I let out a snarl that was supposed to sound menacing, but it just makes him laugh harder. Worse, Windsor, who’s been hidden under the blankets, pops his head up and lets out a short, sharp bark, seemingly perturbed that we’ve disturbed his beauty sleep.
“Sorry, Win,” I say, smoothing down his soft fur. I’m rewarded with a lick, and when I sit cross-legged, he hops into my lap and preens under my attention. “At least the dog’ll cuddle with me,” I growl under my breath. “Literally begging here.”
“I’m sorry, what was that, m’dear?”
“Nothing.”
“Mmmm.”
“Just, y’know. I haveneeds.”
30
Everett
You and me both, baby boy.
One of my favorite things about our friendship is that Rafi always lets me tease him. I’m finding it’s even more fun when there’s skin in the game, especially when there’s a nearly naked man in my bed, sitting adorably cross-legged while being sweet to my dog.
Speaking of which, no need to traumatize Windsor with what’s about to go down in this room. I scoop him up and deposit him on the other side of the door, fairly certain he’ll find a new lap to sit on.
Smiling like a jackass, I return to the bed and run my fingers along Rafi’s jawline. “I suppose I can’t let your needs go unfulfilled, now can I?”
He peers into my eyes, really for the first time in a long time, and his smile, hell, his whole person lights up.
Goddamn. I’ve never had someone light up like that for me before. And that it’sRafimakes my stomach swoop and my head a little dizzy.
Okay, focus.Let him know that you support his goals before you put your dick in his mouth.
I crawl onto the bed, holding him as I stroke his hair. “The only thing I need to tell you is that DB is interested in talking to you.”
“Really?” he asks, a bit of his anxiety showing through.
“Really. And if it works out, I’d be proud to work alongside you. Also…I’m sorry if it ever felt like I don’t believe in you. Because I very much do.”
His smile softens, his cheeks going rosy at my words.
“I needed to hear that. And thank you,” he says as he softly kisses my jaw.
I take his mouth, pushing him onto his back, letting my weight settle on his slight body, knowing how much he likes the pressure of it. I kiss him until he gives up more of those beautiful sounds. His lips are so red and inviting that I can’t resist one more tease.
“Real quick check-in,” I say, kissing his nose and his cheeks.
“Mmmhmm.”
“So…theDaddything.” I bite back a smile.
His kiss-drunk eyes snap to mine, and he blushes deeply, swatting at me for bringing it up.Score.
“Y-You do know that when I saythatI’m just in the moment, right? I’m just playing around.”
I hum noncommittally.
“It’snota lifestyle request, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m just objectifying your silver fox…iness.”
Right as a smirk threatens the corner of my mouth, Rafi goes all lip-bitten and wide-eyed, a look against which I have no defense. I would open my bank account to this man based on those eyes alone, and I suspect he knows it.
Touching the tips of his fingers together while looking up at me through his eyelashes, he pouts, “I can stop if you want…”
