“What new dog?” Liam repeats.
My head is still throbbing as I try to figure out how to answer Blake’s question, but before I have a chance, Chad speaks up. “Nah, it isn’t serious, he’s just been helping me figure everything out.” He aims a small smile my way, looking proud of his answer.
I should be relieved by how easily he came up with that, how genuine he sounded dismissing what’s going on between us. Maybe it’s the headache, or maybe I really am ill, but my stomach drops in response.
I need to ignore the jealous part of me that’s desperate to claim him. As what? I don’t know exactly. My sub? My fuckbuddy? My friend with benefits? None of that fits what’s been going on between us. I just know that Chad is mine.
I don’t want to give them the opportunity to ask any more questions—I don’t know how I’ll respond if Chad continues to be so dismissive—so I force myself to walk toward them so they back up. “This has been fun. Chad, it sounds like you still have to tell them about your wedding present, so I’ll leave you all to it. I need to take a nap.”
“Oh, are you sure you’re okay?” Chad checks.
“Never been better. We’ll talk soon. Goodbye, everyone.”
I usher them out the door as Chad shouts, “I’ll be back with medicine and soup!” and I immediately go back upstairs to sleep.
Because I’m tired, I’m not sick.
21
CHAD
Blake knows!
I can’t stop celebrating the fact that my best friend knows about John and I. Not only that he knows, but that John told him and Liam! I kept my promise to myhusband, I didn’t tell anyone, but knowing that it’s out in the open—at least some parts—has made me absolutely giddy the last few days.
Even if John’s been extra grumpy and in denial that he was sick. He definitely had the same illness I did, and those first couple of days were brutal. The whole time I was sick, I loved that he was there taking care of me, bringing me soup, handing me meds at the right times, and he even washed my sheets!
But nope, I couldn’t do that for John. Every time I tried to help, he fought to take over. Even though he was sick, John still wanted to do everything himself. He really is stubborn. His need to maintain control is still prevalent even while sweating on the couch.
But now that we’re both feeling better, sex is finally back on the table, and I have the best idea ever. I just need Blake to come over to help me so I can surprise John. If Blake didn’t know, Idon’t know how I’d possibly pull this off. So as they say, the stars are aligning.
The delivery notification pops up on my phone, and I run to the door to grab my package, Jack and Jenny on my heels. These two are obsessed with me already, but I’m somehow even more obsessed with them. We have such a special bond.
I pick up the package and rip off the outer plastic wrap to reveal a fancy-looking black box waiting for me. My excitement is at an all-time high as I open it and am met with the softest looking rope. The website said something about it being polished and buttered, and it sure feels like it.
“Guys, look at this! Your one-day Daddy is going to love it. It’s so soft and nice, and I bet it’ll feel really good wrapped around me. Oh shit, I don’t think I’m supposed to say things like that in front of you! Pretend you didn’t hear that!”
The donkeys don’t do anything, they just look at me, probably wondering why I’m talking and not petting them.
“You’re right, let’s get Uncle Blake over here. I promise we can hang out with you first,” I assure the donkeys. “And soon you’ll get to meet his new puppy! They only just got it so we need to wait a little longer, but I know you’ll be the best of friends.”
Chad
Can you come over? I need your help with a surprise for John
Blake
Be right over!
John doesn’t like surprises, and I understand why, but I genuinely think he’ll like this one because it’s thoughtful and intentional and, more importantly, it shows I’m paying attention to the things he enjoys.
It seems like almost instantly there’s a knock at my door, and when I open it, Blake is standing there, still all tanned from his tropical honeymoon. I love how close we are now that I live here.
“Hey, man!” I step aside to let him in as Jenny and Jack come to say hello.
He immediately drops down to pet them. “I still can’t get over the fact that you asked people at my wedding if you could buy their houses, but I’m so happy you’re, like, two minutes away!”
“Isn’t it great?” I agree, shutting the door behind him. “It’ll be even better once my house projects start, and I’ll get to meet John’s brothers.”
