Christian stared at Cortez in confusion. Cortez stared ahead with a grimace, a vein ticking in his temple. It took all of his willpower not to storm out of Christian's home, drive down to the coffee shop, and punch this cousin of his into the cash register.

He's not a violent individual, and it irritated him that he was allowing his emotions to control him in the most disapproving way. Especially when he had his best friend staring at him like he was about to vaporize into thin air.

"Cortez, is there something that I need to know?" Christian asked softly, sitting up to regard him with a concerned look.

Cortez finally glanced at him, now wearing a frown. "I think Jacob's cheating on me."

"Oh, Cortez. I'm so sorry to hear that. What makes you think that? Are you sure?" Christian reached out and took Cortez's hand in his and gave it a comforting squeeze.

Filled with anguish, Cortez lowered his head and nodded, blinking back tears.

Putting two and two together, he realized why Cortez reacted like he did. "Oh my God, Cortez, it's Cameron, isn't it?"

Once again unable to find his voice, Cortez nodded, and a stray tear slid down his cheek. It hurt so dreadfully. Physical pain can be alleviated, but mental and emotional pain settled so deep within that he couldn't physically cut it out. 

"How'd you find out? When did it all start? I'm so disappointed in him. Jacob meant the world to you." Christian said, his lips turning down in a frown.

Cortez listened to him subconsciously, but in the darkest alley of his mind, he fought with malevolent thoughts. So that's why he heard strange sounds on the other line; Jacob was gallivanting with that man. A man who was related to his best friend. The world is so small. 

If what he suspects is true, he couldn't spend his days under the same roof with Jacob. How could he when his mind showed him heart-shattering images of Jacob making love with this man? Giving him what he thought only he relished? What was he privy to? What only he thought was sacred between them both? Jacob was his only in everything, and the thought of starting over frightened him.

"Cortez, you're growing paler by the second. Please, calm down. We'll get to the bottom of this." Christian encouraged, leaning forward and taking him in his arms. "Don't cry, it hurts to see you like this. Your parents would want you to be happy, and I'll ensure that happens."

Cortez sniffed, slumping in his best friend's arms. "I love him so much, Christian. I don't understand why he'd do this. What did I do wrong?"

"Nothing, Cortez. You're the sweetest sugar plum I've ever met, so don't you ever question yourself. We haven't confirmed it yet, so keep an open mind, okay?"

Despite the defensive response that was at the tip of his tongue, he nodded and allowed Christian to stroke his hair.  Nancy came a few minutes later after Christian dried his tears and repeatedly encouraged and assured him that he would help him to get to the bottom of whatever was going on.

Nancy noticed Cortez's change of mood and swollen eyes, but Christian silently shook his head, signifying that she shouldn't press the matter. She hesitated for a moment before nodding understandably.

After Nancy left, Cortez just stared vacantly at the plate filled with cookies, his appetite nonexistent. Christian frowned, deeply concerned for his best friend's well-being. Cortez loved his mother's cooking, and for him to refuse it, this must be troubling him severely.

"Cortez, if it makes you feel better, we'll investigate ourselves. It doesn't matter that Cameron is my cousin; I stand for what is right, and what could be going on between them is wrong. Come on, let's go and get to the bottom of this." Christian urged, standing up.

Cortez glanced up at him, his spirits crushed. Depression strangled him. "Christian, I don't want to put you in a compromising situation. He's your cousin. I have someone investigating him for me already. I appreciate your offer, but I won't have you do it, knowing he's your family."

Christian frowned, kneeling to come face-to-face with Cortez. He placed his hands on his slumped shoulders, gazing at him fondly. "Cortez, you mean the world to me, as does Cameron, but if he's sleeping with the love of your life, my heart just can't sit well with that. It's wrong and it's hurting you. If he knows and is doing this knowingly, I'll give him a piece of my mind, as well as Jacob. Now, come, we have to find Jacob first.”

Cortez stood up as Christian held him by his arm and guided him back into the house, leaving the cookies untouched.

It took Christian a while to get Cortez to at least relax as they drove to the coffee shop after five failed attempts to call Jacob. Jacob refused to answer his phone, and it further served to upset Cortez.

"Do you think he knows that I know?" Cortez bit his nails nervously.

"Relax, you didn't tell him anything, right?" Christian asked.

"I was so distraught that I told him I'd be waiting for him at home. My mind was such a mess. This is so overwhelming." Cortez said.

"I could only imagine," Christian said, keeping his eyes plastered ahead. "I haven't been in a relationship in years since the last one was a disaster. You know how it left me scarred. I won't go down that road again; it'll only open a wound that just recently healed."

Cortez stared at his friend sadly, remembering his horrible breakup. Christian fell in love with his high school crush, whom he met a few years after graduating. Christian feared that Milo would be disgusted by him because he was straight, but he turned out to be bisexual, like Christian was. Christian, taking the initiative, confessed his feelings and was overjoyed when Milo said he felt the same. Everything was cupcakes and rainbows until Milo began to act differently towards Christian.

A long story short, Milo was only using Christian. He was in denial about his sexuality, and it only drove their relationship over a cliff that ended horribly. Christian was devastated. Cortez watched his best friend crumble. Now he truly knew how he felt. The betrayal stung horribly.

They rode in silence after the conversation died out, arriving at the coffee shop minutes later. They got out of the car and walked side by side to the doors of the establishment. He felt his heart pitter-patter in his chest as they drew closer and Christian pushed the door open, the heady, rich scent of brewing coffee wafted in their faces as they entered. The aroma was appealing to Cortez's senses, and he inhaled deeply.

This was it. Christian strode ahead of Cortez to the counter where Christian stood behind, taking a customer's order. He smiled, engaging wonderfully with the young lady. Cortez's chest tightened, and he bit his lip, feeling queasy all of a sudden. Cameron caught Christian's approach after the lady stepped away, and his smile broadened. "Christian, it's great to see you!"

Christian smiled, "I can say the same. How's it going so far? You like it here?"

Cameron grinned, flashing beautiful dimples, leaning over the counter slightly, "I do. It may be a bit chilly on this side, but I can get used to the friendly townspeople." His eyes caught Cortez's movement behind Christian, and his delight simmered a bit.

"You're the guy from earlier." He said, eyeing Cortez with inquisition.

Cortez stared back, failing to hide his hostility towards him. He was seconds away from face-planting in that cash register. Christian spun to face Cortez, gently taking his arm and tugging him to his side. "Cameron, meet Cortez. He's my best friend. Cortez, this is Cameron, my cousin."

Cameron's eyes shot up, and he nodded. "It's nice to meet you. You seemed like you were in a bad mood this morning. Are you feeling better now?" He seemed genuinely concerned.

If he only knew that he was the cause of his bad mood. "Slightly," Cortez answered honestly, staring at the hickey peeking from under his collar. Christian caught Cortez's gaze and watched him swallow nervously.

"I do hope you feel better. Would you like another latte?" Cameron asked.

"I barely drank it," Cortez quipped.

Christian gasped. "Cortez!"

"What?" He snapped, not giving a damn. He most likely slept with his boyfriend, flaunting his conquests about the place.

The look on Cameron's face was one of shock. He blinked several times before responding, "I'm sorry, was it not to your liking?"

He was about to respond before Christian chimed in, "Please excuse him. He's going through a rough patch right now, and his appetite is not quite there."

"I told you this was a bad idea," Cortez mumbled, irate.

Christian sighed and gave Cameron an apologetic look. "I just wanted to introduce you to Cortez. He'll be visiting a lot, and I think it would be awesome if you two got along well."

Yeah, right. That's not happening. Although he bet Jacob's penis got along well with Cameron's ass hole. Cortez ground his teeth and bit back that retort.

A customer came up behind them, and they went over to the side to allow Cameron to serve them. "What was that?" Christian whispered hotly.

"That was me not giving a shit," Cortez hissed, keeping his voice low. "I don't care to get to know him. My heart tells me he slept with my man, and I'll prove it. Cousin or not, I don't like him."

Christian rolled his eyes to the heavens, releasing an exasperated sigh. "Have you ever heard of innocent until proven guilty, Cortez? This isn't like you."

"I was innocent when Jacob chased me down for my affections. Innocent in every way, but that didn't stop him from lying to me and breaking my heart. I have a right to feel the way I do, and I won't let you sugar coat this shit. This is the man I love. I'll be damned if I allow some coffee-making hottie to take him away from me." Tears welled up in his eyes as he spat the words at Christian.

Astonishment filled Christian's features, and he immediately felt like shit. He'd never talked to Christian like that, and the hurt that flashed through his eyes made his heart ache.

"Christian, I'm sorry. Please forgive me." Cortez wrung his fingers together, ashamed.

Christian regarded him with sympathetic eyes. "It's okay. I forgive you. Come here, you need a hug." He stretched his arms out, and Cortez walked into them, wrapping his arms around him tightly. Hot tears stung his eyes, and he swallowed, his throat becoming tight with emotions.

"Is he okay?" Cameron's voice made his insides quake with anger. He was seemingly done serving the customer.

"He's a bit emotional today. I'll just take him home. We'll catch up later, okay?" Christian said.

Cortez couldn't see Cameron's reaction because his back was to him. Christian gently released Cortez, wrapping his arm around his shoulder and ushering him through the cafe doors. Christian decided to drive him home after a brief session of Cortez arguing that he was okay to drive. Christian wasn't having it. Cortez gave in begrudgingly, falling asleep sometime during the ride.

Strong arms suddenly hooked under his knees and shoulders, stirring him awake.

His eyes opened owlishly, the familiar scent of Jacob's cologne wafting through his nose. He inhaled his scent and snuggled closer, temporarily forgetting that he lied to him, and that he may have cheated on him. All Cortez wanted was his warmth, to have him on top of him, thrusting into me and giving him his everything.

"Jacob," He called out, cradling his neck and gazing adoringly at him.

Jacob's head lowered to gaze at him, a stray curl falling over his forehead. "Hey, babe," He smiled.

"Where's Christian?" He asked.

"He took an Uber home. He said to make sure you're well rested." Jacob replied.

Jacob smelled so good. His cologne always aroused him. "I need you," Cortez whispered, his cock stirring in his jeans. He was starving for his touch.

He grinned, giving him a chaste kiss on the lips. The kiss was so gentle, it made Cortez want to cry in delight. The thought of him kissing Cameron like this drove him wild with jealousy. He shoved the feeling aside, now horny beyond thinking about the what-ifs. Please, don't break my heart, he whispered internally.