“Hey. He’s just starting out. We’ll keep up with him just fine. Go put him to bed and come back out here so we can talk,” Jamie said, and went to the kitchen.
Todd headed to the bedroom. He helped Kenny get ready for bed and then tucked him in, with Cindy jumping up to lie next to him. Once Kenny was settled, he left and closed the door.
“How am I going to do this? He’s so much smarter than I am.”
“Yes. But he’s a lot younger. I have to warn you, though… he learns fast. I took him through basic words and sounds, and he used those to work out larger words. It was like teaching a computer. And he loves to learn.”
“That’s what I mean.”
“The school will help you and him. What we can do is give him things that challenge him. So we’ll work on reading and math. We can also work on writing. That’s something that is going to take him a while to master. From there, we’ll take it one step at a time.” Jamie placed a glass of juice in front of him. “Drink that and try to relax. Kenny is going to be fine. I know you worry that you hurt him or set him back, but he’s smart, and he’s already blossoming. That says a lot about how you treated him and sheltered him from the rougher part of your life.” Jamie satand took his hand. “You are a good father who put your son first. And you still are.”
“Sometimes I wish I could really believe that,” Todd said softly. “I did the best I could, but sometimes I think I should have done better. That I should have done more to make sure that… that he and I stayed safe.”
“Being homeless isn’t a crime. Forgive yourself for it, because Kenny certainly doesn’t hold anything against you,” Jamie said.
Todd hoped that was true. Good things were happening, but regardless, it was so much easier to believe that the bad stuff was just around the corner.
ChapterNine
The housewas quiet except for the television, which Jamie had on at low volume, so he didn’t wake Kenny, who had already been up once for a glass of water.
Jamie’s exam period began the following day, and that meant the start of a very busy time for him. Still, he was ready. His exams were done, and he had printed them and had them organized by class. His article had been accepted by the editor and was going to be published. And he had enough material for a follow-up, which the editor had asked for, so he was starting the basic outline of what he wanted to include. This topic had become more lively and timely with the release and popularity of the new cinematic version ofFrankenstein.
Jamie checked the clock and saved his document. Then he closed his laptop and went to the sofa. Todd was asleep. Quietly, he turned off the television and spread the couch blanket over him.
Todd started and sat up.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Jamie folded the blanket as Todd got up.
“No. I should go to bed. But I know I’m not going to sleep.” He sighed.
“You just were.”
“Yeah, well….” He shrugged. “Let’s go to bed. I know you have a big day.”
“I do. Remember that I can’t take you to your interview, but Anne, one of the other professors, has agreed to give you a ride. I have to be in my office. So, I’ll take Kenny into the college with me, and he can shadow me until after your interview.” He figured he could take some of Kenny’s books, and he could colorand work on more math problems. Jamie turned out the lights and stopped at the guest room. Kenny was asleep, curled in the middle of the bed, with Cindy right against his feet.
Jamie took Todd’s hand and led him down the hall to his room, closing the door behind them. He hadn’t intended for anything particular to happen other than sleep, but Todd turned him and kissed him, the energy between them short-circuiting all his good intentions. The heat skyrocketed, and everything that Jamie had been holding at bay came rushing forward. It was like a dam of desire had broken, and Jamie found himself being carried downstream… and he did nothing to stop it.
“Are you sure you want this?” Todd whispered when he pulled back.
Jamie cupped his cheeks and kissed him back with everything he had. Hours sitting behind that computer trying to work while he peered over it to watch Todd. How many times did he have to keep his hands to himself when all he wanted was to pull Todd to him? And all that malarkey about taking things slow because so much had changed. He knew it had been for both of them, but there was only so much hotness in the house that he could take… and damn it, he had reached that limit.
Todd lifted him off his feet, propelling him toward the bed, where he set him down and pressed him back. He tugged Jamie’s shirt upward, his hot tongue traced along his belly and chest, swirling around a nipple before sucking on it in a groan-inducing swirl of pleasure. Every cell in his body seemed activated all at once. The sheets under him smoothed along his skin as some of Todd’s weight settled on top of him. A fingertip—light, enticing—pulled a moan as Todd ran his hand just above the waistband of his pants. He held his breath, pulling in his belly, willing Todd to take all he wanted.
“What are you waiting for?” Jamie asked breathily. He could hardly pull air into his lungs, he was so excited.
“Are you in a hurry?” Todd asked. “I’ve waited to have you like this, so I’m not going to rush it. I fully intend to take my time.” He ran his fingers over his belly before pulling off Jamie’s shirt altogether. “You and I have all night.”
Jamie shivered, and it wasn’t from the chill in the air. Excitement poured off Todd, and Jamie found it catching. It built within him as well, so when he held Todd tighter, Jamie groaned and returned Todd’s kisses with all the passion and desire he could muster.
It was important that Todd know what he did to him. Years of crushes and fantasies seemed to be coming to life in a matter of minutes. Jamie reached for Todd’s shirt, getting it over his head before tossing it aside. His hands roamed over hard chest muscles and down his waist before cupping his jeans-covered backside. Damn, the man seemed to be hard everywhere, and judging by the thick bar against his leg, Jamie wasn’t the only one excited as all hell.
“What is it that you like?” Todd asked softly.
“We’re going to have this discussion now?” Jamie returned. “I mean, I pretty much assumed you were the kind of guy who liked to be a pitcher rather than a catcher.” And he was fine with that. “I tend to be open to either.”
“Oh.” Todd nuzzled his neck. “Me too.”
