Chapter 19
Felix
I was tired and achy. It was mostly the good kind of ache, when you exercise the right amount and you feel it in your muscles. But there was pain too, just a bit above my baseline. Leaving the picnic area had been a struggle and I’d had to hold onto Kellan, giving the man more of my weight then I would have liked. Kellan didn’t seem to mind, judging by the smile on his face and the occasional kisses he dropped on my head.
I let him do it even though it made me feel a little like a child.
The drive back to my place was just as quiet as the drive out had been. Kellan was humming along to whatever song was playing, occasionally singing lyrics out loud under his breath. I let my head fall back against the seat and closed my eyes. I wasn’t anywhere near dozing, but it was nice just to relax. When Kellan tried to remove his hand from my thigh, I grabbed it and kept it there, sliding my fingers in between his. I turned my head and cracked my eyes open, just to see the smile playing at his lips.
The sun was low on the horizon by the time we made it home. There was still an hour or two until true sunset, but we’d spent most of the afternoon just sitting, talking, and enjoying our solitude. It had been…really nice. Better than I expected when I agreed to the date in the first place. I’d said yes mostly because I could tell by his voice just how much he wanted to do it. It hadn’t sounded like the best time to me. But Kellan had once again proved me wrong, and the view had been serene.
Kellan turned into my drive and then parked as close to the ramp as he could. He hopped out and I pushed open my door to follow him. But as soon as I started to move, I knew I was in trouble. I hadn’t thought I’d overdone it, but sitting for so long after all the activity proved me otherwise. Pain shot up my leg and I barely bit back the groan. I had no time to make a decision about how I was going to handle it because Kellan was at my side a few seconds later. Though the smile stayed on his lips, his eyes held a hint of worry.
“You good?”
I nodded, then lifted up on my right hip so I could dig my keys out of my pocket. I held them up. “Can you go get my chair?”
“Of course.” He took the keys and loped off, his long-legged stride eating up the distance. He must have kept up the pace because even though my chair had been in my bedroom, it took him less than sixty seconds before he was wheeling it out the door. He whizzed down the ramp then parked it next to me, locking the brakes and taking a step back. He was trying to look like he wasn’t hovering, even though he definitely was, so I chose to ignore it. I appreciated the effort.
I took stock for a moment, assessing my abilities, and then set my right foot on the ground. I gritted my teeth so I wouldn’t make a sound, then balanced on my right leg for a second before dropping down into the chair. It was quick work after that to get myself situated, release the brakes, and roll backward. Kellan shut the door before I got the chance.
I could almost guess where his mind was going by the way his eyes roved over me. Yeah, I hurt, and it had maybe been too much, but not really. It was just the reality of living with my disability. Sometimes, the pain snuck up on you even when you didn’t go too far. I reached out lightning quick and grabbed hold of his shirt. Then I used that to pull him down to my level and kissed him thoroughly.
Only when he was gasping for breath did I pull back. He licked his lips and opened his eyes. I saw all the heat and want there, so I patted his cheek.
“Be a good boy and run along and turn on the hot tub.”
Kellan made the tiniest whine and kissed me again. I took control, directing and guiding the kiss. I wanted him desperate and needy so he’d forget about his worries for a while. It didn’t take long to get him there. I knew just how much pressure he needed. I knew exactly where to grab and precisely what buttons to push. But when he tried to climb into my lap, I held him off. Not that I didn’t want him there, because I certainly did, but because we had other things to get to.
I held his chin between my thumb and forefinger, squeezing just a bit. “Go do as I said. I’ll be right behind you.”
Kellan had to breathe for a few seconds, but then he nodded once, turned, and ran. I let out a dark chuckle, watching him go. Then I adjusted my dick and set the chair in motion. Up the ramp and straight through the house to the back deck. Kellan had folded back the cover and turned on the heater. Given how hot it had been today, it wouldn’t take long before the tub came up to temp. When Kellan noticed me, he finished removing the cover and then stood there, staring at me, as though he was waiting for his next order.
I decided to test that out.
“Get the towels.”
Without a word, Kellan crossed the deck to the cupboard I’d had built by the sliding door. It was attached to the house and had been weather-proofed within an inch of its life. I kept the chemicals and testing supplies for the tub in the bottom, but the top held fluffy, absorbent bath sheets as well as a robe or two. Kellan retrieved two towels and set them on the small table next to the tub. Then once again, looked to me.
This was a fun game. I wondered how far I could push him or even if I wanted to. One order I knew he wouldn’t have a problem with was getting naked.
“Take off your clothes and get in.”
Kellan’s lips quirked and he did, in fact, get naked. But he gave me a show while doing it, moving slowly, swinging his hips, and peeling off his shirt and shorts. His boxer briefs followed, and the way he bent over made me catch my breath. I was hard enough to pound nails, but content to sit with that until we got to the fun stuff later.
Gloriously naked, cock hard, tattoos on display, I looked my fill as Kellan preened. Then he took a step forward, hands outstretched like he was going to help me next, but I made him stop short with a look. He froze, and gestured toward the tub with my chin, reminding him of the order.
He wrestled with himself for just a few seconds. I could see the war going on behind his eyes. He both wanted to do as I said but also help me. I waited him out, curious to see which side would win. In the end, Kellan listened to what I had said and not what he wanted. He got in the tub.
“Good boy.”
That earned me both a heated look but also a small snort. I smirked back. And I understood that too, because we weren’t really delving into any sort of lifestyle or play but just skirting the edge for fun.
I kept my gaze on him as I pulled off my shirt and tossed it toward one of the deck chairs. I didn’t know if it made it and I didn’t care. I had to look away when I bent forward to remove my shoes and socks. But Kellan was staring at me when I looked up and I held his gaze as I undid my pants and locked the brakes.
It was an effort to stand, but I knew I’d feel much better once I got in the hot water. I held onto the railing as I got out of my jeans and briefs then leaned on it as I climbed up the few steps to get into the tub. Kellan was right there and I took his assistance as I eased into the water and sat on the seat. The water wasn’t as hot as I liked yet, but it would get there.
“Turn on the jets.”
Kellan did, then moved back to me, and I pulled him down onto my lap so that his knees were on either side of my hips. He was always taller than me, but in this position, I had to lean my head way back just to see him. I was glad I’d invested in the padded ledge because at least I was comfortable.
I tugged and nudged until our dicks were right up against each other. He gripped my shoulders and stared down into my eyes as I took hold of both of us in one hand.
“Today was good,” I murmured, stroking us lazily. I didn’t want us to come, because it was hell on the filter and I hated cleaning it out of the tub, but there was no reason I couldn’t keep us both on edge until we were ready to move elsewhere. Kellan knew how I felt about cum in the hot tub, so he didn’t try to get me to speed up.
“Yeah. It was…” He let out a sigh that was half moan, and I pinched his nipple just to hear it full force. He didn’t disappoint. Then he glared down at me, but it only lasted half a second before he smiled. “It was a good day. I loved just sitting and talking with you.”
I made a face to get him to laugh, and was gratified when he did. I kissed his chest. “I’m still not great at the talking, but I’m trying.”
“I know.” He kissed me, soft and sweet, then rested his forehead to mine. “Today was everything I wanted it to be.”
“Good.” I kissed him soundly, really exploring, then squeezed our dicks tight enough to make him thrust once before he realized what he was doing and stilled. He pulled back a few inches and squinted at me.
“How long are you going to tease?
I chuckled and it sounded filthy even to my own ears. “Until my muscles are nice and relaxed and I’m ready to take you to bed.”
Kellan was nodding even before I finished the sentence. “Yes, please.”
I slid my free hand around to cup his ass, contemplating turning him around until I could find a jet to buffet his hole. Later, after my muscles untensed, that was definitely happening.
“What are you most looking forward to this school year?” I asked, both because I was trying to be engaged in his life and because I wanted to distract him. Fortunately for me, it worked, because Kellan dove right in, talking about the lesson plans that were his favorites to teach and how at least half of the class were younger siblings of students he had before.
I still loved the sound of his voice. It didn’t matter what he was talking about. And I couldn’t follow all of it, because I didn’t know these people, but that was fine. I let it all wash over me, thinking that this, and what would follow in bed later, was the perfect end to the day.
L abor Day was kind of a big deal in Fairville. The unofficial end to summer. School started back up the next day and the whole town went back to regularly scheduled programming. But the weekend before had the whole town participating in the revelry on Main Street. The day itself was known town-wide for picnics and cookouts.
The Black Dog Inn was really doing it up this year. The cabins had been completed late spring and had been booked solid throughout the summer. Law and Teague, with the help of Sean, had redone the firepit so that it could hold what basically amounted to a bonfire. Dana had rented two extra large propane grills to cook hotdog and hamburgers, as well as their vegetarian equivalents, all day. The guests that were staying at the Inn this weekend were all invited to attend, free of charge. The rest of us could pay a minimal fee to partake of the festivities.
I hadn’t planned on attending, but Teague wheedled until I agreed. I could only stop in for a while, since I had the Nook to run, and Ma wanted to partake of events as well. I was kicking myself now for not having hired a part-time employee to take some of the load off and vowed to get on it first thing tomorrow.
Kellan was excited and eager to come along. I wasn’t surprised. He liked people, and he loved talking to them. So of course a party was right up his alley. I insisted we drive separately though, not only because I had to go to the shop after to relieve Ma, but because I knew it was more than likely he’d want to stay long after I was ready to go. Kellan pouted at that, but he saw the wisdom in it.
Besides, he was sleeping at his own place tonight, given that he had to be up at the crack of dawn for the first day of school.
I pulled into the parking lot just after eleven, and was glad to see one of the handicapped spaces was open. As soon as I pulled into the spot, I saw why. Someone had attached a handwritten sign to the pole that read “Reserved for Felix.” I shook my head, ignored the warmth at the gesture that was seeping through my chest and got out to take the sign down. Now that I was here, someone else could park there when I was gone.
“Whatcha got there?”
Kellan had snuck up on me when I was ripping off the sign, so I showed it to him, rolling my eyes. He draped an arm around my shoulders.
“That’s sweet.”
“Yeah, whatever.” I grinned. “Gimme a kiss.”
Kellan was all too happy to comply. And it was probably a little too indecent for a family friendly event such as this, so I cut it short. His whine of protest was satisfying to hear. I nudged him with my elbow. “Let’s go say hi.”
Dana had set up shop right outside the dining room, with the emergency door propped open so people could go in and out. There were a lot of people milling about, and I saw the path up toward the cabins was lined with new solar lanterns. They weren’t on now, given the blazing sun, but it was a nice touch. As was the tent covering picnic tables in the corner of the lot.
I recognized plenty of faces, but Kellan actually seemed to know these people. He greeted them by name, asked after family or pets or events in their lives. It made our trek toward the food and the people I actually knew slow going, and eventually, I had to leave him to it because I couldn’t stand around. I squeezed his arm, told him to find me when he was done, and beelined to Charlie.
As soon as he saw me, his face lit up, and he gestured me over. By the time I made it, he’d pulled a lawn chair closer to him so that I could sit. I did gratefully. It was a little too low and I hoped I could get out of it without help. But both Kellan and Teague would gladly assist, and I’d just have to take it.
Charlie was wearing a pair of linen pants that flowed around his legs, and a matching billowy linen top. The sleeves only covered him past his elbows, and it made me glad to see it. I knew he’d never be fully comfortable without being mostly covered, but I got it, since I felt the same.
“How are you?” Charlie asked after I got situated, leaning over to kiss my cheek.
“Peopled out.”
Charlie threw his head back and laughed, and out of the corner of my eye, I caught Teague’s fond expression as he looked at his boyfriend. They were so sweet it was sickening, but I was still happy for my friend.
“You just got here,” he chided when he got himself under control.
I lifted a brow. “And?”
Charlie shook his head, mirth still shining in his eyes. “Fair enough.”
“Are you causing trouble, Lex?” Teague asked as he joined us, perching on the arm of Charlie’s chair. Charlie immediately turned into Teague, who tucked him in close.
“Of course not.”
Teague narrowed his gaze. “I don’t believe you.”
Charlie swatted Teague’s leg. “Be nice.”
“I’m always nice,” Teague protested. “In fact, where Lex is concerned—”
“Mr. Felix, I gots an important question,” Tristan interrupted, running full tilt toward us and nearly taking a header in the dirt. He must be used to it though, because even though he stumbled, he righted himself and kept on going until he crashed into my chair. It didn’t seem to bother him though, because he didn’t even wince. He just stared at me with wide eyes.
“What’s that, Tris?” I asked, glad for the reprieve.
“Does your cane got a sword in it?”
I blinked. Then blinked again. “What now?”
“We watched a movie this weekend where the villain had a sword hidden in a cane,” Oak explained, walking by at just the right moment, carrying a covered bowl that was at least eighteen inches around. I didn’t even know they made them that big. “Tristan has been obsessed with the idea ever since.”
“Because it’s cool!” He climbed up on my lap, and I could see several adults ready to protest, but I waved it away. He was probably fifty pounds, if that. He wasn’t going to hurt me. “Guess what! One of the kids in my class is named Micycle!”
Talk about a non-sequitur. “What?”
Charlie and Teague were laughing and shaking their heads. Oak rolled his eyes.
“We had orientation for first grade last week, so the kids could get used to expectations and meet each other. First is a bit different than kindergarten,” Oak said to me. He turned his attention to Tris. “And like your dad and I explained, Mike is not short for Micycle the same way that bike is short for bicycle. It’s short for Michael, like your middle name.”
Tris scrunched up his nose. “I don’t like it when you call me Tristan Michael.”
“That’s because when you get two named, it's because you’re doing something you shouldn’t.” This was from Law, who appeared out of nowhere and scooped his child off my lap. “Come on, you little hellion. Auntie Dana has hot dogs ready.”
Tristan cheered and he, Law, and Oak headed toward the food stations. I stared after them, not entirely sure what happened. I knew chaos followed in the wake of this family, but seriously, what the hell? Was this how it always was?
I could not explain my relief when Kellan showed up a few minutes later, carrying two plates with two bottles of water tucked under his arm. He handed me one, then one of the bottles, before he used his now free hand to snag another chair and pull it over.
“I made you a plate,” he said, grinning. “I didn’t think you’d want to get involved in all that. Sounded like you had enough chaos already.”
I snorted because hadn’t I just thought that very thing? At least about the chaos. But somehow, just him arriving, it was as though a barrier went up between me and said chaos. It quieted down immediately when I looked at him. Even Charlie and Teague still sitting nearby didn’t register. It was just me and Kellan, him acting as a port in the storm.
Huh. That was almost poetic. Which definitely wasn’t like me. Kellan was getting under my skin, weaseling his way past my walls. And I didn’t hate the thought.
I t took a second for me to figure out what happened. One moment, I’d been getting out of the hot tub, and the next I was at the bottom of the steps. I slipped and fell obviously. As soon as that thought registered, pain bloomed along my side and when I gasped, my chest screamed in pain.
Okay. That was definitely my ribs. Were they broken or just bruised? I took stock of my entire body, moving parts one by one. My right leg gave a sharp twinge when I moved it, and I could see a large red mark where I’d clearly banged it. That was going to bruise. No broken bones though. Not in my arms or legs, and my head didn’t hurt so I was pretty sure that I didn’t hit my head either. All of that was good.
But the ribs were definitely a problem. I managed to maneuver myself so I was sitting on the steps but if I tried to breathe deeply, sharp pain jabbed my side. When I leaned to grab the towel I’d set on the table, I nearly passed out, my vision swimming for a moment.
All right then. This was serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. Did I need to call an ambulance? It took me a few minutes to decide that no, it wasn’t bad enough to incur that cost. Even though I didn’t have to worry about money, it wasn’t an emergency and there was no reason to waste the resources. Besides, it would be faster to drive, as I’d have to wait a good while for the ambulance to get here.
Not that I could drive myself. I wasn’t in any state to get behind the wheel. My first instinct was to call Ma, but she was handling the store. Usually, she worked mornings and I worked from noon until close, but she’d had a good time at the barbeque yesterday so we’d swapped. And she couldn’t manhandle me anyway.
Kellan. I should call Kellan. I had to move very slowly and carefully to grab the phone, but as soon as I did, I saw the time. It was barely three. School wouldn’t even be done for another twenty minutes and it was his first day back. He was probably exhausted. No need to bother him until I knew what was going on.
I called Teague. He answered on the third ring. “Hey, man. What’s up?”
“Hey. I need help.”
T hree hours later, I was in a bed in the ED, having been poked, prodded, and x-rayed. The doctor was fairly sure nothing was broken and I was just bruised to hell. It was good news. As soon as the films were back and the radiologist confirmed it, they’d kick me loose. There was nothing they could do for me even if they were broken, other than maybe wrapping me up. I already had good painkillers at home.
Now that things had settled I picked up my phone to text Kellan.
Hey. Don’t worry, but I fell. I’m at the ED at CVPH. I’m fine, I swear. Just waiting for the tests to come back and then they’ll send me home .
His reply came two seconds later.
OMG. I’m on my way.
Nah, there’s no need. I’m fine, honey.
The dots appeared. Disappeared. Came back and went away again. After a minute or two, the phone rang in my hand.
“I’m fine, Kel. I promise.”
There was nothing but breathing for a solid three seconds. And then he croaked, “Good. I’m glad. Why don’t you want me there?”
I cocked my head to the side, confused. “Because there’s nothing to do but sit and be bored? I kicked Teague out, too. I don’t want people just staring at me.”
Kellan went silent again for a moment that stretched long enough, I had to check that we were still connected.
“Kellan?”
“You called Teague?”
“You were still in school.”
I thought it was a perfectly logical argument. The sound Kellan made told me I was wrong. But I didn’t understand why. It made perfect sense to me. Who wanted to sit around and be bored when there was nothing wrong and I was going home soon anyway?
“Kellan, what’s the matter?” Before he could answer, the curtain pulled back and Dr. Lopez appeared, a smile on her face. “Oh, hang on. The doctor’s here and I think I get to go home?”
Dr. Lopez nodded and relief washed through me. I asked her to hang on a second and turned my attention back to Kellan. “Since I’m getting discharged, do you want to come get me?”
“Yes.” And then he hung up the phone.
I stared at it for a few seconds, kind of surprised. What the fuck was going on with him? I’d have to figure it out when he got here. Instead, I smiled up at Dr. Lopez.
“All right. Tell me the damage.”