly. He leaned back, stifling a smile at Bernie‟s cute baffled expression. He put his arm over him, stroking his finger along Bernie‟s back. Bernie shivered, then moaned. Tomas made a mental note of his reaction. He cleared his throat, then spoke. “Yes, I‟m horny.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 55 Bernie stiffened, then tried to jerk away. Tomas held him. “Calm down and let me finish. Are you usually so disagreeable? I never noticed before.” Tomas watched Bernie in speculation. “I‟m not. You‟re the ornery one.” Bernie sounded affronted. “True. And you‟ll do well with me to remember that. I am a lot to deal with. And I don‟t plan on changing. I‟m possessive, stubborn, and aggressive. And I have tendencies to… um… be mother hennish. Or so I‟ve been told.” Tomas‟s lips twitched. “You haven‟t said anything I don‟t already know.” Bernie pursed his lips. “Well, Mr. Know-It-Already, what you might not know is, when I get over being obstinate and decide I want something, I go after it with everything I have. And I don‟t do anything half-assed. So are you ready for that?” Tomas gazed at him steadily. “For what? You aren‟t making any sense.” Bernie wrinkled his nose again. “I‟m usually better at showing than talking about it.” Tomas sighed. “No. Really? Had no clue from your seeming to be always telling me what to do.” Bernie‟s tone was dry. “See? That‟s one of the things I like about you. That smart mouth. Your ability to take my shit and give it back in your own way. You don‟t vocalize your displeasure much. But I know when you‟re really pissed at me, you make

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 56 brussels sprouts. It‟s your nonverbal way of letting me know you are.” Tomas chuckled. “I don‟t do that.” Bernie flushed. “Yeah, you do. And that blush. I so want to know if it goes all over.” Tomas‟s voice went low and deep. Bernie groaned and shifted against him. His cock was still erect. Tomas moved against him, letting him feel his still-hard shaft. “Uh-uh. I don‟t know what this has to do with anything. I‟m not going to fulfill some itch you have.” Bernie‟s voice rose. “Calm down. This isn‟t an itch, or obligation, or just horniness—although that is one part. You‟re a very sexy man, Bernie, in a geeky way that pushes all my buttons,” Tomas whispered against the side of his face. The heat of Bernie‟s face warmed his. Tomas licked along the blush staining his cheek. He pulled back and studied the eyes that had come to mean more to him than he ever expected. “With all that you know about me, are you ready to take me on? Try being together and see where this spark we have will take us?” Tomas studied him. Bernie bit his lip. Tomas blew out a breath. He wasn‟t good at this verbal stuff. And although he was ready to go all in with this, maybe Bernie needed time to shift gears. Tomas knew what he had to do. Pulling in all his control, he breathed out again slowly. “You probably need time to think. So, think about it.” Shrugging, he loosened his hold and rolled away. A hand gripped his arm.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 57 Tomas breathed again. “I‟m trying to give you time, kid. But my control isn‟t good enough to keep lying here.” “I don‟t want you to be in control.” Bernie‟s voice was soft and seductive. “Be sure of this, kid.” Tomas glanced at him. “I‟m not a kid. I‟m your honey,” Bernie growled. He pulled Tomas to him and kissed him. Tomas fell back on the bed. Bernie followed him, straddling him. He kissed Tomas fiercely, his hands gripping Tomas‟s face. Bernie rocked against him. Tomas sank his hands into Bernie‟s hair, holding him. Bernie licked inside his mouth, moaning. The vibration went straight to his cock. Bernie sat back, unbuttoning Tomas‟s shirt. Once it was open, Bernie‟s hot hands ran down Tomas‟s naked chest. Tomas moaned as Bernie scraped his nails over his nipples. Bernie leaned down and suckled his nipples. Tomas‟s toes curled, and he whimpered. He held Bernie‟s head against his chest. Bernie licked across to the other nipple, giving it the same suckling. He went from one to the other, licking and sucking them. Tomas rocked against the bed, moaning. “You‟re sensitive. Good,” Bernie said against his nipple. “Do you need to talk so much in bed?” Tomas cried. “Oh, yeah. I‟m going to tell you what I am going to let you do to me—fuck me deep and hard. Then I‟m going to flip you over and ride your cock.” Bernie‟s decadent whisper filled the air. “Then get on with it already,” Tomas growled. “So romantic.” Bernie made a “tsking” sound.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 58 “I‟ll show you romance another time. Let me fuck you,” Tomas moaned. “Sure. I‟m just waiting for you to.” Bernie smirked. Tomas grinned wickedly. “Hold on, then.” He rolled them over. Quickly, he took off Bernie‟s clothes, then stood, shucking his own. Bernie reached over to the nightstand and pulled out a strip of condoms and lube. Tomas picked them up and looked at him. “Is that all? Hope you have more.” “I don‟t. But if you use all of them, I‟ll go somewhere you want to with no questions asked.” Bernie‟s smile was a challenge. “And I the same. Prepare to lose. And I already know where I want to go.” Tomas liked the stakes. “Have at it.” Bernie waved his hand down his body. “And you call me romantic.” Tomas snorted. “You want romance? Okay. Then how about this?” Bernie spread his legs, playing with his dick. He closed his eyes, then moaned and arched his back. Tomas‟s mouth went dry. Bernie ran his thumb over the head of his redtipped erection. Tomas raised his eyes to Bernie‟s. Bernie‟s lids were at half-mast over those pale green eyes, and there was a wicked grin on those Cupid-bow lips. Tomas put his knee on the bed and leaned over, licking along the top of his lip. Bernie raised his head and closed their lips together. He pulled away and whispered against Tomas‟s lips, “In me. Now.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 59 “So demanding,” Tomas said. “Move it.” Bernie slapped the side of Tomas‟s hip. Tomas jerked, startled. Bernie chuckled softly, then rolled away. Tomas stopped him with a hand on his hip. Bernie looked over his shoulder in question. “On your back. I want to see your face,” Tomas stated. Tomas pulled him back, positioning him. Blanketing Bernie with his body, Tomas shivered as their naked bodies touched. The silky feel of Bernie‟s skin tantalized his heated flesh. Grunting, Tomas rocked his cock between Bernie‟s legs. Bernie widened his legs, his hips cradling Tomas‟s. Bernie countered his movements. They thrust against each other, rocking. Wetness coated them between their bodies. Tomas shifted and grabbed the condom and lube. He sheathed himself and put lube on. Tomas wet his fingers with the cool slickness, then reached under Bernie. Bernie canted his ass, giving him better access. Tomas pushed one finger between his cheeks. Bernie‟s moan filled the air. His passage closed around Tomas‟s digit, warm and tight. Tomas groaned, imagining how it would feel around his cock. He added more lube and another finger. Bernie opened up for him. The sounds of need flooded from his lips. “Fill me… give it… to me… yes… right there…. come on, Tomas,” Bernie demanded. At the sound of his name, Tomas shifted, lining up his cock against Bernie‟s pucker. He surged forward, filling him in one thrust. Tomas closed his lips over Bernie‟s, swallowing his gasp. Bernie gripped his shaft, moving in a downward motion of his hips. Tomas grunted as he stroked in and out. Bernie sucked his tongue, his fingers digging into Tomas‟s shoulder. Tomas moaned at the bite of his nails.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 60 Bernie shuddered, and wetness soaked them both as his cock pulsed with his release. Tomas stroked harder, watching his face. It was etched with harsh pleasure. Bernie‟s eyes closed tightly, a grimace on his face. Bernie gasped, then seemed to relax. He opened bleary eyes and met Tomas‟s gaze. Bernie smiled, a wanton grin, then put his hand in the middle of his chest. “Now that the edge is off, it‟s my turn to fuck you.” Bernie‟s voice was husky. “How the hell can you talk so clearly?” Tomas punctuated each word with a thrust. “The same way you can,” Bernie grunted. “I haven‟t come yet,” Tomas said. “Before you do, you will be babbling incoherently,” Bernie promised. He pushed at Tomas‟s chest. Tomas rolled them without separating them. Bernie settled his legs around Tomas‟s hips and rocked. Tomas gulped at the fierce, wild look on his face. He is sexy. It was his last thought as Bernie drove him out of his mind.

BERNIE sank down onto Tomas‟s shaft, squeezing. Tomas‟s neck bulged as he shuddered. Smiling, Bernie lowered his lids and rocked down and up. Tomas put his hand over his head, gripping the headboard. Bernie leaned over and gripped his forearms. The muscles in his arms shifted under Bernie‟s fingers as he moved. Tomas grunted with each thrust of his body.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 61 “Do you like the feel of me on your cock, Tomas?” he gritted out. “You talk too much.” Tomas opened one bleary brown eye. “One day, I‟m gonna make you come just by talking to you. I won‟t touch you, just watch you from across the room, and talk. About each thing we do. Every movement. The scents of us together.” Bernie rocked after each word. Bernie started realizing what he had said. He had made the assumption there would be another time. Tomas hadn‟t said clearly what he wanted when he said “being together.” He would have to wait for him to spell it out. Until then, he would enjoy this, in case it was just this one night. He rocked against the hard cock. Tomas whimpered. The sweet sound made Bernie‟s shaft go hard again. He released Tomas‟s arms and stoked his own cock. Jerking hard, he rubbed his thumb over the head of his dick and pressed down in his slit. Moaning, Bernie rotated his ass. His breath hitched as the head of Tomas‟s erection rubbed against the sensitive nerve endings. Tomas‟s hands cupped his hips, moving him back and forth on his cock. “Impatient to come? How about I clench around you? Or go faster? Or slower? Rotate my ass, making you go deeper?” He matched each word with the action. “Talk… too… much…,” Tomas hissed. “I like to talk. Let you know all you do to me. Make me feel so hot. My cock is so hard. Look at it, so red and wet. All this pre-cum for you. What you do to me. Tastes so good.” Bernie licked his fingers, then laughed wickedly.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 62 He sucked each of his fingers into his mouth slowly, continuing to thrust back on Tomas‟s cock and squeezing his ass. He jerked his erection, then rubbed the leaking tip of his cock, coating his fingers. Tomas studied him. Raising his fingers to his mouth, Bernie cleaned them off again. He repeated it over and over again, moving against Tomas. “Fucker… you….” Tomas couldn‟t speak anymore. “Am I still a kid? Huh? Don‟t call me kid anymore. Promise me,” Bernie demanded. “No kid. My honey.” Tomas‟s eyes were clear. “I like hearing that. Come for me, baby.” Bernie smiled. “Your… baby… all… your… baby… h… u…,” Tomas babbled. He arched and groaned as he came. Bernie thrust up and down as he milked his release. Tomas collapsed back, breathing hard. Bernie dropped onto his chest, gasping. Tomas‟s hand cupped the back of his head. He pulled Bernie up and kissed him. Bernie moaned and kissed him back. Tomas pulled back and smiled. “Again. I have a wager to win.” “No way you‟re going to win.” Bernie laughed. “You‟re gonna be walking funny. I‟ll go out tomorrow for more condoms. We‟ll be spending the rest of the weekend in bed,” Tomas promised. “Sure. Whatever you say.” Bernie snorted. “You doubt me?” Tomas asked. “Hell, yeah. But I‟m going to let you try, then gloat.” Bernie chuckled. “Let‟s up the stakes. If I have to get more condoms tomorrow, you‟ll go two places and do what I want. Bet?”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 63 “Bet. And I am so going to love rubbing it in.” “Rubbing it will be all my pleasure. We‟ll see who will be gloating come Monday morning.” Tomas grinned widely. Uneasiness filled Bernie at the grin. He pushed it away. Tomas rolled him and kissed him.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 64

Chapter Four BERNIE walked slowly to the kitchen. In the doorway, he frowned at Tomas‟s back. The scent of something delicious filled the air. Tomas glanced up from the stove and over at him. He lowered the heat on the stove and walked over to him. “Uh-uh. You stay over there. You‟ve already won the bet.” Bernie put up his hand. “Yeah, I did. Told you not to doubt me.” Tomas ignored Bernie‟s statement, closing the distance between them. Tomas kissed him gently. Bernie sighed, softly taking in the taste of him. Tomas rubbed his hand under Bernie‟s chin, then took his hand, leading him to the table, which was already set. He seated him, then went back to the stove. Bernie leaned back in the chair, thankful it had cushions. The ache he felt was a pleasant memory of their Saturday night and all day Sunday. Tomas had not only won the bet, he had blown Bernie‟s mind with his creativity. Bernie grinned. Even walking funny and having Tomas gloating, it was worth it. “What‟s got that smirk on your face?” Tomas asked. He placed a plate in front of him. Bernie‟s eyes narrowed as he took in food presentation that seemed professionally done. The folded crepe had a pale-pink filling with slices of banana visible at the edge. Strawberries and blueberries were spread over the top. Fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 65 bacon completed the plate. A steaming cup of tea was placed next to his plate. Instead of sitting across from him, as he usually did, Tomas took a seat in the chair closest to him. Bernie reached over and gripped his chin. Tomas looked at him in question. “You can cook,” Bernie accused. “Yes. Some say very well.” Tomas shrugged. He removed Bernie‟s hand from his face and placed it on top of his thigh. Tomas squeezed his hand where it rested on his leg, then picked up his fork. “So why did you lead me to believe you couldn‟t cook?” “Enjoyed having someone cook for me for a change,” Tomas replied as he took a bite of his food. “Why don‟t you just admit it was charity?” Bernie asked. “It wasn‟t. Charity would be if I didn‟t get something out of it. Since I got your company, conversation, and some delicious food, then it wasn‟t charity. Think of it as two friends sharing meals together.” Tomas lowered his voice. “Now, it‟s two lovers having breakfast so we can go to work with a good meal in us. Now eat up. I remember you mentioning you like to be in by six at the lab to do some work before classes. ” Tomas kissed his lips gently, then went back to eating. When Tomas put it like that, Bernie couldn‟t dispute what he‟d said. Instead, he followed Tomas‟s example and started to eat his own food. Bernie moaned at the first taste of the crepe. Tomas slid his hand behind Bernie‟s head and pulled him out of his chair, kissing him hungrily. Bernie gripped his shoulder. Tomas‟s tongue stroked all inside of his mouth. Tomas released him. Bernie flopped back on the chair, then

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 66 winced as his sore butt hit it. Tomas‟s dark brown gaze had the hunger that had already become familiar. “Don‟t make noises like that unless you want me to fuck you again.” “Mind is willing, but body too sore,” Bernie moaned. “It‟s your fault, egging me on.” Tomas laughed. “Now the gloating starts,” Bernie griped. Tomas winked. “Don‟t need to. We both know I won.” He took a drink of his usual cranberry juice. Bernie stuck out his tongue, then said, “So what are the two things you want me to do?” “Not telling you what. We‟re going out on Saturday morning and will be back to go to the poker game.” Tomas grinned. “What time? And where are we going?” Bernie asked suspiciously. “Don‟t worry. I‟ll wake you. And I‟m not telling,” Tomas said again. Bernie gave up asking and ate his crepes. Tomas ate and drank his juice. Once he was done, he sat back and watched Bernie. “You have to show me how to make crepes. I can never get it right. Comes out too heavy.” “I‟ll show you. Have a few other recipes I can show you too. We can cook together.” Tomas took Bernie‟s hand and placed it back on his thigh, holding it. “I met Kenton at 2H Book Nook the other day. He mentioned that you have a sweet tooth.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 67 “Ah. That‟s how you ended up with Harper. His bookstore is nice, isn‟t it? I remember when Provenza asked Kenton to actually follow his passion of cooking and run the café. Kenton refused. We had to convince him he was good enough. His pastries and sandwiches he serves are delicious.” “I had the caramel sticky bun. They loaded me down with some of the pastries. I had the cheesecake and some other things, but gave the rest to Alex. Couldn‟t keep them in the house or I would eat them all. They were all so good. Kenton mentioned that you and he grew up together.” “Yeah. We did. Mami taught all of the kids in the family to cook, which, in her eyes, included Karl and Kenton. Kenton took to it. He was the reason I got so interested in cooking. We used to challenge each other to see who could make a better meal. After we got into it, Mami would let us have our own version of Iron Chef. The family loved it, getting so many different meals and desserts. You didn‟t get to meet him before Karl died.” Tomas cleared his throat, then continued. “At the funeral, Kenton… well, he was as much of a mess as Harper. Karl was his only blood relative left. He took it hard. Left to travel overseas for a few months. Had a cooking tour, learning about various cultures and their food. Harper was running the whole store himself. Kenton just got back a few weeks ago. We have plans for him to teach me some of the things he learned while away. He‟s really knowledgeable when it comes to food. It wasn‟t always like that, though. Man, I remember the time we tried fondue….” Bernie enjoyed hearing about Tomas‟s friends. There was fondness in his tone as he talked about Kenton. Raising his cup, he glanced in surprise at the stick of cinnamon in it.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 68 He took a sip of his tea, and it was sweetened the way he liked it. He realized Tomas had stopped speaking. Bernie glanced at him. “What‟s my favorite color?” Tomas asked. Although confused, Bernie answered without hesitation. “Blue. Although you prefer dark blue.” “Exactly. I know how you like your tea. Same as you know I prefer drinking juice, with cranberry as my favorite.” Tomas smiled softly. Bernie was shocked he had noticed. When they groceryshopped, Bernie always made sure to buy a variety of juices, especially various flavors of cranberry. He flushed, biting his lip. Tomas rubbed his finger over Bernie‟s lips. Bernie lowered his eyes. Tomas put a hand under his chin and raised his head. “You notice the little things about me, and I about you. We already know a lot about each other, but we need to learn to function beyond friends. That‟s what I meant last night. Giving this thing between us a chance. Now, finish your breakfast so I can drive you to the university.” Tomas stood and took his cup and plate to the sink. He put them in the dishwasher, cleaning up the pots he had used to make breakfast. “I can drive myself,” Bernie said, eating. “Your car is a death trap. You need a new one.” “I like my car. It gets me where I‟m going,” Bernie defended. “With the amount of miles it has on it, and the way it looks, I‟m surprised it‟s still running.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 69 “RAV4 is a good car,” Bernie stated. “Yeah, it is, and that‟s probably why it still works. What year is it, anyway?” Tomas asked. “It‟s a 2001.” “What? Really? Definitely need a new one,” Tomas said. “I‟ll get one, eventually. But the one I have is good for now,” Bernie said firmly. Finished, he stood and joined Tomas. Tomas took his dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. Closing it, he turned to Bernie, pulling him into his arms. “You need a new car.” “You are not buying me a car,” Bernie said firmly. “How did you know that‟s what I was planning?” Tomas looked exasperated. “As you mentioned, I know little things about you. And your need to mother-hen makes me know that‟s what you‟re thinking. So don‟t do it,” he warned. “I want you to be safe. Like locking the doors,” Tomas said. “Okay. I‟ll lock the door. But no new car. Deal?” “Fine. For now.” Tomas sighed. “Good. Now, I‟m driving myself to work.” Bernie kissed him softly. “Okay. Call me when you get there,” Tomas mumbled against his lips. Bernie leaned away. “Why? I never did before. I‟ll be fine.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 70 “We talked about this Saturday night. Bossy, possessive, stubborn, and aggressive. As for the mother-hen crack, I disagree with that. So call me.” “If this bothered you so much, why didn‟t you say so before?” “Don‟t I drive when we go out somewhere? As for your diving yourself to and from the university, I had to grit my teeth and accept it. That was before Saturday.” Tomas‟s tone was intense. “Okay, okay. I‟ll call. Although I don‟t think it‟s at all necessary,” Bernie grumbled. A warm feeling filled him at Tomas being overprotective. He wouldn‟t dare tell Tomas that, of course. “For my peace of mind.” Tomas rolled his eyes and kissed him. Bernie chuckled. “Don‟t want you to lose it more than you have.” “You‟re gonna pay for that later,” Tomas promised. “I look forward to it.” “Come on. We don‟t want you to be late.” Tomas escorted him toward the door. Tomas snagged Bernie‟s biker bag, and they went to the front door. Exiting, he waited as Bernie locked the door. Tomas tested it. Bernie rolled his eyes. Tomas escorted him to the SUV. Bernie opened it, standing in the driver‟s side doorway while Tomas pulled the back door open and put in his bag. Then Tomas closed the door and stepped up to him, kissing him thoroughly. Bernie gripped the top of the door, locking his knees. Tomas pressed against him, rubbing the

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 71 front of his jeans-clad cock on Bernie‟s before Tomas pulled back, then winked. “To hold us until later. I‟ll make dinner, so don‟t cook. See ya later.” He stepped back and walked away. Bernie blew out a breath. Licking his lips, he looked after Tomas. His firm ass flexed in his jeans. “Stop ogling my ass and go to work, kid!” Tomas called. “I‟m not a kid!” Bernie called back. Tomas turned, walking backward while replying, “It‟s a habit, honey. I‟ll work on it. Have a nice day.” Tomas faced forward and went to his Avalanche, which was parked at the sidewalk in front of the condo. As Tomas got in, Bernie‟s cell rang. Frowning, he pulled it out from the holder. Glancing at it, he looked back at Tomas‟s truck. Picking it up, Bernie said, “You could have just gotten out to talk to me.” “I‟m waiting for you to get in your car so I can follow you to work.” Tomas‟s voice came over the line. “That is not needed.” “Get in the car, Bernie. I‟m doing this.” Tomas sounded stubborn. “Fine.” Bernie got in the car. “Put in your Bluetooth so you have both hands on the wheel.” “I don‟t have one.” “You don‟t? Okay. I‟ll speak to you after we get there.” Tomas hung up.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 72 Bernie clicked off his phone. Starting the car, he listened to that familiar rattle and shake. Backing out of the driveway, he got on his way. As he drove, he saw Tomas in his rearview mirror. In short order, he was pulling into the university parking lot. Finding a space, he parked and got out. Grabbing his bag, he strode to Tomas‟s truck, which was idling behind his SUV. “Let me see your phone.” Tomas held out a hand. Bernie frowned, giving it to him. Tomas studied it, then gave it back. Bernie reached for it. Tomas gripped his hand and pulled him close to the window. Taking the silent demand, Bernie leaned down and Tomas kissed him. Moaning, Bernie suckled his tongue. Tomas withdrew, a smirk on his lips. “Go, learn, and educate the masses. See ya later.” Bernie stepped back. Tomas honked his horn and drove away. Bernie touched his lips, staring after his truck. A horn sounded again, making him jump. He looked around. Spotting Robert‟s vehicle, he jogged over. “Hey, Bernie. I see you‟re running late, like I am. Get in and ride with me to the lab,” Robert said. Bernie went around the SUV and got in. He buckled in. Robert drove on. “What happened to the Camry?” Bernie asked. “Even though I told him not to, Miguel bought me a Highlander. He gave it to me when we went home after the poker game on Saturday. I couldn‟t refuse it, since he claimed it was a pre-birthday and post-anniversary present. Damn stubborn man.” Robert flushed.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 73 It was just like Miguel to give Robert a gift in such a way that he couldn‟t refuse. Miguel and Robert‟s one-year anniversary was more than two months ago, and Robert‟s birthday was next month. Bernie chuckled, but sobered as he thought of Tomas. He hoped Tomas had listened and didn‟t get him a car. Robert parked, and they got out. Bernie joined Robert at the hood of the SUV. “Nice color,” Bernie said, touching the hood. “It‟s called Sizzling Crimson. Thank God it‟s so dark. I couldn‟t see myself in a bright red car,” Robert said as they walked toward the building. “Even if it was a Corvette?” “Well, maybe,” Robert said. Bernie laughed. They went down the sidewalk and through the door. Robert stopped to talk with another professor while Bernie went on to the lab and started to work. Sitting on his stool, he shifted at the reminder of his vigorous weekend with Tomas. “Bernie, are you okay? You were walking funny,” Robert said as he entered. “I‟m okay. Just had a busy weekend.” Bernie flushed, ducking his head. “If you‟re unconvinced.

sure

you‟re

okay.”

Robert

sounded

“I‟m good.” He bit his lip. Usually, he shared with Robert, but he wasn‟t sure if Tomas wanted anyone to know. The sound of Robert‟s steps walking away came to him. Getting back to work, Bernie focused on the experiment he was doing.

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WHISTLING, Tomas drove toward the office. Pulling up to the gates, he punched his code and drove in when they opened. He drove toward the two-story Tudor-style house that was their office. The grounds around it were the best example of their work. The area around the office was divided into four sections. On each plot, a little away from the main office, were smaller houses in a similar style as the main office. Those housed the offices for each crew manager and their teams. They let the crews decide how to landscape their area. It was a great way to show their work, and had become a sense of pride for the crews. Each year, Tomas and Malik picked which crew had the most innovative landscape area. That crew then had free rein to implement their design around the main offices. Pulling into his space, Tomas turned off the truck and got out. Spotting the sign on pillars in the front lawn that read “Rodbro Landscapers,” a sense of pride filled him. They had gone from barely scraping by to being a well-known company. Their contracts varied from residential to professional projects. Malik, Link, or Tomas drew up all landscaping plans that one of the four crews then implemented. Link was the boss over all the crews and assigned projects based on their strengths. Link also led one of the crews, which was made up of the best people they had. They could do anything. Malik and Tomas rotated among the crews, working with each one. Punching a code next to the door, Tomas entered the house. The top floor had presentation and meeting rooms. The entire left side of the top floor also had what they were

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 75 known for—a solarium. Each solarium they did was an oasis designed to the requester‟s wants. It was very early, so Tomas had the office to himself. Sheldon, who was in charge of the front reception area and scheduling, would be in shortly. Tomas strode to the left, down the hall on the ground floor to his own office. Opening the door, he went inside and sat at his desk. He booted up his computer. Glancing around his spacious office, he wondered what Bernie would think of it. Bernie had never come to his office. He made a mental note to bring him by. Unrolling his plans for the project he was working on with Link‟s crew, Tomas frowned and made notes. A ping made him pull out his BlackBerry. Reading the message, he placed the phone on the desk. He made more notes. “Are you ready? Didn‟t you get my text?” Malik asked from the door. “I got it, but why are both of us needed for this meeting? And why is the project Link‟s crew is working on being reassigned?” Tomas asked. He was surprised at the change. Neither he nor Malik liked changing crews on projects midstream. It wasn‟t like this was that special a project—just a residential landscaping. Hell, they hadn‟t even done the evaluation yet. He couldn‟t understand why the change was made with no notice. “It‟s a special request from Jerrod,” Malik replied. Tomas leaned back in the chair. At Malik‟s words, he knew why. Jerrod Morgan was not only a good friend, but had given them their first major job. They had met Jerrod when he strolled into their offices eight years ago. Jerrod had been dressed casually, but from their first look at him, they

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 76 knew he was somebody to be reckoned with. He had requested a meeting. Since they were so small and had no real clients, they had seen him right away. He had wanted to know how they handled residential jobs and had given them basics on what he liked. They didn‟t usually give ideas without visiting the property, but Jerrod had insisted. Then he‟d listened as they gave him general ideas. With his questions interrupting them, they realized he‟d known all about their new business. His questions were probing, and he was sharp. Once he had finished interrogating them, he left as suddenly as he had come. They hadn‟t known what to expect. For months after, they didn‟t hear a word. Then one day, Jerrod strolled back into their offices. That time he had dressed impeccably, in a suit they could tell was expensive. He had been accompanied by what seemed like an army of people. Before they knew it, he had hired them to redesign the grounds of his massive estate. While they did the job, they had become friends. Jerrod was hands-on with the design. He had even worked beside them, digging in the dirt. That had impressed them. Since then, they had worked on various projects for Jerrod. Hell, when Jerrod wasn‟t traveling to one of his numerous business things, he even had an office there. They still weren‟t sure how he had gotten office space at their business. Jerrod‟s excuse, of course, was that they had stolen his right-hand man. “Sheldon. I should have known he was the one who would reschedule everything for Jerrod. We should fire him,” Tomas growled. “Then where would you be without me?” a modulated voice asked.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 77 The voice matched the man. Sheldon came in, dressed impeccably, as usual, in what he considered casual wear—a soft-looking dark-green shirt with one button open at the neck and black slacks with a crisp crease down each leg. His black loafers shone. His pale-blond hair was precisely styled around an aristocratic face. Sheldon placed a cup on Tomas‟s desk. He sat in the chair in front of the desk, holding his ever-present book—the book that kept them where they needed to be, and that he used to meet all their needs. “You‟re not going to butter me up with cranberry juice,” Tomas said. “Would I do that?” Sheldon‟s bright blue eyes were innocent. “That look won‟t work. Jerrod isn‟t your boss anymore. We are.” “Oh. I thought you were firing me.” Sheldon looked at his trim nails. Tomas retorted, “We still can.” It was an empty threat. Sheldon had taken over their offices right after they finished their first project with Jerrod. At the time, they had told him they couldn‟t afford him. He had said, in his snotty tone, that once they could, they could pay him what he was worth. He wasn‟t going to organize their pitiful business for money, but for the challenge. Tomas hadn‟t liked the tone or words, and hadn‟t wanted to hire him. Malik had convinced him to give Sheldon a chance. Tomas hadn‟t regretted it for a moment. He would never admit that to Sheldon, or tell him he appreciated what he did for them. They both preferred to match wits. Or, in Tomas‟s

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 78 case, as Sheldon had said numerous times, he tried to keep up with what was above his intellect. “Speak for yourself. I‟ll pay him myself before we lose him,” Malik said, sitting in the other chair. “See, that‟s why I like you best,” Sheldon said, then he looked at Tomas. “Unlike some growly asses.” Sheldon looked down his nose at him. “You can‟t just rearrange the schedule because of Jerrod.” Tomas sighed. “He‟s never asked me before. And I wouldn‟t have, but he pulled the one thing I couldn‟t say no to.” Sheldon‟s brow furrowed. Tomas waited for him to continue. When he didn‟t, Tomas turned his attention to Malik. “You know what he‟s talking about?” Tomas asked. “He asked a favor as family,” Malik said, frowning. Tomas‟s eyes narrowed. Sheldon was Jerrod‟s cousin. They were each other‟s only family and were more like brothers. Sheldon was actually a full partner in any business Jerrod did, but he had chosen to work on the organizational aspects of their businesses. He let Jerrod be the face for their various business dealings. In all the time Tomas had known them, Jerrod had never asked for anything due to being family. Neither man ever had. For Jerrod to do that, it had to be something big. “Did he say who this Del is?” Tomas asked about the name he received in the text message. “No. I‟ve never heard of him,” Sheldon said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 79 Tomas was even more intrigued. Sheldon usually knew these things. “Jerrod has to explain what‟s going on.” “He‟s out of town and incommunicado since his call.” Sheldon glowered. “Whatever the reasons, we need to go so we‟re not late for the meeting.” Malik stood. Tomas got up and walked around the desk to join him. Sheldon stood and walked out with them. He went behind his desk and handed them a file. “This is the info on the house.” Tomas opened it. It was just specs on the space they would be working on. “I don‟t see anything here that would call for me and Malik both to go.” “Just come on, Tomas. We can go see it, and then, in good conscience, tell Jerrod that we checked it out and assigned it to one of the other crews. Link‟s crew can stay on the project they‟re on today. The sooner we go, the quicker you can get back to the project too,” Malik said. “Fine. But I‟m already going to lose half a day.” Tomas snapped the folder closed. “You‟re going to want to work on this. And you‟ll need Link‟s crew.” Sheldon sounded sure. “What are you not telling us?” Tomas studied him. “Jerrod was sure you would want to do the job yourself,” Sheldon said. “Well, I‟m going to prove him wrong.” Tomas stomped out.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 80 He got in his truck, and Malik got in the passenger side. He got them on their way knowing they didn‟t have that far to go. Parking, Tomas got out and walked over to stand next to Malik, who was standing at the passenger side of the car. “We‟re going to do this together,” Malik said. “That fucker Sheldon knew which house it was,” Tomas said. “Yeah.” He hadn‟t recognized the address. They studied the familiar house. It was a two-story stone-faced bungalow. It looked as regal as it had when they had first seen it. The landscaping, on the other hand, looked like it belonged to an abandoned lot. Seven years ago, after completing Jerrod‟s house, they had put in a bid for the landscaping for this house. They had wanted it, since it was such a challenge. The landscaping they came up with for it when they submitted the bid would make the house look like the jewel it was. They had lost the bid to another landscaper who, in their opinion, hadn‟t done the house justice. Since then, they had done many other projects, but from time to time, Tomas still pulled out the plans he had for this house. Tomas strode up the slight incline, already picturing the changes he would make to the plans he had drawn up all those years ago. With their experience, they could push the envelope more. Reaching the house, he went around the side, plotting out the trees he would plant along the perimeter of the house. He stopped and checked the lowslung rock wall that separated this property from the one next to it. It would need to be reinforced.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 81 “We‟ll need to pull Leonard from Kale‟s crew to help Duke with relaying this whole wall. I want it changed out,” Tomas said. “Make it more of a mosaic design.” Malik nodded, making notes. Tomas grunted and continued on. Coming around the side of the house, he put his hands on his hips as he viewed the backyard. It was overgrown and in disarray. Stepping through the weeds, he stooped down, looking at the private lake. It was murky, and algae floated on the surface. “We‟ll have to call Schneider to see if he can fit us in to dredge this lake. I don‟t remember it being here before,” Tomas said. “It was added on to the house by the previous owner,” a voice said. Tomas glanced up at the woman who strode toward him. She was in jeans and a T-shirt, but she might as well have been in a business suit. Her carriage held the same special something Sheldon had. “Del?” Tomas asked. “No. I‟m Megan, his assistant. He wants you to implement the plans you created seven years ago.” “How‟d he know about that?” Tomas stood. “Del makes it his business to know who provides the best. And from what people have told us, that is Rodbro Landscapers.” Tomas strolled toward the gate. He glanced at the beach that ran along the back of the house. With the beach right there, the addition of the lake hadn‟t been necessary. Absently, he heard Malik and Megan talking, but didn‟t pay

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 82 attention to what they were saying. He checked the rest of the area. The back patio was nice. He kicked the brick, and when it gave, he frowned. Before they could work around the patio the way he had planned, the patio itself would need to be fixed. They‟d do the same mosaic design as the low perimeter wall. He returned to Megan and Malik. “So, when are we meeting with Del to go over what we are gonna do?” “You won‟t. Everything goes through me. And as mentioned, the plans you had years ago is what he wants, including a solarium,” Megan stated. “Planned on adding one. We also want to make some more changes,” Tomas replied. “Fine. Go over them with me.” Megan‟s tone was a demand. Tomas exchanged a look with Malik. He filled Megan in on what he had planned. She asked lots of questions and took notes. After they were done, she closed her book. “Sounds good. As mentioned, no one else except you all and Sheldon are to know Del‟s name. All correspondence and questions are to be addressed and directed to me. Call me when your new plans are done, and I‟ll meet with Sheldon to pick them up. I don‟t see Del having any problems with them. He‟ll love the cut-glass mosaic you want to put in for one side of the atrium. And as agreed, you will start in the morning. Nice meeting with you, gentlemen.” Megan walked away. “She didn‟t even wait for us to reply,” Malik said. “And that bit about privacy seems a little extreme.” Tomas frowned after her.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 83 “But we get to design this house,” Malik pointed out. “Yeah,” Tomas said slowly. Something about the whole thing made him uneasy. Pushing it away, he walked back to the truck with Malik. As they went back to the office, they made more plans. The project would be a lot of work and take some time. It was disgraceful how the yard had been left.

“THIS is the house I always wanted to have a chance to do the landscaping for. I‟ve done lots of other projects, but this house… with all those slight inclines, angles, and now the lake… it‟s a challenge. It‟ll be lots of work.” Tomas flipped the chicken in the pan. He turned to look at Bernie where he sat on the stool by the island. Bernie had a smile on his face. “What?” “You‟re so passionate about it. It‟s sexy.” Bernie blushed. “It‟s what I do. I get hyped about projects. We only take those that interest us. And this one does. If you think that‟s sexy, then that‟s good.” Tomas chuckled, turning back to the stove. Seeing the chicken was ready, he plated two dishes and scooped up the baby carrots, putting them over the panseared chicken. He placed some wild rice next to it, then added spears of grilled asparagus. Picking up the two plates, he walked over to Bernie, leaning over and kissing him thoroughly. Bernie moaned, and Tomas straightened and

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 84 took the plates to the table. Bernie opened the fridge and got their drinks. Tomas sat waiting for him. Bernie put a glass of juice in front of him, then his own at his place before he sat. Tomas lowered his head and said a quick prayer before picking up his fork and taking his first bite. “Enough about my day. How was yours?” Tomas asked. As they ate, he listened to Bernie fill him in on his day. He didn‟t understand half of what he said when he discussed his experiments, but enjoyed hearing him talk about it. Bernie was the sexy one. His eyes lit up when he talked about what he did and the students he taught with Robert. The tension from the hectic day Tomas had had faded as Bernie spoke.

“THAT was delicious.” Bernie stood and picked up Tomas‟s plate with his own. Tomas had made dinner, as promised. It was even better than breakfast. Tomas stood, stretching, then grabbed the glasses. Bernie went to the sink, filling it up and washing their dishes. Tomas kissed him, then went out of the room. Quickly, Bernie finished and grabbed his laptop and bag from the stool by the island. Sitting at the table, he spread out his files and got to work. “Is what you‟re working on so important it can‟t wait until tomorrow?” He glanced up at the sound of Tomas‟s voice. “Not really. Just getting a head start.” Tomas came over. “Good. Come watch TV with me.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 85 “You know I don‟t watch with you.” “You used to not watch. From now on, unless what you‟re working on is important, I‟d like you to. Hell, even if it is, you can at least sit on the couch with me while you work.” Tomas put out his hand. Bernie shut down his computer and put his hand in Tomas‟s. Tomas pulled him up. “Thanks,” Tomas said, leading him to the living room. Tomas sat and pulled Bernie down next to him. He maneuvered Bernie against his side and took up the remote. He flicked to the station, then put it down. Tomas leaned back and held him. Bernie sighed, inhaling his scent as they watched TV. Being with him is so comfortable already. Where is this going? Days later, as he waited for Tomas to pick him up to go to Bacchus Sloan, Bernie still didn‟t have any answers. He stood as a knock came on the door. He walked to it and pulled it open. Tomas was dusty and looked worn. He came in and kissed him softly, keeping away so as not to dirty Bernie‟s clothes. “Crazy day. Do you mind staying in? I‟m beat.” “That‟s okay. Go shower, and I‟ll make something quick to eat.” Bernie pushed down his disappointment. He‟d been looking forward to dancing with Tomas. “I‟ll be out in a sec,” Tomas said. “Go straight to bed. I‟ll make something you can eat there.” “You‟re the best,” Tomas sighed.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 86 Tomas walked down the hall, the trudge of his footsteps slow, before turning into Bernie‟s bedroom. It was still a strange feeling, seeing him go in there. Tomas usually showered, if he had to, in the spare bedroom next to the lab—which he used for some of the research he did for his work—on the other side of the living room. Bernie went into the kitchen. He heated up some soup and made some grilled-cheese sandwiches. Putting the food on a tray, he grabbed a bottle of juice. He picked up the tray and went to the bedroom. Going over to the bed, he stopped at the sight of Tomas asleep. He stepped away and placed the tray on the desk. Going back to the bed, he pulled the covers over him. Tomas opened bleary eyes, raised the covers, and pulled Bernie down onto the bed with him. He rolled Bernie and cuddled him against his side. In seconds, Tomas was asleep. Bernie settled against him. Jerking awake the next morning, Bernie rubbed his hand over his eyes. Reaching out, he frowned at the cool bed. Raising up, he didn‟t see Tomas. He got out of bed and went down the hall to the kitchen. Still no Tomas. A paper propped up on the vase in center of the island caught his attention. He went over and picked it up and read it. Enjoy your movie night. I’ll see you tomorrow. Tomas Bernie tapped the note on his finger. Disappointment filled him. Tomas had spent every night with him since the first. “Best not to get used to it.” Bernie put the note on the counter. He went to get on with his day.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 87

BERNIE headed toward the pounding on the door. Recessed lights lit the darkened hall. Frowning, he looked out the peephole. Stepping back, he jerked open the door. “Do you know what time it is?” Bernie demanded. “I couldn‟t sleep without you,” Tomas muttered. He pushed past Bernie and went down the hall. Bernie blinked, and then smiled. Movie night had been fun, as usual, but once everyone left, he had missed having Tomas beside him. He had just gotten to sleep when the pounding started on the door. Closing and locking the door, he went behind Tomas. Entering the bedroom, he saw Tomas was already in bed, on the side he thought of as his. “Undress,” Tomas said. Bernie did as Tomas asked, then slid in next to him. Tomas cupped his hip, pulling him close. His naked erection rubbed against Bernie‟s. In a second, Bernie was hard. Tomas murmured and shifted, rolling him onto his back. “Let me get some protection,” Bernie said. “No. Just like this,” Tomas whispered. He rocked his erection against Bernie‟s, and Bernie moaned at the silken glide of their cocks against each other. Tomas kissed him, gentle and slow. Thrusting, he increased the friction of their rubbing erections. Bernie whimpered. The contrast to the aggressive way they screwed was so startling. It felt like they were making love. Don’t be silly. This is just sex.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 88 Tomas slid his lips down Bernie‟s chin onto his neck. He licked the pulse fluttering there. Bernie shivered, rocking against him. Tomas murmured something against the side of his neck that he couldn‟t make out. He moved against Bernie sensually, driving Bernie‟s need to a fever pitch. Tomas pressed him harder into the bed, rolling his hips. Bernie moaned as he abraded the sensitive flesh of his cock. Tomas licked down his chest. His tongue traced the tattoo over Bernie‟s heart. “The first with a tattoo. trinity? And „Triumvirate‟?”

time, I was surprised when I saw this. You So sexy. Why‟d you get a treble clef over a each of these letters, and the word Tomas licked each part of his tattoo.

Bernie‟s breath caught at the feel of his tongue on his flesh. He pulled together his scattered thoughts. “Treble, trinity, and triumvirate all mean three. The letters….” He paused, trying not to let the memories overwhelm him. Finally able to continue, he spoke. “The letters represent me and those I care about. I don‟t want to talk about it.” Tomas glanced up. He shifted onto his side, pulling Bernie against him, hugging him tightly and rubbing his back. “Shhh… you don‟t have to. Relax.” Bernie tried to relax. Gulping, he closed his eyes and held Tomas hard. After some time, he withdrew and opened his eyes. Tomas‟s gaze was patient and understanding. “I‟m sorry,” Bernie whispered, feeling his face go red.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 89 “No need for that. I‟m here if you need to talk. I‟m a great listener.” Tomas‟s voice had no judgment, just the open invitation to be there. Bernie blinked away the tears that welled up in his eyes. He buried his head against Tomas‟s chest. Tomas held the back of his head, kissing his forehead. Bernie sighed. He shifted against Tomas, feeling his still-hard erection. Rocking forward, he gasped as their cocks rubbed against each other. Tomas groaned, his hand gripping his hip. He stilled Bernie. “Just let me hold you. Sleep.” Bernie glanced up, shocked. Tomas kissed his lips gently. Bernie sighed, licking the taste of him. Tomas slowly released his lips and tucked him against his body. Bernie listened to his even breathing. “I don‟t know if I can sleep,” Bernie said. “Don‟t think about it. Relax.” Tomas‟s voice was steady. “Are you trying to torture me?” “I‟m trying to be a gentleman,” Tomas grumbled. “You don‟t have to be.” “I‟m gonna be. This once. So appreciate it and shut up,” Tomas growled. Bernie chuckled. “Laughing at me doesn‟t help.” Tomas swatted his ass. “Hey. With you. Laughing with you,” Bernie insisted. “I‟m not laughing. Now shut up and sleep.” Tomas tightened his hold on him, holding Bernie‟s head firmly on his chest. Bernie closed his eyes and waited for Tomas to fall asleep. Once he did, he would get up and do some work.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 90

Chapter Five A

shook him. Bernie swatted at it. The hand continued to shake him. Blearily, he opened his eyes and glared at Tomas. HAND

“Why ya waking me? You said sleep, and that‟s what I‟m trying to do. Go away.” Bernie closed his eyes. “You sure are mouthy for someone who‟s sleeping. Now, up. We have plans.” Tomas sounded cheerful. “No plans. Sleep,” Bernie moaned. “Are you welshing on our bet?” “I‟m no welsher.” Bernie opened his eyes. Absently, he noted Tomas was fully dressed as he stood by the side of the bed. “Then get up and let‟s go. I‟m leaving in twenty minutes. We‟ll eat breakfast when we get there. Chop chop.” Tomas clapped his hands. “Let me find a weapon, and I‟ll be happy to chop you.” Bernie bared his teeth. “You‟re not usually this cranky in the morning.” “I am when someone wakes me up in the middle of the night, then revs me up, then goes all gentlemanly,” he grumbled irritably, thinking of the night before. Tomas pouted. “Try to do something good, and you get no appreciation.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 91 Bernie sat up, getting off the bed next to Tomas. Standing, he kissed him thoroughly. He licked inside his mouth and suckled his tongue. Pushing him away, Bernie sauntered to the bathroom. In the doorway, he glanced over his shoulder. Tomas was facing him with his arms crossed over his chest. “That‟s my appreciation. And later, gentleman out of you,” Bernie promised.

I‟ll

fuck

the

“We can do it now.” Tomas walked toward him. “Oh, no. You got me up, so we‟re going wherever the hell you plan on taking me.” Bernie stepped quickly into the bathroom, closing and locking the door. “Open up, Bernie.” Tomas‟s fist pounded on the door. “No. I‟m getting ready.” Bernie laughed. He turned on the shower and got in. As he cleaned up, he noticed Tomas had stopped pounding. He heard a scraping sound. Turning off the water, he got out and grabbed a towel. Wrapping it around his body, he went to the door. Opening it, he looked at Tomas, and then at what he held in his hand. “What were you doing?” “Taking the door off the hinges.” Tomas didn‟t even sound apologetic. He threw down the power screwdriver and reached for him. Bernie danced back. “Uh-uh. We‟re going out. Unless you want to forfeit what you want to do today.” Bernie stopped. Tomas stopped reaching for him and frowned. “I don‟t. Get dressed. I‟m leaving in five.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 92 Tomas stomped to the bedroom door. Bernie laughed as he dressed, then, running his fingers through his messy hair, he followed behind him. The front door was open. He looked out and saw Tomas waiting at the end of the driveway. Grabbing his keys, he locked the door and went down the steps. Tomas took his hand, then started walking. Confused, Bernie walked beside him. “Are you gonna tell me where we‟re going?” “Nope.” Tomas sounded disgruntled. “Are you gonna be in a pissy mood all day?” Bernie asked cheerfully. “You seem in a better mood.” Tomas glanced at him, then back at the road. “Yeah. It‟s Saturday and a beautiful day.” “It is. You‟re going to fulfill your „gentleman‟ crack.” Tomas smiled and hugged his shoulder. “I will.” Bernie winked. They walked silently. As they neared Paget Street, Bernie was curious about all the people already bustling around. Tomas stopped. “Now you know what we‟re doing today.” Tomas sounded pleased. Bernie hated to burst his bubble, but had to. “Umm… I have no clue.” “You don‟t know about Paget Saturdays?” Tomas looked surprised. Bernie shook his head. Tomas put his arm over Bernie‟s shoulder and led him down the street as he explained.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 93 “Paget Weekend is on every fourth weekend from April through September. Paget Street is blocked to traffic and becomes a sort of street fair. It‟s a local event where businesses and organizations from all around Mapson set up booths in the center of the street. The businesses who are on Paget get a booth every weekend of the fair. Others throughout Mapson have to apply. Vendors are rotated for the various weekends. So if you see something you want, get it, since that vendor might not be here if you come back another time. There‟s also a local band performing in Paget Park, which is closed off for dancing. Oh, yeah. Bacchus Sloan also gets a regular booth. It‟s set up in the park. They serve beer and wine. Mackenzie actually lets other brewers in Mapson showcase their wine or beer. When April rolls in, the residents of Mapson look forward to it. I thought you‟d lived in Mapson since you started college. How can you not know about Paget Weekend?” Tomas gave him a look of disbelief. “I was focused on my studies. Didn‟t take much time to socialize.” Bernie shrugged, blushing. On surviving. He wouldn‟t say that out loud to Tomas. “Among other things.” Tomas‟s look said he understood. He didn‟t know it all. Bernie strolled down the street with him. People were setting up. It looked like there would be a lot of different things. He could hear a band warming up. “Today will be hectic. Lots of people come for this. I wasn‟t sure if Harper would want to be involved this year, but Kenton said he would. Usually, the poker crew comes and helps with set-up and manning the booth, but Harper is still being stubborn and pushing everyone away. He‟s getting

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 94 help anyway. We‟re going to help Harper and Kenton set up. By the time that‟s done, we can check everything out. Starting with Alex, there will be a rotation to help man the booth. Usually, Mackenzie has enough people for his booth, but if he needs help, he‟ll let us know.” Tomas led him down the street. “Sounds good.” Bernie kept looking at the different booths. “They also have Friday concerts in Paget Park. It‟s free and draws a crowd. We can come one night, if you want. We‟ll have to come early to get a seat,” Tomas said. “I‟d like that,” Bernie replied. Tomas nodded. “Next Saturday, we‟ll go to the farmer‟s market on Wayne Street. Want to get some things for our meals.” “There‟s a farmer‟s market?” Bernie noted they were almost in front of Harper‟s store. “Every Saturday morning. Kid, where have you been?” Tomas shook his head. “Not a kid.” Bernie smacked him in the stomach. Tomas laughed, then stopped and kissed him. Bernie kissed him back. “When did this happen?” Harper asked. “Shh… I want to see them kiss some more,” Kenton said. Bernie drew back, flushing. Tomas kissed him again, leisurely, then drew away, winking.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 95 “Saturday. We don‟t want anyone to know yet. Especially Ramirez. That fucker won the bet.” Tomas laughed. A hollow feeling filled Bernie. Tomas wanted them to be kept a secret. So much for him wanting them to give what was happening a chance. You’re so stupid, Bernie. Tomas hugged his shoulder and went inside with Kenton. Harper touched his arm. “Bernie, are you okay?” “I‟m okay,” Bernie said softly. Harper looked unconvinced. “You don‟t look it.” “I‟m fine.” He forced a smile. Harper studied him until someone called his name, then he glanced away and went over to help with the set-up. Bernie took a breath and walked over to help.

TOMAS maneuvered out the door, holding one end of an enormous tray with some pastries. “Over here,” Harper said. Kenton put down his end, and Tomas slid his onto the table. Tomas touched Bernie‟s back. Bernie flinched and stepped away. Frowning, Tomas glanced at his face. It was averted as Bernie fiddled with some books. Tomas stepped closer to him. Bernie shied away. “Are you okay, kid?” “Not a kid,” Bernie snarled.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 96 He moved away, going into the store. Tomas went after him. “Tomas, help me move this over there,” Kenton called. He turned back to Kenton, going to help as Harper told them where to move things. Tomas absently noticed Bernie came back out. Silently, he helped. Tomas stood next to him, reaching for books. He rested his hand on Bernie‟s back. Bernie shrugged him off and went back into the store. Frowning, Tomas followed him. He grabbed Bernie‟s arm. Bernie flinched again. “What‟s wrong?” “I‟m fine,” Bernie said. It was obvious he wasn‟t. Tomas prayed for patience. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Talk to me, kid.” “I‟m not a kid.” His reply was automatic. “Habit. Are you tired? We can go home if you want.” Tomas worried the inside of his cheek. Bernie glanced at his jaw, then shook his head. “I‟m fine. Let‟s finish helping Harper, then take in the fair.” “I thought you would enjoy it. But we can leave,” Tomas offered again. “I do enjoy fairs. Thanks for bringing me.” His response was stiff and formal. Something was off about Bernie. Tomas shrugged, deciding it was because of him being tired. They wouldn‟t stay long at the fair. Bernie passed him, going back outside. Kenton came in and stood next to him.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 97 “From your letters and calls about him, I knew it was a matter of time.” “If you knew, why didn‟t you say something?” “Please. You‟re a hardheaded ass,” Kenton said. “I am.” Tomas laughed. “Just like Karl.” Kenton‟s voice dipped. “You don‟t talk about him anymore.” Tomas gripped his shoulder. “What is there to say? He‟s gone.” Kenton shrugged him off, walking away. Tomas went after him. Kenton went to the kitchen. Tomas leaned against the counter. “Kenton—” “Leave it, Tomas. I‟m dealing. I came back for Harper. He‟s the one we should be worried about. His family is sucking him dry.” “I‟m worried about you both,” Tomas replied. “Don‟t,” Kenton said in that tone he used when he was finished discussing something. Tomas straightened, abiding by it for now. He went over to Kenton. His hands were braced on the sink. Tomas touched his arm. “I‟m here if you need to talk. We all are,” Tomas said. “I know. I‟m dealing. If I need you all, I‟ll say.” Kenton gripped Tomas‟s hand on his arm, then released it and walked to the oven. He pulled out a tray and put it on the table. “Let‟s get these sticky buns outside,” Kenton said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 98 Tomas helped him put them on a display dish then put on the glass cover. Hefting it onto his shoulder, Tomas strode back into the café, skirting tables, and went to the door. Shifting the tray, he went outside. Placing the tray on the table next to the other pastries, he put his hands on his hips, observing the fairgoers who had started to arrive. “Thanks for your help. Bernie seems off today. Go take him to have some fun.” Harper made a shooing motion. “He‟s tired. I‟m taking him back to the condo,” Tomas said. “I want to see the fair,” Bernie said. The words were right, but the tone was snippy. Tomas sighed. Note to self: Don’t disturb Bernie in the middle of the night again. “Okay. Let‟s go.” They walked away, joining the throng of people. He showed Bernie some of his favorite vendors. Bernie‟s noncommittal answers started to get on his nerves. Moving a little away from him, Tomas ran his fingers through his hair. Time to go home. Maybe a nap will put him in a better mood. We can be late for poker. “Tomas.” A hand clapped him on the shoulder. He looked up to find Malik beside him. “I didn‟t know you were coming today.” “I came to speak with Harper, but decided not to.” Malik shrugged, looking uncomfortable. “You all still haven‟t spoken?”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 99 Malik shrugged again. “It‟s his choice. I‟m giving him space, like he asked.” He could see it bothered Malik that Harper had pushed him away since Karl died. Harper and Malik were best friends. Usually, they would talk a few times a day, and Malik would go to the bookstore often. Karl, Harper, and Malik shared a love of reading and would have debates or discussions about books they read. When new books from their favorite authors came out, Harper would set aside the first copy for Karl and second for Malik. Tomas hated seeing the distance between them. They had all tried to get Harper to talk with Malik. They knew the reason for the distance was because of Karl being gone, and the memories of the three of them taking part in their love of reading. “He‟s at least having movie night with Bernie and the others. Bernie mentioned that he said he would try to come every week.” “It‟s good that he‟s talking with Bernie. He needs a friend.” Malik smiled softly, then looked around. “I thought you mentioned bringing Bernie. Where is he?” Tomas looked around, frowning. “He was here a minute ago.” “He‟s probably looking around. He doesn‟t need you to hover. Let him have some fun,” Malik said. We’re supposed to be having fun together. Tomas bit the inside of his cheek. “I have things to do before the game. See you later,” Malik said. “Later,” Tomas replied absently.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 100 He strode to where he had left Bernie. Coming around the draped fabric, he spotted him. Bernie jumped, then stepped back. “Why are you hiding behind here?” “Thought I saw Malik.” Bernie sounded defiant. “You did. Why didn‟t you come say hello?” Tomas asked, baffled. Bernie looked at him in disbelief. “You know why.” “I don‟t. So tell me.” “Forget it,” Bernie said. “Let‟s go to the condo.” Tomas gritted his teeth. “No. I want to see the fair.” Bernie had a mulish look on his face. He pushed past Tomas and went to another booth. Tomas rubbed his finger down the bridge of his nose. “He‟s cranky due to lack of sleep. Be understanding,” Tomas said to himself as he went after him. As they went around the fair, Tomas kept repeating the words silently. Bernie was sullen and uncommunicative. The fun day Tomas had planned wasn‟t turning out like he expected. After a few hours, he abruptly said, “Let‟s go.” He didn‟t wait for a response, just walked back the way they had come. Passing Harper and Kenton, he waved and kept going. When they were past the fair, he rolled his shoulders. He glanced at Bernie. He had his hands in his pockets and was slightly hunched. As they reached Bernie‟s condo, Tomas stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. Bernie flinched. Tomas withdrew his hand.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 101 “What‟s wrong? You didn‟t like the fair?” Tomas wondered if it was more than being tired. “I‟m fine. The fair was fine.” Hearing that, Tomas gritted his teeth, then spit out, “Stop with this „fine‟ shit. All you said all day is „fine‟. What‟s wrong?” “Nothing,” Bernie said in that sullen tone. “And now the nothing,” Tomas blew out. “Let‟s just go to poker,” Bernie snapped. Tomas backed off, knowing if he said anything else, they would fight. “Fine for now. I‟m going to give you until we get back to your condo later to decide to tell me what‟s wrong. Christ, I thought you were difficult before, but, man, are you moody.” He sighed, squeezing along the bridge of his nose. “Moody? Mister growly ass,” Bernie spat. “At least I own up to it. I‟ll see you at poker.” Tomas lowered his hand. “You‟re not taking me?” Bernie sputtered. “You can drive yourself.” Tomas went to his truck, got in, and drove away. “Man, I‟m never going to wake him up in the middle of the night again.” He shook his head. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. Bernie being so snappish was so different from his usual personality. He had to be really tired. Tomas‟s thoughts flashed to the way Bernie reacted when he asked about his tattoo. There was something Bernie wasn‟t telling him. And it had to do with what the tattoo represented to him. The letters represent me and those I care about. He

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 102 heard Bernie‟s voice again. The statement had been raw and painful.

emotion

behind

his

Who is it you care so much about, Bernie? He wouldn‟t ask again. He would wait for Bernie to tell him when he was ready. He pulled into his driveway. Getting out, Tomas went up the walk to his house. The house was modeled after their childhood home, which Miguel lived in. He noted his flowers needed watering. Maybe I should bring Bernie here after the game. His cock went hard at the thought of Bernie in his bed. He went into his house much calmer.

THROUGHOUT the day, Bernie‟s thoughts were consumed with the way Tomas wanted to hide him. Like a dirty secret. As they‟d walked home from the fair, Bernie only answered briefly. When they reached his condo, Tomas had stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “What‟s wrong? You didn‟t like the fair. And don‟t say that „fine‟ shit again. All you said all day is „fine‟.” Tomas sounded exasperated. “Let‟s just go to poker,” Bernie snapped. “Christ, I thought you were difficult before, but, man, are you moody.” Tomas sighed, rubbing his fingers along the bridge of his nose. “Moody? Mister growly ass,” Bernie gritted out. “At least I own up to it. I‟ll see you at poker,” Tomas said. “You‟re not taking me?” Bernie gaped.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 103 “You can drive yourself,” Tomas said, walking to his truck. He got in and drove away. Bernie stood in the drive, mouth open. His eyes narrowed, and then he stomped to his car. “Probably his way of not letting anyone know about us. Well, that is fine. Asshole.” He got in and slammed the door. Backing out, he drove to Robert and Miguel‟s. He turned off the SUV and sat for a moment. Getting out, he went into the house. He greeted the guys as he headed for the table. Sitting between Alex and Robert, he watched as they played. “Where‟s Tomas?” Robert asked absently. “No clue,” Bernie snapped. Alex studied him. “What‟s wrong with you?” Bernie glanced away, not saying anything. Alex reached over and turned Bernie‟s face to his. His pale gray eyes were intent. Bernie pulled his face away. “What going on, Bernie?” Alex demanded. “Nothing is—” Tomas‟s jovial voice cut him off. “So, whose money am I winning today?” Bernie stiffened. Alex looked to Tomas and then back to Bernie. The wicked gleam Bernie knew so well filled his eyes. Bernie stood quickly. The table shook, and everyone grabbed their bottles. “Sorry,” Bernie mumbled, turning away. He hurried toward the kitchen. A hand grabbed his arm. He gasped as he was pulled against a hard body. Startled, he raised his eyes to Tomas‟s.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 104 “Honey, what am I going to do with you?” Tomas said. He lowered his head and kissed him. His soft lips moved against Bernie‟s. Tomas licked along his lips and Bernie opened for him. He kissed him deeply. Sound faded as he gave himself over to Tomas. Bernie sagged against him. Tomas withdrew, licking his lips slowly. The whooping and hollering in the room registered. “I thought you didn‟t want them to know,” Bernie whispered. “Until we could tell them together. If Harper had told them before, they would have interrupted our fun at the fair. Although it seems as if it wasn‟t all that fun for you.” Tomas‟s smile was wry. “I did have fun, but—” He bit his lip. “But what?” Tomas said. “Nothing. It was fun.” Bernie smiled cheerfully. “Boy, is that a false grin. What were you about to say, Bernie?” Tomas‟s tone demanded an answer. “Yes. Do tell, Bernie. When did this happen?” Alejandro asked, sounding amused. “Saturday.” Bernie glared at him. He and Miguel were blatantly conversation. Alejandro frowned.

listening

to

their

“Ramirez won again. That lucky bastard,” Miguel said. “He‟s gonna gloat about it,” Hector griped. Bernie turned his stare on Hector. Hector batted his eyes and blew him a kiss. “Behave.” Simon smacked Hector on the arm.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 105 “Now what fun would that be?” Hector pulled Simon against his side, nuzzling his neck. “So, Bernie. You‟ve joined the need-a-room club.” Malik smirked, rocking back on his heels. “Come on.” Tomas gripped Bernie‟s hand and led him to the kitchen, then out to the back deck. Tomas led him to the rail, away from the window. He crowded Bernie into the corner then leaned against the wall. “Talk.” “It‟s n—” “And don‟t say nothing,” Tomas warned. Bernie crossed his arms over his chest. He pursed his lips and moved his mouth around. “Trying to distract me by being cute won‟t work.” Tomas bit his bottom lip. “I‟m not cute.” “You are. And sexy,” Tomas said softly. Bernie smiled, a warm feeling filling him. His smile faded as Tomas continued. “And prickly. Moody and stubborn. C—” He put his finger over Tomas‟s lips. “You could have stopped after sexy.” Tomas kissed his finger, removing it from his lips. “True, but then you wouldn‟t know all the things I find I enjoy about you.” “Only you would find prickly, moody, and stubborn enjoyable.” “It works for me. Talk to me,” Tomas said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 106 Bernie took a breath and said, “I thought when you told Harper not to tell anyone that you wanted to keep us a secret. That you were ashamed of me.” He lowered his eyes. Tomas raised his chin. “I‟d never be ashamed of you.” “I know it was stupid,” Bernie whispered. “I mean it when I say I want to see where this takes us. Look at me, Bernie.” Bernie followed his request. Tomas‟s brown eyes were warm and intense. He pulled Bernie into his arms. “I already know what I want. I want you.” Tomas‟s voice lowered. “I love you, Bernie.” Bernie gulped, then said shakily, “You can‟t. We just got together.” Tomas scoffed. “Sexually. But we‟ve been practically dating for over a year. By the Rodriguez family standards, we should already be married and living with each other. We‟re moving the slow route.” Tomas winked. Bernie laughed, and then leaned his head against his chest. “We don‟t even know each other. There‟s a lot you don‟t know about me.” “I‟m looking forward to finding out,” Tomas assured him. Bernie studied him. There was a surety in his face. “I can‟t say it back. I don‟t know if I ever can,” Bernie admitted. “You will. I‟m patient and can wait until you can.” He used that same sure tone.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 107 “You and patience don‟t go together.” Bernie pursed his lip. “True. How about, I‟ll try to be patient. And you try to believe me when I say something,” Tomas said. Bernie ran his teeth over his bottom lip, then said, “I‟ll try.” He put his fingers over Tomas‟s lips when he opened his mouth. “And if I doubt something, I‟ll talk to you.” “Christ, do we have to talk about our feelings and shit?” Tomas mumbled under his fingers. “Yep. That‟s what a relationship is all about. And that‟s what we‟re having.” Bernie removed his finger and hugged him, laughing. Contentment filled him. They were in a relationship. “For you, kid, I‟ll talk feelings and crap.” Tomas sounded put-upon. “Not a kid.” “Habit, honey. Te amo.” Tomas‟s voice was hoarse and deep. Bernie recognized the Spanish phrase for “I love you.” He had heard it used among the Rodriguez clan. It spoke of the deep love they had for each other. He knew it was Tomas‟s way of showing him how serious he was. “Why‟d you wait to tell me this when we‟re in your brother‟s house?” Bernie groaned, grinding his hips against Tomas‟s. “Must be crazy. I‟ll rectify that.” Tomas cupped his ass, pulling him against his jeans-clad cock. Bernie whimpered. Tomas shifted and lifted him up, putting him over his shoulder. Bernie flailed.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 108 “Whoa. Be still. Don‟t want you to fall.” Tomas kept a steady hold on him and strode around the side of the house. “Tomas, where are you taking me?” Bernie grunted. “Home,” Tomas said. “What about the game?” “Screw the game. I want you.” “I want you too. But I can walk,” Bernie pointed out. “Not fast enough,” Tomas said. “Tomas! What are you doing to Bernie?” Miguel called. “Let Robert explain it to you,” Alex said, laughing. “Alex,” Robert hissed. “What? If he has to ask, then you‟re doing something wrong,” Alex said. The men hooted. Bernie heard the sound of a door opening. Tomas put him on the seat and buckled him in. Bernie looked out the truck window. The poker crew was all standing on the porch, watching them. Bernie lowered his head, blushing furiously. Tomas ignored them and got in the Avalanche. He started the truck. A knock on the window caught Bernie‟s attention. Alex was smiling at him. He lowered the glass. Alex leaned into the window. “Since Bernie doesn‟t have a brother, I‟m taking on that role. Treat him right, Tomas, or you‟ll answer to me.” Alex‟s tone was hard. Bernie looked at him in surprise. Alex‟s face matched his tone. “I plan on treating him right,” Tomas replied.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 109 “Good.” Alex nodded. He stepped back. Bernie clutched Alex‟s arm. Alex smiled at him gently and patted his hand. Bernie squeezed his arm, then let go. Alex loped back to the rest of the men. Tomas pulled out. Bernie bit his lip. You should tell them. The truck stopping caught his attention. Tomas got out and came quickly to his side. He opened the door and yanked him out. Bernie ran to keep up with his quick strides. Tomas impatiently searched his pockets and took out his key. He unlocked the door and jerked Bernie inside. Tomas hustled him to the bedroom. He undressed him, his hands seeming to be all over him. Bernie laughed breathlessly. Tomas pushed him back onto the bed, then stripped off his clothes. Bernie licked his lips as each piece of clothing came off that delectable butterscotch skin. Tomas leaned over and kissed him. Bernie scrambled backward until his head touched the pillow. Tomas moved away briefly, then came back. Tomas lifted Bernie‟s legs, and slick fingers rubbed along his crease. Bernie arched into them as Tomas readied him with efficient fingers. Tomas moved back, and then a sheathed, blunt head pushed against Bernie‟s hole. Bernie spread, gripping Tomas‟s back, and Tomas‟s muscles flexed under his fingers. Tomas pushed in; Bernie gasped at the first penetration of Tomas‟s hard cock. Tomas moved in slow, measured strokes. Moaning, Bernie clamped his legs around Tomas‟s hips. He moved his hands down Tomas‟s back to his ass. Jerking, he pulled Tomas deeper. Tomas kept up his rhythm, not increasing. Bernie thrashed his head on the pillow.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 110 “Just like this, honey.” Tomas‟s voice seemed to vibrate through him. Tomas changed the angle of his thrust. With each glide of his cock, the head of his shaft rubbed against the sensitive bunch of nerves. Bernie‟s balls drew up, and his cock belched out pre-cum. He whimpered. “Te amo, Bernie,” Tomas grunted. Bernie groaned loudly as his cock pulsed with his release. He clenched around Tomas, who roared as he came with Bernie. Tomas stroked in and out, and then he collapsed against Bernie. Bernie breathed harshly while Tomas‟s chest heaved. He flopped onto the bed beside Bernie. Bernie removed the condom from Tomas‟s soft shaft, tied it off, and threw it in the wastebasket by the bed. Bernie snuggled against him, stroking along his chest. Tomas laced his fingers with Bernie‟s, raising them to his lips. He kissed them, then put them back on his chest. Bernie pulled the covers over them. “You‟re a special man, Tomas Rodriguez.” “Back at you, kid.” Bernie poked him in the side. “Not a kid.” “Habit, honey. No poking, except the pleasurable kind.” Tomas laughed, tickling Bernie. Laughing, Bernie tried to get away. Tomas held him effortlessly, pinning him to the bed.

BERNIE frowned as they bypassed Bacchus Sloan. He looked at Tomas, who was driving.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 111 “I thought we were going dancing.” “We are, but we have to go to the hospital first.” “Why? Is someone sick?” “Nope. We‟re getting tested. Want to do away with the rubbers.” Bernie worried his lip. It was a big step. They had only been sleeping together for a little over a week. “Talk to me, kid.” “Not a kid.” It lacked its usual fire. “Habit, honey. If you don‟t want to get tested, we don‟t have to,” Tomas offered. Bernie glanced at him. Tomas looked calm and unaffected, but Bernie looked at the flexing of his jaw. It was working, which meant Tomas was biting the inside of his cheek. He did that when he acted like something didn‟t bother him. Bernie was startled as he realized he knew such a thing. He smiled. Even if he didn‟t consciously realize it, he had been studying Tomas‟s mannerisms. As Tomas pointed out, he did know lots of things about this complex man. Tomas might come across as a bossy asshole, but he was anything but. The decision after that was obvious. “I‟ll hold your hand, since you‟re afraid of needles,” Bernie said. “Fine. And I‟ll make sure you don‟t pass out at the sight of blood.” Tomas smirked. Bernie stuck out his tongue. Tomas laughed and pulled into the hospital parking lot. They got out and went in. In moments, they were in the elevator. When it got to the correct floor, Tomas guided him out. Bernie rolled his eyes

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 112 when he saw the name on the office door. Tomas opened it, and his steps stalled. “Are you ready?” Alejandro brandished an extremely large needle. “Umm…,” Tomas said, releasing Bernie and backing up. “Stop frightening Tomas, Alejandro. Come on, Tomas.” Bernie stifled a smile, taking his hand. Tomas resisted as Bernie tried to urge him forward. Bernie scowled at Alejandro. “Fine.” Alejandro pouted and put down the needle. Tomas was stiff as Bernie led him to a chair in front of the desk. “I‟m doing this here so the big baby‟s rep doesn‟t get damaged. Not like everyone doesn‟t know he‟s a chicken around needles,” Alejandro said dryly. “Just get on with it,” Tomas gritted out, sitting stiffly. Bernie sat in the chair next to him, holding his hand. Alejandro got down to business and took the sample. Bernie turned Tomas‟s face to look at him, and he held his hand and his gaze. Tomas‟s grip was tight on his as Alejandro touched Bernie‟s arm. He looked. Tomas turned Bernie to look at him. “Eyes on me, kid,” Tomas said. “Not a kid,” he growled. “Habit.” Tomas kissed him. Bernie hummed. “I‟ll take these to the lab. You‟ll have results in a few days. I‟ve gotta get to surgery. No fucking in my office,” Alejandro said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 113 Bernie glanced at him, blushing. Alejandro laughed and squeezed his shoulder. “I‟m not worried you would. It‟s this Neanderthal who might influence you.” Alejandro smacked Tomas across the back of the head. Tomas swatted at him. Alejandro moved away and left. “You sure have them fooled. I wonder what they would think if they knew you were a wildcat in bed,” Tomas mused. “You can‟t tell them,” Bernie said, gasping. “What‟ll you give me so I won‟t?” Tomas‟s grin was evil. Bernie partially lowered his eyelids. “I‟ll think of something.” He knew how that drove Tomas crazy. Tomas stood and jerked him up, kissing him hungrily. He lifted Bernie, who locked his legs around Tomas, grinding against him. The sound of the door caught Bernie‟s attention. “Out. Out of my office,” Alejandro said. Tomas withdrew, sighing. “Party pooper.” He held Bernie‟s hand, leading him to where Alejandro stood by the door. “Sorry.” Bernie ducked his head, hiding a smile. “Yeah, like I believe that,” Alejandro replied. Bernie raised his head. “You two are a good influence on each other. Well, you are on Tomas, anyway. This troublemaker needs someone to stabilize him. That‟s you, Bernie. Good luck.” Alejandro smiled.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 114 “Stop filling his head with my wonderful virtues,” Tomas said. “See? He loves being trouble.” Alejandro and Bernie laughed. Tomas tugged him. Bernie waved to Alejandro. In the elevator, he leaned against Tomas. “Are you trouble?” “Oh, yeah. I‟ll show you on the dance floor,” Tomas whispered. Bernie couldn‟t wait. Fifteen minutes later, Tomas proved how much trouble he was. Their last dance, Bernie had been the aggressor. In this one, Tomas was moving against him with wicked intent. Bernie gulped. He could tell he was in for it. Tomas rolled his hips and brushed his cock against Bernie‟s. He slid his leg between Bernie‟s and held his ass. They slid against each other, moaning. Bernie placed his arms around Tomas‟s neck. Tomas kissed the side of his face. “Te amo.” Tomas‟s breath ghosted against his skin. Bernie leaned harder against him, and Tomas held him effortlessly.

TOMAS frowned at the TV. Leaning his head back on the couch, he chewed the inside of his cheek. “Tomas, are you okay?” Bernie asked, coming into the living room from the kitchen.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 115 He wiped his hands on a dish towel, placed it on the center table, and sat next to Tomas. Bernie stroked his hand over Tomas‟s arm. “Just tired,” Tomas replied. Tired of waiting to hear ‘I love you’. Tomas‟s heart clenched. He‟d said it often over the last month and a half. Never once had Bernie returned the words. You told him you would be patient. And he had been. But he felt the need to hear it. The day after he‟d said it for the first time, they had gone to family dinner as a couple. Mami had hugged Bernie, calling him bambino while Papi had gripped Bernie‟s shoulder. Bernie had flinched and withdrawn from them both as soon as he could. Tomas had seen the hurt on his parents‟ faces. Later, he had asked Bernie why he seemed not to like them. Bernie had insisted he did, but that he just wasn‟t comfortable with expressing affection. It had sounded false, since he had seen Bernie hug or kiss his brothers, cousins, and their poker crew. Tomas hadn‟t pushed, waiting for Bernie to come to him. They had visited the farmer‟s market, attended the Friday night concert, gone dancing often at Bacchus Sloan, and gone to poker night. Tomas had even attended movie night, but not often, letting Bernie have fun with his friends. They had their own movie night when the others went home. It was just between them. “I thought you couldn‟t wait to see your DVR‟ed SyFy movie.” Bernie sounded amused. Waiting is all I seem to do. Waiting for you to share with me. For ‘I love you’. Tomas pushed the thoughts away.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 116 “I was waiting for you. And there‟s no need to laugh at me. I know you don‟t understand my SyFy movie addiction,” Tomas teased. “With you. Laughing with you. And I do get it,” Bernie said. Tomas gave him a look of disbelief. Bernie laughed. “Okay. I don‟t. They are so obviously fake,” Bernie stated. “I know. They‟re entertaining.” “I still don‟t get it.” Bernie shook his head. “But you watch it with me anyway,” Tomas said. “It‟s entertaining listening to your commentary of the movie. Let me go get the popcorn.” Bernie stood, chuckling. He went out of the room. Tomas picked up the control and scrolled to the movie. Bernie came back with a bowl of popcorn. He curled his legs under him and leaned against Tomas. Putting his arm over Bernie‟s shoulder, Tomas started the movie. As it played, Tomas gave his commentary. Bernie‟s laughter warmed him. The sound of the doorbell interrupted them. Tomas paused the movie. “Are you expecting someone?” “No. Maybe someone forgot something.” Bernie shrugged and moved off Tomas. The doorbell rang again. “I‟ll get it. I don‟t know what‟s so important they didn‟t just call.” Tomas stood. “Be nice,” Bernie said. “I‟m nice.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 117 “Oh, yeah. A regular nice guy.” Tomas ignored him. He unlocked, then pulled open the door. “What do….” Tomas trailed off, staring at the man standing on the porch. The stranger‟s features were identical to Bernie‟s. A ring was in the left side of his thin nose, and another was in his right eyebrow. A stone that looked like a diamond twinkled above his top lip in the center of his cupid-bow mouth. The gangly man even had shaggy brown hair, except the tips were red. A battered leather jacket covered a T-shirt, and black jeans hugged slim legs. The man shifted booted feet. The boots had red laces with silver buckles. Even his frame was like Bernie‟s. Pale green eyes observed Tomas with a cynical look. “I‟m looking for Bernard,” a crisp British accent said. “Ummm… Bernie? Someone is here to see you,” Tomas said. “Who is it?” Bernie asked, his footsteps coming closer. “Wilbur.” Bernie sounded shocked. Wilbur. The man didn‟t look like Tomas would expect anyone named Wilbur to look. Tomas shifted, looking back and forth between the two men. “I think it‟s your brother. Why didn‟t you tell me you were a twin?” Tomas asked. “Triplets,” two voices said.

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Chapter Six BERNIE‟S voice mixing with crisp British tones echoed in his ears. Tomas registered what they said, and he gaped. He walked over to Bernie, who stood a little away from the door. “Triplets. Hell, I didn‟t even know you had family,” Tomas hissed. Hurt filled him. How much could Bernie trust him if he‟d kept such a secret? Bernie must have heard something in his tone. He turned to Tomas and cupped his cheek. “I didn‟t tell anyone. It‟s complicated.” “I can come back another time,” Wilbur offered in that British accent. Tomas looked at him. It was eerie, how he looked like Bernie. Wilbur studied Tomas with that same cynical look. Tomas amended his thought. They might look alike, but in Wilbur, there was more of an edge. One that made Tomas bristle. Tomas put his hand on Bernie‟s waist. “You should.” “No, Wilbur. Come in.” Bernie elbowed Tomas in the side. “It‟s Bur, now. And I will.” Wilbur smirked. The name niggled something in Tomas‟s memory. Bur bent and picked up a battered guitar case. He sauntered in like he owned the place. Wilbur paused next to Tomas and looked up at him from under lowered lashes. The look

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 119 coming from him didn‟t look playful or innocent like Bernie‟s. Bur‟s look was pure devilment and challenge. “Do you all practice that look?” Tomas demanded, looking at Bernie. “No. We have it in common. He‟s the mischief-maker of us. Cut it out, mid-bro.” Bernie slapped Bur on the back of the head. Bur raised startled pale green eyes. “Haven‟t heard that in a lot of years.” His eyes went slightly glassy, and emotion filled them. In that moment, to Tomas, Bur looked exactly like the Bernie he knew. Tomas glanced between the two of them. “I‟ll give you some time,” he said. “You take a moment,” Bur said. “Bernie needs you. I‟ll be waiting in the living room.” Bur went down the hall, unerringly finding the living room. Tomas frowned after him, then turned back to Bernie. Bernie looked lost. Tomas took his hand and pulled him into the kitchen. He sat him on a stool and got a bottle of water. Opening it, he held it to his lips, and Bernie drank shakily. Tomas put down the bottle and rubbed his back. Bernie leaned on him, sighing. “I can send him away.” “No. I want to see him. Haven‟t seen him in almost nine years,” Bernie whispered. Tomas thought about the number and Bernie‟s age. “Since you were fifteen.” “Yeah.” “Why?”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 120 Bernie looked miserable. “It‟s complicated.” “What about your other brother? You don‟t talk about him, either.” “Dillard. Haven‟t seen him since we were sixteen,” Bernie said softly. Tomas couldn‟t even imagine it. “What about your parents?” He figured if Bernie had brothers he didn‟t know about, there might be parents too. “Don‟t wanna talk about them.” Bernie‟s face was shuttered. “Bernie,” Tomas said in warning. “Not yet, Tomas. Not now. I need to talk to Wilbur… Bur,” Bernie said. “I‟ll get rid of him. You don‟t have to deal with whatever drama he‟s bringing.” “I want to see my brother. I love him, no matter what. As for drama, that was what he was good at. Being the middle child, he liked nothing better than picking on Dillard and giving me hell for being such an overprotective brother. I missed him. Wasn‟t much of a brother.” Bernie smiled sadly. “I‟ll wait in the bedroom. If you need me to throw him out, call me. Promise me,” Tomas said. “I will. Thank you, Tomas. I‟ll tell you everything soon,” Bernie said. Bernie hugged him, then stood. “He looks so much like me, despite the bad-boy rocker thing he has going. Glad he had his guitar. He always liked music. Wonder how Dillard is?” Bernie sighed, then went out of the room.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 121 Tomas headed out into the hall. He saw Bernie standing in the living-room doorway. Bur was looking out the window. Tomas continued to the bedroom. He closed the door slightly to give them privacy, but left it open enough that he could hear if Bernie needed him. Tomas sat heavily on the bed. Bernie had a brother… two identical brothers. Curiosity about why he chose to hide it filled Tomas, along with concern. Lying back on the bed, he crossed his hands under his head. Hope Bernie is okay.

BERNIE studied his brother. His shoulders were back and his head straight. Bernie‟s mind flashed to the frightened boy who had hidden behind him. Bernie pushed those thoughts away and focused on the man now standing before him. Wilbur turned to face him, his lips quirked in that uneasy grin, the one he‟d had as a boy when he wasn‟t sure if he would be welcome. Bernie strode over to him and pulled him into his arms. Wilbur went stiff, then relaxed. His arms closed around Bernie tightly. “Bernard.” His voice was filled with tears. “Bernie. God, it‟s weird hearing my name in that British accent.” Bernie looked at him. “What accent? You‟re the one with an accent.” Wilbur‟s eyes twinkled with that devilish spark. Bernie chuckled. “Come sit and tell me all you‟ve been doing.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 122 They sat on the couch. Bernie flicked off the TV. He crossed his legs under him, then turned to Wilbur. He smiled as he noticed Wilbur sat in the same pose. It was their talking position. “I don‟t even know where to begin,” Wilbur said. “What happened when you left?” “No, what happened to you and Dillard when I left? With them.” Wilbur touched his hand. “Not now. Later. Tell me about you,” Bernie said. “You need to talk about it, Bernie. Let go of their control over you,” Wilbur urged. “Easy for you to say. You escaped!” Bernie lashed out. He went to stand. Wilbur gripped his arm and hand firmly. Bernie subsided. “I didn‟t mean to say that. I‟m sorry. I‟m glad to see you, really.” “I know you are. That‟s who you are, big brother. I could be anything, and you would accept me.” “Are you a criminal? If you are, we can‟t tell Tomas. His brother is a cop.” Bernie‟s stomach clenched. Wilbur laughed, leaning over against him. Bernie held him, baffled at the reaction. Wilbur straightened and patted his cheek. “I missed you, Bernard. You‟re still worried about protecting me, as usual. Hiding things from your partner isn‟t a good thing,” Wilbur admonished. “He‟s not my partner.” “Really? That‟s not what I got in the report. It told me a lot about you.” Wilbur raised an eyebrow.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 123 “I hate that you can do that and I can‟t.” Wilbur wiggled his eyebrow. “I know.” Bernie swatted him, then frowned. “What report?” “The report the investigator gave to my solicitor.” Wilbur sounded calm. “You had me investigated? Ah hell, you‟re in the mob. We definitely can‟t tell Tomas. That‟s not a good life. Christ, how can we get you out? I can help you. Hide you somewhere.” “Calm down, Bernie. I‟m not in the mob. It warms my heart that you would want to save me if I was.” Wilbur sounded affectionate. “You‟re my brother. Why wouldn‟t I?” Bernie frowned, confused. “You still have that idealism. I‟m glad, yet afraid for you that you have it.” “I‟m not naïve. I know if you were in the mob, it wouldn‟t be that easy to get out. I do know people who could help.” Bernie snorted. “Who do you know that could help me get out if I was in the mob?” Wilbur‟s tone was curious. “Tomas has this assistant named Sheldon. He knows everything. He‟s awesome. And he said if I needed anything and didn‟t want Tomas to know, he would help me,” Bernie insisted. “Why would he do that?” “To piss Tomas off. He likes irking him.” Bernie grinned. Wilbur laughed, then sobered. “I‟m glad you have such good friends.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 124 “Pash. Enough about me. What about you? What have you been doing? Where have you been?” Wilbur grinned wickedly. “Well, you remember how they said music would lead me to hell? It did. To a whole hella lot of money and success.” “Why do I suddenly feel uneasy? Oh, yeah. It‟s the look you get before you drag me into trouble.” Bernie chuckled. “No trouble this time. Just a repayment for what you did for me.” Wilbur reached into his pocket and pulled out some papers. He handed them to Bernie. Bernie opened them, reading. He gaped as he read. “No. I don‟t want it. I can‟t take all that money. How the hell did you get it, anyway? You said you weren‟t in the mob!” he cried. Wilbur laughed so hard tears filled his eyes. Bernie pushed his shoulder. Wilbur cleared his throat, wiping his eyes. “I‟m not in the mob. Repeat it with me slowly,” Wilbur said. “Then explain this. No one comes to a brother they haven‟t seen in years with papers giving them fifteen million dollars.” Bernie smacked him in the chest with the papers. “They do if the brother sacrificed himself, giving them all his allowance he‟d saved so they could get away. If I hadn‟t, I would have surely died,” Wilbur said, his tone heartfelt. “It‟s because of you, Bernard, that I am who I am today. Thank you.” “I wasn‟t much of a brother. I didn‟t protect you. Or Dillard.” Bernie lowered his head.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 125 Wilbur shifted next to him and put an arm around his shoulder. “You did.” “I didn‟t.” Bernie touched his back. Wilbur flinched away. Horrified, Bernie drew back his hand and scrambled away. “Sorry. I forgot you don‟t like your back touched.” He fell onto the floor. “It‟s okay. You just startled me.” Wilbur reached for him. “It isn‟t!” Bernie shook his head, pounding his fist on the ground. Wilbur slid down on the floor next to him, rocking him. Bernie held him. “Bernie?” Tomas‟s voice rumbled down the hall. “I‟m… okay,” he replied. Glancing at Wilbur, he hugged him tight. Wilbur rubbed his back. “Triumvirate,” Bernie whispered in his ear. Wilbur glanced at him, startled, his hand stopping. “You remember that?” “Of course. Do you still have it?” Wilbur shrugged out of his jacket and pulled up his shirt. Bernie raised a shaking hand and traced the tattoo identical to his own. It was the last thing the three of them had done together before Wilbur left. Wilbur lowered his shirt. “Where have you been? What have you been doing? Why did you come to find me?”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 126 “I want you to have the money, Bernie.” Wilbur was insistent. “No. I don‟t need repayment for helping my brother out.” “Think of it as a payment to you for being the first investor in a brand.” “What brand?” “Me.” “You always like to make things more complicated than they need to be. Just give me a straight answer to my questions,” Bernie grumbled. “I have answered you.” Wilbur sounded affronted. “You haven‟t.” “What haven‟t I answered?” Bernie ticked them off. “How‟d you get so much money? Where have you been? What have you been doing? Why did you come to find me?” Wilbur answered ticking them off. “As I said: music, Britain, music.” He paused, guilt filling his face. “I didn‟t know you weren‟t being taken care of. I‟m sorry for that.” “What are you talking about?” Bernie frowned. “After my first platinum album, I had my solicitors contact them,” Wilbur paused, lowering his head. “I wanted to set up a payment to them, to take care of you and Dillard. I didn‟t want you all to ever want for anything. I knew money wouldn‟t make up for love, but it‟s all I could offer. I couldn‟t come back. Couldn‟t face them, even for you or Dillard. So I set it up that they would get money every month to give to you and Dillard to take care of you both. I set it up, then just left it, not wanting to know anything else.” Wilbur raised

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 127 furious eyes. “It wasn‟t until about three months ago that I got a letter sent to my personal address. My security went crazy, since no one is supposed to know where I live. Hell, since I‟ve retired, I‟m not in the news that much anymore.” Wilbur gripped his hands. “Until that letter, I didn‟t know that they hadn‟t been doing what I said, that they had used the money for themselves and not you or Dillard. Where is Dillard? The report had no info on him. Couldn‟t find him at all.” Bernie tried to process what he‟d said. “You gave our parents money for me and Dillard?” “Yes,” Wilbur whispered. Bernie closed his eyes and gulped. When he thought he could speak, he opened his eyes and looked at Wilbur‟s worried gaze. He smiled softly. “I know you did it for us. But Dillard left the year after you did. He didn‟t even tell me he was going. He was just gone. I don‟t know where he is.” Wilbur‟s face went determined. “We‟ll find him. I‟ll get my investigators on it.” “Okay.” Bernie‟s throat was tight. “Do you still play the piano?” Wilbur sounded wistful. “Not for a long time. You were always more into music than we were,” Bernie said. “I‟d like to hear you play the piano, and Dillard on the sax.” “You on the guitar. Is that the same one?” Bernie pointed to the case.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 128 “Yeah. I have lots of them, but this is still my favorite.” Wilbur patted the closed case. Bernie smiled. He and Dillard had worked odd jobs and pooled their allowance for a year to get the guitar for Wilbur. Bernie could still remember his face when they had given it to him. The smile faded as other thoughts filled him, of their standing up to stop it from being destroyed. Bernie pushed the thoughts away. “I‟ve never heard of you. What music do you play?” “Of course you haven‟t. I bet you still only listen to classical.” Wilbur smirked. “I‟ll have you know I‟ve heard live music. There‟s this restaurant, Bacchus Sloan, that has various bands. And they have concerts in the park.” “What were the names of some of the songs?” Wilbur still had the smirk. “I don‟t know. But it was good. So, what‟s your kind of music?” Bernie butted his shoulder against Wilbur‟s. “Ever heard of TrebleBur?” “No. Isn‟t Bur your name now?” Bernie asked. “Yeah, I go by that. TrebleBur was the name of my band. I‟m retired.” “At twenty-four?” Bernie asked in shock. “Yeah. Not touring or performing that much anymore. Still write music now and then.” Wilbur shrugged. “I‟m glad you followed your dream into music.” “I want you to sign the papers and take the money.” “I don‟t need the money. Hell, I don‟t even know what to do with that kind of money.” Bernie shook his head.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 129 “My financial advisors are ready to help you make more money. Take this from me, please. I couldn‟t be there to take—” Bernie cut him off. “It wasn‟t for you to take.” “I know. But with me and Dillard gone, it was just you with them.” “It wasn‟t so bad.” Bernie shrugged. Wilbur gave him a look that said he didn‟t believe him. “It could have been better,” Bernie admitted. “I know. Sign the paper for me,” Wilbur pleaded. “You don‟t need to give me your wealth out of guilt.” Wilbur laughed, saying, “This isn‟t even a drop in the bucket of my net worth. I‟m not being self-sacrificing and giving it all to you. It is as I said. You were the first investor in Bur. So take the money and kiss me good night, and go snuggle with your man. I need to get to my hotel.” Bernie frowned, chewing on his lip. Wilbur held out a pen, waving it in his face. Bur‟s face had the same obstinate one from their childhood. “If I don‟t sign, what are you going to do?” “Put it in a trust for you until you do,” Wilbur said. “Stubborn prick.” “Bullheaded ass,” Wilbur countered. Bernie chuckled. “Fine. Give me that.” He signed the papers and shoved them at him. “Good. A portion will be deposited to your account, and the rest, the financial advisors will invest. They‟ll contact you.” Wilbur put the papers into his pocket and stood.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 130 Bernie stood with him. “How long are you going to be in town?” He didn‟t want to lose touch with him. “Until my house is built.” Wilbur‟s lips curved in a wicked twist. “In England?” “Nope, in Mapson. Bought a nice piece of ranch land. Having it renovated and a new house built. Getting a few horses. If you can‟t ride, I can teach you.” Wilbur was matter-of-fact. “You‟re staying in Mapson?” “Yes, I am. I want us to be brothers again, and to find Dillard so we can be the triumvirate again.” Wilbur put his hand over his heart on his tattoo. Bernie put his hand over Wilbur‟s. He shifted his hold and pulled Wilbur into his body. “I‟m not losing my brother again.” Wilbur hugged him fiercely. Bernie cleared his throat. “And you‟re not staying in a hotel. You‟ll stay with me.” “Will your partner be okay with that?” Wilbur asked. “This is my condo. Well, I am renting it, sort of, from my friend Robert. You‟ll meet him.” “You can just buy it from him now. Hell, buy a bigger place,” Wilbur pointed out. Bernie blinked, realizing he was right. He shook his head. “Not thinking of that now. Let me process all this change first. Where is your stuff?” “At the hotel. I can go get it in the morning, if you‟re sure you want me to stay.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 131 “I am. Let me show you the room.” Bernie led him to the other side of the living room and down the hall. He passed his lab and opened the spare room. Turning, he pulled some linens out of the closet and went to make the bed. Wilbur helped. Once done, they stood. “Was that a lab I saw? In the report, they said you were still into science.” Wilbur watched him. “Yeah. Enjoy doing it.” Bernie shrugged. “You pursued your passion too. I wonder if Dillard did?” “We‟ll find him.” Bernie patted him on the shoulder. “Do you think he‟s dead? Maybe that‟s why there‟s no trace of him.” Wilbur gripped Bernie‟s hand, leaning his head on his chest. Bernie cupped the back of his head. “We would have felt it. No matter what, we‟ll find him.” “Okay.” Wilbur nodded and stepped back. “Do you need some clothes to sleep in?” “Nah.” Wilbur‟s lip lifted in a half smile. “Okay. I‟ll give you something to wear in the morning,” Bernie said, turning to the door. “I missed you, Bernard. I‟m glad I came,” Wilbur said. Bernie paused in the doorway and looked back at his brother. He stood slightly hunched, his arm around his waist. “Missed you, Wilbur. Welcome home, brother,” Bernie said. “Thanks. ‟Night.” “‟Night,” Bernie replied.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 132 He closed the door and hurried down the hall into the living room, then rushed to the kitchen and onto the back patio. Gripping the rail, he inhaled deeply, fighting nausea. They took money to take care of me. The thought vibrated in his head. “No wonder they moved us to a bigger house,” Bernie whispered. He remembered not too long after Wilbur left, they had moved. The house was bigger, but they had given him the smallest room off the kitchen. It was a maid‟s quarters. The bigger house hadn‟t meant anything. Just more things to taunt him with. Swallowing thickly, he closed his eyes. A hand touched his back. Startled, he jumped, then relaxed as he recognized Tomas‟s scent. Turning, he buried his face against Tomas. Tomas held him. Bernie shuddered, swallowing again. “Come to bed, Bernie,” Tomas said. “How‟d you know I was out here?” “Your brother knocked on the bedroom door and told me he was moving in. And that you needed me.” Tomas sounded disgruntled. “Interfering little shit,” Bernie said wearily. “You‟re tired. Come to bed.” “Not yet. I can‟t… won‟t… bring them into our bed. I need to tell you why I‟m so leery around your parents.” Bernie swallowed. “You don‟t have to do this tonight,” Tomas insisted. “I want to get this out now. I should have told you before.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 133 “Whatever you think is best. But I think it can wait,” Tomas grumbled. Bernie was grateful for his attitude. It stabilized him. The one thing he could count on was Tomas. Shocked, Bernie drew back and stared at him. Tomas frowned. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “No reason at all.” Bernie smiled widely. Tomas was leery. “I‟m not sure if I like that smile.” “It will be all good.” Bernie replied. He took a breath, then started. “I‟ve noticed that you are close to your family. Your parents would do anything to protect you, wouldn‟t they?” “Yes. Family is important.” That unshakable surety was in his tone. Bernie pulled away from him and looked out at the backyard. “Not how we grew up. In our house, it was all about my parents. From the time I was able to understand, I was taught my place. We all were taught our place. That we were there at the benevolence of our parents, and we better never forget it. Which we never did. Not that it mattered.” “You all were abused.” It wasn‟t a question. “That seems such a pretty word for what they did to us. Dad was quick with his fist. He‟d punch you so quick that the pain wouldn‟t register until he left the room. Him, I could deal with. It was just vicious. It was her that I feared. She‟d feed you and cuddle you, speaking so kindly. Then she‟d turn on you. She liked to throw things. I used to be good at ducking what she threw. But even that, she would blame you if you moved. Blame you for making her break whatever. Vase, chairs, knives, shoes, appliances. She‟d justify it to

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 134 Dad, and then he‟d punish you for it. A broken finger here, shattered legs, wrenched shoulder. It didn‟t matter. They just wanted to inflict pain.” Bernie bit his lip. Tomas touched his back. He flinched. Tomas withdrew. Bernie turned and caught his arm. “Sorry. You just startled me.” He clutched Tomas‟s hand, pulling him in to him. Tomas hugged him fiercely. “Didn‟t you tell someone?” “Olivia tried to tell once. She was our protector—the main punching bag. The teacher mentioned it laughingly to them that Olivia was making up tales. She had no idea what she had done. I felt it with them squeezing my hand. I feared for Olivia, but was too little to do anything. When we got home… God, I thought they would kill Olivia for it. It‟s amazing how much blood a body can lose and survive. After that, we didn‟t dare breathe a word. We‟d learned the lesson not to. They were good at putting on a face of being attentive parents. And we were just a set of kids.” “Olivia?” “My sister,” he said dully. “You have a sister too?” “Had a sister. When she was eight and we were four, they left with her and she never came back. They told us she was dead because she had been a bad girl. After that, I became the main punching bag for a while. I was glad for it. They left Wilbur and Dillard alone.” Bernie sighed. Tomas stroked his back. “That‟s enough.” “No. I need to get it all out.” Bernie shook his head.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 135 Tomas‟s voice was hoarse. “I don‟t know if I can bear it, but go ahead.” “They left them alone for a while. After a bit, it just became a routine. Get dressed, punch, brush teeth, slap, eat breakfast, lamp thrown. I guess I had stopped reacting enough for them. They turned on Wilbur and Dillard. It was sickening, watching them get abused. For some reason, they seemed to take special joy in tormenting Wilbur. He took it for years. But something happened when we turned fifteen. I still remember when Wilbur came to me, so desperate to leave. He wouldn‟t tell me why. Dillard knew. I could see he did, but neither of them would tell me why. We helped him escape. God, they went crazy. Locked us away in the basement for three months, giving us barely any food or water. They gave us just enough to make sure we didn‟t die.” “How could they do that and no one know?” Tomas cried. “It was summer. No one was looking for us. They just said we were away for the summer. When I went back to school, I was so thin. But no one really paid it any mind. I was always a gangly kid, anyway. Dillard stuck it out almost a year, and then he was gone. He said nothing, and I feared they had taken him like they had Olivia. But when they didn‟t seem to know where he was, I felt hope that he had escaped.” Bernie smiled bitterly. “Why didn‟t you leave too? God, Bernie.” Tomas sounded shaken. “I didn‟t dare. They would have gone after them. Found them. They told me to stay or they would. I had to protect my brothers. I did such a bad job of it. I could at least do this. I wanted to do that for them. Let them be free.” Bernie‟s voice

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 136 lowered. “I was glad Wilbur and Dillard had gone. It was easier to take a beating than see them do it. God, I wanted them gone. What kind of man am I that I was glad to see them go? What kind of man am I that I couldn‟t protect them in the first place?” he cried. Tomas gripped him. “A good one. One who gave himself up for his brothers.” Bernie wrenched away. “You don‟t understand. It wasn‟t some self-sacrifice. It was survival. Mine. With them gone, maybe I could sleep without worrying they would come in and take them. With them gone, all I had to worry about was myself. God, I didn‟t even care where they were… if they were running into something worse.” Tomas grabbed his hands. “You were a child, Bernie. There was nothing you could do.” “I was never a child in that house. I was always the oldest brother. Supposed to be the protector.” He laughed bitterly, then asked, “But how do you protect your brothers from their own parents?” “Exactly. You did what you had to. I‟m just glad you got out,” Tomas said. “Coming to Mapson to school was a blessing. They didn‟t ever expect I would leave. Thank God I was smart. I hid and applied for scholarships. When I got one, I told them. It was my last defiance. Telling them „fuck you‟. But I wasn‟t fast enough. Dad and she were like animals. I blacked out. Woke up on the side of the road. Had to drag myself out of a ditch. By some miracle, they had decided to drive crosscountry and dropped me in a ditch in Mapson. A Good Samaritan stopped and took me to the hospital. I told the cops I was jumped and didn‟t know by whom. They called my

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 137 folks, and they came to be by my bedside. I knew it was because they couldn‟t believe I was alive. I made sure to make it clear they should never contact me again, or I would kill them. They even stated I should come home because my brothers needed me, but they had already been gone for years.” Bernie paused. Tomas squeezed his hand. Taking a shuddering breath, Bernie spoke again. “Of course, they didn‟t believe me, at least not until I cut Dad with the scalpel I had swiped. Then they believed me. And left. Haven‟t seen them again. I just wanted to forget about them. I convinced the admissions board at Mapson University that I could do the classwork from my hospital bed and then home as I convalesced. I made arrangements to rent this little dinky room so I had someplace to go after the hospital. That became my temporary new home. Once I was able to, I went to actual classes. Being in college made me realize how free I was. God, that freedom was so addictive.” “You are free, Bernie. They can‟t hurt you,” Tomas assured him. “You don‟t understand. I still let them hurt me. Talking with Wilbur made me realize that I‟ve been clinging to college, since it‟s the first place I ever felt free.” Bernie shook him off. Turning, he gripped the rail. Tomas pressed against his back, putting his arms around his waist. “I don‟t know what you mean, Bernie. I know you have another two years of grad study, and then school is done. That‟s not clinging. That‟s getting your education.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 138 Bernie sighed. “I could be done already. Should have been done a long time ago.” “What do you mean?” Bernie turned in his arms. He glanced up at Tomas‟s warm brown eyes. He hunched, lowering his eyes. “I‟ve hidden from the school and everyone else that I have an eidetic memory. The schoolwork comes easily to me. I‟m bored with it. I‟ve read all the books in the university library and remember them all.” “You what?” Tomas asked. “I have a photographic memory, Tomas. And although I‟ve never been tested, I suspect that I probably have a high IQ.” “Why‟d you hide what you can do?” Tomas asked calmly. “Because I‟m a freak.” “Yeah, you are,” Tomas replied without hesitation. Bernie raised his eyes in shock. “You‟re my freak. And I‟m keeping you, no matter if you are a supersmart geek. Geeks are sexy.” Tomas smiled playfully. “I‟m not sexy,” Bernie said in exasperation. “Yeah, you are. But that‟s a discussion for another time. Back to what you said. If you‟re bored with school, then finish it and do what you want to do. There‟s nothing stopping you from that. I‟ll help you wherever you need it.” Tomas shrugged. “I don‟t know what I want to do,” Bernie admitted.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 139 “What is your deepest dream? If you could do anything, what is the one thing that you would do above all else?” “Help people so they don‟t have to go through what I did,” Bernie said. “Then find a way to do that. You can do anything you want. I believe in you.” Tomas squeezed Bernie‟s waist. “Thank you for your faith, for believing in me.” Bernie leaned against his body. “No problem, kid.” “I‟m onto you. You call me kid when I compliment you, or you‟re trying to get a rise out of me,” Bernie said. “I have no idea what you mean, kid. Time for bed.” Tomas picked him up. “I can walk.” “And I can carry you. Let me carry you to our bed, honey,” Tomas said. Bernie put his head against Tomas‟s shoulder, and Tomas carried him into the house. He placed him gently on the bed, then slid in next to him and pulled the quilt over them. Tomas tucked him against his body. Bernie drew in the scent of him. “We‟re going to find Dillard. I hope he‟s okay.” Bernie‟s heart clenched. “I‟ll help. I‟ll talk with Miguel in the morning.” “Wilbur said he‟d take care of it,” Bernie said. “Don‟t know about him just showing up like that.” Tomas grunted. “He said someone sent him a letter that brought him here,” Bernie admitted.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 140 “Who, and what‟d it say?” “He doesn‟t know. And it showed that my parents are not just sadistic, they‟re greedy,” Bernie said bitterly. “What do you mean?” Bernie shrugged. “Have you ever talked to someone about what happened to you?” Tomas asked hesitantly. “I told you I hadn‟t. I just told you.” Bernie frowned. “Not when you were a child. I mean a psychologist. You need to talk all this out with someone,” Tomas said gently. “I can‟t.” Bernie pulled away. “You don‟t have to decide tonight. But you need to deal with what happened to you. Think about talking with someone.” Tomas held him gently. “I‟ll think about it,” Bernie replied stiffly. “Don‟t be pissed. I‟m just….” Tomas trailed off. Bernie sighed and hugged him. He knew Tomas was concerned. And he was right, but Bernie wasn‟t ready to deal with it now. Tomas kissed the top of his head. “Sleep.” “I don‟t know if I can,” Bernie said. He was drained, but his mind was filled with everything that had happened. Bernie listened to Tomas‟s heartbeat as Tomas continued to stroke along his back. Slowly, Bernie relaxed.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 141 WHEN Bernie went boneless, Tomas withdrew slowly. Bernie made a sniffling noise. Tomas stopped. When he resettled, Tomas slid off the bed and went to the chair, collapsing onto it. Gripping his hair, Tomas closed his eyes that burned with unshed tears. The horror of what Bernie had revealed still echoed in his mind. He swallowed, stifling the urge to vomit. The thought that someone could do that to another person, let alone their own child, was reprehensible. Opening his eyes, he studied Bernie. With all he‟d been through, it was amazing he still had that sense of innocence. Bernie hadn‟t even been bitter. He had told him in such a mechanical and cold way. Detached from it. It was as if he‟d slipped into a shell to protect himself. Bernie might not want it, but Tomas would make sure he got help to deal with the abuse he‟d suffered. A sound made him stand. Going out the bedroom door, he went to the living room. Standing in the doorway, he observed Bur, who was standing looking out the window. In the low lighting, Tomas could make out some sort of tattoo that covered the expanse of his bare back. “You know, when I left, I used to hate. Hate him for making me feel so guilty for leaving him there.” Bur shrugged into his T-shirt. “Is that why you‟re back? For revenge? I won‟t let you hurt him.” Tomas strode into the room. Bur turned to him. “If anyone hurts him, I‟ll bloody well skin them, then mount them on my wall.” He gestured with the lollipop he had then put it back in his mouth and studied Tomas. The cool analysis was unnerving. “Then why are you here?”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 142 “Redemption and revenge.” Bur made a motion with his hands. “Being Bernie‟s brother again. Hoping he‟ll forgive me for being so weak and leaving him. Revenge for what they did to Bernie when we left. They need to pay. To almost kill him… those bastards.” “How‟d you know about that?” Tomas demanded. “I heard. They couldn‟t just leave well enough alone and take what they were given.” Bur sounded anguished. “What are you talking about?” Tomas asked. Bur‟s face went shuttered. “Nothing.” “You and your brother like to say that a lot. You both need to get psychological help,” Tomas said in frustration. “I‟ve been there and done that. I‟m fine.” Bur laughed. “But not together with Bernie. You need to go jointly.” Bur sobered. “I‟ll do it for him.” “Good. Then maybe you can help me convince him to go.” “I‟ll try.” Bur cocked his head to the side. “You don‟t seem to like me, yet you‟re talking to me about this. Why?” “I don‟t know you. But I‟d do anything for Bernie. And if you fuck with him, I will kill you,” Tomas said calmly. “Fair enough,” Bur said. Bur turned back to the window. Tomas joined him. “Why aren‟t you with Bernie?” Tomas shrugged. “Couldn‟t sleep.” “Me either.” Bur rubbed his hand through his hair. “How about watching the SyFy movie?” Bernie asked.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 143 Tomas looked at him, startled. He hadn‟t heard Bernie come down the hall. “You should be asleep.” “I was, but I missed you. Let‟s watch that SyFy movie.” Bernie sat on the couch. “SyFy?” Bur asked. “Yeah, and what of it?” Tomas replied in a tone daring him to say anything about his choice of movie. “Nothing. I enjoy it too. Which movie is it?” He told him. “Haven‟t seen that one.” “Tomas likes to make commentary about it,” Bernie said. “Is it snarky?” Bur asked. “Is there any other way to watch SyFy?” Tomas asked. “Nope.” Bur chuckled. Tomas went over and sat next to Bernie. Bernie leaned his head on his shoulder. Bur sat in the chair. “Come sit here, Wilbur,” Bernie said, patting the space next to him. “Bur,” he corrected as he moved to sit next to Bernie. Tomas turned on the TV and started the movie. He and Bur kept up a running commentary that had Bernie laughing.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 144

Chapter Seven TOMAS opened the bedroom door to the low knock. Spotting Bur, he went out, pulling the door closed. “What‟s up?” “Wanted to let Bernie know I‟m heading to the hotel to get my stuff. I‟ll be back in a few hours,” Bur said. “He‟s asleep. Be back by one so we can head to the poker game.” “What game?” Bur asked. “We have a weekly game. And you‟re coming.” “That‟s not a question,” Bur replied, his tone snotty. “I know. One o‟clock,” Tomas said. “Why‟re you inviting me to a poker game?” “Bernie would want you to come.” Tomas shrugged. Bur looked unconvinced, but said, “One o‟clock.” He went down the hall. Tomas followed, locking the door after him. He went back to the bedroom. He lay next to Bernie, putting his arm over his waist. “Nice of you to ask Bur to the game,” Bernie said sleepily. “You wouldn‟t want to leave him here alone. So he‟s coming,” Tomas said. “We have a few hours.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 145 “Yeah. You hungry?” “Yes.” “I‟ll make us something to eat.” Tomas moved away. “I‟m not hungry for food.” Bernie pulled him back and straddled him. Tomas looked at him, startled. Bernie leaned over and kissed him. Tomas held him away. “What‟s wrong?” Bernie looked confused. “Are you okay?” Tomas asked. “I‟m f….” Bernie trailed off. He frowned and was silent for a bit, then spoke. “I‟m not going to brush off what happened last night. Wilbur being back feels weird. And now we‟re going to look for Dillard. I didn‟t think I‟d ever see them again. I know I have to deal with what happened to me in my childhood. And to be the man who is worthy of you, I will. I‟ll ask Alejandro for a recommendation.” “Get this you‟re-not-being-worthy shit out of your head, kid. Te amo, Bernie. That has no restrictions.” “I realize that. And it‟s your support that will get me through this.” “Get us through this. It‟s us,” Tomas corrected. “Us. I like the sound of that,” Bernie whispered. Bernie leaned down and kissed him, and Tomas opened his lips. Bernie stroked his tongue inside his mouth, and their tongues dueled lazily. Bernie undulated over him, making Tomas gasp. His cock leaked as Bernie set up a steady motion, rubbing their cocks together. Tomas held his ass, grinding up against him. Bernie moaned against his

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 146 tongue. Sliding his hand along Bernie‟s crease, Tomas spread his cheeks and pushed his finger against his hole. Bernie pushed back against the digit, moaning as Tomas scissored in and out of him. Bernie shifted across Tomas, then brandished the lube. Tomas held up his hand and Bernie coated his fingers. Tomas put his hand back and rubbed his finger on Bernie‟s slit. Moaning, Bernie lowered his lids, biting his lip. A blush stained his cheeks. With each push of Tomas‟s fingers inside him, Bernie‟s breath hitched. He rode Tomas‟s hand, squeezing his fingers. “Yes… Tomas… I need….” “I‟ve got what you need, honey,” Tomas whispered. Bernie moaned. Tomas spread the lube over his hole. Bernie slid down his body, licking along his chest. Tomas cupped the back of his head as Bernie suckled his sensitive nipples. Tomas shivered, moaning. Bernie swirled his tongue down the center of Tomas‟s chest. His teeth scrapped along the flat plane of his stomach. Clenching the muscles, Tomas writhed. “Tastes so good. Different tastes here… here… and ummmm,” Bernie murmured against his skin. Tomas shuddered. Bernie‟s hot breath fanned along the top of his cock. Wet heat engulfed him. Tomas arched back. Bernie swooped down onto his cock, sucking him down. The heated cavern of his mouth felt so good. Bernie made a humming sound. Tomas‟s balls tightened. Bernie swirled his tongue along the top of his head. His tongue pushed into the hole, lapping up the pre-cum. Tomas arched, sacs tight. “Ugghhhh…. What the hell?” Tomas roared as his orgasm stilled.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 147 Bernie held the base of his cock. He raised his eyes. “Not without me.” Bernie looked impish. “Let me cum,” Tomas growled. “When I‟m ready,” Bernie said. Tomas slapped his hand against the bed. Bernie chuckled and licked his cock. Tomas watched his hollow cheeks as he suckled him. The pressure and wet glide against his cock made his gut clench. He rocked inside Bernie‟s mouth. Bernie widened his mouth and wrapped his fingers around his cock, jerking his erection. Tomas thrust into his mouth, pleasure rising inside of him. His balls went tight and he moaned. Pressure clamped down on the base of his cock again. “Motherfucker. Come on,” Tomas whined. “In me.” Bernie licked the head of his cock. Tomas jerked him up. He knelt, pulling Bernie over him. Spreading Bernie‟s cheeks, he rubbed against Bernie as Bernie gripped his shoulders. Aiming, he pushed into Bernie‟s wet heat. No matter how often he had taken Bernie bare since they had gotten their clean results, the feel of being inside of Bernie without anything between them still overwhelmed him. He groaned. Bernie tightened around him, rising up and down. Holding him, Tomas spread Bernie‟s legs. Clenching his fingers, Tomas moved him against his cock. Bernie licked the side of his face, then said in a raspy voice, “You like me tight on you… the clench of my ass. Is that what you like?”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 148 Tomas grunted. It drove him nuts when Bernie talked dirty. He thrust harder. Bernie gripped his head and pulled it back. His eyes locked with Tomas‟s. “Should I tighten around you… like this? Or grind myself on you? How about I ride you hard?” Bernie‟s tone was pure devil. Tomas whimpered as Bernie matched action to words. Bernie continued to talk and act out what he said. Each word drove Tomas higher and higher. Bernie was merciless as he rode him. Tomas shivered and held on. Bernie licked along his ear, then whispered into it. “Cum for me, Tomas,” he demanded. Tomas quivered. His cock pulsed, filling Bernie. Bernie moaned, and wetness coated Tomas‟s stomach. Smacking Bernie against him, Tomas kissed him hungrily. Bernie moaned, sucking his tongue. “Let‟s see how fast I can talk you into coming without any stimulation.” “Oh boy. The mind is willing, but I don‟t think I can come again so soon,” Tomas groaned. “I bet you can.” Bernie smiled wickedly. He rose up off Tomas and pushed him back. Tomas shifted his legs and spread out. “I‟m gonna make you cum a few times before we have to go,” Bernie promised. “Are you?” “Uh-huh.” Bernie lowered his lids, leaving only a flash of pale green eyes. “That‟s cheating. You know what that does to me.” Tomas‟s cock went rock hard.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 149 Bernie chuckled wickedly.

“IT‟S eerie how much they look like,” Malik said. “I can‟t believe Bernie has a brother. Hell, two brothers, and he never said a word.” Alejandro sounded confused. “What are his motives for showing up so suddenly?” Miguel asked suspiciously. Tomas was pleased to hear him ask. “He looks familiar for some reason.” Hector sounded speculative. “Hello. He looks like Bernie. Well, except for the piercings, red-tipped hair, and that accent,” Malik replied. “That‟s not what I meant. I could swear I‟ve seen him somewhere before. I wish Simon were here. He‟s much better with faces,” Hector said. “When will he be back?” Alejandro asked. Tomas didn‟t listen to the response. He touched Miguel‟s arm and motioned for him to follow him. He went through the kitchen and outside. Absently, he noted that Malik had finished building the brick grill on the back deck. It took up the whole left side. “What‟s up?” Miguel asked. “I want you to see what you can find out about Wilbur,” Tomas said, knowing Miguel would have access to more info since he was a cop. “And is Bernie in agreement with this?” Miguel sounded surprised.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 150 “He doesn‟t need to know. Unless you find out something about Wilbur. I don‟t like him just showing up like this. He claims that he received some letter and doesn‟t know who it‟s from,” Tomas said. “Really? Who would send him a letter?” “I don‟t think there was a letter. I think Wilbur found Bernie on his own. This letter is a convenient excuse.” “What do you think he wants?” Miguel asked. “He claims he wants to reconnect with his brother. But I don‟t know if that‟s true. Bernie is too trusting.” “I‟ll look into it and let you know what I find,” Miguel said. “Good. Can you also check to see if you find anything on Dillard?” “Sure. We‟ll look out for Bernie. Make sure this Wilbur isn‟t some kind of crook or out for something.” “Yeah. I‟m going to keep an eye on him,” Tomas said. They headed back inside. Wilbur was laughing with Bernie, Robert, and Alex. Wilbur looked over at Tomas. He smirked, then went back to talking with the men. “He and Bernie act like they‟ve never been apart. Wilbur fits in so easily,” Miguel said. Exactly. Too easily.

TOMAS drummed his thumb on the steering wheel. Humming with the radio, he was in a good mood. It was rare he had a Wednesday off. The job had wrapped up early for

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 151 the day. He was heading over to Bernie, who had stayed home for the day. His cell rang. Tapping his Bluetooth, he said, “Hello.” “Tomas, where are you?” Miguel sounded grim. “I‟ll be at Bernie‟s in ten minutes.” “Good. I‟ll meet you there,” Miguel said, hanging up. Tomas frowned. As far as he knew, Miguel was on duty. Tomas was surprised Miguel had found out anything so quickly since it had been five days, including Saturday, since he asked Miguel to check Bur and Dillard out. In moments, he pulled up in front of Bernie‟s. Miguel pulled up right behind him. Miguel got out of his squad car and came over to the truck. He got into the passenger side. “I checked into Wilbur. I don‟t know what he‟s into, but I got a call from a man named Francis who said he was Bur‟s solicitor. He said that if you wanted to know anything about Bur, to ask him directly. It was basically a warning to back off,” Miguel said. “What the hell?” Tomas scowled. “That‟s not all. Moments after that one, I got another call. Some woman told me Dillard didn‟t appreciate inquiries on his whereabouts. That if anyone was looking for him, to stop. She wouldn‟t tell me who she was. Just told me to stop, or she would report it to my superiors. Made it clear she was talking about the head of the police force. What the hell is going on? Who the hell are Bernie‟s brothers?” Miguel asked. “I don‟t know. If Dillard doesn‟t want to be found, then fine. But as for Wilbur, that I‟m going to find out,” Tomas promised.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 152 He hadn‟t actually seen or heard anything to match his suspicions that Wilbur was after more than renewing relations with his brother. Yet in his gut, he felt there was something off about Bur. Grabbing the bag next to him on the seat, he got out of his Avalanche. Miguel came over to him. “I‟ve gotta get back on duty. Call me with what you find out.” “I will.” Tomas waved and went up to the door. He tried the door, then shook his head when he found it unlocked. Going in, he went to the kitchen. Not spotting anyone, he went back out. Hearing voices, he went across the living room. Pausing, he placed the bag on the side table and then went down the hall toward Bur‟s room. “Get me some money?” Bur‟s voice said. Frowning, Tomas stood closer to the door. “Let me get my checkbook,” Bernie said. At the sound of his footsteps, Tomas stepped into the lab. He peeked out and saw Bernie turning into the living room. Tomas strode into Bur‟s room. Bur glanced up, startled. “I didn‟t know you were home.” “Obviously. How long have you been getting money from Bernie?” “I don‟t need money from Bernie,” Bur said. “Really? I heard you asking him for it.” “If you wanted to find out about me, you should ask me yourself.” Bur gave him a cool look.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 153 “How‟d you know I was having you checked out?” Tomas growled. “Ah… Miguel got the call. You didn‟t need to have him look into me. All you had to do was ask, and I would have told you.” “Why should I believe anything you say? What the hell are you into that you have a „solicitor‟ call to warn someone off? Christ, are you in the mob?” Tomas ran his hand through his hair. “What is your and Bernie‟s obsession with the mob?” Bur was exasperated. Tomas gawked. “Bernie knows you‟re a criminal?” “I‟m not a criminal. Here. This is who I am.” Bur took a CD off the nightstand and handed it to him. Tomas took it automatically. The title TrebleBur was on it, along with a photo of a band. The man in the middle was striking, with his porcelain skin and waist-length dark brown hair with red tips. Tomas looked at Bur. “What‟s this supposed to tell me?” “Look again.” Bur smiled. “What am I looking for?” Tomas growled, studying the CD cover. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the porcelainskinned man. He looked back and forth between the CD and Bur. “That‟s you?” he asked in disbelief. “When I was younger.” Bur smiled. “Yeah. You‟re so old at twenty-four.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 154 “Age is just a number. I‟ve lived a lot in nine years.” Bur‟s tone was solemn. “So you have an al—” Tomas stopped as he realized why Bur‟s name was so familiar. “You were on the top of all the world charts a few years ago. Then about three years ago, you up and retired. Simon was beside himself. He loved your music.” Tomas studied Bur. He was an international star, known for his powerful lyrics and ability to play any instrument like a master. Tomas thought about what Bernie had said. “You have a photographic memory too. Are you also smart?” Tomas asked. “I do. And I‟m just me.” Bur shrugged. “I can‟t believe this. Did they test your IQ?” “Yeah, I did. I don‟t want to talk about it,” Bur said uncomfortably. “How is it possible?” “I don‟t know. But I think our parents knew. I remember our parents wanted to enroll us in preschool when we were three. They were told we were too young, but they convinced them to let us try it out, and if we couldn‟t pick up what they were teaching, they would accept that. We picked it up and surpassed our classmates. The school wanted to test all of us. Our parents said no and pulled us from the school. We moved after that. They said it was because we were abnormal and they had to protect us before someone took us from them. It was another way for them to control us.” Bur was bitter. “Probably.” Tomas glanced at the CD, then back at him. “Being a star and all, why‟d you need money from Bernie?

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 155 Did you go broke? If money is why you‟re here, then leave. I‟m not letting you take advantage of him.” “He‟s not,” Bernie said. Once again, he hadn‟t heard Bernie. He didn‟t like being caught unaware, especially after learning he was mistaken. “He was asking you for money.” Tomas glanced to him. “Bur is going to help me pick out a car. I‟ll meet you at the car, Bur.” Bernie gave him the keys. Bur nodded, then left. Bernie stood in front of Tomas. “Bur isn‟t here for anything, except to be my brother.” “You‟re too trusting. He‟s probably broke and looking for a handout,” Tomas said. “He‟s not.” “How do you know that? Just because he says it doesn‟t mean it‟s true. He‟s after money.” “He is.” “See? I knew it. I‟m going to throw that little punk out.” Tomas headed for the door. Bernie stepped in front of him. “He‟s after giving me money.” “What?” Tomas scowled. “He gave me money,” Bernie said. “Oh. Okay. But what does he want for it?” Tomas asked suspiciously. “Nothing. I didn‟t want it, but he insisted. And I‟m glad I accepted. I‟m going to do what we talked about the other night. Something that will fulfill me and will help others. We‟ll talk about it later. I don‟t want to keep Robert and Alex

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 156 waiting. They‟re meeting us.” Bernie kissed Tomas, then left the room. Tomas followed him to the front door. “Why do you need so many people to buy a used car?” “Oh, I‟m not buying used. It‟ll be new.” Bernie kissed him again, then went out the front door. Tomas frowned. He stood on the porch as they drove away. Tapping the CD he held with his fingertips, he went back into the house. Pulling out his laptop, he booted up. Once in, he searched everything he could find on Bur and TrebleBur. Reading all the articles, Tomas scowled. There wasn‟t much media about Bur after he left the limelight three years ago. There was only mention of his numerous awards for songwriting. The list was extensive. He recognized a few of the songs from movies and musicians he liked. Since Bur had stopped performing, it was as if the media wasn‟t interested in him anymore. With his talent, that seemed strange. The fan forums still buzzed about him. They talked and loved the music he wrote for others, but wished he would start performing again. Closing the laptop, Tomas went into the living room. He put in the CD and sat on the chair. The first strains of the first song started. By the middle, he was sitting forward. At the end, Tomas wiped his eyes. Without being told, he knew it was a song for Bur‟s brothers. He had laid bare all the pain they had gone through. Tomas sat and listened to the whole album. By the end, he knew why Bur had been on the top. He was an artist. His voice was its own instrument, able to belt out powerful melodies, then go soft enough to make goose bumps break out on your skin.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 157 Leaning back, Tomas tried to understand why Bur would walk away from his music like that. There had to be a reason. Bur might be there to reconnect with Bernie, but Tomas still worried about what he was after. Tomas clicked on the TV and flipped until he found something that held his interest. He jerked, startled, as the doorbell rang. Glancing at the clock, Tomas realized it had been hours since Bernie and Bur went out. Standing, he went to the door. After checking the peephole, he pulled it open. “I said I would call you,” Tomas said. “I know. Robert said to meet him here.” Miguel shrugged. “What about you?” Tomas asked Hector. Hector shrugged. “Simon said to come here. I wouldn‟t want to miss your reaction. No clue what they‟re up to.” “He went too? How many of them went to buy this car?” Tomas asked. “Simon said Robert called him to join them. They needed another pair of hands,” Hector said. They went into the living room, and Tomas took his seat. “So why‟d I get a warning about Wilbur?” Miguel asked from where he sprawled on the couch beside him. “Hector, you‟ll recognize this.” Tomas pressed the remote. Hector rose abruptly from the chair. “That‟s it. He‟s the Bur. Oh my God. Simon will go apeshit.” “He‟s who?” Miguel asked.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 158 Hector filled him in. Tomas was impressed he knew so much. He had only learned about Bur when he looked him up. “So, he‟s a rock star. And you‟re a fan?” Miguel asked, bemused. “Simon loves his stuff. And I got hooked too,” Hector mumbled. “Sure. It was all Simon‟s fault,” Miguel teased. “Shut up. You‟re hooked on those damn science programs because of Robert,” Hector pointed out. “They‟re interesting,” Miguel defended. Tomas stood, laughing as they bickered back and forth. “Tell him, Tomas. Watching science programs isn‟t so bad,” Miguel said. “I wouldn‟t know,” Tomas admitted. “What? Bernie doesn‟t watch them?” Miguel frowned. “He didn‟t used to watch much TV until I got him into it.” “Please tell me you didn‟t get him hooked on SyFy,” Hector groaned. “It‟s good,” Tomas defended. “It is, but not with you yakking through the movie.” “But that‟s the good part. Bernie doesn‟t mind,” Tomas said smugly. “We can all see you‟ve corrupted Bernie,” Hector said. “Every chance I get.” “I don‟t want to know,” Hector and Miguel screamed together.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 159 Tomas laughed and looked out the window. “What the hell?” He frowned, then walked to the front door. Opening it, Tomas stared at the truck parked at the sidewalk. From commercials he had seen, he recognized the Silverado 3500HD. The brand-new blue truck shone in the sun. He turned his attention to a Toyota Sequoia, also gleaming. “Wow. Bernie bought two new cars.” Hector whistled. “Where is he?” Tomas asked Robert, Alex, Simon, and Bur, who were strolling up the walk. “He‟s coming,” Robert replied. “Can you believe Bernie‟s brother is Bur? I knew there was something familiar about Bernie,” Simon said. “I think you need to take a seat,” Alex said cheerfully. “I don‟t want a seat. How could you all let him convince Bernie to spend so much money? He can‟t afford this. It‟s your fault.” Tomas glared at Bur. “Damn right, it is. ‟Bout time Bernie had some fun.” Bur rocked back on his boots, smirking. Tomas opened his mouth. The sound of an engine made him shut it. His eyes widened. He recognized that sound. “You did not let him get a motorcycle!” Tomas roared at Robert. Robert leaned against Miguel, laughing. Alex slung an arm over Bur, chuckling. Bur‟s eyes twinkled. Simon snickered. Tomas cursed and rushed down the steps. His heart raced as visions of Bernie tripping over his feet filled his mind. He could only imagine what would happen to him on a motorcycle if he got nervous. The Harley pulled into the

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 160 drive. Bernie took off his helmet. He got off and stumbled. Tomas rushed forward, catching him. “That was awesome.” Bernie‟s eyes were alight. “You‟re not keeping the bike!” Tomas roared. “Of course not. It‟s Bur‟s,” Bernie replied. Tomas took a breath. “Why didn‟t you all tell him that?” Bernie glared at the men on the porch. “It was fun to watch him lose his shit,” Alex said. They all came off the porch. They crowded around the bike and cars. Tomas pulled Bernie back. “Why‟d you get two vehicles? How can you afford it?” Tomas asked. “See you later, Bur!” Bernie called. Tomas watched as Bur waved and took off on the bike. His brothers and their partners waved and left. “Come let me show you the truck.” Bernie pulled him to it. He opened the driver‟s side and gestured to Tomas. Tomas frowned but got in. Bernie jogged around to the other side and got in. “Do you like it?” Bernie sounded eager. “It‟s nice,” Tomas said. Bernie jumped up and down on the seat. “It‟s yours.” “What? You bought me a truck?” Tomas stared at the brand-new interior, then back at him. “You can‟t do that.” “I did. Happy anniversary?” “We just got together, so it‟s not our anniversary.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 161 “It‟s one of them.” Bernie smiled. “You can‟t use the trick Miguel did to give Robert a car. It won‟t work on me.” Tomas got out of the truck and slammed the door. He went up the walk, then up the steps. He heard Bernie behind him. Going into the living room, he turned to face him. “You can‟t just go spending money, just because Bur gave you a few bucks,” Tomas said. “Sit. Let me explain,” Bernie said. Tomas reluctantly sat. Bernie sat beside him, putting his hand on Tomas‟s leg. “As I mentioned earlier, I‟ve been talking with Bur, and we‟re going to set up a place to help others—a sort of a community center, which will also offer living facilities for people. We‟ll offer a place for anyone to come if they want to learn any number of professions, kids or teenagers who need a safe place. We plan to set up dorm-style living for the younger kids and cabins for adults.” “That sounds nice, Bernie, but that‟ll take a lot of funding, red tape, and a lot of other things. How are you all going to do that?” Tomas hated to dissuade him. “Well, Bur bought some property in the Westlake area.” “That‟s more ranching land,” Tomas said. “It is. He bought two adjoining spreads out there. And he‟s willing to donate one for the center. He did want to pay for everything—the building of what we need and so on—but I told him I‟d put in some of my money. He‟s still footing the majority of the bill, but I want to do my share.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 162 “What money?” “I told you Bur gave me some money.” “I know you mentioned it. But buying brand new cars is one thing. This sort of project needs lots of money.” “It does. But even investing some of the fifteen million dollars he gave me leaves me with a lot.” Bernie said it so matter-of-factly. “Fifteen million? He gave you fifteen million dollars?” Tomas gaped. “Yes. I took it with every intention of donating all the money to charity. But when you asked me what I desired to do, I decided to do this instead.” “You‟re a millionaire.” Tomas tried to wrap his head around what he was saying. “Don‟t say that.” Bernie‟s grimaced. “It‟s true.” Bernie shifted, pushing him back on the couch. He straddled him. Tomas automatically put his hand on his waist. “I want you to keep the truck.” “I don‟t want it. Take it back. Just like you wouldn‟t let me buy you a car, you can‟t get me one.” Tomas shook his head. “But it‟s for our anniversary.” “That lie still isn‟t flying with me.” “It‟s not a lie. Don‟t you know what today is?” Bernie asked.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 163 “It‟s the anniversary of the first day we met, when you told me you were thinking of a way to paralyze my vocal cords.” Tomas chuckled. “See? Anniversary of the first day we met. So a present is called for,” Bernie wheedled. “Not happening,” Tomas said. Bernie put his hand over his heart. “Let me do this for you, Tomas. Te amo.” His breath caught. Clearing his throat, Tomas replied, “Saying I love you to get me to keep the truck is not playing fair.” “Think of it as a gift for the first day we met, and when I first said I love you. I do, you know. Love you. I‟ve loved you a long time,” Bernie said. “Since when?” Tomas squeezed him. “I started to fall from that first night I cooked for you. You were so kind to me, although you tried to act like an ass. Since then, all those little moments when you showed you cared made me love you even more. I was just too afraid to admit it to you, or myself. I‟m not afraid anymore.” Bernie‟s voice was intense. “Te amo, Bernie,” Tomas replied. “Then you‟ll take the truck?” Bernie asked. “Yeah, I will.” “Good. Then we can use it to move me into your house,” Bernie said. “I don‟t remember asking you to move in,” Tomas teased.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 164 “Hey, you‟re the one who said we‟re moving slow by Rodriguez standards. I‟m speeding things up. We can move me in. Bur can use this place until his place in Westlake is built,” Bernie said. “Sounds good. I have a perfect room for your lab.” Tomas winked. “Good. Come let me show you the truck and my Sequoia. I‟ve always wanted a Sequoia,” Bernie urged. “Wait. Here. Open this.” Tomas handed him the bag on the table. “What‟s this?” Bernie frowned. “Sort of a gift for our anniversary,” Tomas said wryly. “Thought you said it wasn‟t one.” “Well… I planned on using today to get you to accept this, since I knew you would be stubborn about it. Now I don‟t have to. You‟ll have to take it, since I‟m taking the truck.” Tomas smiled smugly. Bernie gave him a dirty look. “Gloating is so not nice.” “I ain‟t nice.” Bernie opened the gift. He took out the Blackberry and Bluetooth. “Hopefully you‟ll give up the need to make me mute so I can talk to you.” “Nah, I won‟t do that. Might make you some brussels sprouts if you piss me off,” Bernie replied. He held up the phone. “Thanks for this. I‟ll read the booklet later for the tricks. Come let me show you the cars.” Bernie stood, tugging him up. Chuckling, Tomas followed him.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 165

TWO days later, Bernie stepped back and viewed the trays with snacks he had made for the movie night. He went to the fridge to get the drinks, but the doorbell rang. “I‟ll get it.” Bernie hurried from the kitchen to the front door. Pulling it open, he pulled Harper inside, hugging him. “Hey, Bernie. Brought some pastries from the shop. I can‟t wait to meet your brother,” Harper said, returning his hug. “Come on.” Bernie pulled him to the living room. “Bur, this is Harper. Harper meet Bur.” “He looks just like you.” Harper looked back and forth between them. “He looks like me,” Bur said. They laughed. “I‟m going to get the drinks before the others get here. No, you all sit. I‟ll get them,” Bernie said. He hurried into the kitchen. He readied the drinks. Mixing the iced tea, he cut up some lemons and put them in the pitcher. Making some more fixes to the tray of snacks, he then put the tea on a tray, along with some cups and sodas. He looked around to see if there was anything else he needed. He would come back for the snacks. Carrying the drinks, he went back into the living room. Putting the tray down, he looked at Bur in question. He had on his jacket, with his duffel by his feet.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 166 “Thanks for putting me up. Harper offered to let me stay with him for a bit.” Bernie looked at Harper, shocked. “I have the space,” Harper said. They headed for the door. Bernie followed, trying to think of something to say. Harper went out and down the steps. Bur paused in the doorway. “It‟ll be okay. Harper needs me. I‟ll be back for my things later,” Bur said. Bernie‟s gut clenched at the look in his eyes. It was the one that said he was about to create all sorts of mayhem. Bur winked and went down the stairs. He put his bag in Harper‟s 4Runner, then went to his Harley. In a second, they were pulling out of the drive. As they disappeared from view, Bernie bit his lip. Grabbing his cell, he pressed a button. The other end was picked up immediately. “Tomas… um… I think we have a problem.” “Bernie, what‟s wrong?” Tomas‟s tone was sharp. “Bur went to live with Harper.” “What do you mean he went to live with Harper?” Tomas demanded. “I went to the kitchen and came back. He had a bag and said he was going to live with Harper. And Harper just said he had the space,” Bernie said. “Ah… Christ. I‟ll be there in a few minutes.” Tomas hung up. Bernie rushed to get his shoes. He put them on and went outside to wait. Tomas drove up. He hurried down the steps and into the truck. Tomas pulled out.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 167 “I called Ramirez. I hope we get there before him. He was livid. That‟s all Harper needs… another body taking advantage of him.” “Bur wouldn‟t do that,” Bernie said. “He‟s only been here a week, and already he‟s creating problems,” Tomas snarled. Bernie didn‟t say anything else. They arrived at Harper‟s house not too long after. Ramirez screeched up. Tomas exited the car. Bernie rushed to follow them. “Calm down, Ramirez.” “Who is this fucker, thinking he could just move in with Harper? Hell, I didn‟t even know Bernie had a brother. Now he has two, and this Bur sounds like a pain in the ass. How the fuck did you let this happen, Bernie?” Ramirez demanded. Bernie opened his mouth. “Don‟t talk to him like that!” Tomas roared. “He‟s the reason that fucker is in there. I‟m going to evict this fucker who is your brother.” Ramirez snarled. He stomped up the walk. Bernie and Tomas followed him. The door opened before they could reach it. Harper‟s family ran out, carrying their bags. When they spotted them, they stopped. “Ramirez, he‟s lost his mind. He threw us out,” Leroy, Harper‟s brother, said. “Seems like he found it to me,” Ramirez said. “Damn right, I did. I don‟t want to see any of you again!” Harper bellowed.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 168 Bernie looked at him, shocked. His eyes narrowed as Bur came out and leaned next to the door. “You. This is because of you!” Leroy snarled, rushing Bur. Moving quickly, Bur knocked him on his ass. “Don‟t touch me, mate,” Bur growled. “Bur didn‟t do this. You did, with your selfishness. You have only been taking from me since Provenza died. It stops today. Leave.” Harper pointed. The rest of Harper‟s family picked up Leroy and sprinted down the walkway. Harper turned on Ramirez. “And you. Stop fucking acting like I‟m a child. I‟m an adult. Either be my friend or you can leave too.” Harper turned and went back into the house. “I take it you‟re Gerald. You really need to stop acting like an ass.” Bur smirked. Ramirez took a step toward him. Tomas held him back. “Go home, Gerald!” Harper called from inside. Bur strolled into the house, closing the door. Ramirez growled, shrugging Tomas off. Bernie bit his lip. “What the fuck?” Ramirez asked. “You heard Harper. Go home, Ramirez,” Tomas said. “And leave him alone with him?” Ramirez sneered. “Do whatever you want,” Tomas said. He turned and held Bernie‟s hand, pulling him down the walk. “But, we can‟t just leave them there.” Bernie looked back at Ramirez standing glaring at the door.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 169 “Let them work it out,” Tomas said. He held open the truck door. Bernie looked back, then got in the truck. Tomas got into the driver‟s side. As Tomas drove away, Bernie worried his lip. A little while later, they pulled up in front of the condo. “I don‟t feel right, leaving Bur there with Ramirez,” Bernie said. “Your brother can take care of himself,” Tomas said. Bernie bit his lip. Tomas kissed him. Bernie sighed, gripping his shoulders until Tomas released him. “How long will it take to pack and move you into our home?” “Our. I like the sound of that,” Bernie said. “Me too. Let‟s get you packed,” Tomas said. He got out and came around to Bernie‟s door. Tomas opened his door and lifted him out, putting him over his shoulder. “You‟re a little eager to pack.” “That comes later. Much later.” Tomas closed the door and strode up the walk. Bernie laughed and bit him on the butt. Tomas yelped, then growled. “Wait until we‟re naked for that,” Tomas purred. Bernie‟s eyes widened, and then he grinned. “I‟m gonna hold you to that.” “Definitely.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 170

Chapter Eight A

FOOT pushed under his bent leg. Bernie glanced over at

Tomas, sprawled on the couch next to him. The familiar thrill he always got when he looked at Tomas filled him. Since he didn‟t have that much furniture and big items at the condo, moving him in to Tomas‟s house had been fairly easy. They had packed his stuff, completed the move in less than a day, and by the third week of June, he was living with Tomas. Once he‟d moved in, they had worked on melding their lives together. Living under the same roof had taken some adjustments on both of their parts. The last month had been idyllic, and they had gotten to know each other even better. “Did you need something?” Bernie smiled. “Nope… just sitting here watching TV.” Tomas didn‟t remove his gaze from the TV. Bernie put his laptop on the table. He put his hand on Tomas‟s leg. Tomas‟s thigh muscle clenched. He walked his fingers up Tomas‟s leg. Tomas spread his thighs, sliding one behind Bernie‟s back. Moving up, Bernie ran his hands up the front of his jeans. Tomas caught his hands. Bernie raised his gaze. The need was plain on his face and in his eyes. “Want you. Come here.” Tomas‟s voice was raspy. Tomas pulled him up onto his knees. He pulled down Bernie‟s sweats and underwear. Bernie leaned on him, raising his hips as he pushed them off. Kicking them off, he

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 171 rubbed against Tomas‟s clothed body. Tomas tugged him closer. “In my mouth,” Tomas demanded. He gripped Bernie‟s ass. Bernie rose up, putting one leg on the floor. He unbuttoned his shirt as he gripped his cock and bumped it against Tomas‟s lips. Tomas opened them, making an “O.” Reaching the last button, Bernie braced a hand on the top of the couch, shivering. Tomas sucked just the spongy head of his cock. Bernie hissed. Tomas opened wider, suckling. Bernie thrust. Tomas moaned, taking him deeper into the wet cavern of his mouth. Groaning, Bernie clenched his ass, pushing into Tomas‟s mouth. Tomas swirled his tongue on Bernie‟s rod. His hands cupped Bernie‟s ass, pulling him against his face. Bernie stumbled, catching himself with his other hand. Tomas whimpered and sucked him hard, his fingers clenching, digging into Bernie‟s ass. Tomas pulled Bernie forward, going back and forth on him. Bernie stared at his hollowed cheeks and at his face, etched with desire. Tomas raised his gaze. The heat in his eyes made Bernie‟s breath catch. Tomas kept his eyes locked with Bernie‟s as he sucked him. The sight of those lips on his cock, and the feel of the wetness of Tomas‟s mouth, made the base of Bernie‟s spine tingle. His balls drew up. Tomas made a noise in his throat, making his shaft vibrate. Bernie arched and grunted as his dick pulsed, releasing cum into Tomas‟s hot mouth. Tomas worked his mouth, sucking it all down. Gasping, Bernie gripped the couch. Tomas‟s insistent hands pulled Bernie down against him. He kissed Bernie. Bernie swiped his tongue inside Tomas‟s mouth, tasting himself. Tomas moved him off him,

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 172 then stood. He unbuckled his pants and pushed them off. He kicked them off and stripped off his T-shirt. Tomas maneuvered Bernie against the arm of the chair. Bernie braced his hands on the armrest. A blunt head pushed at his hole. Widening his stance, Bernie hissed at the feel of Tomas filling him. Tomas thrust fast and urgently. Bernie held onto the couch, pushing back against him.

TOMAS watched the flex of Bernie‟s back as he pushed onto his cock. Gripping his hips, Tomas jerked him back and forth. Thrusting faster and faster, Tomas pushed his leg under Bernie‟s braced on the floor, widening him. “You like fucking me like this… harder, baby.” Bernie moaned wildly. Tomas curled his body over Bernie‟s back, bracing his hands over Bernie‟s. Lacing their fingers together, he pistoned into him. Bernie‟s breath hitched and his body shuddered. His ass clamped down onto Tomas‟s erection. Tomas groaned and came. Shuddering, he worked his hips as his cum jetted from him into Bernie. Breathing hard, he withdrew and collapsed back on the couch. He tugged Bernie into his arms. Bernie‟s back quivered as he leaned against Tomas‟s chest. Bernie shifted, straddling his lap. Bernie sighed, resting against him. Tomas closed his eyes, listening to Bernie‟s breathing. “Tomas, you can‟t go to sleep. We have to leave for the poker game in an hour,” Bernie whispered. “I‟m not sleeping yet, kid. We can miss it and go to bed,” Tomas replied sleepily.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 173 Bernie poked him in the chest. “Not a kid.” “Habit, honey.” He grabbed his finger and kissed it, then flattened Bernie‟s hand on his chest. “We can‟t miss it. I want to make sure Bur is okay after our session,” Bernie said. Tomas opened his eyes. Bernie was worrying his lip with his teeth. He ran his hand over Bernie‟s naked back. The brothers had started therapy a few weeks ago. Whenever they had a session, Tomas could tell how it went by one or two things. After a good session, Bur came by for a few hours and hung out. After bad or emotional ones, Bur spent the night. They had a room set up for Bur. On those nights, Bur and Bernie slept together. This past Wednesday‟s session had seemed to be a bad one. Bur stayed for two days. He and Bernie had been sullen and withdrawn. “How are you doing?” Tomas asked. Bernie put his hand on Tomas‟s chest, resting his chin on it. His nose wrinkled, and he bit his lip. There was a look of concentration on his face. “Talking about it is helping. The therapist‟s suggestion that we have joint and individual sessions is a good idea. Bur… has a few things he needs to work out himself. And so do I. It‟d be easier. It‟s just… not being able to find Dillard that‟s making us antsy. Bur is frustrated about his investigators not turning up anything. What if he‟s dead? If they did something to him? It‟d be my fault.” Aggravation colored his voice. “No, it wouldn‟t. It‟d be theirs,” Tomas said firmly. “I know… that‟s what the therapist said. I have to acknowledge that nothing that happened is my fault. I‟m

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 174 trying to see that… but… sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had just said something.” Bernie‟s shoulders slumped. Tomas rubbed his back. Tension slowly eased out of Bernie‟s body. “Sorry for dumping this on you.” “Stop that. This is why I‟m here. We‟re a couple. So if you need to talk, cry, or scream, I‟m here,” Tomas said. “I know. And I‟m here if you need someone to hold your hand when you go to the doctor for your yearly physical. And you are going. No more canceling.” Bernie narrowed his eyes. “Alejandro is a blabbermouth. And I do plan on going. Eventually.” Tomas grinned sheepishly. “I made an appointment for Monday.” Tomas opened his mouth. “And I had Sheldon shuffle your schedule, so the excuse that you‟re working won‟t work,” Bernie warned. Tomas closed his mouth and pursed his lips. He tried to come up with an excuse. Finally, he sighed. “There is no escape from the appointment. I‟m taking you.” Bernie smirked, then patted his cheek. “That‟s not necessary. I know you‟re busy working with Bur to get things organized for the center. I‟ll go by myself,” Tomas protested. “I‟ve already talked with Bur. He‟ll take the meeting while I take you to the doctor, which I‟m glad for. We‟ve been bogged down in all the red tape and crap to get up and running. Hopefully, we can break ground for the center soon.” Bernie frowned.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 175 Bernie and Bur had been working hard to get everything together to get the center started. Bernie had been juggling that with taking special exams to get his master‟s degree and PhD in science. When they had tested him, what Bernie believed had been proven true. His IQ was genius level, and he could read any size book in mere minutes and remember each word. When he had talked with the dean of students at Mapson University, they had agreed to give him an accelerated degree if he could complete all the course work and dissertation. Unbeknownst to any of them, Bernie had already done his thesis and was ahead in his master‟s courses for his degree program. For some time, Bernie had been working on the other courses he hadn‟t taken yet for his master‟s. He‟d provided his dissertation and worked hard with the committee through the process of getting it ready for submission. It had taken many late nights and hard work, but in a few weeks, Bernie had finished the rest of the course work and was just waiting for the actual finals as well as waiting to hear back on the submission of his thesis. There was no doubt in Tomas‟s mind he would pass, and thus get his degrees in August. “You will, honey.” “And we will be taking you to the doctor for your physical on Monday,” Bernie stated. “Okay, kid.” Tomas pouted. “Not a kid. Come on. We need to get ready for the game.” Bernie got off his lap and stood. He held out his hand for Tomas. Tomas took it, standing. They went up the stairs to their bedroom. As he dressed, Tomas chuckled at Bernie, who stumbled getting into his pants. Bernie grabbed a baggy shirt from their closet

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 176 and shrugged into it. He pulled out another and came over to Tomas. Bernie held open the shirt. Tomas turned and Bernie helped him into it. Bernie smoothed it over his shoulders, then turned Tomas to face him. He buttoned it. Bernie ran his finger down the center of Tomas‟s throat. Tomas held his finger. “Stop it, or we won‟t make it to poker,” Tomas warned. “Stop what?” Bernie gave him an innocent look. “Trouble.” Tomas nipped his finger, then released it. Bernie laughed. They finished dressing and left. Tomas escorted Bernie with his palm against the small of his back through the door of Miguel and Robert‟s house. They had barely cleared the doorway before they were accosted. “Did you read the latest J. D. Robb?” Malik demanded. “Yep. Took me ten minutes to read it. Tomas kept distracting me.” Bernie smirked. “Ten minutes. You know I hate you for being able to read that fast. But I‟ll like you again if you tell Harper he‟s wrong. We need your memory for details. I don‟t trust Bur not to side with Harper. You remember that scene….” Malik‟s voice faded as he pulled Bernie with him. “Hello to you too, Malik!” Tomas called. Malik flapped his hand as he continued to pull Bernie over to the group that included Harper, Robert, Simon, Alex, and Bur. They joined the circle of men and started talking heatedly. Tomas rolled his eyes and went over to get a beer. Grabbing one, he leaned against the wall by Alejandro, Miguel, and Hector. He drank some of his beer. “Look at the little fucker, acting like he owns Harper,” Ramirez growled as he came and stood beside him.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 177 “I don‟t want to hear it,” Tomas retorted. “Just because he‟s some supposed star”—Ramirez sneered—“doesn‟t mean he can act like he‟s Mr. Know-It-All.” “Yeah. That‟s your job,” Tomas said dryly. “I don‟t know why you‟ve all just seemed to accept him. Just because he‟s Bernie‟s brother doesn‟t mean shit. He isn‟t much of anything since he retired. Who the hell retires at twenty-four?” Ramirez hissed. “I‟m tired of hearing you whine about Bur. He‟s staying with Harper. If you have an issue, take it up with Harper or Bur,” Tomas said impatiently. “I can‟t talk to either one of them. Harper is unreasonable when I say anything. And Bur gets that little arrogant smirk that makes me want to punch him,” Ramirez snarled. “Did I hear my name? Hey, Gerald.” Bur‟s cool British accent sounded cheerful. Ramirez glared, then stomped away. Bur snickered. Tomas raised his bottle and drank some more. “Can I talk to you?” Bur asked. Something in his tone made Tomas uneasy. “Sure.” Tomas led the way as they went through the kitchen and onto the back patio. He leaned against the rail. Bur stood with his booted feet braced apart. “I‟ve found Dillard. Well, more like he‟s found me. Some woman called and said he wanted to see me and Bernie,” Bur said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 178 “When Miguel was told to back off, he got a call from a woman too. When and where does he want to meet you?” Tomas frowned. “Tomorrow morning at ten. Don‟t know the address yet. She said she‟d be back in touch with the address. Can you take us?” Bur asked. “Like there was any doubt of that. I‟m not letting you or Bernie go without me. Harper can come if you want,” Tomas said. “Nah, that‟s okay.” Bur shook his head, hunching. “Doesn‟t he know?” Tomas frowned. “He knows I found Dillard. But… not about the other stuff. That I‟m in therapy. There‟s no reason for him to know.” Bur shrugged. “Harper‟s a good listener.” “He doesn‟t need my shit.” Bur lowered his gaze. In his doing that, Tomas saw Bernie. His heart softened. Bur reminded him of himself—arrogant and opinionated. In the last few weeks, Tomas had seen that Bur genuinely cared about Harper, and they had developed a close friendship. Bur was the one who convinced Harper to come to the poker games and hang out with the guys again. He‟d fixed the rift between Malik and Harper by getting Harper to stop pushing Malik away and finally talk with him. He‟d even put up with Ramirez being an ass. Well… he‟d taunted Ramirez, but when Harper was ready to cut Ramirez out of his life, Bur had convinced him not to. Tomas knew this because he‟d seen Bur do it. It had shocked the hell out of him. But Bernie had explained that Bur wanted what made Harper happy.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 179 “Maybe someday you‟ll think differently. I‟m a good listener too.” He put his hand on Bur‟s shoulder and squeezed. Bur glanced at him, shocked. “Why would you want to listen to me?” “You‟re Bernie‟s brother. And although you‟re sort of a jerk, I like that. Don‟t let that go to your head. I still want to kick your ass half the time,” Tomas grumbled. “I feel the same way too. Yet the fantasies of my kicking your ass fill my dreams. I get all giddy with it.” Bur laughed. “We‟ll chuckled.

have

to

compare

them

sometime.”

Tomas

Bur sobered and then said, “Do you think Dillard hates me? Us?” “Even if he does, you and Bernie have each other. And my family is there for you both. The men inside the house are your friends. They‟ll be there for you all too.” Tomas gripped his shoulder. “Even Ramirez?” Bur smiled, a devilish curl of his lips. “Even him. Although he might act like a bear about Harper, he‟s someone who will help you if you need it.” “Hmmm… contemplative.

that‟s

good

to

know.”

Bur

looked

The sound of footsteps made Tomas look up. “What‟s going on?” Bernie looked suspicious. Bur glanced at Tomas with apprehension. “Come here, honey,” Tomas said, opening his arms. “Oh boy. This must not be good,” Bernie said, coming over to him.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 180 Bur stood behind Bernie, and Tomas saw the unease in Bernie‟s gaze. “We‟ve found Dillard,” Tomas said gently. Bernie stiffened. “Is he dead?” Tomas studied the lines of strain on Bernie‟s features. When he had told Bernie and Bur about the woman and the message from Dillard, Bernie had seemed to accept it. Bur, on the other hand, had hired investigators to find Dillard. With each report of no leads, Bur had become more determined to find something, but Bernie had started to lose hope of finding Dillard. Even though Tomas had told him often that it would be fine, Bernie had convinced himself the worst had happened. “No. He wants to see us tomorrow,” Bur said softly. “Do you think he hates us?” Bernie turned to Bur. Bur hugged him tightly and said, “As a certain smartass pointed out, even if he does, we have family.” “Tomas is smart, and an ass.” Bernie chuckled. “Hey. I resemble that remark,” Tomas quipped. “At least you admit it,” Bernie said. “No matter what happens tomorrow, you have me. You both do.” Tomas hugged Bernie, pulling Bur in with him. They snuggled into his side.

THE next day, Tomas glanced at Bernie sitting in the passenger side of the vehicle. Bernie was sitting quietly, staring at the passing scenery. He had been very withdrawn

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 181 since they had told him about Dillard wanting to see them. A hand appeared beside his shoulder. Without looking at Bur sitting in the backseat, Tomas took the paper with the address from him. He read the address. Frowning, Tomas said, “I know that address.” Bernie looked at him sharply. “You do?” “Yeah.” Tomas gritted his teeth. “How?” Bur demanded from the back seat. “We did their landscaping a few months ago.” He drove to the address. Tomas got out of the car and joined Bernie and Bur, facing the house. The landscaping job he had done on the challenging house looked good. It had turned out even better than the plans he had come up with. They walked up the driveway, then up the slight incline to the steps to the door. As they reached it, it opened. “Nice to see you again, Tomas. And you must be Bernie and Wilbur. Come in,” Megan said, gesturing. “What the hell is going on?” Tomas glared at her. Megan was unfazed. “If you‟ll come this way, it will be explained.” Megan stepped back into the house and walked away. They followed her. Tomas clenched and unclenched his fist. Bernie put his hand over it, and Tomas laced his fingers with Bernie‟s. Megan stopped in a doorway. Entering, they didn‟t see anyone. A sound made them glance to the left. A glass door slid open, and a figure stepped in from outside. The lanky man strolled toward them in a relaxed gait. He was in jeans and a T-shirt, yet a feeling of power was in his carriage. When he was close, the man pushed back the

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 182 shades holding back his shaggy brown hair. The features were identical to Bernie‟s, but those pale green eyes were shrewd, not missing anything. “Tomas, it‟s good to see you again,” Dillard said. “We‟ve never met, Dillard. Or is it Del?” Tomas glanced at Megan. “He prefers Del.” She smiled a small grin. “We‟ve met a few times,” Del replied. Tomas studied the man. “I don‟t remember meeting you.” Bernie‟s hand was tight on his. Tomas squeezed his hand gently. Del looked down at their clasped hands, then back at his face. “Think of a gangly kid asking lots of questions about seven years ago.” Del‟s smile was smug. Tomas studied him, eyes narrowed. A tickling of a memory came to him. “The sponge,” Tomas said. “Yep. I learned a lot that summer.” Del laughed. Tomas explained to Bernie and Bur. “It was when we did Jerrod‟s property about seven years ago. He was always going away on business. One time, he came back with this really skinny beanpole. Shy thing, until Jerrod got him working with us. Then he wouldn‟t shut up asking questions. He remembered everything we said. Hell, even came back some days after doing research on the Internet. Kept us on our toes with what he knew.” Tomas looked back at Del. “How‟d you know about Bernie? You used Jerrod to

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 183 have us take the job. What? Were you trying to get close to Bernie?” “No one uses Jerrod. Jerrod is the one who came to me, about a year ago, demanding to know why I hadn‟t told him I had a twin brother. I told him I was a triplet, and asked how he‟d known about my brother. He filled me in on this man he met through Tomas—a good friend. I couldn‟t believe it. After all these years.” Del shook his head. “Why didn‟t you just come to me?” Bernie asked softly. Tomas held his trembling hand tighter. “You weren‟t even supposed to know I was here. Except, as usual, the mid-bro couldn‟t keep out of things. Had to keep digging. You just had to ride in and stir things up, right, Wilbur?” Del sighed. “Then you shouldn‟t have sent me the letter, you manipulative fucker,” Bur replied. Tomas looked at him in shock. “It had to be him,” Bur said. “He always liked to control shit. This is just like when we were kids. He‟d find a way to make things his way and convince you that was what you wanted all the time.” “I don‟t do that anymore, except when it comes to my business dealings. And I‟m not the one who had to come in boots stomping, inserting himself and handing out money.” Del‟s tone was mild. “So how much money did you set aside for us?” Bur‟s tone was snide. “This isn‟t about me.” Del‟s tone was still mild. “Always your response,” Bur said.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 184 “Brat.” “Whiner.” Bur sneered. Bernie pulled Tomas back and led him into the hall. “I need to talk with them alone. Pull the big-brother card. They tend to bicker.” Bernie glanced at Megan. “Is there somewhere he can wait for us?” “Yes,” Megan said. “Are you sure?” Tomas cupped his cheek. “I am. Te amo,” Bernie said, kissing him softly. “Okay. Come find me if you need me.” Tomas didn‟t want to leave him, but it was Bernie‟s choice. “It‟s okay.” Bernie squeezed his hand. Megan walked away. He followed her, glancing back at Bernie. Bernie smiled at him, then went back toward the living room, where Bur and Del were still bickering. Megan led Tomas to the back patio. She sat, and Tomas took the chair across from her. “I don‟t appreciate being used,” Tomas growled. “I don‟t give a fuck what you feel.” Megan‟s tone was cool. “If Del is planning to fuck with them, I don‟t care who he is. I will bury him.” Tomas leaned his elbows on the table. “Better men than you have tried. And all failed.” Megan sounded snotty. “He must be paying you a lot to instill such loyalty,” Tomas sneered. “He doesn‟t have to pay me.” “You‟re his assistant.”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 185 “He‟s retired, leaving me the CEO of his holdings,” Megan said flatly. “So the assistant thing was a ruse too. You people—” “What? I needed to make sure you were the right man for Bernie.” Tomas sat back in shock. “Excuse me?” “Despite what you think, Tomas, Del has his brother‟s best interest at heart. And he wanted to see what sort of man his brother was involved with. It just happened to work out that your company is the best landscaper in the area, which gave me an opportunity to work with you. To get a feel and see the sort of person you were up close. If I felt you were not right for Bernie, I would have told Del.” “And what the hell could he have done?” “He would have ruined your business and reputation until no one would give you work. Then those of your family. And that‟s only for starters. It‟s a good thing you‟re a good man. And before you ask, no, he is not a criminal. He‟s just a very powerful man who you don‟t want to fuck with.” Megan smiled viciously, stood, and went into the house. Tomas breathed out. “I hope Bernie is okay.”

BERNIE leaned in the doorway as his brothers traded barbs. His heart ached with how familiar it was. Bur provoked, and Del was calm. Bernie went over to them. He gripped the back of each of their heads and squeezed. “Knock it off,” he said affectionately.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 186 Del glanced at him cautiously. Bernie released Bur and pulled Del into his arms. Bur‟s hands slid over Bernie‟s, caging Del between them. He was stiff, not returning the hug. Then suddenly, Del shuddered. “You don‟t hate me, Bernie?” Del‟s voice sounded lost. “I could never hate you,” Bernie said. “You should. I left you there.” Guilt colored Del‟s tone. “You did what you had to do. I didn‟t protect you,” Bernie said softly. “I hope therapy gets you over that guilt,” Del said. “How‟d you know about that?” Bernie glanced at him, shocked. “I like to know things.” Del smiled slyly. “Controlling,” Bur griped. “Beats bulldozing,” Del countered. “Before you all get started again, can we enjoy the moment of us being together?” “Sorry, Bernie,” Del and Bur said together. He laughed at their contrite tones. They had always said the same thing when they were kids. “Come on. Sit. I want to know all about what you all were up to. About this community center you all are working on getting off the ground. Triumvirate is a good name for it. I‟ve never forgotten what we called each other.” Del touched the leather band around his wrist and smiled softly. Bernie studied the band, curious. It was a beautiful band of braided rope, and in the center was a flat piece of what looked like leather with some sort of writing on it. It wasn‟t in any language he had ever seen. “What does it say?”

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 187 “Not something I can share yet,” Del replied. Bernie raised his gaze, pushing down his shirt showing his tattoo. Del mirrored him, showing the tattoo identical to his own. Bernie heard shuffling beside him. He looked over at Bur and saw he was also showing his. “Brothers,” they all said together. They hugged each other silently for a bit. Del spoke first. “You‟re not going to have to use so much of your money for Triumvirate. I‟ve got some donors lined up.” “Controlling,” Bur griped. They disentangled and sat on the floor, legs crossed under them, forming a triangle. “We‟ll be glad for your help. Right, Bur?” Bernie stressed. “Yeah, yeah. Help and all that. Why didn‟t you want us to find you?” Bur demanded. “I thought it best not to let Bernie know I was in Mapson. He made a life here, and I didn‟t want to disturb it.” Del paused briefly glancing between the two of them, then continued. “And after I sent you the note telling you about our parents, I knew you would at least find Bernie. The two of you would have each other,” Del said softly. “We need you too,” Bernie insisted. It was just like Del—always thinking of others before himself and thinking he wasn‟t needed. Del gave his all when he loved you, but never expected anything in return. “Butthead,” Bur said affectionately, cupping the back of Del‟s head.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 188 Bur cupped Bernie‟s head too, and pulled them together. They rested their heads on each other‟s, breathing together. Bernie sighed, breathing deeply. After a few moments, they sat back. “Did you ever plan on telling us you were visiting Mapson?” Bernie asked. “He always misses the obvious,” Bur said. “Yeah. That hasn‟t changed.” “What‟s so obvious?” Bernie pouted. “Do you really think he set up this place for a visit?” Bur gestured to the room. “Okay. So he‟s living here,” Bernie grumbled. “Yes. I‟m in Mapson permanently,” Del acknowledged. Bernie was elated, but both Bur and Del moving here seemed a little convenient. Suddenly, it dawned on him why. “They‟ll be coming looking for me,” Bernie whispered. When Bur first arrived and mentioned he had been giving their parents money because of him but stopped because they had duped him about Bernie‟s location, it hadn‟t dawned on him then. But now it registered that the reason they had come after him to bring him back was at the time, they wanted the money Bur had been giving them to keep coming. It had, and they left him alone because of it. He knew how his parents thought. Bur‟s money was basically payment for leaving him alone. They had no need for him. As long as they had money, they had no reason to pursue him. Now that they were cut off, they would come after him.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 189 “No. They‟ll be coming after me, because of the money. I cut them off.” Bur sounded certain. “You‟re both wrong. They‟ll be coming for me. I cut them off too,” Del said. “What? You were paying them too?” Bernie cried. “Yes. After I left, I picked the pocket of a powerful man. Jerrod, instead of turning me in, showed me how to make money. Once he figured out what I could do, he fed my knowledge and gave me the tools. I took them, making us both lots of money. I set it up for them to get money for you, Bernie. I eventually left Jerrod‟s businesses, then went out on my own and made even more money. Until a year ago, I thought they had done as I wanted and taken care of you, Bernie. Once I found out they hadn‟t, I cut them off, then found Bur to tell him, too, as Bur already figured out. I sent him a letter anonymously.” Del‟s voice went cold. “Money can be a powerful motivator, but they‟ll be coming for me because I did the one thing they always feared.” At the icy look on his face and in his eyes, Bernie shivered. Bur stared at Bernie, then back at Del. “What did you do?” “I exposed them for the monsters they are.” Del closed his eyes, then opened them. They were bleak. “We have brothers. Twins. They‟re six. They did… the same thing to them they did to us.” “No… that‟s not possible. I was in the house. She wasn‟t pregnant. Couldn‟t have been.” Bernie shook his head. “I looked into it. She was when they almost… killed you.” Del‟s voice quivered with rage. “For that alone, I could kill them.” Del drew a breath, then continued. “My

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 190 investigators gathered evidence against them, and my lawyers gave it to the Frances, Connecticut, DA yesterday. They were arrested this morning. The investigators are still trying to find out what they did with Olivia‟s body. Until there is some proof of her being dead, the DA can‟t prosecute them for her death.” “They need to be punished for what they did to her, too. When they find her body, we‟re going to give her a proper funeral. Show her that we love her.” Bernie‟s throat was tight. His brothers nodded, their faces showing pain as he was sure his was. Bernie cleared his throat, then asked. “What about our brothers? What are their names?” “Humphrey and Darwin. They‟re on their way here. I‟m their legal guardian,” Del replied. Bernie stood, stumbling away. “I left them there with them. Oh my God. That‟s why they said I should come home to protect my brothers when they came to see me in the hospital. I thought they were talking about the two of you. But you were long gone. I should have gone back.” “You didn‟t know.” Del gripped him. “I should have gone back.” Bernie shook his head wildly. “For what? To die?” Bur spat. “If I had to.” “What about Tomas? If you hadn‟t left, you wouldn‟t have found him,” Del said. “And wouldn‟t have found us again, or be here for our little brothers now. What good would that have done? We need to be here for them.” “For them,” Bernie said furiously.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 191 “For them,” Bur and Del echoed. Bernie took a shuddering breath, and then his face firmed. “We‟re going to get them the help they need. We‟ll open Triumvirate, and help people who don‟t feel they have anyone to turn to. As for our parents, if they‟re stupid enough to come here, we‟ll handle it together.” “Together,” Bur said. “They‟ll pay,” Del said, his tone leaking power. “They will.” Bernie smiled grimly. He walked out of the room. Spotting Megan, he asked, “Where‟s Tomas?” She pointed. Her face was sympathetic. Bernie went where she‟d gestured. Going to the back patio, he noted Tomas was standing, looking out at the lake. He walked toward him. Tomas turned to him. His eyes were probing. Tomas opened his arms. Bernie ran to him and gripped him fiercely. Tomas sank to his knees and held him, rocking him. Bernie sobbed. The thought of two more boys living with what they had tore at his heart. “What did you all do to him?” Tomas roared. Bernie glanced up, startled. He looked back and saw Del and Bur standing close to them. Bernie turned to Tomas. “They didn‟t do anything.” Bernie filled him in quickly on what he had learned. “Your brothers are away from them. That‟s a good thing. As for them coming here for Del, well they‟ll find they can‟t fuck with family.” Tomas‟s expression was grim. “You don‟t even like Bur, or know Del.” Bernie was shocked.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 192 “Bur is growing on me. Del… well, we‟ll have a chat about his manipulation. None of that matters more than you. They are your family. Humphrey and Darwin too. So they‟re mine. Te amo, Bernie,” Tomas said fiercely. “I love you too, Tomas.” Bernie kissed him softly, then drew back. “Now, we need to plan what we‟ll do when they come. And you all need to work on Triumvirate to help people.” Tomas stood, pulling Bernie with him. They headed into the house to plan.

BERNIE took a breath, shaking his head. Since reconnecting with Del, the rest of July to now, the middle of August, had passed in a blur. He‟d completed everything to get his degrees, and the ceremony would be in about two weeks, at the end of August. Tomas and he had already had their own private celebration. His brothers were overjoyed with his accomplishment. Having his brothers back was surreal. The three of them had clicked as they always did. He and Bur already had plans laid out for today to be a small ceremony to start off the center; however, with Del included, it had taken on even bigger proportions than they‟d planned. When Del had stated they needed to make a splash about the center to let everyone know about it, including those who they eventually planned to help, they hadn‟t thought it was possible in the time they had to get such an event set up. They had forgotten how Del was when he got his mind set on something. He was relentless. Age and time

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 193 had only made him even more so. Del was a dynamo with arranging what Bernie and Bur had thought would be impossible. Between both Bur and Del‟s connections and the funding Del had lined up, they were well on their way. “You‟ll be okay, kid,” Tomas said. “Not a kid,” Bernie said automatically. “Habit, honey.” Tomas smirked. Bernie ignored him. He ran his hand down the side of his pants. “Triumvirate,” Bur said. “Triumvirate,” Del echoed. “Deuce,” two voices added. Looking at the solemn faces of Humphrey and Darwin, Bernie went to his knees and straightened their ties. “Luv ya, Bernie,” Humphrey and Darwin said together. Bernie hugged them tightly. They snuggled against him, clinging. In the two weeks since they had come to Mapson, the boys had opened up. They clung to him, Del, Bur, and Tomas, but were shy around others. The boys had a long way to go, but Bernie knew they would thrive. They all would make sure of it. He withdrew and brushed back their brown curls. “Are you ready to go out there?” “Yes,” they answered simultaneously. Bernie stood. The boys went to Del, standing at his side and taking his hand together. Del squeezed their hands. Bernie tugged Tomas with him as he pushed open the curtain. Walking up to the mike, Bernie released his hand. Immediately his gaze was drawn to the cameras at the back

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 194 of the gathering. He knew there was both televised and print press scattered around. Bernie focused on the crowd just below where he stood. He battled back tears, looking at their family below. Tomas‟s family had taken him in, making him their own. They had embraced his brothers, too, although Del and Bur were more cautious about being around them. He understood, since he had been the same when he first started becoming part of the family. Mami and Papi both had a proud look on their faces. The rest of the large extended family, which included the friends they had, all looked proud and supportive. Most had already volunteered to help any way they could. They didn‟t even know how personally linked this center was to him and his brothers. They offered their help because in their eyes, they were family. He hadn‟t revealed to any of them about the abuse from his parents. He probably never would give all the details. Tomas had filled in Miguel and some of the family that there was possible trouble coming for him and his brothers without giving too much detail. They would be vigilant about the possibility of them coming, but not let them interfere with them living their lives. Gripping the podium, he looked out at the sea of people sitting below the elevated stage, with the vivid green land behind them. “Welcome, everyone. August thirteenth is a special day for my brothers Dillard, Wilbur, and me. It‟s our birthday. It was a hard road to get to this day, but we are here, and we survived. With our little brothers Humphrey and Darwin, we want to offer people a place to go, no matter what. That is why today, with the first shovel of dirt, we start the journey that will give birth to Triumvirate Deuce.” Bernie stepped back.

Sparks | Talia Carmichael 195 The sound of the backhoe starting filled the air. Bernie reached for Tomas‟s hand. He hissed, jerking back as a shock stung him. Bernie looked at Tomas. “We‟re electric, honey.” Tomas winked. “Sparks flying all over the place,” Bernie said, taking his hand and lacing his fingers with Tomas‟s. “Te amo, Bernie.” Tomas lifted his hand and kissed it. “Te amo, Tomas,” Bernie whispered.

About the Author

TALIA CARMICHAEL is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It‟s all about the journey. Among her books you‟ll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M and ménage themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real… to fill the craving. Visit Talia at her website, http://taliacarmichael.com; her blog, http://taliacarmichael.com/blog; or her Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/TaliaCarmichael/100001560722464. She has a newsletter available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taliacarmichael. You can contact her at http://taliacarmichael.com/contact.htm.

Also by TALIA CARMICHAEL

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Copyright

Sparks ©Copyright Talia Carmichael, 2011 Published by Dreamspinner Press 382 NE 191st Street #88329 Miami, FL 33179-3899, USA http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Paul Richmond http://www.paulrichmondstudio.com This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the Publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 382 NE 191st Street #88329, Miami, FL 33179-3899, USA http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ Released in the United States of America November 2011 eBook Edition eBook ISBN: 978-1-61372-136-0