"Very full. And sweaty. But otherwise amazing."
We were in a spooning position, so I couldn't see his face, but I definitely heard the smile in his voice. "Just what I wanted to hear."
8
Ulysses
The following day was beautiful,sunny and clear, nary a wisp of a cloud in the sky. It was like the world itself was congratulating me and Ryan for consummating our love.
When we'd returned to the apartment, Ms. Smith and Andrew were already both asleep in the bedroom where Andrew's crib was, so Ryan and I fell asleep tangled together on the couch. It was a bit tight for space but neither of us minded. Besides, if I had my way, then Ryan and Andrew wouldn't be living in this rundown apartment for much longer, so I decided to appreciate the homeliness of it while I could.
"Rise and shine, sleepyheads."
I woke to the sound of Ms. Smith's voice. She had rolled up in her chair beside the couch and was grinning at us. Light filtered through the cheap white blinds so I knew it had to be morning.
I carefully untangled myself from Ryan and sat up. He, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to having a guest. As if he was still in a dream, he smiled and nuzzled my thigh, mumbling, "Five more minutes…"
Ms. Smith chuckled. "Let him rest. It's hard being a single parent, and Ryan has been doing it all on his own even before Andrew was born. Figure he deserves a break."
My poor mate. I was filled with an equal portion of sympathy for him, as well as a burning anger towards the alpha who had abandoned Ryan and Andrew both. A person who did such a cowardly thing did not deserve to call himself a man. Perhaps it was a good thing that he was no longer in their lives, or else he would have hell to pay.
"You know, I've got a pretty good sense of intuition," Ms. Smith said, eyeing me. "And I'd wager that you're one of the good ones."
"I only want what is best for Ryan and Andrew, and I intend to do everything in my power to improve their lives."
"I bet you will, handsome." She raised the clenched fist, jokingly rattling it in my direction. "And if I ever find you letting either of them down, I'll be your judge, jury and executioner."
I gave her a wry smile. Ms. Smith was a prime example of just how interesting humans could be.
"Worry not," I said. "I will take care of things myself if it comes to that."
That made Ms. Smith let out a laugh, quiet as to not wake either Andrew or Ryan. She clapped me in the arm affectionately then wheeled herself towards the door. "Little help with this?"
I had the distinct feeling that she was perfectly capable of opening it by herself, but who was I to deny her the pleasure of watching me do it? I strode over and opened the door for her. She was not shy about the way her eyes travelled up and down my muscles. After letting out a small giggle, she waved goodbye and went home.
When I returned to the couch, Ryan was rousing. He blinked the sleep from his eyes and mumbled as he sat up. "Did something happen?"
"No, my little clover." I smoothed down a cowlick that was sticking directly up on his head like an antenna. "Ms. Smith just left."
Ryan grimaced, looking embarrassed. "Oh no. Was she here all night? I'll have to scrape up the money to pay her overtime."
Apparently, he was still waking up because his mind hadn't caught up. "Have you already forgotten our conversation last night?" I asked.
"What conver—oh." I watched the recollection dawn on his face. His eyes lit up with hesitant joy. Was it possible that he still didn't believe me? If he was worried about being a burden, financially or otherwise, that it was my responsibility to soothe his concerns.
"Ryan, I'd like to go shopping with you today," I said. "I still owe you a new stroller."
"Actually,youdon't owe me anything. I was the one who broke it, not you."
I huffed, both mildly amused and annoyed that he couldn't just take the offering. "Well, if we’re being technical, then it was the force of gravity that broke the stroller."
Ryan grinned. "I thought the same thing!"
"That accursed gravity," I mumbled. "Then I assume we are in agreement?"
Ryan mulled it over, chewing his lip. A soft dusting of pink spread over his cheeks. "Okay, fine. But only because stroller shopping is a really cute, domestic activity."
He was so delightfully adorable. I was excited to go on this journey with him, even though I had no idea of what it entailed.
