“So who takes care of you?” he asks.
Jamie and Tatum come in, effectively ending the conversation as they plop onto the floor amidst the pillows and blankets.
“Find a movie for us, and I’ll grab snacks,” I say.
“We just ate…” Beckham says, confused as he watches me.
“Tatum and Jamie will be hungry again in about a half an hour.” I sigh. “There will always be snacks in our house, and some type of candy because until Jamie is playing football again, he has a wicked sweet tooth.”
“I have to enjoy the junk food while I can.” Jamie groans. “I’ll be carb loading before I know it.”
“He loves it, and his ass looks amazing when he plays. It’s the perfect bubble butt.” Tatum chuckles as I walk out.
I can hear them chatting as I make popcorn, making sure to fill a bowl with chocolate mixed in for Jamie. I meant it when I said he liked his treats. Filling a tray, I bring it all back to the living room, along with bottles of water.
“What are we watching?” I ask easily, dropping into the nest of blankets.
Jamie names a fantasy movie that will definitely put Tatum to sleep, making me grin. I turn down the lights completely, getting comfortable next to Beckham. I can feel his gaze on me more than the movie, and I press my lips to his ear.
“You’re going to be lost if you don’t pay attention, Professor,” I tease him. I don’t mind playing into the teacher-student aspect as long as it doesn’t weird him out.
“Maybe I want to study something else, Mr. Gable,” he breathes out.
Smirking, I reach up and dig my fingers into the tight muscles of his neck. He groans and Jamie perks his head up, tugging on Beckham’s legs so they’re in his lap. I adjust myself so that his upper body is sprawled over mine, purring to help him relax.
I’m not an idiot. I see the shadows still under his eyes and how tense he is. I hate that I’m not sure how well he’s sleeping, and I am fully prepared to turn this into a sleepover to make sure he sleeps well.
“Holy fuck, I might fall asleep here.” Beckham groans, breathing life to my thoughts as I chuckle against his skin.
“Tatum is already headed there,” Jamie says. “Movies are an excuse for naps.”
“Why wouldn’t you just nap if you’re tired?” Beckham asks.
“You’re here, for one,” I murmur. “Two, consider Jamie and Tatum the equivalent of overstimulated toddlers. Movies always make Tatum fall asleep.”
“I power through with chocolate.” Jamie chuckles, getting comfortable between Beckham’s thighs.
Fuck yes. Puppy pile for the win. Today is going exactly how I want, and Beckham isn’t trying to move away. Hold on tight, baby, this is just the beginning of things.
I have dinner plans and a soak for Beckham before bed.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” I whisper in his ear.
“Mmm. I think this is the best one I’ve ever had,” Beckham says. “Shh, I want to watch.”
Snuggling him against me, I watch the movie, loving every second of it.
“Alaric,” Beckham says softly.
He decided to spend the night with us, and thankfully our bed is giant. Jamie and Tatum are already lightly snoring, while Beckham is watching me in the dark.
He took an hour long bubble bath after dinner, and I had to make sure he was alive at one point. He told me that he didn’t feel comfortable taking long baths at his dad’s house, and his eyes looked haunted afterward.
I swear to God, as soon as I find out who is hurting my omega, I’m going to fucking kill him. While I have an idea, I can’t go to war over a hunch, and I hate that I have to keep my head on straight.
“Mmmhmm?” I ask, turning onto my side to face him.
“I can’t sleep,” he grumbles, looking adorable.
