Page 76 of Sin Deep
“I tried, anyway. Between that and the coffee, he seemed to settle. I’ll give Raymond a call in a bit and see what he thinks we should do.”
He nodded, but he didn’t see what the relationship was. It wasn’t meanness. He just didn’t get how someone did this outside of love. It sucked.
“I think you need a good, old-fashioned cuddle.” Winter put an arm around his shoulders and tucked him closer. “Just remember that in this lifestyle, everyone has to figure out what works for them. There’s a lot I don’t understand, except that I know when people are happy. If they’re happy, then I don’t need to be concerned with how they get there.”
“Totally. That’s true in everything, right? Everyone has a different thing, different needs.” That he understood, bone-deep. Every relationship was its own thing.
“That’s right. Good boy.” Winter kissed his temple. “The best relationships are when both parties get what they want, but also what they truly need.”
“You know it. I’m into that philosophy, lover. All the way.” That was something he totally understood.
“Me too, love. Ours has been surprising to me in the best way.” Winter hummed softly.
“Yes. This has been the…the most fascinating and wonderful love.” That wasn’t too stupid to say, right?
Winter chuckled. “We sound ridiculous, don’t we? So smitten. But I don’t mind.”
“We do, but no one can hear us.” And they were gay guys. They were allowed to be ridiculous out loud, weren’t they?
“Master Winter?”
“Ah. Let me see what Oliver needs.” Winter was up again and a minute later, led Oliver back to the living room, wet-headed and wrapped in one of Winter’s thick robes.
“Better?” He sat up straighter, making room beside him.
Oliver nodded and sat close, leaning on him a little. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. I won’t even miss work, I bet. Just a little tenderized.” And bruised. Whoa bruised.
Winter sighed. “Don’t listen to him, Oliver. He’ll be staying home from work on Monday at least.”
Ollie beamed at Winter. “Yes, Sir. Thank you.”
Harley was so tempted to stick his tongue out at Winter. And Winter just looked at him with a raised eyebrow like he knew it, too. That look was just daring him to say something.
He was almost willing to do it, but he wasn’t feeling it, and he wanted a little of the cuddling. He wasn’t used to it, and it made him feel…amazing.
He got a nod and Winter sat again. “Eat something Oliver. I went overboard at the bakery this morning. I just couldn’t decide. We’ve been cutting bites off of everything.”
“Just a bite. I’m a little queasy, Sir.”
“Can I have more cronut next?” Those were two of his favorite things, smooshed up into one.
“Of course. They are spectacular.” Winter cut a bite and held it out for him. “Open up, baby bird.”
His cheeks heated, but he did it, didn’t he? God, he was learning all sorts of shit about himself.
Winter smiled at him, and he knew, without a doubt, that he made the man happy. Him. Just…being himself. “Give your friend a bit, petit. A little sugar might help him.”
“Here. You love berries. Try a bite of this.” He cut off a bite of blueberry muffin and offered it to Oliver.
“Oh, you’re feeding me now, handsome? I’ll take it.” Oliver opened his mouth and took the offered nibble, then chewed like it was the best thing he’d ever tasted. Harley could tell he was trying to smile, trying to relax. “Mmm!”
He reached out and squeezed Ollie’s hand. “You got a friend, you hear? I got your back, whatever it is.”
Oliver shrugged. “Thank you, but I’m just fine, honey. Don’t worry your handsome head about me.”
“That’s what friends do, man. We’re here.” And that was all he could do.
