…
I push open the front door, and the smell hits me instantly… rich, savoury beef mince sizzling with herbs and spices, warm and hearty and absolutely mouth-watering. I frown a little in pleasant surprise, kick my boots off in the hall, and pad down the corridor toward the kitchen.
Andrew’s standing at the stove, back to me, one hand stirring a pan while the other sprinkles in fresh herbs. The overhead light catches on the faint sheen of sweat at the nape of his neck from the heat. Five months we’ve been doing this, quietly, secretly… and he’s changed in the best way. He’s been hitting the gym properly whenever he’s not at college or I’m not dragging him into bed, and it shows. He’s still shorter than me, still fits perfectly under my chin, but his frame has filled out with lean, defined muscle that makes my hands itch to grab him. I love the way those thighs feel when I’ve got them wrapped around my waist or pinned over my shoulders.
College started this week, just an introduction week, but I’m dying to hear how it went. First impressions matter, and I know how much this means to him.
I’m still leaning against the doorframe, quietly admiring, when Andrew suddenly yelps and spins around, wooden spoon raised like a weapon. “Holy fuck! When did you get home?”
I laugh, low and warm, and push off the frame to walk closer. “Just now. Was taking a minute to admire.”
“Admire what?” He scruffs a hand through his damp hair, cheeks already pinking. “I’ve just got out of the shower.”
I tease him by nudging him aside so I can peer into the pans. “I was talking about the food.”
Andrew lets out a bright laugh and playfully shoves me away from the stove. “Yeah…okay.”
I growl softly, wrap my arms around him from behind, and pull his back flush to my chest. “What you cooking, baby?”
“Food,” he answers, deadpan.
I nip at the side of his neck, right where I know it makes him shiver. “Smartass.”
I squeeze his sides, then rest my chin on his shoulder. “Hey… I want to talk.”
Andrew turns in my arms; brow already furrowed with that wary little look I’ve come to love. “That’s never good…”
Before he can overthink it I scoop him up, he’s still light enough that I can throw him around when I want to, and plonk him on the counter so we’re eye-to-eye. I step between his spread legs, hands resting on his thighs.
“Firstly,” I say, voice softer now, “how was your first week?”
Andrew smiles, genuine and a little proud. “It was good. Better than I thought. The teachers seem nice and I think I made a couple friends.”
I grin, warmth spreading through my chest. “I’m glad.”
He grabs my face with both hands and pulls me in for a rough, happy kiss before asking, “Did the owner collect his car?”
I nod, loving that he always asks about my work. “Yeah. He was over the moon with it. But then… Larry’s wife came by.”
Andrew tilts his head. “Okay? And that’s bad because…?”
I sigh, rubbing my thumbs along the tops of his thighs. “I just… I want to be able to touch you. Really touch you… in front of people. Without thinking twice.”
His expression shifts into understanding and a touch of sadness, he nods slowly.
I squeeze him tighter and kiss him again, slower this time. “I think we should move to a new town.”
Andrew shakes his head instantly. “No… your garage is here. You love it here.”
I smile at how quickly he thinks of me first. “But I want someplace new. Somewhere that doesn’t have all the bad memories and everyone looking too closely.”
He nods, chewing his lip. “Okay… we canlook. But… you’re just gonna let Larry and Todd believe you’re single for the rest of your life?”
I sigh and shrug, the weight of it settling heavy on my shoulders. “I dunno, baby.”
I feel defeated, like there’s no way to win this one. I rest my forehead against his chest, breathing in the clean scent of his skin and the dinner he’s making for us, and wish, not for the first time, that things could just be easier.
Chapter Thirteen
