Beside him, Matthew shifted in his seat. “Guys, I’m sorry but I’m going to have to get back to work.”

Turning to acknowledge him, Isaac saw the shit-eating grin on his brother’s face and realized he’d been well and truly set up. Whether Leah was in on it too, he had no idea, but it was clear Matthew was attempting to play the part of matchmaker. Presumably that meant that Jonas batted for the same team as him.

Glancing at Jonas, then back at Isaac, Matthew gave him a meaningful look. “See you later.”

Yeah, Isaac thought as he smiled politely at Leah, then turned back to the eager-looking young man who’d just invited him out for coffee, you bloody well will.

He’d been burned so badly last time that he wasn’t in any hurry to jump back into the dating game just yet, but when he was, Jonas would be a damn good candidate. Attractive, smart and worldly for his age. And to paraphrase his brother, the fact that he wouldn’t have to keep his secret from Jonas was a huge plus point.

It was still January, so he decided it wasn’t too late to make a New Year’s resolution. He didn’t normally bother, hadn’t for decades. But this time it was different. Last year had been horrific, so it was up to him to make sure this one was better. Much better. And deep down, something was telling him that Jonas would be playing a big part in that.

I resolve to let go of the past, look to the future and allow myself to love again.

“Good.” Standing, Aaron stepped next to Isaac’s chair and held out a hand. “Come on then. I won’t bite. Unless you ask me nicely.” Wiggling his eyebrows, he let out a bark of laughter.

“That’s all right then. I’ll be sure not to ask!” Taking the other man’s hand, Isaac stood and followed him over to the large bed, kicking his shoes off en route when he saw Aaron do the same.

Once they reached their destination, Aaron turned and looked at Isaac, for once appearing a little shy. “I’m happy to top or bottom. What about you? And I have lube and condoms.”

“I’m happy with either too. It’s been a while, so taking it in turns sounds good to me. And excellent news on the lube and condoms. I think we’re probably going to need plenty of both.”

With that, Isaac took a firm hold of the courage he’d managed to screw up and stepped even closer to his soon-to-be lover. They were the same height, more or less, so all he had to do was lean forward, slip a hand behind Aaron’s neck and pull him in for a kiss. It appeared that Aaron hadn’t shaved since that morning, or possibly the night before, and their considerable stubble scratched together, the sound and sensation sending thrills through Isaac’s body. Their lips pressed harder against each other, tentative yet curious, gentle but needy.

Suddenly Aaron’s hands came down and cupped Isaac’s buttocks through his jeans and pulled him close. Now their crotches were mashed together, two rapidly hardening cocks aching to be touched, pleasured, given release. The act ramped up their passion considerably and their relatively gentle kiss quickly turned into something much more desperate, feral.

The last thought that went through Isaac’s mind before he was lost to arousal was that it was going to be a long, hot night.