Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
RYKER
“Sam’s a cutie,” Dan commented when we went downstairs for the last of my boxes.
When I moved in with Jones, I put most of my stuff into storage and left it there. It made the move a lot easier since I didn’t have to repack anything.
Clay frowned at the comment but didn’t say anything as he accepted the box his brother handed him. His frown deepened as he walked past me and climbed up the stairs to my apartment, leaving without a single word to us.
“What’s his problem?” Dan asked as he watched his brother’s disappearing back.
I shrugged, not wanting to get in the middle of these two. I was used to the hot and cold attitude between them.
Dan and Clay weren’t related by blood, but they sure fought like real siblings. A month hasn’t gone by without one of them being mad at the other for something or another. I’d always wondered why they insisted on living together when they fought so much.
Jones and I tried to stay out of it as best as we could, knowing from experience that getting involved would only make things worse. In any case, they would kiss and make up and act like nothing had happened a few days later.
“Whatever,” Dan said with a scoff, then leaned against my truck. He turned to me with a smile. “Are you sure you two aren’t actually …”
He twirled his finger in the air like that meant something.
“Shush,” I hissed and looked around to make sure Annabelle wasn’t around. Then I turned to Dan with a glare. “Watch what you say.”
I texted the group chat late last night about the situation. Jones already knew, but Dan and Clay had a minute of surprise before blasting off texts teasing me.
“I’m just saying, you could barely keep your eyes off him in there,” he said, pointing toward the apartment. “Are you sure all of this is nothing but an act?”
I grunted and turned to pick up the last box, looking away so he couldn’t see the heat that was climbing up my neck. I didn’t think I was successful, considering the gleeful chuckle Dan let out when I passed him.
When I reentered the apartment, Jones and Sam were in my room putting my bed frame together. Sam had graciously allowed me to have the bigger room since there was no way a king-sized bed was going to fit in the other one.
Clay was alone in the kitchen, putting away the dishes my parents had left me. Even with his back turned to me, I could see that he was sulking. About what, I had no clue, but I knew in times like this, he would rather be left alone to cool off than be probed with questions.
Clay knew we were there for him, and he’d talk to us when he was ready.
“Hey, you don’t have to help. You can go unpack your stuff,” I said to Sam when I entered my room. He was holding one of the wooden legs while Jones screwed it into the base.
Since I knew I wasn’t staying at Jones’ place forever, I’d purchased one of those wooden bed frames that were held together with screws. It wasn’t the sturdiest, but it was easy to disassemble and reassemble.
“It’s fine. I don’t have many things, and I already made my bed,” Sam replied.
Our rooms were right beside each other, so I poked my head into his room to see a twin-size mattress pushed against the wall. No, it couldn’t even be called a mattress with how thin it was.
We’d left his place pretty abruptly, but I thought that was because he was trying to get me out of there so his Gramps wouldn’t ask any questions. I figured we’d head back to get the rest of his things later, mainly his bed, but I hadn’t realized this was all his stuff.
“You’re sleeping on a futon mattress on the floor?” I asked. My tone sounded incredulous, even to me.
Sam nodded. “I ordered a new bed, but it won’t get here until next week.”
That meant he was going to be sleeping on that thing for another week, at least.
Sam saw my horrified expression and laughed. “It’s fine. That’s what I slept on when I first came back to town. And trust me, it’s a lot more comfortable than the couch I had to downgrade to after Junior was born.”
Hearing that didn’t make me feel better.
I opened my mouth to say something, but Jones’ eyes caught mine, and the words died in my throat. I hadn’t known what I was about to blurt out, but it was probably better that I’d kept my trap shut.
A couple of hours later, we organized everything we could with the limited amount of stuff we had. So far, the place was looking like a proper bachelor pad, though that made sense since Sam and I were two bachelors.
Sam had gone to his Gramps’ for dinner, while I ordered pizza for the rest of us. Jones and I went to pick up Gray on the way to get the pizza. I was worried that with all the moving happening today, he might slip out the door when nobody was looking, so I left him at Jones’ until we finished.
“Do you think Dan and Clay got into another fight?” I asked Jones after we secured both Gray and the food and were on our way back to the apartment.
“When are they not fighting?” he replied casually.
“True, but it feels like it’s happening more often recently,” I commented. “I’m worried something big happened between them.”
“Honestly, you should be worrying about yourself instead of anyone else,” Jones stated. “You’re not exactly being subtle about your interest in Sam. I mean, what man gets all up in arms about another man’s sleeping arrangement?”
“I was just being nice,” I said, trying to defend myself.
“And so what? Were you going to offer to let him climb into your bed with you?” Jones said, then quickly added, “You know what? Don’t answer that.”
I pressed my mouth into a flat line. I couldn’t lie and say that thought hadn’t crossed my mind. I did have a giant bed, after all. And while I was big length-wise, it wasn’t like I took up the entire thing. Besides, Sam was so tiny he’d barely take up any space at all…
Jones let out a loud frustrated groan, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. “Just be careful, man,” was all he said.
We made the rest of the drive in silence. When we arrived back at the apartment, I grabbed Gray’s carrier from the back and the pack of beers while Jones got the pizza boxes.
“We’re back,” I called as I opened the front door.
The first thing I caught sight of was Dan and Clay pulling away from each other. They were sitting together on the couch, but Dan shot up when he saw us.
“Hey, you’re back!” he said with a laugh, but it sounded a bit forced. “I’ll grab the plates!”
Clay crossed his legs and stared at a spot by his feet.
I wondered if they’d gotten into another fight.
“Pizza coming through,” Jones announced and pushed his way past me to drop the boxes on the dining table.
I dropped off the beer and then let Gray out of his carrier. He cautiously sniffed the air, probably confused about where he was, but then boldly took a step out of the carrier. It didn’t take long for him to wander off to explore while I joined my friends for dinner.
Dan and Clay were back to teasing and joking with each other during dinner, so I figured they’d made up already. Overall, it was a good time as we chatted about innocent things not related to Sam and my farce of a relationship, especially since I didn’t know just how thin the walls were around here.
My friends left not long after dinner. I thanked them again for helping me move, especially on a work night, and told them I was treating them on Sunday.
Sam returned a couple of hours later. He jumped in the shower as soon as he returned and came padding back out into the living room, where I was sitting on the couch with Gray.
“And who’s this little cutie?” he cooed.
Logically, I knew he was referring to my cat, but that still didn’t stop my pulse from racing.
“This is Gray,” I managed to say without it sounding too off to my ears.
Sam knelt in front of Gray. He slowly reached out his hand to let Gray smell it first before petting him. Gray had never been shy around strangers, so he instantly arched into the rub and purred as loud as an engine.
“You’re good with cats,” I commented, mostly to fill the silence.
“I’ve always wanted one, but Gramps already had enough on his plate taking care of two wild kids,” Sam said, but there was no hint of any blame in his tone.
There was an understanding of his situation as a child that I wished he’d never had to experience. Growing up, my parents had given my brother and me whatever we’d wanted. They had rules meant to give us discipline, but we never had to compromise on our wants as long as we put in the effort.
Every kid should have that same opportunity, and it broke my heart that Sam hadn’t.
“Gray is an attention whore, so it’ll kinda be like having your own pet while we live together,” I said.
Sam only laughed in response. We stayed there like that for a few minutes, Sam petting Gray, while I watched and rambled off random stories about Gray. I’d never felt the need to speak this much before, but I liked hearing Sam laugh about Gray’s random antics.
The way Sam’s eyes curved up in delight made me want to continue telling them. So, I told him about the time Jones had grown out his beard and trimmed the end, so the curls made a point. For whatever reason, Gray hated it so much that every time Jones went near him, he’d start hissing. One time, while Jones was napping on the couch, Gray had climbed on top of Jones and patiently sat there until he’d bitten off the point.
“Gray, the barber cat,” Sam commented with a laugh.
I smiled too. “Jones was more amazed than annoyed at his beard being trimmed. That reminds me, I should probably warn you that this big fella loves taking naps with people, especially while sitting on their chest. But you can just push him off if he gets too heavy. I really need to put the little man on a diet.”
Sam eyed Gray. In his loaf form, he looked extra rotund, with his short fur squished out to make him appear wider.
“Maybe we should take him out on walks? I saw this one couple online do that for their cat, though we’ll have to work on harness training him first.”
Was it bad that I liked how he was talking about us as a unit, almost as if he was going to help me with Gray’s weight-loss program?
I nodded and immediately decided to order a harness tonight.
“I think I’m gonna head to bed. I’m pooped,” Sam said, standing and stretching his arms over his head. The bottom of his shirt lifted just enough for me to see the light dusting of blond hair on his treasure trail.
If I followed that trail straight down…
I shot to my feet so fast that Sam gave me a curious look.
“I’m, uh, gonna head to bed, too,” I said.
“Okay, then. Goodnight?” he replied.
I nodded, but neither of us made to move. We just kept staring at each other as the awkward silence stretched out.
I really didn’t want him to sleep on that lumpy futon, but I could hear Jones’ voice in my head, telling me I was being weird for worrying about his sleeping arrangement so much. Jones didn’t know what he was talking about because I’d do the same for him.
So, I let Jones’ voice fade to the back of my mind and followed my instincts.
“You should sleep with me,” I blurted, instantly regretting my instincts. I was already mentally face-palming.
“What I mean is…I have this giant bed, and it’s really comfortable, too. You can just ask Gray,” I said, and as if he was a paid actor, Gray let out the sweetest meow.
“See?” I joked, and Sam laughed. “But yeah, I have this big, comfy bed, so there’s no need for you to be basically sleeping on the ground.”
It seemed my little spiel didn’t work because Sam didn’t look too convinced.
“I don’t know…isn’t it a little too weird?”
“Why would it be weird? We’re both men,” I said, then realized I was thinking like a toxic straight man again. Jones would be so disappointed to know he hadn’t beaten that out of me after all these years.
Sam didn’t seem to mind my faux pas and smirked at my expression. “You don’t have to force yourself, Ryker.”
“I’m not!” I said, sounding a little too defensive, then much softer, I added, “I’m really not. And I’m not offering this just to be nice, either. I want you to be comfortable, and that little futon looks like it could fuck up your back in one night.”
I could see him contemplate the offer. He nibbled on his bottom lip. The action brought color to them, making them appear a darker, more seductive color that drew my eyes.
“Okay, if you’re really sure,” Sam said, letting his bottom lip slip from between his teeth.
My gaze pulled away instantly. My throat felt too dry to produce any words, so I just nodded my confirmation.
“Okay, thanks, then,” he said with a beam of a smile shining right my way. “I’ll grab my blanket so I don’t hog yours.”
I knew he was joking, but I was tempted to tell him if he desired, he could have my blanket anytime he wanted. I wasn’t opposed to sharing.
I was still frozen in place as he disappeared into his room, then reappeared seconds later, holding his blanket.
He saw me still standing in place and raised a brow at me. “You coming?”
I wished I could say I didn’t practically run toward him, or that I didn’t almost trip over my feet on my way there. At least I’d managed to steady myself before I landed flat on my face in front of him.
I had to give props to Sam for managing to hold his laughter in. Even I had to admit that I was being a tad bit silly.
“Which side do you want?” Sam asked.
“I’m not particular,” I replied.
Sam picked the side closer to the wall. He fluffed the pillow, shook out the blanket on his side, then slid under it.
“You’re right about your bed being comfortable,” he commented.
He’d pulled his blanket up so high up his body that the only things visible were his sparkling marble eyes and the tips of his fingers curled over the edge of the blanket.
I was really questioning if it was possible for a person to be so cute.
Instead of pondering that any longer, I slipped into the other side of the bed. Almost immediately, as if he were waiting for me, Gray rocketed from the living room and jumped onto the bed with a loud thud.
“Sorry, I forgot to mention Gray sleeps with me. Is that okay?” I said apologetically, turning my face toward Sam.
“Hell no! This is basically a dream come true,” he said, and as if second thinking it, added, “Cuddling with a cat, I mean. Not you know.” He stuck his hand out from under his blanket and gestured between us.
I wondered if the thought of there being an us ever crossed his mind. The idea sent a secret thrill shooting through me that I could never tell anyone.
Gray broke the silence with another meow, then stomped over my body. I let out a groan at each of his thousand-pound steps as he climbed over me to settle in the spot between Sam and me. It was just like him to want to be in the center of everything.
Sam laughed as I rubbed the spot under my rib that Gray thought was appropriate to put his entire weight on.
“Just wait until he decides to use you as a stepping board, then see if you’ll still be laughing. I swear he thinks he’s twenty pounds lighter than he actually is,” I grumbled.
As if knowing I was shit-talking about him, Gray meowed in protest and reached out a paw to cover my mouth. Sam laughed louder as he watched.
“He’s a smart boy, isn’t he?” he said, and scratched Gray’s butt. My cat lifted his hind, requesting more scratches, and looked at me with lidded eyes.
He looked eerily smug, almost like he knew exactly what he was doing. I swear he was almost human-like at times.
“You little imp,” I scolded, but I reached out to give him under-the-chin scratches. Those were his favorite, and his loud purrs instantly filled the room.
Sam turned onto his side to face me, watched my actions for a second, and then said, “You’ll make a good dad.”
I almost jolted with how out of left field his words were.
Sam chuckled and explained, “Sorry, I was just thinking about something Gramps said. He thinks you’re a good man.”
“And do you?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you also think I’m a good man?”
I knew it was a strange thing to ask someone I’d only recently reconnected with. His opinion shouldn’t have mattered in the first place, but I found myself wanting to know how he saw me.
Sam was visibly stunned by the question, and it took a couple of seconds for him to recompose himself.
When he did, his eyes softened. The gold flakes in his eyes melted with the green and turned into molten beauty.
“I do,” he said softly. “You’re one of the good ones.”
“I think you’re one of the good ones, too,” I replied just as softly.
I heard the faint hitch of Sam’s breath over Gray’s loud purrs, but I didn’t point it out. We gazed at each other in silence until I broke it with an awkward cough.
“I’ll turn off the lights,” I said quickly, and pressed the button on the remote by my bed. I liked how Annabelle had installed remote-controlled lighting throughout the place when she remodeled. Not having to get up to turn off lights, especially when I was bone-dead tired, would be a nice treat.
“Goodnight,” Sam whispered in the dark. I could barely see the glint of his eyes reflecting the light from outside the window.
“Goodnight,” I repeated, and the room fell into silence with Gray’s purrs the only sound to accompany my thoughts.
Sam’s words rang in my mind. Him saying I’d make a good dad, and that I was one of the good ones.
My heart was pounding so hard. I was hyperaware of every shift Sam made, and despite Gray laying in between us, I swore I could still feel the sweet heat his body exuded.
I didn’t know how I was going to sleep tonight, but soon Sam’s breathing evened out. The soft in and out of his breathing hypnotized me, and along with Gray’s purrs, I was eventually lulled into a deep sleep.