It’s like this in the shop sometimes. It frustrates me when I can’t do what I want to do, but I know the restraint is important. And it’s kind of hot, too, the way it builds the expectation.
And the expectation keeps building. Last week, I even stopped in at the health clinic after I noticed a sign for drop-in STI testing. Nicholas stressed that safer sex is important to him, and as hot of a time as we’ve been having with our hands, I’m getting ready for more.
“I need to get back to work,” I say, pulling my thoughts back together.
“Have fun with Sue!” Nicholas says and blows me an air kiss, the thing he does as he delivers flowers around town.
I wave once awkwardly. “See ya.”
Hauling the water back up the stairs, I tell myself to calm the fuck down.
Sex is great. More than great. There’s a thrill to it every time.
The way we crash together.
Anytime I get worked up seeing him, I need to remember it’s just because the sex is good. That’s all. I’m not used to hooking up with the same person repeatedly, either, and it’s having an effect on me.
“You think you can replace some purlins, kid?” asks Rider, a tall guy with a buzzed head and creases around his eyes.
“Yeah. I got it.”
“Good,” he says. “Let me show you how we want it done.”
And even though I’ve replaced a thousand purlins in my life, I bite my tongue and nod, letting him walk me through the basic technique.
By the time the day is over, roofing has cleared out any thoughts or emotions. All I can think about is taking a shower and getting myself dinner. Maybe Chinese takeout, extra egg rolls.
As I’m coming back to my building, though, Nicholas is out front, watering the yellow and blue flowers that he has growing in clay pots.
“Hey.”
I’m dirty and sweaty, but at least I’m fully dressed this time.
“How’s the rest of your day with Sue?”
“Good. I’m learning.” I grunt as I glance down the street. “They keep calling me kid, though.”
Nicholas laughs. “Hey, Nance used to call me Twinkle. I feel your pain.”
“Twinkle?”
“Because I was such a twink.”
I snort. “Yeah. Guess it could be worse.”
We kind of smile at each other.
We don’t have plans tonight. I should go upstairs now.
But I don’t want to. Even though I’m exhausted and dirty, I want to push him into the shop, flip the sign toclosed, and have Nicholas to myself.
“Good lunch?” I ask instead.
“Finn learned the official opening date of Flower Hub. I’ve got about six weeks. Apparently, the corporation is opening ten stores across New York. It’s part of a major expansion.” He shakes his head. “And it’s a major headache for me. But at least I know what’s coming.”
I nod. Wish I could help him with this, but the best I can think to do is what I’m doing, fix up his building and make sure I don’t sell it to someone who will fuck him over.
“Don’t doubt yourself, Nicky,” I tell him.
