I hadn’t put a lot of thought into sleeping arrangements. I should have, but at this point in my life, it’s not something that comes up often. Or ever.
I glance at Oliver, and he gives me a toothy smile, the one I’ve grown so fond of over the past several months. Every time he turns his smile toward me, I instantly feel better. It doesn’t make sense how the person who frightens me the most right now can also bring me so much peace.
I wish my friends knew about him. I could really use some advice from any of them about this matter. After watching them all fall in love, I’d expect to have learned something. Instead, I’ve been so distracted by my own situation that I didn’t pay enough attention.
Now, I’m paying the price for all of it, trying to work out the details on my own.
“Come on,” Oliver says, tugging at my hand. “Bedtime.”
His two brothers, Henry and Daniel, give us a little wink, but don’t say anything. My guess is we’ve only been spared because of the little ears in the room.
“Don’t,” Oliver says warningly. If I’ve learned anything from being here this afternoon, it’s that pushing back only riles them up more.
OLIVER
I’d only gone into my old bedroom earlier long enough to tuck our bags away safely. Now that I’m standing here with Aaron, the reality of sharing this space comes barreling toward me. When I told my mom we’d be fine sharing a bed, I might have forgotten that the mattress in my room is a double, not a queen. Realistically, it’s only marginally smaller, but it looks tiny compared to the one in my home. Neither of us is particularly big, but it’s still going to be a tight fit.
Based on Aaron’s scrunched-up face, I suspect he’s thinking the same thing.
“Oh,” he says. “If you have a sleeping bag or something, I can sleep on the floor.”
I snort. “Don’t be ridiculous. We’ll both fit.” Something magical has been flickering between us for the last few hours, and I don’t want anything to break the spell. Even if I knew where to find a sleeping bag right now, I wouldn’t get it.
“If you’re sure.” He gives the small mattress a quick look. It’s not that little. Smaller than we’re used to, but it’s not like it’s a twin bed. “Your parents won’t mind if we’re sleeping together?”
“I’m sure.” I ignore the more devious implications of what he asked. I’d guess that everyone in this house, except the children, knows that we’re both figuratively and literally sleeping together.
I don’t mind. I’d shout it at the top of my lungs if Aaron permitted me. As it is, it’s hard to hide our relationship, especially from people who know me well.
Plus, Jane has all the details, and I don’t think she’s kept them to herself. She’s probably sworn everyone else to secrecy, though, so they’re all protecting everyone else’s secrets.
What could go wrong?
We both busy ourselves with changing out of our clothes. “What should I wear to bed?” Aaron asks, looking up from his duffel bag.
“Whatever you want.” Nothing is ideal, but I’m guessing that’s not on the table since my parents are only a couple of doors away. I’ve gotten used to the few nights a week that I get to sleep with Aaron by my side, our bodies finding each other over and over throughout the night. Mostly for cuddles, but often for more.
“What are you wearing?”
I shrug, because honestly, I haven’t really thought about it. I typically wear my boxers to bed and nothing else, no matter where I’m sleeping. “Whatever you’re comfortable in,” I say. “Everyone around here is smart enough not to open any doors without knocking. Trust me when I say that’s a requirement in a household with this many people.” There have been a few incidents over the years, and they’ve only reinforced the knocking rule. At this stage, no one is willing to risk using eye bleach to get an answer a bit sooner. I glance toward the tiny push-lock on the door—the kind my siblings could all pick before their fifth birthday. “I can lock the door if it would make you feel better. If someone’s bound and determined to get in, it certainly won’t stop them, but it might slow little hands down a bit.”
“No.” He bites his lip, as though he’s still thinking about it. “It’ll be fine.”
He says that, but he pulls a t-shirt from his bag and tugs it over his head to go with his boxers. As much as I’d like Aaron naked between my sheets tonight—and if I’m being honest, every night—this will have to do. I’m just thankful he doesn’t have a pair of flannel pants in there somewhere.
A few minutes later, we’re crawling beneath the sheet, Aaron taking the inside, up against the wall. The house is so quiet, allI can hear are his steady breaths. It’s the perfect background noise. I’ve become accustomed to the sounds of the city, traffic at all hours, and sirens filling the space. Out here, it’s quiet. Too quiet.
I’m about to say something when he pushes back, his ass rubbing against my cock. The first time, I’m sure he’s getting comfortable, but eventually it’s impossible for me—or my half-hard cock—to ignore.
“You want something?” I ask, snaking a hand around and into his boxers. I’m met with his erection and a quiet moan.
“Maybe. Can we?”
“If you can be quiet?” Aaron’s not typically a big talker in bed, but he’s not quiet either. I’m lucky my bedroom wall is exterior rather than one I share with a neighbor, or I’m sure there would be complaints.
“Please?”
One of my bags has plenty of supplies. I’d say it’s because I’m a Boy Scout, always prepared, but it was really more wishful thinking. I don’t want to get up to get any of it right now. I’d rather stay right here.
