Page 25 of Disarm
CALEB
Iwake up to faint sunlight filtering through the bedroom curtains, the warmth of Miguel’s body pressed against mine. A sigh escapes my lips as I snuggle closer. This is my favorite part—waking up in his arms, feeling safe and loved.
Sometimes the drop afterward can feel overwhelming—confusing even—but this morning, I feel good.
Miguel stirs, his arm tightening around my waist. “Morning,hermoso,” he breathes into my neck, his voice husky with sleep. “How’d you sleep?”
I turn to face him, a soft smile playing on my lips. “Like the dead,” I reply, my fingers drawing patterns on his chest. “You?”
He grins, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Best sleep of my life. You know why?”
I shake my head.I can only guess what he’s going to say.“Why’s that?”
“Because I had you in my arms.” There’s no teasing in his tone. I know he’s being sincere. “I meant it when I told you this was your home, too. Fuck.”
He stretches and pulls me into him. “I want… no, I need you to be in my arms every morning when I wake up. With you falling asleep on my chest every night.”
My heart swells with love, and I give him a quick kiss. “I feel the same way,” I whisper. “But…”
“There’s always a but,” he groans. “Caleb…”
“Let me finish.” I press my finger to his lips to silence him.
He sighs but nods, letting me continue.
“My housing grant is already paid for. I don’t know if not living in the dorms could cause problems.”It’s the truth.I don’t know if moving out would cause problems, and I only have two years left. I’d rather not jeopardize my education. “Next year I won’t apply for one.”
“Okay. But that’s not going to make the rest of this year any easier. Maybe I’ll just have to come sleep with you on that tiny dorm bed.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me and it makes me laugh.
We lie there for a moment longer, holding each other, before Miguel sits up, stretching his arms above his head. “So, what’s on the agenda for today?” he asks, turning to look at me. “No classes or practice, right?”
I nod, nerves fluttering in my stomach. A whole day for just us. “No, but I have a game on Tuesday. I’m nervous about it. So anything to get my mind off that would be awesome.”
Miguel’s eyes soften, and he reaches out to cup my cheek. “You’ve got this, Caleb. You’re an amazing player, and you’re going to kill it out there. Hey, wanna go to the park and practice together? I’m sure we both could use a bit of fresh air.”
I laugh, playfully pushing him away. “You? At the park? The last time you tried to play ball with me, you nearly broke your ankle doing a layup.”
He chuckles, and it does things to me I can’t explain. “Hey, I was just trying to impress you with my mad skills. Besides, I’vebeen practicing in secret. You never know. I might just surprise you.”
I raise an eyebrow, a smirk playing on my lips. “Oh yeah? And what skills have you been honing exactly?”
Miguel winks, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You’ll just have to wait and see, pretty boy. Now, how about that shower?”
“Mmm, yes. Hot water sounds amazing right now.” I don’t want to tell him how sore I am—not just from the sex, but from practice and school.
Surviving.
We make our way to the bathroom, the steam from the hot water filling the room as we step into the tiled space. Miggy pulls me into his arms, his hands roaming over my body, his touch gentle and possessive. He takes his time washing me with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Then I do the same for him, making sure I use the right products for his curly hair.
“You know, I’ve been thinking,” he says, his voice quieter. I pause to let the conditioner sit. “Maybe we should make a day of it. A little practice, then grab some groceries so I can make you some real food to take back to the dorms. Maybe even watch a movie if you’re up for it.”
I lean into his touch, content. “That sounds perfect. I’d love that.”
“It’s a plan.” He kisses the tip of my nose, then goes back into the spray to rinse his hair. We finish our shower and dry off. Miguel pulls me into his arms, his mouth capturing mine in a deep kiss that lingers.
“Let’s get you fed,” he says, breaking the kiss with a grin. “I’m makingchilaquiles. You in?”
My stomach rumbles at the mention of food, and I nod. “You know I can’t resist your cooking. Your mom ruined me growing up. All I crave is Mexican food now.”
