ServingSimon by Caitlin Ricci Page A

with him from his last apartment. That was another thing that had bothered Max at first. Simon had expensive taste. And not knock-off expensive. Everything in his life was high quality and brand name. While they’d never talked about money more than the basics of who would pay what and this was how much the rent was, Max knew Simon could afford far more than what he paid. Even in a city as expensive as Denver was, Simon could have probably afforded his own apartment. But instead he’d answered Max’s online ad, seeking a roommate after his last had decided to move out. She’d started dating a guy and wanted to move in with him. He’d been sad to see her go. Having a girl around made life more interesting and meant that he wouldn’t be attracted to the person sharing the space.
    Too bad that hadn’t been the case with Simon. Max sat down across from him, the heavy cherry wood coffee table between them. Knowing Simon was sleeping in the room next to his, seeing the man come out of the single bathroom they shared with little more than a dark green towel around his slim hips, had done things to Max since day one. He should have never agreed to let a guy move in with him. Especially not one as beautiful as Simon. But after two months of searching and finding no one that fit with him, or, failing that, one that could prove their income, he’d become desperate. He had savings but he wasn’t going to keep paying for the expensive apartment on his own. That wasn’t what he’d sacrificed nights out with friends and trips to exotic locations to be able to do.
    “You look tired,” Simon began, handing him a cup.
    “Uh huh.” Max took it, eagerly drinking whatever Simon had decided to give him. Knowing the other man, it was probably whiskey. Or something equally dark and strong. But when warm tea met his tongue, the sweet taste of orange and spice coating his throat, he moaned. “It’s good,” he said, putting the cup down.
    Simon nodded, his brown hair falling in front of his eyes. “We need to talk,” he said, his voice naturally quiet. Simon didn’t yell and Max had never even heard him raise his voice. Even when he sang in the mornings while making eggs on those rare moments when Max caught him completely relaxed and he thought no one was watching him, Simon was still quiet. He didn’t need to be loud. Most people did, but Simon didn’t. He was powerful just by existing. He commanded attention like a bullmastiff did. Like a great sports car. Like a beautiful woman. He was grace and size and beauty, all put together.
    And being near him made Max nearly lose his mind.
    “Can’t it wait until morning?” Max asked, knowing there was a whine in there somewhere and not caring. He was damn tired. Simon knew that. He’d even commented on it. He could have the decency to let him just go to bed. “I’ll be much better in the morning.”
    Simon shook his head. “No, Max. You need to sit and listen now. This has gone on long enough.”
    Max blinked nervously, quickly perking up at hearing his roommate sounding so unhappy. “What had? I didn’t know we were having trouble. You didn’t say anything. I thought when you moved in that we promised to always tell each other if something was bothering us. Did something happen that you aren’t happy with?”
    “Max, hush,” Simon said, seemingly scolding him. Max frowned. “Listen to me for a few minutes. I’ll make it fast. If you want to know more, then you can. If you want to go to bed after I tell you what I’m about to, then that’s fine, too.”
    Simon had grabbed Max’s attention with his simple statement. He found himself nodding although he had no idea what he was agreeing to.
    “Wait… What?” Max asked, coming back to himself.
    Simon’s full mouth turned up into a smile. It was pleasant, but Max knew something was off about it. There was too much predator to his prey for Max to feel completely comfortable with where this evening was going.
    “I’m