The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Edwin's face as he stirred awake. His head throbbed, a reminder of last night's escapades, but the events leading up to his "blackout" were crystal clear in his mind. Lance's confession echoed in his ears, sending a shiver down his spine.
Edwin sat up slowly, rubbing his temples. He had feigned unconsciousness, overwhelmed by Lance's sudden declaration. Now, in the sobering light of day, he wasn't sure how to face the other man.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, drawing Edwin out of bed. He padded towards the kitchen, his heart racing with each step. As he rounded the corner, he saw Lance bustling around the kitchen, humming softly to himself.
Lance turned, a warm smile spreading across his face as he noticed Edwin. "Morning, sleepy head," he said cheerfully. Edwin quickly averted his gaze, mumbling a greeting.
The kitchen island was set with a spread that would make any hangover bearable. Golden pancakes stacked high, glistening with maple syrup. Crispy bacon curled invitingly next to fluffy scrambled eggs. A bowl of fresh fruit added a pop of color to the scene, while two steaming mugs of coffee promised much-needed caffeine.
As they settled in to eat, an awkward silence fell between them. Edwin's eyes kept darting to Lance, studying him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. He wondered if last night's confession was just a figment of his imagination, or if there was more to Lance than he had ever realized.
Lance, for his part, seemed oblivious to Edwin's scrutiny, chatting about random things as if nothing had changed. But there was a tension in his shoulders, a slight hesitation in his movements that betrayed his awareness of the unspoken words hanging between them.
Edwin picked at his food, his mind racing. He couldn't reconcile the Lance he thought he knew with the man who had professed his love in the pulsing lights of the club. His gaze lingered on Lance's hands as he buttered his toast, on the curve of his jaw as he chewed, searching for some sign of the passion he had glimpsed last night.
Finally, their eyes met across the table, and the weight of unspoken words became too heavy to ignore. Lance set down his fork, his expression turning serious.
"Ed," he began, his voice low and tentative, "about last night... do you remember anything?"
Edwin's heart skipped a beat. He swallowed hard, then nodded slowly. "I... yes. I remember."
Instead of backpedaling or making excuses, Lance's demeanor shifted. He sat up straighter, a glint of determination in his eyes. "Good," he said, his voice stronger now. "Because I meant every word."
"Excuse me?" Edwin exclaimed, his voice echoing with disbelief at the other man's response. "You're not bothered that I overheard it?"
"I see no reason to be concerned," Lance responded calmly. "I've harbored these feelings for you for quite some time now and I'm glad you finally know."
"Is that why you've been hovering around me? Just how long have you been nursing these unthinkable emotions?" Edwin's eyes widened, brimming with incredulity as he posed his questions.
"No." Lance closed his eyes momentarily, inhaling deeply before opening them again. "While my feelings did play a significant role, I genuinely enjoyed our friendship and intended for it to remain platonic if I hadn't lost control last night."
"Well, I don't share those feelings. Men aren't my preference!" Edwin declared.
"That's what I expected," Lance replied nonchalantly, returning to his meal.
Still reeling from this revelation, Edwin couldn't help but voice his suspicions. "Is this why you've been cycling through women like they're disposable? After all those women, are you even sure that men are your preference or is this just a game?" Lance was infamous for his playboy lifestyle which added to Edwin's shock. His numerous scandals with various women were well-documented on blogs and social media.
Suddenly, the familiar Lance seemed to dissolve before him. In his place sat a man bearing a mischievous smirk and predatory glint in his eye. He leaned forward, locking eyes with Edwin. "Care to find out? You've been the object of my desire for quite some time now," he purred seductively. "Now that you're aware of it, there will be no more holding back."
Edwin felt heat rush to his cheeks as a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety swirled within him. This newfound side of Lance was exhilarating yet terrifying.
While Edwin was momentarily lost in thought, Lance swiftly rose from his chair and approached him. He pulled Edwin to his feet and before he could object, their lips met. Lance wasted no time in exploring every corner of Edwin's mouth with a fervor that left him breathless.
Edwin was so overwhelmed by the intensity of the kiss that he momentarily forgot who was holding him. His body responded instinctively, a surge of desire coursing through him until an unexpected arousal brought him back to reality. Reacting impulsively, he landed a firm punch on Lance's cheek.
"Ouch," Lance winced in pain, clutching his reddening cheek. Blood stained his hand but instead of anger or resentment, laughter bubbled up within him as he cackled like a lunatic.
"What's so funny?" Edwin demanded, irritation mixing with self-disgust for losing control. He just had a freaking kiss with a man! And the worst part is that he enjoyed every bit of it in an abominable way.
"You know, I've been considering how best to act on my desires for you but held back in an attempt to be gentlemanly," Lance confessed between bouts of laughter. "But your reaction to our first passionate kiss tells me now is the perfect time!"
"What are you implying?" Edwin questioned warily.
"I can solve all your problems," Lance proposed, a devilish smirk playing on his handsome face.
"And what exactly are these problems?" Edwin asked, blinking in confusion.
"I can restore your reputation. Make all your scandals vanish. People will start speaking positively about you again. All those pending lawsuits can be handled efficiently. And all this can happen at my command," Lance assured confidently.
"And what would you want in return?" Edwin queried aloud, prompting another round of laughter from Lance before he replied,
"In return...you ass would be mine!"
"What?"
"Just what you heard!"
"You're crazy!" Edwin shook his head dismissively. "If I were ever to consider being intimate with another man, I would be the top. I can't be a bottom!"
"Oh," Lance gasped, totally shocked by Edwins' outburst. "I'm really impressed with your level of understanding towards gay terms. How about I let you do anything you want to my body right now?"
Edwin felt his face heat up from the dare. He couldn't believe how Lance could go from a cool headed guy to a total asshole. He just turned and began walking away while saying, "I'm done, exchanging words with you."
"Where are you going to?"
"I'm going back to my house!" Edwin said, as he grabbed his stuffs and made to leave.
Knowing fully well that he couldn't do anything to stop the man, Lance decided to let him go.
"This is the last week I will spend in Los Angeles. I will be returning home in a few days. The offer still holds and when you need me or my ass, you know where to find me."
"Fuck you!" Edwin declared angrily before slamming the door to Lance's face.
"Of course I would love that!" Lance screamed back, feeling like he was on top of the world as he went back inside and continued to fantasies about the sweetest kiss he had just had. Edwins' lips felt so soft and tender against his and he would definitely give up everything just to have a taste of it again. The thought of Edwin responding to the kiss and even leaning on his body gave him hope that one day, that ass might actually be his!