That meant Silas needed to clean up and get out, because he was having too difficult a time controlling his thoughts while alone under the water.
After a thorough scrubbing, Silas turned off the spray.He grabbed a towel and began rubbing it over his slightly sensitive skin.Silas had worked hard to clean everywhere, and now he was a little tender.
As Silas was drying off, he heard a quiet knock on the door followed by Craeg’s deep voice saying, “I have sweatpants and a shirt that should fit ya.”He paused for a second before adding, “And the pizza is here.”
Cracking open the door, Silas peered out.He took the clothes Craeg offered.At the same time, the delicious aroma of pizza filled his nostrils...as did the natural, masculine scent he’d come to associate with Craeg.
Feeling his body start reacting to the combined scents, Silas bit his bottom lip.He roved his gaze over Craeg’s broad chest.The man had donned his own pair of sweatpants, but he hadn’t bothered with a shirt.The view was...more than a little provocative, and butterflies bumped in Silas’s belly.
“Oh, Silas,” Craeg rumbled, a low groan escaping his slightly parted lips.“I’m tryin’ so hard to be good...to be a gentleman.”
Silas’s neck and cheeks flushed, embarrassment mixing with arousal, as he jerked his attention back to Craeg’s face.He saw smoldering desire filling the big man’s green eyes.His eyes narrowed just a little as his nostrils flared, obviously taking in Silas’s scent.
Uncertain what to say, Silas still parted his lips to speak...something.Then...his stomach grumbled loudly.
Letting out a quiet chuckle, Craeg took a step back as he smiled at him.“Get dressed, my sweets.”He swung the door closed, continuing to speak.“We doona want the pizza to get cold.I set up a picnic of sorts in the livin’ room.”
Then Craeg was gone.
After blowing out a breath, Silas placed the folded clothes on the bathroom counter.He tried to decide if he was disappointed or not that Craeg hadn’t...hadn’t what?Silas didn’t even know.
Silas shook his head as he hung up the damp towel.Then he grabbed the sweatpants and shook them out.After pulling them and the t-shirt on, Silas took in his appearance in the mirror.Silas ran a hand through his dark-brown hair, relishing the feeling of being clean.
It’d definitely been a while, and he’d forgotten how wonderful it felt.
TheWorld of Aquaticalogo on his left pectoral, as well as a larger one on his right thigh, drew his attention.He’d flown over the marine park many times with his colony.While the employees kept the place pretty clean, there were still plenty of pockets of places where bugs thrived for them to forage on.
I wonder what it looks like when I’m on two feet.
Silas’s rumbling stomach urged him to get moving.He stepped out of the bathroom and paused to look around.The one-bedroom apartment had an open floor plan, allowing Silas to see just about everywhere.
Craeg stood in the living room in front of the sofa.The TV was on to a music station that was playing some kind of pipe or flute instrumental.The name of the band was on the television screen, but the word was in a foreign language that Silas didn’t know.
“Come on, my sweets,” Craeg urged, lifting a hand in welcome.“Come relax and eat.”
With the aromatic food teasing his senses, Silas was all for that.His mouth watered as he moved into the living room.He took in the setup and had to smile.
Just as Craeg had said, he’d made a make-shift picnic area.There was a blanket spread across the carpeted floor.A few pillows had been placed against the sofa, giving them a comfortable place to lean against.A large pizza box was within easy reach, as well as a wooden tray holding plates, silverware, and napkins.
When Craeg took Silas’s hand and drew him forward, he went willingly, eagerly, returning the big man’s welcoming smile.He folded his legs and sat Indian-style where Craeg indicated.Craeg knelt beside him and opened the pizza box, revealing a meaty, cheesy pie.
Humming, Silas muttered, “Oh, that looks so good.”
Craeg flashed a grin his way while picking up one of the plates.“Our kitchens make fantastic food,” he claimed, sliding two pieces onto the plate.He held it out to Silas.“You’ll love it.I’m sure.”
Taking the plate, Silas didn’t bother replying.He figured it could taste like cardboard, and he would probably still love it.Holding it to his nose, Silas took a deep whiff of the tasty-looking food.
His mouth watered.
“What would you like to drink?”Craeg asked, having already placed a couple of pieces onto the second plate.He was easing back to sit beside him with his own food as he offered, “I have juice, soda, water.Even lemonade.”
Tearing his gaze away from his food, Silas glanced toward where Craeg indicated.He saw a variety of cans and bottles.While Silas really didn’t care—all he could think about was gorging on pizza—he still remembered his manners and chose something.
“Um, the lemonade would be great, thanks.”
Then Silas set the plate on his lap and gave in to his need...picking up one of the delicious-smelling slices.He took a big bite of the greasy, cheesy, meaty goodness.A moan slipped from Silas’s lips as the flavors burst across his taste buds.He quickly chewed and swallowed, only to stuff more into his mouth.
As Silas gobbled up his piece of pizza, he realized Craeg was just sitting and staring at him.He felt worried that perhaps he was getting sauce all over, but only for a second.Then he registered the heat filling Craeg’s green eyes.
