tennis slash - Free Coffee (2)
Title: Free Coffee (2)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Richard Gasquet/Andy Murray; Marat Safin/Juan Carlos Ferrero
Other Characters: Feliciano Lopez, Kim Sears
Rating: R (may end up NC-17)
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: Richie is in hiding during the suspension so ends up at Andy’s London home. During Wimbledon. Yeah, that’s not asking for trouble.
The door closes at Marat’s apartment when Juan Carlos comes out of the kitchen wearing an apron that says 'Kiss the Chef'. “Who was that?”
“Andy Murray. He’s not too pleased with my arranging.”
Juan Carlos narrows his stare. “I told you after the disaster that was having Mario at Berdych’s place to fucking stop doing this. In fact, I see no point in having Mario stay with, of all people, Andy Murray.”
“He’s not! This is a different situation. Mario is in good hands. Not Andy’s hands. Just leave it alone.”
Juan Carlos gives Marat a dirty look then turns back to the kitchen, focusing on the tomato sauce on the stove. “So, I’m afraid to ask, who is with Murray?”
“Gasquet.”
The Spaniard shakes his head. “That is utterly amazing. You managed to convince someone with even bigger problems than Mario to start another round of house tag?”
“No, believe it or not, this is completely different. This arrangement is very specific to the person he’s paired with. There’s a history; they used to get along and there’s tension and…”
Juan Carlos cuts right to the point. “Which one did you hook up with?”
“Richie," Marat admits reluctantly, but then presses on. "That was while we were broken up… it was a casual fling… and we were usually both pretty drunk and loose-lipped. That’s in fact why this is going to work.”
“Aw, you’re rambling and feeling guilty. That’s amazing. Didn't know you were even capable of either, much less both at the same time.”
“Is that sauce almost done?” Marat grins as he watches Juan Carlos try not to act superior, then mocks Juan Carlos’ tone to snap, “It must be difficult to gloat and cook at the same time.”
"Don't you worry about this. I was able to impress even an Italian with this sauce."
"Bolelli?"
Juan Carlos shrugs. "You dabbled in French cuisine while I preferred Italian during that break."
Marat narrows his stare, trying to determine if Juan Carlos is playing games. When he gets a read, he declares, "You're lying. I am certain of it."
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. However, you do appear to be irritated with the thought so my work is done."
Marat shakes his head and storms off, muttering, “He’s probably never talked to Simone in his life.”
The cook laughs heartily, knowing they won’t be eating dinner together but there will be fun later tonight.
* * * * *
After accepting the invite to have dinner at Ross' and basically avoiding as long as possible, Andy finally returns home, deciding it's not worth dodging this conversation any longer.
When Andy opens the bedroom door, he sees Richie lying on his side watching television. Seeing it’s at least safer than the first time, he enters the rest of the way in. Upon closer examination, it appears his viewing is Bridget Jones’ Diary. Oh dear. Maybe it isn't so safe after all.
Andy declares about the choice in program, “You are kidding, right?”
Richie answers by moving over to give Andy room to join him, in front of his view of the screen.
“Love-starved women chasing after womanizers while dorks with reindeer sweaters stand idly by getting walked over. This is supposed to be what inspires romance?” Andy sighs but does sit on the bed to slip off his sneakers.
“Such a cynic. Yeah, this is kind of cheesy but you cannot deny the fight between Daniel and Mark at the end makes the movie.”
“Don’t know. Never make it to that point before changing the channel.”
“I thought you were going to camp out in Kim’s car. Come on, enjoy the movie.” Andy notes that Richie hasn’t actually taken his eyes off the television since his arrival. Not sure if it’s because he loves the movie or is afraid to face Andy.
With that in mind, Andy obliges and lies flat on his back next to him, leaving enough space. Andy points out, “I am here because it is late and I would just rather fall asleep. This movie will help with that.”
Several minutes pass, the warbling of "All By Myself" filling the room. When the song finishes, Richie abruptly says, “You could probably get anyone you want. Especially when you go to the States next month, since you wouldn’t have the tabloids there.”
“Drop it.”
“Fair enough. You are in charge."
Andy nods but when he catches on this isn't about what Richie just said but rather what's supposed to happen tonight, he realizes it's time to admit. Andy focuses on the movie when he reveals, “Here’s the thing. I really don’t know.”
Richie sits up on his elbow and stares down at Andy’s profile. “You’re kidding. You have no idea? That must be a lie.”
“It’s... I mean, I’m not a virgin but I really don’t have much experience. Not like you. Just you being with Marat is probably experience beyond anything I’ve done.”
“I didn’t know you knew that,” Richie mutters. He didn’t expect Marat to disclose that information but it changes so much if Andy knows everything about that time. “Did he tell you the details?”
“No, it was just a random comment, either being wistful or ticking off Juan Carlos. I’m not sure.”
Richie nods but he does seem relieved for some reason. “Well, it wasn't much… a mistake really, a rather memorable mistake... but it led to this so I guess not too bad.”
“What I mean is that you may have to guide to start,” then cringes after saying that and buries his head in the pillow. “This is embarrassing.”
Richie presses closer, his arm crossing over Andy's chest so his hand rubs circles along the Brit's arm. He says soothingly, “The particulars of what happens here are between you and me. Don’t worry so much. It ages you.” He backs up, pressing down on Andy’s hip so Andy goes back to lying on his back.
Andy focuses on Richie for the first time since joining him on the bed. He gets lost in those eyes bearing down, wanting nothing more than to forget why there’s been distance between them since last fall. Andy raises his body off the bed and grabs onto Richie’s collar to kiss him.
Richie smiles against Andy’s mouth then pushes Andy back down and the kisses get more urgent. Andy can tell that Richie is holding back, keeping to his word about Andy controlling the situation. Which isn't a big deal since Andy feels as if he's been in the desert for days and this is the only water available.
"Please," Andy whimpers, hating that sound but he really doesn't want this to end as it has in the past with... well, he needs to forget about that experience right now. The fact is that he's never been in this position with Richie, never thought after everything that’s happened they’d ever end up in this position. His hands work on getting Richie's shirt unbuttoned and off.
At this gesture, Richie follows Andy's lead, pressing their bodies closer and working his fingers down Andy's back until they settle under the waistband. Andy can feel his own breath starting to get ragged and he's dangerously close way too quickly. As much as he wants to have that release, Andy breaks away from the kiss and collapses back on the bed.
Andy declares, "I think this is a bad idea." Richie rolls off Andy's body, his eyes focused on Andy's as he tries to read the situation. "There is so much wrong here and I can't forget." Andy slides off the bed, shaking his head as he stares down at Richie laid out on the bed.
"You are interested. Very interested," Richie leers while looking down to make his point clear. "Why do you insist on thinking so much?"
Andy counters, "If you'd think just a little more often, you wouldn't be here in the first place." He doesn’t say it but the words “you’d be playing this week” seem to hang in that sentence.
Richie backs down quickly, narrowing his stare. "I see. Then, yes, you're right. Terrible, terrible idea." He focuses back on the movie, planting a fake smile as he pretends to enjoy a scene involving Bridget and her friends.
Andy lets out a sigh. He really doesn't want to get into this discussion any more than Richie does. "Fine. I'm sleeping on the couch."
* * * * *
Juan Carlos doesn't particularly trust Marat's judgment about any of this. So when he crosses paths with Andy the next day, Juan Carlos cannot resist trying to see if this is working. Well, it's not exactly crossing paths so much as dodging the group of crazies surrounding Andy.
Andy is fielding all kinds of questions, some about Wimbledon, some about the new roof, some they really have no business asking. It's not even a news conference, just a bunch of nosy British rags on his tail as he tries to get to the practice court.
While Andy is being cordial towards them, Juan Carlos wonders if he's imagining the bite in his voice. Then again, they are irritating so he can understand if Andy's drone catches a sarcastic tone when discussing the traffic problems soon to plague the area.
Juan Carlos shrugs it off, then rushes to the other court to join Feliciano, his practice partner for today. He's keeping one eye on his court and the other on Andy and crew on the next court.
It turns out there's no need to actually watch the other court because they (and the onlookers) are being loud enough to hear all of it. More appropriately, Juan Carlos can hear how hard Andy is hitting the ball, the loud yells of frustration when he misses by an inch (which doesn't happen too often), the fast talking of others in the group as they excitedly go over the game plan for a certain opponent's style. Andy himself isn’t really talking - in fact, he looks irritated the entire time - but the rest of his crew do seem to be excited about his form.
Feliciano just keeps glancing from their court to Juan Carlos, trying to figure out why on earth the Spaniard cares about them. Juan Carlos knows better than to explain any of Marat's nonsense to Feliciano. Definitely do not want to give Feliciano any of Marat’s ideas or else Fernando will kill Juan Carlos for putting those thoughts in his boyfriend’s pretty little head.
* * * * *
When Andy returns home, Kim is in the kitchen doing cleanup. She says cheerily, “Good evening. There's chicken in the fridge...”
While the practice could be deemed a success, Andy is still annoyed about the situation in the house. There’s no point in hiding the frustration he’s felt all day. “How could you agree with them?”
She turns away from the sink, tilting her head. “Just give this a chance.”
Andy shakes his head but decides to use a different tactic. “Mum must know something by now.”
“She believes Richie at his word about not wanting to be away from the tour. Which at least has some truth, as he’s been on his mobile since you left. Some of it was with lawyers, some with other players.”
Andy replies sarcastically, “Of course he is. Everyone on the tour must be thrilled that Richie is around.”
Kim sighs loudly. “Give him some credit. You know it isn’t that way.”
“No, I don’t know that. I’ve heard Marat’s outlandish theories and Richie is likely his star pupil. Well, him or Mario, I haven’t figured that out yet.”
“Andy…”
“Kim,” Andy parrots then shakes his head, hating his voice sounding whiny. “They are tricking you into agreeing. Need I remind you that Richie and I don’t really talk to each other anymore?”
“When we met, you two were close friends. Your careers went at different speeds, creating distance. Obviously there’s a reason he wants to be here with you. You can’t convince me this is only Marat playing matchmaker.” Kim kisses Andy’s cheek and walks out of the kitchen, calling out over her shoulder, “Plus, you need to get laid."
Andy lets out a loud sigh, then heads for the refrigerator to look for the leftover chicken. It’s while he’s inspecting other containers that he hears a rustling then a voice behind him. “You can’t avoid me for the entire tournament.”
“If you’re staying in my room, I’m sleeping on the couch. Maybe even in the gym.” Andy sets the containers of chicken and potatoes to the side, continuing his search.
“Come on, Andy. Let’s be reasonable here.” Richie is standing right behind him, hot breath on Andy’s ear. “It’s been too long since you’ve felt anyone against you. Your eyes glazed over from a simple kiss, ignoring the rest of what happened.”
“There was nothing simple about that kiss.”
Richie wraps his arms around the body in front of him and lays a kiss on Andy’s neck, “It is that simple. You just insist on making it complicated.”
Despite his better judgment, Andy leans back into Richie’s body. His voice sounds strangled when he pleads, “Please don’t do this to me. You know I can’t resist you… in fact, that’s the problem. I need to resist you.”
"You really don't." Richie lets go of his grip just enough for Andy to turn around in his arms and face him. "That's what I'm trying to tell you."
Andy is shaking his head, needing to look away from the Frenchman before he ends up giving in to that soulful look.
"You promised Marat you'd give me a chance. So, how did practice go?" Richie’s tone clearly indicating that Juan Carlos gave his verdict and there’s no point in making up an answer. Andy rolls his eyes at Richie’s lousy attempt at playing dumb. "Stop trying to deny what you want."
There are things Andy would rather forget when it comes to Richie. He doesn't really want to discuss them when Richie is being so calm and certain that this is right. Andy traces his thumb along Richie's jaw until landing over his mouth, memorizing the contours because this is nothing but a short-term plan.
Richie moves them away from the refrigerator door, shutting away the blast of cold air, then pushes Andy against the counter. “This is what you’ve wanted.”
Andy shuts his eyes, wanting to ignore the voice in the back of his head that continues that sentence with "and I'm doing this for you." He knows Richie too well, that he is eager to please everyone, especially now that there are people he's let down too many times. The truth is that dig about thinking last night probably still bothers Richie but he’s refusing to start trouble. It is with this in mind that Andy says with determination, "I can't."
Richie backs away, giving a shrug. "I came down to make popcorn," grabbing the bag he'd left on the counter that caused the rustling sound. "Watching movies."
“Another Hugh Grant selection?” Richie is less than amused but doesn’t quite deny it either. Andy would put money on it being Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Andy nods. "I have things to do," then takes the containers and heads for the back door. He’s about to exit, his hand on the doorknob, when he turns around and says, “I’m not throwing you out. If you want to leave, that’s fine, but otherwise, I will hold to the deal you offered. If I don’t make the quarters, you’re gone. Sound fair?”
Richie decides not to push his luck right now, simply saying, “Okay.” He is almost out of the room when he says over his shoulder, “It’s Notting Hill, not Four Weddings and a Funeral. I have limits.”
Andy waits until he’s sure Richie won’t return before he smiles at the remark. Richie can’t help being a hopeless romantic, even though this whole idea is rather creepy as well as sordid. It makes Andy consider returning to the bedroom later.
Chapter 3
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Richard Gasquet/Andy Murray; Marat Safin/Juan Carlos Ferrero
Other Characters: Feliciano Lopez, Kim Sears
Rating: R (may end up NC-17)
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: Richie is in hiding during the suspension so ends up at Andy’s London home. During Wimbledon. Yeah, that’s not asking for trouble.
The door closes at Marat’s apartment when Juan Carlos comes out of the kitchen wearing an apron that says 'Kiss the Chef'. “Who was that?”
“Andy Murray. He’s not too pleased with my arranging.”
Juan Carlos narrows his stare. “I told you after the disaster that was having Mario at Berdych’s place to fucking stop doing this. In fact, I see no point in having Mario stay with, of all people, Andy Murray.”
“He’s not! This is a different situation. Mario is in good hands. Not Andy’s hands. Just leave it alone.”
Juan Carlos gives Marat a dirty look then turns back to the kitchen, focusing on the tomato sauce on the stove. “So, I’m afraid to ask, who is with Murray?”
“Gasquet.”
The Spaniard shakes his head. “That is utterly amazing. You managed to convince someone with even bigger problems than Mario to start another round of house tag?”
“No, believe it or not, this is completely different. This arrangement is very specific to the person he’s paired with. There’s a history; they used to get along and there’s tension and…”
Juan Carlos cuts right to the point. “Which one did you hook up with?”
“Richie," Marat admits reluctantly, but then presses on. "That was while we were broken up… it was a casual fling… and we were usually both pretty drunk and loose-lipped. That’s in fact why this is going to work.”
“Aw, you’re rambling and feeling guilty. That’s amazing. Didn't know you were even capable of either, much less both at the same time.”
“Is that sauce almost done?” Marat grins as he watches Juan Carlos try not to act superior, then mocks Juan Carlos’ tone to snap, “It must be difficult to gloat and cook at the same time.”
"Don't you worry about this. I was able to impress even an Italian with this sauce."
"Bolelli?"
Juan Carlos shrugs. "You dabbled in French cuisine while I preferred Italian during that break."
Marat narrows his stare, trying to determine if Juan Carlos is playing games. When he gets a read, he declares, "You're lying. I am certain of it."
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. However, you do appear to be irritated with the thought so my work is done."
Marat shakes his head and storms off, muttering, “He’s probably never talked to Simone in his life.”
The cook laughs heartily, knowing they won’t be eating dinner together but there will be fun later tonight.
* * * * *
After accepting the invite to have dinner at Ross' and basically avoiding as long as possible, Andy finally returns home, deciding it's not worth dodging this conversation any longer.
When Andy opens the bedroom door, he sees Richie lying on his side watching television. Seeing it’s at least safer than the first time, he enters the rest of the way in. Upon closer examination, it appears his viewing is Bridget Jones’ Diary. Oh dear. Maybe it isn't so safe after all.
Andy declares about the choice in program, “You are kidding, right?”
Richie answers by moving over to give Andy room to join him, in front of his view of the screen.
“Love-starved women chasing after womanizers while dorks with reindeer sweaters stand idly by getting walked over. This is supposed to be what inspires romance?” Andy sighs but does sit on the bed to slip off his sneakers.
“Such a cynic. Yeah, this is kind of cheesy but you cannot deny the fight between Daniel and Mark at the end makes the movie.”
“Don’t know. Never make it to that point before changing the channel.”
“I thought you were going to camp out in Kim’s car. Come on, enjoy the movie.” Andy notes that Richie hasn’t actually taken his eyes off the television since his arrival. Not sure if it’s because he loves the movie or is afraid to face Andy.
With that in mind, Andy obliges and lies flat on his back next to him, leaving enough space. Andy points out, “I am here because it is late and I would just rather fall asleep. This movie will help with that.”
Several minutes pass, the warbling of "All By Myself" filling the room. When the song finishes, Richie abruptly says, “You could probably get anyone you want. Especially when you go to the States next month, since you wouldn’t have the tabloids there.”
“Drop it.”
“Fair enough. You are in charge."
Andy nods but when he catches on this isn't about what Richie just said but rather what's supposed to happen tonight, he realizes it's time to admit. Andy focuses on the movie when he reveals, “Here’s the thing. I really don’t know.”
Richie sits up on his elbow and stares down at Andy’s profile. “You’re kidding. You have no idea? That must be a lie.”
“It’s... I mean, I’m not a virgin but I really don’t have much experience. Not like you. Just you being with Marat is probably experience beyond anything I’ve done.”
“I didn’t know you knew that,” Richie mutters. He didn’t expect Marat to disclose that information but it changes so much if Andy knows everything about that time. “Did he tell you the details?”
“No, it was just a random comment, either being wistful or ticking off Juan Carlos. I’m not sure.”
Richie nods but he does seem relieved for some reason. “Well, it wasn't much… a mistake really, a rather memorable mistake... but it led to this so I guess not too bad.”
“What I mean is that you may have to guide to start,” then cringes after saying that and buries his head in the pillow. “This is embarrassing.”
Richie presses closer, his arm crossing over Andy's chest so his hand rubs circles along the Brit's arm. He says soothingly, “The particulars of what happens here are between you and me. Don’t worry so much. It ages you.” He backs up, pressing down on Andy’s hip so Andy goes back to lying on his back.
Andy focuses on Richie for the first time since joining him on the bed. He gets lost in those eyes bearing down, wanting nothing more than to forget why there’s been distance between them since last fall. Andy raises his body off the bed and grabs onto Richie’s collar to kiss him.
Richie smiles against Andy’s mouth then pushes Andy back down and the kisses get more urgent. Andy can tell that Richie is holding back, keeping to his word about Andy controlling the situation. Which isn't a big deal since Andy feels as if he's been in the desert for days and this is the only water available.
"Please," Andy whimpers, hating that sound but he really doesn't want this to end as it has in the past with... well, he needs to forget about that experience right now. The fact is that he's never been in this position with Richie, never thought after everything that’s happened they’d ever end up in this position. His hands work on getting Richie's shirt unbuttoned and off.
At this gesture, Richie follows Andy's lead, pressing their bodies closer and working his fingers down Andy's back until they settle under the waistband. Andy can feel his own breath starting to get ragged and he's dangerously close way too quickly. As much as he wants to have that release, Andy breaks away from the kiss and collapses back on the bed.
Andy declares, "I think this is a bad idea." Richie rolls off Andy's body, his eyes focused on Andy's as he tries to read the situation. "There is so much wrong here and I can't forget." Andy slides off the bed, shaking his head as he stares down at Richie laid out on the bed.
"You are interested. Very interested," Richie leers while looking down to make his point clear. "Why do you insist on thinking so much?"
Andy counters, "If you'd think just a little more often, you wouldn't be here in the first place." He doesn’t say it but the words “you’d be playing this week” seem to hang in that sentence.
Richie backs down quickly, narrowing his stare. "I see. Then, yes, you're right. Terrible, terrible idea." He focuses back on the movie, planting a fake smile as he pretends to enjoy a scene involving Bridget and her friends.
Andy lets out a sigh. He really doesn't want to get into this discussion any more than Richie does. "Fine. I'm sleeping on the couch."
* * * * *
Juan Carlos doesn't particularly trust Marat's judgment about any of this. So when he crosses paths with Andy the next day, Juan Carlos cannot resist trying to see if this is working. Well, it's not exactly crossing paths so much as dodging the group of crazies surrounding Andy.
Andy is fielding all kinds of questions, some about Wimbledon, some about the new roof, some they really have no business asking. It's not even a news conference, just a bunch of nosy British rags on his tail as he tries to get to the practice court.
While Andy is being cordial towards them, Juan Carlos wonders if he's imagining the bite in his voice. Then again, they are irritating so he can understand if Andy's drone catches a sarcastic tone when discussing the traffic problems soon to plague the area.
Juan Carlos shrugs it off, then rushes to the other court to join Feliciano, his practice partner for today. He's keeping one eye on his court and the other on Andy and crew on the next court.
It turns out there's no need to actually watch the other court because they (and the onlookers) are being loud enough to hear all of it. More appropriately, Juan Carlos can hear how hard Andy is hitting the ball, the loud yells of frustration when he misses by an inch (which doesn't happen too often), the fast talking of others in the group as they excitedly go over the game plan for a certain opponent's style. Andy himself isn’t really talking - in fact, he looks irritated the entire time - but the rest of his crew do seem to be excited about his form.
Feliciano just keeps glancing from their court to Juan Carlos, trying to figure out why on earth the Spaniard cares about them. Juan Carlos knows better than to explain any of Marat's nonsense to Feliciano. Definitely do not want to give Feliciano any of Marat’s ideas or else Fernando will kill Juan Carlos for putting those thoughts in his boyfriend’s pretty little head.
* * * * *
When Andy returns home, Kim is in the kitchen doing cleanup. She says cheerily, “Good evening. There's chicken in the fridge...”
While the practice could be deemed a success, Andy is still annoyed about the situation in the house. There’s no point in hiding the frustration he’s felt all day. “How could you agree with them?”
She turns away from the sink, tilting her head. “Just give this a chance.”
Andy shakes his head but decides to use a different tactic. “Mum must know something by now.”
“She believes Richie at his word about not wanting to be away from the tour. Which at least has some truth, as he’s been on his mobile since you left. Some of it was with lawyers, some with other players.”
Andy replies sarcastically, “Of course he is. Everyone on the tour must be thrilled that Richie is around.”
Kim sighs loudly. “Give him some credit. You know it isn’t that way.”
“No, I don’t know that. I’ve heard Marat’s outlandish theories and Richie is likely his star pupil. Well, him or Mario, I haven’t figured that out yet.”
“Andy…”
“Kim,” Andy parrots then shakes his head, hating his voice sounding whiny. “They are tricking you into agreeing. Need I remind you that Richie and I don’t really talk to each other anymore?”
“When we met, you two were close friends. Your careers went at different speeds, creating distance. Obviously there’s a reason he wants to be here with you. You can’t convince me this is only Marat playing matchmaker.” Kim kisses Andy’s cheek and walks out of the kitchen, calling out over her shoulder, “Plus, you need to get laid."
Andy lets out a loud sigh, then heads for the refrigerator to look for the leftover chicken. It’s while he’s inspecting other containers that he hears a rustling then a voice behind him. “You can’t avoid me for the entire tournament.”
“If you’re staying in my room, I’m sleeping on the couch. Maybe even in the gym.” Andy sets the containers of chicken and potatoes to the side, continuing his search.
“Come on, Andy. Let’s be reasonable here.” Richie is standing right behind him, hot breath on Andy’s ear. “It’s been too long since you’ve felt anyone against you. Your eyes glazed over from a simple kiss, ignoring the rest of what happened.”
“There was nothing simple about that kiss.”
Richie wraps his arms around the body in front of him and lays a kiss on Andy’s neck, “It is that simple. You just insist on making it complicated.”
Despite his better judgment, Andy leans back into Richie’s body. His voice sounds strangled when he pleads, “Please don’t do this to me. You know I can’t resist you… in fact, that’s the problem. I need to resist you.”
"You really don't." Richie lets go of his grip just enough for Andy to turn around in his arms and face him. "That's what I'm trying to tell you."
Andy is shaking his head, needing to look away from the Frenchman before he ends up giving in to that soulful look.
"You promised Marat you'd give me a chance. So, how did practice go?" Richie’s tone clearly indicating that Juan Carlos gave his verdict and there’s no point in making up an answer. Andy rolls his eyes at Richie’s lousy attempt at playing dumb. "Stop trying to deny what you want."
There are things Andy would rather forget when it comes to Richie. He doesn't really want to discuss them when Richie is being so calm and certain that this is right. Andy traces his thumb along Richie's jaw until landing over his mouth, memorizing the contours because this is nothing but a short-term plan.
Richie moves them away from the refrigerator door, shutting away the blast of cold air, then pushes Andy against the counter. “This is what you’ve wanted.”
Andy shuts his eyes, wanting to ignore the voice in the back of his head that continues that sentence with "and I'm doing this for you." He knows Richie too well, that he is eager to please everyone, especially now that there are people he's let down too many times. The truth is that dig about thinking last night probably still bothers Richie but he’s refusing to start trouble. It is with this in mind that Andy says with determination, "I can't."
Richie backs away, giving a shrug. "I came down to make popcorn," grabbing the bag he'd left on the counter that caused the rustling sound. "Watching movies."
“Another Hugh Grant selection?” Richie is less than amused but doesn’t quite deny it either. Andy would put money on it being Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Andy nods. "I have things to do," then takes the containers and heads for the back door. He’s about to exit, his hand on the doorknob, when he turns around and says, “I’m not throwing you out. If you want to leave, that’s fine, but otherwise, I will hold to the deal you offered. If I don’t make the quarters, you’re gone. Sound fair?”
Richie decides not to push his luck right now, simply saying, “Okay.” He is almost out of the room when he says over his shoulder, “It’s Notting Hill, not Four Weddings and a Funeral. I have limits.”
Andy waits until he’s sure Richie won’t return before he smiles at the remark. Richie can’t help being a hopeless romantic, even though this whole idea is rather creepy as well as sordid. It makes Andy consider returning to the bedroom later.
Chapter 3