“How aboutA New Hope? Can’t go wrong with the classic.”
He nods, a grin spreading across his face. “I’ll make the popcorn.”
While Martin busies himself in the kitchen, I head to the living room and cue up the movie. I settle into the corner of the couch, stretching an arm and a leg along the back.
He joins me a few minutes later, a large bowl of popcorn in his hands. Without hesitation, he sits right between my legs and nestles into me, his back resting against my chest.
As the iconic opening crawl begins, I can’t help but marvel at how comfortable I am with all of this. It’s only been a few weeks since Martin moved in, but it’s like he’s always been here. Theweight of his body against mine, the scent of his shampoo, the warmth of his skin—it just feels… perfect.
We watch in companionable silence, occasionally reaching for popcorn or commenting on our favorite scenes. When Martin laughs at Han’s quips, I feel the vibration in my own chest.
Halfway through the movie, I realize I’ve been absentmindedly running my fingers through Martin’s hair. He lets out a contented sigh, nestling closer.
“This feels nice,” he murmurs, his eyes still fixed on the screen.
I hum in agreement, not wanting to break the spell with words. The domesticity of the moment washes over me—us on the couch,Star Warson the TV, the remains of our shared dinner in the kitchen. It’s everything I thought I’d lost the chance at having after my divorce.
As the movie ends, Martin yawns before getting up off the couch. He leans back in a decadent-looking stretch, and I can’t stop my cock from twitching when he lets out a groan of pleasure.
“Come on,” I say, getting to my own feet and extending my hand to him. “Bedtime.”
By some unspoken agreement, he follows me into my room instead of heading across the hall to the guest bedroom. Which is exactly what I was hoping for.
We brush our teeth standing side by side, and I’m struck again by how normal this all feels.
I slip into bed, relishing the warmth of his body next to mine. He settles in, his back pressed against my chest, and I drape an arm over his waist. The contentment I feel is almost overwhelming.
Just as I’m about to reach over and turn out the light, my phone buzzes on the nightstand. I groan, reluctant to move, but curiosity gets the better of me.
“Everything okay?” Martin murmurs, his voice already thick with impending sleep.
“Yeah, just a text. Probably Jeff,” I reply, grabbing my phone.
Sure enough, it’s from my brother. I scan the message quickly, my brow furrowing. “Hmm, looks like I need to head to San Francisco later this week for a meeting with the governor on one of our initiatives.”
“Mmph. How long will you be away?” Martin mumbles, pressing even closer into me.
“Just a couple of nights,” I say, tossing my phone aside and pressing my body against his.
“Good,” he murmurs. “Don’t want to be away from you long,” he says, and I’m pretty sure he’s already asleep when the next words leave his mouth, but they make me feel warm and happy all the same. "You belong with me."
Chapter 11
Martin
Afew days later, I wake to an empty bed, the sheets still warm from Jesse’s body. The sound of his suitcase wheels rolling across the hardwood floor echoes through the house. I pad out to the kitchen, rubbing sleep from my eyes.
“Heading out already?” I ask, my voice still rough with sleep.
Jesse looks up, a soft smile spreading across his face. “Yeah, early flight. Didn’t want to wake you.”
I lean against the doorframe, drinking in the sight of him. “You know I don’t mind.”
He crosses the room, pulling me into a tight embrace. I breathe in his scent, committing it to memory.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” he murmurs against my hair.
I nod, not trusting my voice. As he pulls away, I feel a familiar ache in my chest. It’s been years since I’ve felt this way about anyone.
