Hadrian's Lover Read Online Free PDF

“Anthony, he’s just playing with you.” Sensing that his little boy is about to explode into one of his famous hissy fits, Frank calms Anthony down by kissing him. Although he still refuses to talk to Todd, Anthony is mollified. As they watch this display, Todd winks at Roger while stuffing the cheese and cracker into his mouth.
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    â€œGeoffrey! Geoffrey!” Dean cries out frantically. “Do you have the champagne ready? Melissa Eagleton is starting the countdown!” This bottle, Champagne Philipponnat Clos des Goisses , their last bottle of real French champagne, has been waiting patiently for over four years for tonight’s special celebration. With major cutbacks on imports, it is not likely they will ever have another such bottle to drink. They had ordered one case on their tenth anniversary, drinking a bottle each New Year and anniversary until6-13 ended any chance that they could order more. Since then, their last remaining bottle has sat in solitary confinement inside its case in the far reaches of their cold storage awaiting Hadrian’s Fiftieth New Year’s Eve and Birthday celebration. As Melissa Eagleton’s voice drones along with the guests (all eyes glued to the Hunters’ wall screen), Dean calls out impatiently, “Geoffrey, please!”
    Geoffrey enters the room with the champagne bottle in his hand and the cork teased halfway out. Smiling, he gives the bottle a slight shake—just enough to get the bubbles flowing, but not so much that any of the valuable wine will get wasted on the floor. “Cork ready to pop, dear.”
    Dean sighs audibly, moving swiftly to the coffee table to retrieve the tray with one dozen crystal flutes, one for each of the eleven men present at their little New Year gathering. The extra flute, having been intended for Mike Fulton, will sit empty on the tray. As soon as the count hits one, everyone in the room cheers “Happy New Year!” along with Melissa Eagleton. Every man turns to his partner or neighbor, extending the traditional New Year’s kiss. Geoffrey and Dean kiss gingerly, due to the delicate nature of the tray held between them. Once the first round of kissing is complete, mostly moderate pecks since the only two couples present are Dean and Geoffrey and Frank and Anthony, Geoffrey pops open the champagne and pours everyone a drink. Although he gives full portions to the adults, the four teenage boys only garner a half glass each. Frank tosses his flute back, downing the expensive wine in one dramatic gulp. Geoffrey shakes his head. Dean wants to lecture him on such folly, considering how expensive this particular bottle is and how they are never likely to taste such luxury again, but before he or Geoffrey can express their displeasure, Frank turns Todd’s way and pulls him in for a kiss. And not just any kiss. Frank spins Todd as if in a dance, dipping his best friend low before diving down for his lips. It is a very romantic gesture, and as angry as Geoffrey and Dean are at Frank for having downed the expensive champagne, they are both pleased to see Frank engaging in a kiss with Todd. Neither man dislikes Anthony, but both men are hoping for a union between Frank and Todd. Smiling at the sight, Geoffrey feels the need to kiss his lover one more time, a little less gingerly now that the tray of flutes no longer hinders him.
    After Frank releases Todd, he dips his flute into the punchbowl; then raising his flute high, he offers up another toast to honor Hadrian’s birthday! Anthony does not participate in this cheer. Having watched Frank kissTodd, the young man boils over in anger and jealousy. Pushing through the small crowd, he stops briefly to glare at Todd. And then, intentionally banging into Todd’s shoulder, he pushes past him to storm out of the front room and down the hall to Frank’s bedroom. Frank shrugs his shoulders Todd’s way before following Anthony out to set things