Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 103010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
“You gave me this back—the beach.” And then he simply let go, turned, and got in the car as if he hadn’t just rocked my whole world. As if he hadn’t just made me truly feel like the precious boy he so often told me I was.
When we got home, we showered together for the second time that day. From there I went to the kitchen and began making dinner. I’d decided on baked salmon, roasted potatoes, and salad. David arrived, and he and Aidan sat in the living room while I cooked. This would be the first time I’d serve someone other than Aidan in this way, and I was ridiculously excited about it. I wanted the evening to be perfect so Aidan would be proud of me, so he would be honored that I belonged to him.
I enjoyed being in the kitchen, cooking for them as they visited. It made me feel…like I had a purpose, a responsibility, a way to care for Aidan when he did so very much for me.
Still, my mind was a bit of a mess. I was thinking about what he’d asked me about school and wanting to do something with English or writing. I liked it, yes. Thought I could enjoy it, for sure, but I loved this too. I wanted to belong to him.
Added to that were random thoughts about Jordan and the phone number he’d given me. Not that I wanted him, because all I needed was Aidan, but I still had the number and was still wondering what it would be like to have him as a friend.
Then there was today—Aidan taking me to the beach despite his history. His laughter, and how he held me, and when he told me I gave him something. It made my brain spin in the best way and wish for things I was scared to wish for.
So yes, I was a bit of a mess.
Still, my dinner looked fabulous. I plated the food and opened the wine before walking into the living room, where nowadays I often crawled and knelt on the new, comfortable carpet. “Dinner is ready,” I told them. They both looked up at me, and Aidan smiled.
“Thanks,” Aidan said as they stood.
“It smells great,” David told me, and damned if the praise and appreciation didn’t light me up inside. “Oh, he likes that,” David added.
“Yes. He’s a bit of a praise slut.” Aidan winked, and I trembled.
We sat at the table together, the three of us. They spoke about medical stuff that was over my head, before David asked me about school. I felt…a little stupid, having the conversation go from what they did—saving lives—to me, who took two stupid college courses. “It’s good,” I replied.
“I’m very proud of him. He’s excelling in his classes, and his English teacher is quite fond of his work,” Aidan said, and his compliments filled me up until I feared I might burst. Suddenly, I didn’t feel stupid anymore.
They both raved about the meal, which only made me feel better. Aidan was right. I was definitely a bit of a praise slut.
After we ate, Aidan asked, “Would you like to come to the living room with us?”
I definitely intended to, but leaving the kitchen made me feel like I was going to panic, so I asked, “Can I clean up first?”
“Of course.” He kissed my forehead.
“He’s precious, Aidan. A very good boy,” David said, and my blood pumped through me a little faster. It wasn’t the same as getting compliments from Aidan, but I still enjoyed it.
“Thank you,” I replied.
They left the room, and I quickly cleaned up before joining them. David was laughing at something Aidan said. Aidan sat where he always did on the couch, and I lingered a bit, unsure if I was allowed to kneel for him when David was there, but really wanting to. My thoughts began to spin a bit, and my stomach tightened.
“On your knees, please,” Aidan directed, answering my silent question. I exhaled a breath, feeling at ease again. I knelt on the floor between Aidan’s legs. He pressed my head down against his thigh and began running his fingers through my hair. David didn’t look twice, the two of them continuing their conversation as if this was completely normal…and I guess it was. It was our normal.
They included me in the conversation, asking my opinion on topics, and I realized I really liked David. He cared for my Sir and treated me with respect, making me so glad Aidan had him.
It was close to an hour later, Aidan’s hand still in my hair, when David asked, “Did you get the invite to the play party?”
That piqued my interest.
“I did,” Aidan replied, tugging on my hair gently.
“I’m thinking of going. Are you bringing your boy?”
“No, I think we’ll sit this one out,” Aidan replied.