MisterBubbles – Sorry this took so long but here it is! Hope you like it!
Eight Years Prior
"No, Mark, that goes upstairs." Cody said with his Southern drawl. He pulled the phone from his pocket as it started to vibrate. "Hello?" The young man answered
"Hi, it's John Cena,"
"Oh! Hi there!"
"Hi." John said again smiling on his end
"Is everything alright?"
"I'm calling because my foreman and I are trying to find out where you are. I put the address in my navigation but I think we're driving past the area."
"Oh, I'm sorry. This place is hard to find. I should have given you landmarks to use. If you're driving up the road there should be a park on your left, make that turn and follow the road all the way to the end. We're the house on the left."
"Okay. Thank you."
"You're very welcome! I'll see you when you get here."
"Alright. Bye."
"Bye."
"I guess the road we thought was a dead end, isn't."
"I suppose not." Wade responded. "It would have been nice had we known that before setting out on this voyage." John chuckled
"I agree but this guy seems so nice that I won't give him a hard time about it."
"Nice helps." The two men drove around using the specific route given to them by Cody and this time found the house without a problem. After parking on the side of the street the men walked to the house and inside where they found Cody
"Hi guys!" He spoke as walked over. "Hi. I haven't met you. I'm Cody." He said extending a hand toward Wade
"It's nice to meet you Cody. Wade Barrett." The young man stood in silence for a quick moment before responding
"You're…English?"
"I am."
"Oh wow! And tall." Wade and John both laughed a bit. "Well I asked that you come out here because we're remodeling this house and the original contractors totally flaked on us. I wanted you to take a look around before deciding whether or not you want to do the job."
"Okay. What do you mean by flaked?"
"They just stopped showing up and I haven't the slightest idea why. We had a good rapport but one day," Cody shrugged. "I received a call saying that no one was at the site and some things were missing."
"Wait – I need to know if there's any way this other company may come back in the middle of us working on this project."
"Oh no, no…I took them to court so legally they can't. This happened months ago and I've been trying to find a suitable company since. It's all been so very frustrating." John hid his smile. Cody was adorably Southern and seemed to be a good guy
"Oh, alright. Well let Wade and I take a look around then get back to you."
"That's fine. I'll be in the kitchen…or what's supposed to be the kitchen." The men nodded and headed for the stairs that took them to the top floor
….
"Well?" Cody asked with the sweetest of smiles
"Let's get that contract worked out."
"Oh goodness. You don't know how happy I am to hear that." John and the younger man went over and worked out a contract that worked best for each of them while Wade went around taking the necessary measurements
"He's pretty." Wade said as he and John hopped back in the older man's truck
"I knew it!"
"What!?"
"You up and disappeared on me claiming that you needed to take measurements or some shit."
"But I did take the measurements!"
"Since when did you start taking them before we actually report for the job?"
"…it'll save us time."
"Uh-huh. Save your fraternizing for until the job's done."
"There will be no fraternizing. Cody's far too nice looking to go for someone as ruggedly handsome as myself." John just burst out laughing
Weeks Later: Wrecking Bar Brewpub
John was sitting at a bar top table when he felt a hand on his shoulder
"Hey there, Stranger." Cody said with a smile. John covered his mouth to hide the roasted heirloom tomato salad he was chewing
"Hi." He swallowed. "I should be the one calling you stranger. I haven't seen you in weeks."
"I'm really just the designer on the project. When you email me questions and suggestions I can just do the work from home or wherever I am."
"What are you doing here?" Seeing that the man had a story to tell, John pushed one of the chairs out offering him the seat
"Thank you. Well, I went on a date and it was kind of bad so I came here for a beer to cheer myself up. I'm not normally a beer drinker."
"It must have been bad then."
"Yea…I didn't get a chance to eat because I cut it short. I hate blind dates." Cody covered his mouth. "Hate is a strong word. I'm sorry. I dislike blind dates…a lot." John smiled then hoped there was no lettuce in his teeth
"You're more than welcome to sit and have some dinner."
"You don't mind?"
"Not at all."
"Thank you."
"What type of beer do you drink? The first one's on me."
"The Jeremy Dean." The older man nodded
"When the waitress comes back I'll get it for you."
"That's very nice. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"How come you're here alone?"
"I'm still pretty new around here so most of the time I'm alone."
"Oh. Where are you from?"
"Massachusetts. I moved here about eight months ago."
"Eight months ago? Chile. You shouldn't still be eating alone. I'm going to find some people for you to hang out with…you can hang out with me." John couldn't help but laugh
"I have some people but I do like time to myself."
"Uh-huh. Where's Wade?"
"Home I guess."
"Do the two of you just have a work relationship?" He furrowed a brow
"What do you mean? Like…are we together?"
"No! Oh gosh." Cody said covering his red cheeks. "I didn't mean it that way!"
"Oh…what did you mean?"
"Are you friends as well?"
"Oh! Yea, sure. I would definitely consider Wade my friend."
"Oh, okay." At that moment the waitress came over and took their orders. Cody picking the tartare tacos for his starter and the dumplings as his entrée. John went with the Georgia sirloin. The men cleared their plates, Cody as delicately as John assumed he would
"Do you want another beer?"
"Oh no, one is plenty. I'm driving."
"…okay." John finished the extra beer he'd ordered while he and Cody chatted more. Once the tabs were paid the men exchanged personal cell phone numbers then walked outside
"Thanks for letting me eat with you. You saved my night."
"Oh, you're welcome. I'm glad I was there."
"And no more eating alone, okay?"
"What if it's one night a week instead of two?"
"If you must." Cody responded hitting the key fob to his shiny red Mercedes S-Class. John purred right along with the car as it came to life
"Is this a custom paint job?"
"Yes." The young man said with a smile. "Mercedes was kind of ticked with me when I asked for it but the color is so beautiful on this car."
"I think this car would look beautiful in any color."
"I do agree. Well thank you again, John."
"You're welcome." John watched Cody back out of the parking space and practically burn the tread off his tires as he sped from the parking lot. "Holy shit." He said to himself
A Month Later
John chuckled to himself when he saw Cody show up to the job site. Since their talk, and the news that he and Wade weren't a couple, the man had begun showing up more
"Hi Johnny."
"Hey. I thought you were able to do work from home. You've been popping up an awful lot." Cody frowned
"And here I was being nice by bringing you and Wade something to eat for lunch."
"Well you know I'd never turn down your cooking."
"Now I'm not so sure I want you to have any."
"You wouldn't let me starve."
"No, I wouldn't. So, where is Wade?"
"Last I saw, your little love muffin was,"
"Quit it!" He whispered harshly. "He is not my love muffin."
"Uh-huh. He's over there somewhere I believe. He should be easy to spot being 6'7" and all." Cody stood on tip toe and looked around. The older man shook his head and grabbed his walkie talkie. "Barrett."
"Cena."
"Cody's here and he's brought us lunch." There was a long pause
"Say what now?"
"Cody brought us lunch."
"Really?"
"Yes. Come to my trailer."
"Okay boss." John helped Cody navigate around the construction going on at the house as they made it to the trailer
"What's this about lunch," Wade trailed off when he saw Cody sitting at John's desk. "Oh, hello."
"Hi Wade. Johnny's in the restroom washing his hands. I made lunch for you guys."
"Thank you." The tall man said with a smile. "That was incredibly nice of you."
"You guys are doing a wonderful job on the house. It's the least I can do." In the bathroom John covered his laughter with the paper towel he'd used to dry his hands. The two men were crushing hard on each other
"You can wash your hands if you need to, Wade." He said stepping out of the restroom
"Thanks."
"You set my desk."
"What's that?" Cody asked
"You set my desk…like it's a dining room table."
"I think food digests better in a setting like this."
"Not going to argue."
"We'll be better friends for it. I had to pack San Pellegrino because I haven't figured out how to transport my lemonade."
"That's fine with me. You know I'm not picky."
"I do like that about you."
"I'm afraid to eat this." Wade announced. "This is the most perfect fried chicken I've ever laid eyes on."
"Eat it, Barrett, it's delicious. Cody had me at first crunch." Wade looked over at Cody who smiled warmly
"I would say I hope y'all like it but I know you like my chicken, Johnny."
"Without question."
"Then I'm sure I will too." Wade spoke
"Oh! Do either of you do small jobs? I have some shelving that I want to put up but I don't know how."
"At your place?"
"Yes. I've had it for so long now I debated returning it and getting my money back."
"I can put it up for you."
"Yea, that way it'll be well hung." John said then watched the faces of the other two men turn bright shades of red at his innuendo. He was proud
"If you give me your phone number I can text you my address then you can come over when you get the time."
"Sounds good." John smirked
A Week Later: The Atlantic Condos
Wade rode the elevator all the way up to the 46th floor and stepped off in front of a large black door. He rang the doorbell and waited
"Hi!" Cody said his teeth and eyes sparkling. "Come on in."
"Hi." Wade replied stepping into the penthouse
"Can I offer you anything to drink?"
"Oh, no thank you."
"Okay. Well I wanted the shelves here."
"Alright."
"Is that doable?"
"I think so but let me make sure there are studs for anchoring."
"No problem. Whatever you need to do."
"How big is this place?"
"It's just a little over 2900 square feet."
"Wow."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No, of course not."
"Oh." Cody responded with his bright smile. "Well I have some baking to do so I'll get out of your way. If you need anything, I'll be right there in the kitchen."
"Thank you." Wade got to work removing the shelves from their packaging as the younger man got to work in the kitchen. As he worked Cody caught himself stealing glances at the tall, dark-haired man. For his nosiness he almost dumped a cup of salt instead of sugar into a mixing bowl
….
"Cody?"
"Yes?"
"Do you want to come take a look at this?"
"Sure." The young man said drying his hands on a paper towel then tossing it into the trash. "Ooh, those look great, Wade! Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Oh my gosh. This is actually better than I anticipated."
"These are lovely shelves and the configuration is nice. What are you going to put on them?"
"I have no idea." Cody said after a long pause making Wade laugh. "They're like a work of art in their own right."
"True."
"Can you imagine how good they will look once I clean them?"
"I can hardly. Hey, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"What are you baking? It smells incredible."
"Now I was wondering if you smelled those."
"How could I not?"
"Caramel-apple muffins. Would you like some? I made plenty."
"I don't know."
"Oh, I won't tell John if that's what you're worried about."
"…can I taste one first?"
"You sure can. Coffee?"
"Oh yes please."
"I hope you like it." Cody said placing a plate and steaming cup of coffee in front of the other man
"If it's a quarter as good as that chicken then it'll be amazing." The tall man gobbled down the scrumptious muffin and premium coffee
Days Later
"Did you put those shelves up at Cody's?"
"Yea…what does he do?"
"What?"
"For a living? What does he do?"
"You know, I never asked. Why?"
"He lives in a penthouse at The Atlantic condos."
"A penthouse?"
"Yes and the curiosity got the best of me so I Googled the price."
"And?"
"1.3 million…he has that red Mercedes too."
"1.3 million of what?" John asked
"Cena."
"What?"
"You know what."
"Dollars!?"
"Yes dollars."
"Wow. I never bothered asking what he does for a living. I assumed he was an interior designer of some sort since he's doing this house."
"But he's all of 14 years old so he can't have been doing so long it's made him a millionaire."
"He is not 14 but you do have a point, Barrett. Do you not like him anymore?"
"Who said I liked him!?"
"Okay, calm the fuck down. And it's obvious."
"Figuring that out doesn't make me not like him but I do feel strange about it."
"Why?"
"I've never been around someone who could put down that much money on a place to live. In fact, I don't think all the people I've ever known have had that amount of money combined."
"Now you're exaggerating." Wade chortled. "We're going out for dinner tonight so I can ask him then."
"Don't tell him I want to know."
"I'll go one step further and not even tell you his answer."
"Cena."
"Okay, okay. I'll leave you out of it but we'll gossip afterwards."
"Cena."
Later: John's Apartment
John came home from work and dropped his bag off in the office then kicked his shoes off as he sank down to the floor of his bedroom. He lay there taking in the silence and just letting his body rest. He stayed on the floor until he felt himself dozing off
The Capital Grille
"Oh, you clean up nice, Johnny."
"Well I had to for this place. I feel like I'm on a date."
"It's a tad on the fancy side but the food's really good."
"I sure as hell hope so."
"How was work?" Cody asked after their waiter had taken their drink orders
"Good. The place is almost done. We'll probably be finished by the end of next week."
"How exciting!"
"Speaking of work – what do you do?"
"Huh?"
"For a living. What do you do?"
"I do some interior design work." John narrowed his eyes
"You drive a car that's over $110,000 but you do some work? C'mon, Codes." He watched as the younger man scrunched his face for a moment before responding
"Well…we've been friendly long enough and I trust you enough to tell."
"Okay."
"Do you know Rhodes' Industries?"
"Mmhm."
"Well they own Alpha Banks, which is short for Alpharetta, Garrett Realty and Rhodes' Steel Company which actually handles all types of metals,"
"Uh-huh."
"…my last name is Rhodes, John."
"Oh my God!"
"Shh!"
"That's your family!?"
"Shush! But yes."
"You guys are like gagillionaires."
"There's no such thing. The main company, Rhodes' Industries, owns a lot of other things too but those three are our bread and butter."
"Does your family happen to own the house we're working on?"
"Yes."
"Holy shit."
"Johnny."
"Sorry. Holy crap."
"Although my name is Rhodes I try not to tell people about my family."
"No, I get it. You'd like to live as normal as possible."
"Exactly right."
"The police chief?"
"My cousin."
"And the treasurer?"
"Another cousin."
"The Gov,"
"That's my brother."
"Alright. What a revelation…you're going to cover dinner then, right?" The other man frowned. "Joking."
"I trust that you won't go around telling people now will you?"
"Nope." Except Wade John thought to himself
"Do you attend church, Johnny?"
"I did before moving here."
"Come to my church on Sunday."
"I've never been to a Southern church. I hear they're intense." Cody chuckled
"We're enthusiastic about getting The Word." John guffawed. "I think I want to throw a little barbeque once the house is all finished and I want to invite you and Wade and the rest of your crew. It'll be fun."
"Okay. Are you cooking because," The younger man giggled
"Do you enjoy my cooking that much?"
"Yes." John replied unabashedly
"I won't personally be doing the cooking but we have a catering company too so."
"Oh my fucking goodness."
"Johnny."
"Sorry."
"You've got yourself a serious case of potty mouth."
"It's the West Newbury in me."
….
Cena: his family is loaded
Barrett: what's that?
Cena: Cody. His family is loaded. I'm not supposed to tell you this, btw
Cena: so you can't treat him any differently
Barrett: how can I not with this information?
Cena: damn it Barrett
Barrett: okay. Okay. We'll talk about this later. I'm having a chat with my friend Randy
Cena: goodnight
Barrett: night
Making sure the sound was off, John stuffed his phone underneath the pillows of his bed and settled in for a much needed, much deserved night of sleep
Days Later
John was on site having a drink of water when he saw Cody come waltzing in the house
"Codes."
"Hi Johnny!" Cody responded in his usual chipper tone
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm peeking."
"I thought we had a deal?"
"We didn't shake on it so it's null and void. You know how contracts and deals go." John stuck his hand out
"After today, don't come back until we're done." Cody snarled playfully but shook the other man's hand then for added measure he gave his hips a shake. The older man tried not to smile as he saw Wade enjoying the view. "What are you doing here for real?"
"I came to peek but I was in the neighborhood. Remember that charity event I was telling you about where I'm selling baked goods?"
"Yes."
"The stores with the good ingredients are around here."
"You're baking?" Wade asked finally making his presence known
"Hi Wade and yes I am. You know I could always use a taste tester for my new recipes."
"Well I've been told that I have a refined palette."
"Wonderful. I'm doing a test run this Friday at my place."
"I will be there."
"Did you need something Barrett or did you just come over thinking you'd get something to eat?"
"Countertops are here and I got lucky with the food."
"Since you guys are busy and I'm not allowed to be here," Cody said looking pointedly at John. "I'm going to get out of your hair and on my way. I'll text you Wade."
"Alright."
"Bye guys!"
"Bye Cody."
"Later Codes." Once he was out of sight, John looked at Wade
"What?"
"Don't forget the one rule I had."
"Which was…?"
"No fraternizing."
"But he's so cute. Have you seen his lips? They're begging for mine."
"We'll be done in like, less than a week. Keep your damn lips to yourself." Wade growled
Friday Evening
Wade stepped off the elevator and walked up to the large black door then rang the bell
"Be right there!" He heard Cody announce from the other side. A second or so later the door opened smoothly and there Cody was. "Hello!" The younger man said stepping off to the side
"Hi."
"Whatcha got there?" The tall man chuckled
"This is for you."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"You really shouldn't have but it's very sweet."
"I can be a nice guy."
"A travel dispenser!" Cody exclaimed
"You said you didn't have one for your lemonade and now you have."
"How did you remember?"
"I'm curious about this lemonade."
"Did you just happen to see this in the store? It's so nice."
"No…I ordered it." Wade answered almost bashfully and the younger man smiled
"Thank you." He said genuinely
"You're welcome." The men stared at one another for a bit before snapping out of what seemed to be a trance
"Well, um," Cody spoke clearing his throat. "I didn't know how long this would take and I didn't know what you'd want to eat so I made a few things. It's up to you if you want to eat before tasting or after."
"Before please."
"Alright. Well I made some blackened catfish, creole rice and peas, pulled pork with some potato salad and some shrimp and grits." The tall man stood there blinking. "Was that too much?"
"Possibly but I want to taste it all."
"Good!" Cody was authentically sweet and sunny and Wade enjoyed sharing his time with the other man. Cody made up a plate of food with a little of each thing on it then sat it in front of Wade. "Would you like a glass of that lemonade?"
"Please." Wade responded with a smile. He finished the plate then had seconds and second thoughts about having those seconds when he saw the other man take a pie from an oven
"While that's sitting out and cooling I'd like for you to try one of these."
"What is it?"
"This right here is a chunky cheesecake brownie." The dark haired man's eyed widened when he took a bite
"Oh my goodness."
"Is that a good 'oh my goodness' or a bad 'oh my goodness'?"
"Very good. It's melting right in my mouth."
"Well I'm just tickled. This is the first time I've made that. Are you ready for the next thing?"
"No."
"Oh."
"I mean no because I want to finish this, not that I don't want to continue."
"Oh! Don't stuff yourself just yet. I have two more desserts and that pie."
"My belly's ready." Wade tasted each and every thing Cody put on a plate for him and all of it was delicious. He wasn't really a fan of the rhubarb and strawberry pie but it was still tasty. "Uugh." He groaned
"You can have a seat on the couch to recover if you'd like." The shorter man said with a laugh
"I certainly need to."
"Can I get you anything?"
"Oh, please no." Wade staggered over to the large sofa then took a seat resting his long legs on the ottoman in front of him. He closed his eyes and smiled to himself as he listened to the other man hum an indiscernible tune while he loaded the dishwasher
"Wade?"
"Hmm?"
"You fell asleep."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. It happens all the time after people eat my food so I've learned to take it as a compliment."
"I need to get going."
"Mmhm, you need a proper rest."
"When's your event?" The tall man asked standing
"This Sunday. I'll be baking all day tomorrow. Why?"
"I may want to stop by and purchase something."
"Why don't you just come with me? It starts after church around 2."
"Where?"
"In the gym at Bellwood…that's my church."
"Okay. I'll be there."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Wonderful!" Cody said giving the other man a hug with an added squeeze. "Sorry. I hug."
"It's no problem. I'll see you this Sunday."
"Okay. Get home safe."
"I will. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." He added closing the black door. Wade was half-way to the elevator which was only steps away when he turned back around. "Yes?" The smaller man asked opening the door. His initial reaction was shock but that subsided after one second of Wade kissing him. The men stepped into the penthouse without breaking apart. Wade placed a hand on either side of Cody's face as he intentionally kissed the life out of him while Cody stood on tip toe and held the man's strong arms
"Are we allowed to do this?" He asked breaking away
"You tell me."
"No, I mean with John and stuff."
"Oh, no. Cena will be mad…if he knows."
"Right…if he knows."
"Mmhm."
"I'm good at keeping secrets."
"Me too."
….
"It's getting really late." Wade announced
"Mmhm…later than the last time you said that." He laughed
"I had every intention of leaving but then you started to kiss me again and it seems as if I'm a sucker for your kisses."
"I'm sorry."
"You're absolutely not."
"Yea, you're right."
"It's almost 1 a.m. so I should get going."
"Okay. I'll still see you Sunday?"
"You've got a great bum and you kiss well so yes, I'll still be there." Cody giggled loudly then covered his mouth
"Oh my gosh. I can't believe you've been looking at my behind."
"Why not? Don't you work on it in the gym? I'm admiring your efforts."
"You're making the fact that you're ogling my butt sound so nice and polite…and like you're doing me a favor."
"Clearly we see things differently."
"Goodnight Wade." The younger man said playfully slapping the other man's arm
"Goodnight Cody."
Sunday Afternoon
Wade sighed as he shut off the engine of his car. He checked his hair in the rearview mirror before opening the cars' door then stepping out. The tall man walked inside the building and followed the directions Cody had given him to the church's gymnasium. He saw Cody at a table and walked over
"Hi!" Cody said smiling. Wade could get used to that smile
"Hey." He responded hugging the other man. "You smell good."
"So do you."
"What all do you have to do?"
"Just stand here basically and wait for people to come and buy this stuff. I'm feeling famished though so I'll need to step away for a bit to eat."
"I can get you something to eat while you man the table."
"Would you really?"
"Sure."
"There's food here so you won't have to go far."
"Okay, no problem, just let me know what you'd like and I'll get it."
"Thank you!"
"My, my," A smallish man said walking up to the table. "Who do we have here, Cody?" Wade looked down at the elfish man undressing him with his beady eyes
"Devlin this is my friend Wade, Wade this is Devlin."
"Nice to meet you." Wade said
"A friend you say? Just friends?"
"Do you want to try something, Devlin?"
"I sure do." Devlin responded still eyeing Wade
"Wade?"
"Yes?"
"Could you please get me a catfish nugget platter with coleslaw and a sweet tea, please?"
"Of course." The tall man answered almost running away
"And just what do you think you're doing, Devlin?"
"Whatever do you mean, Cody?"
"You practically ate that poor man alive, skin and all."
"Oh you know what a sucker I am for an accent."
"I know what a sucker you are, yes." Devlin gave an ugly laugh
"What does it matter to you? You said that he was your friend."
"Leave him alone."
"Ooh, you like him don't you? I'm surprised because he's not your usual…type." Cody raised one of his perfect eyebrows. "Do not act like you don't know what I mean. I'm used to seeing you fest on dark meat."
"Oh my goodness. Now you're just being crass and disgusting. This is a church event."
"Is he," The elfin man lowered his voice. "Well-hung?"
"Goodness me, I do not know. Devlin, either you buy something off this dang table or get the heck away from here."
"Mmhm, I'll take one of these raspberry cream cheese coffee cakes, please."
"The entire cake?"
"Yes sir. We may not get along all the time," Or at all Cody thought. "But I can't deny that you're a damn good cook."
"Thank you. It's $2 a slice and there are eight slices so that's $16."
"Can you make change?" Cody took out his wallet
"No."
"Aww,"
"Do you need something?" Wade asked
"Actually I do. Do you happen to have $4 so I can give him change?"
"Yes." The tall man gave Cody the four dollars he needed to make Devlin, hopefully, go away
"Thank you, Devlin. The church appreciates your contribution."
"I bet. Let me know if you need anything else from me." Devlin said before sauntering away
"I'm so sorry about that." Cody apologized. "I wouldn't have asked you to come here if I thought you'd be drooled over and on like that."
"There's no reason for you to apologize, Cody. Especially after introducing me to these catfish nuggets."
"Did you eat one of my nuggets!?"
"No. I have my own."
"Oh, boy, I was about to say."
"Say what you little brat?"
"I am not a brat."
"Yes you are."
"I am not!" The younger man squeaked
"You are but you're also cute so I'm okay with it."
"Oh…okay then. I'll be cute then."
"Uh-huh. Why don't you have a seat since you're famished and I can handle any sales?"
"Sounds like a good idea to me. Thanks."
A Week Later: Cody's Penthouse
"What time do you have to wake up in order to make breakfast for me?" Wade asked taking a bite of the biscuit that had been smothered in sausage gravy
"Not too early. I like being up in the mornings anyway."
"Either way I truly appreciate it."
"I know and that's why I do it."
"You've made such delicious things I can't have imagined ever eating."
"You're welcome."
"Today is our last day at the house and there's not much left for us to do so Cena and I are going out to eat afterward." The older man said after laughing
"That sounds nice."
"So if you just happened to show up," Cody wrapped his arms around the bigger man's shoulders
"Then he would know for sure that we're fraternizing and that was his one rule." He punctuated with a kiss right below Wade's ear making the man shiver and drop his fork
"Cut it out. We don't have time for making out and heavy petting."
"Wade, shush. …heavy petting."
"Well what would you call touching my,"
"I said shush!" The older man laughed at the other's prudish response although it belied the way he acted once the lights were off. Wade finished up the food on his plate and had another sip of coffee before wiping his mouth
"I'm going to be late."
"You say that every day and have never been late."
"I have to tell myself that as motivation or I'd never leave for work."
"Uh-huh."
"I'll text – call you later."
"Right, better not text me."
"Calling you is harder because we're sneaking around you know."
"I know but you're doing a fine job. Call me after you're away from Johnny so there won't be a problem."
"Okay." Wade said giving the shorter man a kiss. "See you later, beautiful."
"Bye." Cody shut the door behind the other man then leaned against it as he slid down to the floor. He knew that it was still extremely early in this relationship or whatever it was but he knew that no one, in the distant past or most recent, had ever made him smile or laugh and giggle like Wade. The older man was patient but most importantly, he had a rocking body that his hands couldn't get enough of during their late nights. Cody laughed to himself before getting up and heading to the kitchen to clean up
….
"I think this is it." John said to no one in particular
"I think so." Wade spoke. "I would buy this place…if I could afford it." He added looking at John
"You are entitled to a raise, Barrett. Business has picked up and is doing well for all of us and I've budgeted in pay raises so quit the subtle bitching, okay?"
"While I somewhat appreciate how much thought you put into that speech, once you told me I was entitled to a raise you could have stopped speaking."
"You're lucky you wield a hammer and nail gun so well or I would've fired your ass a long time ago."
"I am lucky in that regard as the small amount of money I make is better than no money."
"I'm going to kick your fucking ass. I already pay you $4 more than the average for this area. Suddenly that raise I budgeted is looking like it would be better spent on a new car for me."
"Well that's just rude."
"Like maybe I should trade in my BMW for an Audi. I've always wanted one of those."
"Okay – I get it Cena."
"Do you?"
"Yes."
"Alright then. Let's go get some lunch."
"Let's. I'm starving. My breakfast seems to have gone right through me."
"Ew. What did you even have for breakfast? I've noticed that you haven't been eating the stuff I bring in for you guys."
"Oh. Um, I found this place and have been eating there."
"So instead of eating my free breakfast you're paying for it somewhere? Clearly I'm paying you more than enough."
"Cena."
Two Weeks Later: The Manor Golf and Country Club
It had been two weeks since John's company had finished the construction on the house and one week since Cody had finished the design. In a matter of days the house was put on the market, was embroiled in a bidding war then sold for thousands more than the asking price. Along with being paid, as a way of thanking John, Cody threw a party
"I feel like I should be wearing a tie." Wade said to John with a gulp
"Yea, me too. I never would have guessed that Cody was this fancy. Like you can tell but at the same time you can't."
"That didn't make a bit of sense but it did. I totally get it Cena. He's down-to-earth and not at all what you would expect someone who runs in this type of circle to be like." John looked over at his friend
"That was deep." Wade cleared his throat
"Yea, well…"
"Hi there you two." Cody said stepping out onto the terrace. The other men turned around to face him
"Hey Codes." John replied giving the younger man a hug
"Hey." Wade casually tried to say. They hugged and John took note of how low Wade's hand was on the other's back and how Cody elevated himself a bit on his toes to wrap his arms around the tall man's neck. They parted but Wade's arm stayed behind Cody's back, his hand lingering. Hm. John thought
"Did you guys just get here?"
"Yea."
"Well make sure you get something to eat. The food's good if I do say so myself."
"Question." John said
"Yes?"
"Do you happen to own this too?"
"Johnny."
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Technically I don't own anything but it is owned by my family."
"I knew it."
"Don't judge me, Johnny."
"Judge you? I would never. I'm actually entertained by all of the things I'm finding out about you. I do consider you a friend, Cody, and I'm sorry if I've said anything to offend you." The older man said sincerely
"Aww, Johnny!" Cody wailed hugging the man. "You didn't offend me but I'm thankful for the apology and your kindness."
"The two of you are so sweet on each other. My stomach hurts."
"You sound jealous Barrett."
"Not at all."
"I think so. You see the chemistry between Cody and me…I'm making my move." John responded knowing, without confirmation that the two men had probably made moves each other already. His rule of no fraternization be damned
Throughout the party on more than a few occasions John spied with his little eyes Wade and Cody standing next to each other and talking. John also saw that Wade's hands had a way of just touching the younger man or finding a way to touch him