Words wouldn’t accomplish anything right now.
But maybe actions would.
Jay lay on his back, eyes closed, as Aaron crept closer, inching forward until Jay could feel the hot breath on his cheek. His lashes fluttered open, revealing the bottomless darkness that threatened to consume Aaron, paralyzing him with indecision. Operating on sheer will, he dipped closer, their lips barely brushing, and paused to see what Jay would do.
Jay went still. Every one of his muscles tensed, and he murmured softly, “Aaron?”
“Jay,” Aaron breathed out before closing the gap and slotting their lips together.
For a heartbeat, Jay was frozen, and a tendril of doubt crawled into Aaron. Then Jay moved, tentative at first, like he wasn’t sure what to do. His mouth parted, and his hand slid up Aaron’s side, fingers curling gently at his neck. He kissed back, slow and careful, a featherlight touch that spoke volumes of his uncertainty.
Aaron was about to pull back when Jay made a quiet, needy sound.
That was all it took. They pressed closer, turning the gentle connection into an inferno—sliding their tongues together, breathing each other’s air, alternating aggressive nipping with soothing licks. Aaron was finally letting loose, giving into the feelings he’d been holding back, violently plundering Jay’s mouth while melding their bodies together.
The floodgates had been opened, and he couldn’t get enough. Jay’s flavor was just what Aaron expected—sweet with hints of spices and mint, better than any dessert.
Aaron had never tasted anything so addicting.
Chapter 33
JAY
Distant clanking dragged Jay into consciousness. He stretched without opening his eyes, pleasant soreness spreading across his body as he basked in the afterglow.
The memories of their explosive scene and what happened afterward rushed through his mind, sending his heartbeat racing. It had been the most intense sex of his life—rough and feral—but then something changed. Aaron went off script and tugged the bandana out of his mouth to moan Jay’s name. The mood had shifted. Their carefully negotiated encounter had morphed into raw passion, and instead of standard filthy talk, Jay’s words were primal. Possessive. He’d wanted to own Aaron—body and soul. To give him pleasure. To take care of him.
Then Aaron kissed him, and the last shreds of Jay’s control vanished, swept away in a torrent of love and bewilderment. All thoughts dissolved as the two of them melted into each other, sharing breath and kissing for what felt like hours, until exhaustion claimed him.
He opened his eyes, disoriented, wondering if he’d passed out during sex and everything else had been a dream.
The sheets on Aaron’s side were slightly warm to the touch, the faint aroma of oranges lingering in the air. Jay tugged Aaron’s pillow closer, burying his face in the familiar scent.
He was on the verge of falling back asleep when the door creaked open.
“You look good in my bed.”
“I feel good in your bed,” Jay responded without lifting his head. “This mattress is incredible.”
“I’m glad you approve, because you’ll be spending plenty of time on it.” Aaron’s playful voice drifted closer, accompanied by measured footsteps and the light clink of dishes. “I made something to eat.”
The salty, greasy aroma of hash browns hit him moments before the mattress dipped, and Aaron placed the tray between them. Next to the plates of eggs, potatoes, and pancakes was a small ramekin of maple syrup, a saltshaker, and a cup of tea. Each item in the neat arrangement reflected Aaron’s adorably organized nature.
“I haven’t gone grocery shopping in a while, so we’re doing breakfast for dinner. Hope you don’t mind.” Aaron climbed under the blanket next to him, grabbed his plate, and dunked a pancake into the syrup before taking a big bite.
“This is perfect,” Jay murmured. A tender, vulnerable feeling throbbed in his chest. He’d never had a partner pamper him like this, never had someone cook for him or bring him dinner in bed. It was a role he thought was his to play, never even considering that he might find himself on the other side.
Aaron made it look effortless, like taking care of Jay was second nature.
“This is the nicest breakfast in bed I’ve ever seen. Sure beats the mess that Jasmine and I tried to feed our mom on Mother’s Day every year.”
Aaron chuckled and leaned over to brush his lips against Jay’s shoulder. “I’m glad you like it. By the way, that’s decaf tea. I read that caffeine could be a migraine trigger, and I didn’t want to risk it.”
Jay stared at the cup. Fuck, he was head over heels for this man. How could he not be? Aaron talked about researchingmigraines so casually, as if it was the most normal thing in the world—as if Jay’s safety was his priority.
For the first time in his adult life, Jay could relax and let himself float with the current, secure that Aaron would be there to watch over him.
“If you don’t want tea, I have apple juice and wine. Well, wine isn’t great for migraines either. Oh, and water. I always forget about water.” Aaron kept going when Jay didn’t respond. “I can run downstairs to the corner store if you want something else?”
