Not that his bearish personality was all bad anyway. Tad could see how Sean found his broody, bad-boy vibe hot. A whole other brand of sexed-up dominance. Scott’s kind was way sexier, of course, all smug and bossy and yum. Max’s had a darker, more dangerous feel that, as long as one knew that he’d never abuse them, had to be exhilarating as hell.
Tad stilled, spotting the three of them headed his way. His eyes locked with Scott’s. Scott smiled his killer smile. Which, naturally, sent Tad’s heart into a happy dance. Any time he saw that man, he couldn’t not be happy. He was physically incapable. Just wasn’t possible.
The trio came to a stop and doled out congratulations, then Tad’s crew offered Sean the same sentiments.
“Thanks.” Sean smiled. “Feels amazing to be done.”
“Hell yeah, it does.” Ned rubbed his hands together and grinned. “And now we must celebrate. Who’s up for bar-hopping in Georgetown?”
“Us!” Marcie bounced. “I love that place so hard. So decadently shady, yet so steeped in American history.”
“And alcohol,” Jay tacked on. “Definitely steeped in alcohol.”
“Sold.” Breck nodded. “Count me in.”
Tad looked at Scott. “Wanna come?”
“Sure.” Scott wound his arm around Tad’s waist. “Gotta work in the morning so I’ll be designated driver.”
“Sweet!” Ned hooted. He pointed at Scott. “We love you, man. You know this, right? Like with all of our freaking hearts.”
“And Tad’s dick,” Jay laughed. “With all Tad’s freaking dick, too.”
Tad grinned and flipped him off.
Breck palmed the side of Jay’s face and shoved. “Shut up, Goldie Locks. You are such an ass.”
Jay stumbled, taking Marcie with him. “Jay! You’re stepping on my gown!”
Scott laughed and shook his head, then planted a kiss on Tad’s cheek.
“How ‘bout you guys?” Ned gestured to Sean and Max. “You coming? We always make a pit stop at the Exorcist steps.”
Sean grinned and slid his hand into Max’s back jeans pocket. “The Exorcist steps at night. Talk about a killer photo op.” He looked at Max. “Whatcha think? Wanna go, old man?”
Max’s lips curved. Casually, he draped an arm over Sean’s shoulder. “As appealing as it sounds to wander around wasted taking pictures of concrete steps, I’m not really sure we’ve got the time.”
Scott eyed him. “Why’s that?”
Max and Sean swapped looks, then grinned.
“Because we’re heading to the airport in the morning and have to pack.” Max shifted his weight. His smile faded. “Got some last-minute errands to run, too.”
Scott frowned. “Where are you going? And why am I just hearing about this now?”
Max shrugged. “’Cause we just made the decision this afternoon. Sean was heading out last week to do a backpacking tour in Europe. I talked him into postponing it. Then he asked me to go with him.”
Scott smiled. “And you said yes.”
Max nodded once. “And I said yes.”
“Best summer ever.” Sean grinned. “Mark my words.”
“No way.” Ned gaped. “You’re going backpacking? Across Europe?” His whole face lit up. “Take me, too.”
Jay stiffened, then shot Ned an affronted look. “Really? Wow. What about our group trip to Hawaii?”
Ned laughed. “I was kidding. Don’t get your board shorts in a bunch.”
“Group trip?” Sean’s ears perked. “You’re all going to Hawaii?”
Jay dropped his fake scowl and beamed. “We are. My graduation present from my parents. Eight days for me and my posse. All expenses paid. It’s gonna be sick.”
Tad couldn’t agree more. Living large on a tropical island with Scott for a week? He couldn’t fucking wait. Shit, a part of him wanted to climb on a plane right now.
Beside him, Breck smiled. “What day are we leaving again?”
“Two weeks,” Marcie piped in, all but bouncing in place.
Jay tugged her close and grinned. “Two weeks too many.”
“Actually,” Scott looked at Tad, “that’s pretty perfect for us.”
Tad’s pulse rate stepped up a notch. “You’re right. It is.”
“Perfect in what way?” Ned asked.
All eyes slid to Tad and Scott.
Tad shifted his weight. Scratched his neck. Shot his man a boyish smile, then spilled the beans. “I’m moving in with Scott… Was holding off till graduation… So, yeah, two weeks should give me time to pack.”
“And unpack.” Scott’s big brown eyes settled on Tad’s face.
Tad was instantly snagged. Snagged by his gaze. “Right. That, too,” he murmured, turning into Scott’s body. His stare fell to Scott’s lips. Scott eased him a little closer.
“Hurry, Jay—Get your phone—” Marcie’s hushed voice sounded giddy. “I think they’re gonna kiss—Hurry up!”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, woman. I’m getting it. I’m getting it.”
Ned cracked up laughing.
Tad blinked from his daze. Aw, hell. Jay had his cell up, all ready to start snapping. Even broody-ass Breck was smirking his ass off.
Cheeks heating, Tad laughed. “You two are so frickin’ wrong.”
Jay lowered his phone and thumb-pointed to Marcie. “She’s the wrong one. I’m just doing what I’m told.”
Marcie shrugged, grinning sheepishly. “You two are adorable. What can I say?”