Chapter 18
Ben
We talked for the next few hours, mainly about how the business with Jake got started and about Tristan’s sisters.
I didn’t voice it, but I was envious of the affection he spoke with as he talked about his family. I’d never permitted myself to want that, but hearing him, I couldn’t help but wonder how different my life would have been if I’d grown up surrounded by a loving family.
I raised a brow. “Didn’t he give you today off?”
“Yeah, but I think that was really ‘cos he needed time to recover from all our fucking.” He leaned in closer, whispering conspiratorially. “He’s quite a bit older; I’m not sure he’s got the stamina to keep up with me.”
I snorted. “Is that so? Who’s the one wanting to go to bed?”
“Fair point. Where am I sleeping?”
Almost blurting my bed, I managed to hold it in, not sure how he’d react. He’d been the one to suggest keeping things between us casual, and sleeping in the same bed felt…intimate.
“You can pick. I just need to make up one of the beds. I’m not used to having guests stay over.”
He leaned back against the couch. “Don’t do that on my account. I can sleep right here.”
“You’re not sleeping on the couch, Bug. There’s plenty of beds to choose from.”
“How about yours?” I froze, staring at him like I hadn’t heard correctly. He quickly stood, shifting from foot to foot. “I shouldn’t have said that.” He rubbed the back of his neck, adding, “Fuck. Forget I said that. Here is fine-”
“No,” I interrupted his rambling. “You can sleep in my bed. I’d…” I paused, telling myself to stop being such a fucking coward and admit how I really felt. “I’d like that.”
A relieved smile spread over his mouth. “Well then, lead the way.”
Turning the lights out, Tristan followed behind me as we made our way to my room. It was fucking stupid; I’d had my cock in his mouth only the day before, yet the thought of sleeping next to him made me nervous as hell.
What if I woke with a boner?
Or worse, morning breath.
“You want to use the bathroom first?” I asked, waving like a moron to the ensuite as if he didn’t know where it was.
“Nah, you go first.”
Forcing myself into the bathroom as Tristan peeled his shirt off, I took a piss and brushed my teeth before stripping down to my boxers. When I returned to the bedroom, my feet froze on the spot.
Tristan had removed all his clothes, including his underwear. He lay on his back, one arm bent above his head, and his eyes closed. Deep breaths escaped from his parted lips, telling me he was already fast asleep.
I stared for what seemed like an eternity, the only thought swirling in my brain was how damn right he looked in my bed.