Chapter 18
IT WAS raining when they finally returned to the cabin, which suited Jasper fine. He wasn’t much in the mood for anything other than passing out in bed. He’d managed to doze on the plane, but the last few days were finally catching up to him.
He kicked his shoes off inside the door and stripped his shirt off on the way up the stairs, then dropped his pants by the bed before face-planting into his pillow.
He expected to finally slip into sweet unconsciousness but found himself listening to the thunder and rain and Vincent checking things downstairs instead.
A few moments later the air-conditioner kicked on, and he breathed a sigh of pleasure at the cool air blowing on his bare skin.
He waited until Vincent made his way up and joined him in bed to roll over and wrap his limbs around Vincent.
“Thank you,” he murmured into Vincent’s shoulder.
“Even though it was a stupid waste of time.”
“It wasn’t,” Vincent said, adjusting them so he could settle both arms around Jasper. “Even if it only eased your guilt, it was worth the trouble.” He squeezed Jasper’s shoulders and pressed a kiss to the top of his head.
“Sorry you had to meet him.”
“I’m sorry you had to grow up with that.”
Jasper burrowed closer and breathed in the lingering scent of Vincent’s cologne. How had he gotten lucky enough to catch Vincent’s interest? More importantly, how could he possibly keep it for months, let alone years or… decades? At some point this would all come to an end, wouldn’t it?
“What are you worrying about?”
Jasper was too exhausted to censor his response. “Us.”
Vincent turned his head and blew a sleepy sigh into Jasper’s hair. “What about us?”
“Just wondering how long this can last.”
“Ah.”
When that was his only response, Jasper curled his fingers tighter into the back of Vincent’s shirt. “I like you. I like spending time with you.” He didn’t want this to ever end, but he at least caught himself before he could say that out loud.
“I do too, pet.” Vincent rubbed his palm against Jasper’s back. “I can’t promise how long it’ll last, but I have no intention of letting you go anytime soon.”
It wasn’t much of a promise, but it was enough for now. Jasper hadn’t irreparably ruined their vacation, and Vincent didn’t want to end their contract early. As he finally drifted to sleep, Jasper told himself not to worry about their time together until their current contract neared its end.