Page 45 of Point Proven
Thorne immediately stopped what he was doing. He slowly glanced over his shoulder in the direction the question had come from.
Beard fullerandlonger, his sandy blonde hair was slicked back and parted to the right in an attempt to tame its growth. Brows equally bushy, his grin was wide, flashing those perfect goddamn teeth.
Olive green eyes filled with mirth, he kept his hands tucked into his pockets as if it would lessen the golden retriever energy he emitted. Dressed in a plain white t-shirt, half covered with his thick fleece jacket, his attention was solely on Thorne. Even if he tried to hide it, there was a nice sheen over his irises that evenIknew was him battling his emotions.
Dog tags visible, he tucked them underneath his shirt as he quickly rattled off his order to the server. Pulling over a chair for him before she turned on her heels to the kitchen, Matt pushed it underneath the table, still standing.
“Well? Are you going to hug me?”
Thorne crawled over the top of Oren, who was readying himself to carve into his sugary breakfast. Missing his plate entirely, the knife scratched the epoxy resin. “Oh, comeon.”
Ignoring his frustration, Thorne pushed himself to stand, throwing his arms around Matt. He slapped his back a handful of times, nuzzling his face into the crook of Matt’s neck.
“God, it’s good to see you.” Patting the space below Thorne’s shoulder, the two embraced for what felt like minutes. “You… You doing alright?”
“Better now,” Thorne answered with a gentle smile.
Munching, Oren gave a thumbs up with his free hand. “Mmphm. Mhm.”
Cutting into mynon-crepe, I brought the bite to my lips, chewing completely before speaking. “Well,gentlemen, I appreciate the merriment, but I would like to discuss next steps. I’m grateful for all of you, but every second counts, and I feel like even this is a luxury I shouldn’t be indulging in.”
“Introductions?” Levander asked, his attention landing on Matt before returning to me. “Or is that too much to request, Simon?”
“Oh. Levander, this is Matt, another member of our squadron and Thorne’s best friend.” Oren pointed his fork athim. “He looks like a fuck boy, but he’s a golden retriever like me, and super well-versed with his words.”
Matt raised a brow. “Well-versed with my words?”
“Yes.” Oren nodded, stuffing his mouth with another forkful. “Mhm… you talk… like a poet.”
Thorne rested a hand on Matt’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “It’s a compliment, coming from the painter himself.”
“Wait.” Levander turned to the curly-haired blonde who was undoubtedly about to choke if he attempted to take another bite. “You paint?”
Exaggerating his nod, he imitated holding a paintbrush. At least taking the time to swallow, he smiled. “Yes. Decently, but nothing special. You should see Simon’s pottery, though. It’s fucking gorgeous.”
My cheeks flamed as I pulled at my turtleneck. What a wrong fucking choice to make. “I… It’s nothing.”
“I’m sure it’s great.” Levander smiled. “I’m only asking because I’m a painter myself. It’s nice to hear someone shares the same interests as me, considering I’ve never really experienced that before. I was worried the love for art was dying.”
My best friend clapped his hands once. “Oh my God, youhaveto come over, Levy. Wait, is Levy okay to say? Well… anyway?—”
“Lev. You can call me Lev.”
“Okay. Lev, it is, but you can come paint in my studio! I typically do so naked, but that… that seems a bit excessive with company…”
Smacking my hand against my face, I rubbed my eyes. “Oh fucking hell. You do itnaked,and you’re mad at me?”
“You stole the words from my mouth,” Thorne chimed in, motioning for Oren to take the inside of the booth so he could siton the outside next to Matt. “You throw a tantrum over Simon seeing my cock, but you invite Levander over for a free show.”
Sipping his water, Lev shrugged. “I enjoy free shows.”
After Oren scooted over, Matt sat down, resting his chin on his fist. “Damn.Nowyou’re speaking my language. A free orgy,andI get covered in paint? Amazing.”
Lev lifted a hand, pointing his thumb at Thorne’s best friend. “I like him.”
“Oh,beautiful, I’m dashingly amazing,” Matt said with a wink, and I rolled my eyes at the charm billowing from him.
“Keep your cock in your pants, Matt,” I huffed.
