Chapter 20

Mike waved off the apology, but Tim snorted audibly. He discreetly elbowed his boyfriend and glared at him, but the other man simply looked unrepentant.

“Ian, this is my boyfriend, Tim. Tim, Ian.”

The two men shook hands and Mike noticed Tim intentionally squeezed Ian’s hand harder than he usually did. Ian retaliated by squeezing even harder. Neither man seemed willing to let go.

“Nice place,” Mike commented quickly to fill up the awkward silence. “It’s an open space concept.”

“Are you implying my apartment is barren?” Ian responded teasingly.

Tim and Ian had let go, but they were now staring at each other in a hostile manner. Tim was obviously annoyed at the subtle flirty tone. Mike was thankful his lover had so far refrained from punching their host. He hoped Ian would not flirt openly because he was certain Tim would not be so forgiving then.

“Not at all. I’ve never liked my place to be overly furnished anyway. I also prefer little to no decoration,” he answered sincerely.