29. Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Simeon
A fter I showered and dressed, I headed upstairs to retrieve Ryan’s jeans.
Nanny gave me a pointed look as she made waffles. “Extra this morning?”
Heat rose to my cheeks.
She made her way over to me, pressed a hand to my hot cheek, and smiled. “I like him, Simeon. You could do a lot worse.”
“He’s n-not mine to have.”
Her smile was that knowing grin Mom used to give me. “But he might be. Keep an open mind, okay?” She pointed outside. “Snow’s still falling. Hopefully the power lines don’t come down.”
Snow this thick could fell a weakened tree branch and easily take out a line. “We have the g-generator.”
“That’s true.” She moved away from me so she could put the maple syrup and butter on the table. “Although I suspect you can generate your own electricity with that man downstairs.”
Oh God, does she know? Is it written on my face? I never could hide anything from her. “N-not going to happen.”
“You never know. Make sure he’s been tested. Although I suppose if he’s been in the hospital and not been with anyone, it should be safe.” She snapped her fingers. “Should’ve ordered condoms with the last grocery order.”
Okay, I was quite certain my cheeks matched Rudolph’s nose in bright-red color. I’d gone to the store where my friend Nadia worked for years, and recently she’d switched to delivering the groceries instead of working a till. She said it got her out of the store and gave her variety in her workday. She also knew just about everyone in town.
I certainly didn’t need her speculating on my sex life. Especially because my grandparents weren’t likely the ones needing condoms. If Nadia knew… Well, first, that information might not stay secret for long. Secondly, I’d have to start buying groceries myself. Which I would’ve happily done, but Nanny felt I was too busy, and she liked using her money to ensure Nadia had work. I was pretty certain the woman had plenty of work, but I’d learned long ago not to argue with Nanny when she was in one of those moods.
“If I n-need them, I can b-buy them myself.” I held up Ryan’s jeans. “He’ll be out of the s-shower and needs these.”
Nanny grinned as she removed the waffles. “I think he has a fine ass.”
I nearly tripped as I headed downstairs. My ninety-something grandmother did not just make a comment about our houseguest’s ass…right? Because now all I’d be thinking about was said ass. I wasn’t someone who necessarily noticed people’s looks. I just wanted to be their friends and, often, after they heard my stutter, they didn’t want anything to do with me. Like I was too much work or something.
Nadia had always treated me with great respect.
And now I’d associate her with Nanny’s threat to get condoms on her next grocery order.
Sheesh.
Ryan stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows, wearing my bathrobe, which swamped him, gazing out over the winter wonderland.
I approached as noisily as I could. I had a strong startle reaction—especially when I was deep in thought—and I suspected he was the same way now. Maybe always had been…but was definitely now. “Jeans.”
He turned with a grin on his face. “I stole your bathrobe.”
“I d-don’t mind.”
“We, uh, have to do laundry.”
What? Oh. “Yeah. I have w-work clothes as well. Easy enough to d-do a load.”
“Great.” He winced. “I sort of need my underwear washed as well. I can go commando for a bit, but I prefer having my bits…protected…from denim. But I’ll be okay for a bit.”
I grinned. “C-consider it done. You c-change and I’ll start a load. I have m-my own machine down here.”
“Great. I, uh, left everything in a pile on the floor of your bedroom.”
I headed that way. Then burst out laughing.
Ryan came up behind me. And laughed as well.
Chia lay sprawled over our dirty clothes.
“She has a n-nice bed, and she does this?”
He laughed. “Yep. I think that’s par for the course with a dog.” He whistled.
She popped her head up.
I crouched to her level. “Are you h-hungry?”
She cocked her head.
“F-food?”
After a moment, she let out a little yip.
“I think Nanny m-made you some rice.”
The dog’s nose twitched.
“You’ll eat it and b-be grateful. N-no going out today to get food. Sorry.” I wasn’t. Not really. Because I’d have an entire day with her. To find her quirks. To see how she got along with my grandparents. “I should’ve g-gotten Chloe’s number last night.”
“You said the police officer had it, right? Although he might be asleep. How about the vet? Or the trainer? Might be good to touch base with them.”
“On a S-Sunday?”
“They always have the option of not answering the phone.”
“T-true.” I loved how logical Ryan could be. While I could be timid—especially about calling people—he appeared fearless. Or unconcerned. He was right. If Torah and/or Zephyra didn’t want to speak to me, then they wouldn’t answer the phone. “I’ll t-text Torah after breakfast.”
He gazed at me.
“W-what?”
“You haven’t kissed me.”
My eyes widened. Then I grinned. “You h-haven’t kissed me either.”
“Well, we need to rectify that.” He raised his arms so he could run his fingernails through my stubble.
Thank God there’s not much of a height difference. I didn’t want him to hurt himself.
He wrapped his arms around my neck.
I bent to kiss him.
Our lips touched—soft and sweet. Then again—with a bit more pressure. Finally, he licked the seam of my lips.
Figuring that was the invitation, I opened my mouth and let him stick his tongue into my mouth. I’d always wondered about this. How it could feel so good. How it wasn’t nearly as weird as I might’ve thought. I wound my arms around his slender waist and gently pulled him close. My cock seemed a little interested, but I gave it a stern talking to. Now wasn’t the time. This was for gentleness. Tenderness. Solicitude.
Eventually, Ryan pulled back. His blue eyes were a little glazed. His smile was a little loopy.
I resisted the urge to ask him if I’d done it correctly.
His nose twitched. “Do I smell…?”
“Waffles and bacon.” My grandparents didn’t eat bacon, but Nanny made it for me on special occasions.
His eyes lit. “Back in a flash.” Then he was gone.
Should’ve told him he can get changed in here. I could leave… Memories of helping him last night flashed in my mind. I noticed his Henley on the bed and, within just a moment, he was back—carrying the bathrobe and wearing the jeans. His nipples were hard peaks—likely because of the cold air. And his scars were clearly visible, but I didn’t linger on them. Instead, I snagged the adorable sweater I’d given me last night. “Need help?”
He offered a soft grin. “I won’t turn it down. Getting dressed and undressed are two of my least favorite tasks. It’s why I often wear button-down shirts.”
Which made sense since stretching his arms over his head seemed to cause pain. Or at least discomfort. As I helped him, I resisted the urge to ask if I could be doing anything else. He didn’t need me fussing. I believed pretty strongly that if he needed something that he’d speak up.
Once he was settled, he clicked his tongue.
Chia leapt up from her spot.
I scooped up all the laundry to add to what I already had in the basket. Yep, a full load.
Ryan watched me.
I cocked my head.
“Waiting for you.”
“N-no. Nanny’s got fresh waffles. You g-go on up and start. I’m r-right behind you.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to make the lady wait.” He rubbed his belly. “I can’t remember the last time I had waffles.”
“Homemade.”
His eyes lit. “Even better.” He headed into the living room and then to the stairs. He gave me a cheeky grin before heading up with Chia by his side.
Affording me a perfect view of his truly stunning ass.
Remembering Nanny’s comments had me blushing again. By the time I had the wash started and I headed upstairs, my cheeks felt cooler.
Bops waved from the kitchen table. “Thought you’d never be here. Ryan says he won’t eat without you.” My grandfather held up a piece of waffle. “I love you, but these are best hot off the griddle.”
I grinned. “Yep.” I moved to said griddle and gently nudged Nanny. “You g-go. I’ll finish these up.” I noticed little lines of strain on her face. That happened when she stood too long.
She pursed her lips.
I arched an eyebrow.
Silently, she moved to the table. She sat, then pointed at Ryan. “I’m here, you eat.”
He gazed up at me.
I pointed to Nanny. “D-don’t argue. N-not worth it.”
The corners of his lips twitched upward. “Okay.” With that, he buttered his waffles and loaded on the syrup.
I turned back to the griddle. It’s good to see him eating. I didn’t ever want to judge someone based on looks, but Rayn seemed skinny to me. As I’d explored him this morning, he’d felt bony. Insubstantial. Except his dick. Yeah, okay, except that. Heat rushed to my cheeks again as I remembered the first hand job I’d ever given. Oh, and the first kiss. Things I’d thought I’d never experience.
Ryan had to know how…innocent I truly was. I hated the word. Na?ve felt just as bad. Raw. Untried. Untested. None fit. I was thirty-seven years old, for God’s sake. How could I have not mustered the courage before now to ask a guy out?
Oh, because being shy with a stutter really didn’t help. I also never wanted to assume either that a guy was gay or that he might be into me. Everett was gay…he wasn’t into me. Quinton was gay. Or bi. Or something. He pretty clearly hadn’t been into me. And I wasn’t into either of them, so that wasn’t a big deal.
I was into Ryan. Had been from the moment I’d seen him. Well, maybe not when he’d been scared in the bathroom. But certainly shortly thereafter. And the day he admitted he was gay? When I’d boldly told him I was as well? Well, for sure that day I’d known I was attracted to him.
Opening the griddle, I found the waffles toasted to perfection. I removed them, made certain we’d used all the batter, and shut the machine off. I never had a problem, if some batter remained, making some for later. Truly, I adored waffles.
I dropped into the chair next to Ryan, directly across from Nanny.
She caught my gaze.
And winked.
Goddamnit. The woman’s going to be the death of me.
Ryan moaned. “These are the best waffles I’ve ever had.” He held his fork aloft.
“Really?” Nanny eyed him. “You’re from fancy Vancouver.”
“Well, the waffles served at brunch in The Georgian are good, but not like yours.”
Nanny beamed. “Secret recipe.”
“One I hope you’ll share with me.” Ryan cut off another piece. “Because these make me want to get my own waffle iron and learn.”
“Simeon knows the secret.” Nanny grinned at Ryan. “You’ll just have to convince him to share that knowledge. Something tells me you can be very persuasive.”
Is dying from embarrassment a thing? I think it might be a thing.
“I’m not certain Simeon’s persuadable. He seems pretty stoic to me.”
“He’s ticklish.” Bops grinned. “Always has been. Watch out though—he flails those arms something fierce.”
Ryan grinned. “I’ll watch out.” He glanced down. “Thanks for making rice and veggies for Chia.”
Nanny grinned. “Happy to do it. I was thinking of making some beef broth later. I could soak her rice in that to give it some flavor.”
I eyed the empty dish. “S-seems to me she doesn’t need help.”
“Some flavor never hurt.” Nanny waved her fork. “You should call Chloe today. Find out what Chia likes.”
“I d-don’t have her number.”
“Well, unless she’s disconnected Helen’s landline, you should be able to reach her. I’ve got that number.”
“Or you can call the vet or the trainer.” Ryan offered me a sly grin.
I rolled my eyes.
“Simeon.” My grandmother used that tone on me.
My cheeks heated yet again. “S-sorry.”
“I think that’s a very good idea. Ryan can help your grandfather clean up while you go downstairs and make those calls.”
“I c-can make them up here.”
Nanny gave me a not-so-subtle look with a raised eyebrow.
“No.”
She glared.
Bops shrugged, trying to look all innocent.
Ryan glanced back and forth between the three of us. “I don’t mind. Truly.”
I warned him, “Bops is g-going to grill you.”
He snickered. “I think I can handle a little interrogation. They want to know what my intentions are.”
Yep. Back to Rudolph’s nose again for my cheeks. Crimson was on the spectrum of red…right?
“Quite right, young man.” Bops wiped his hands on his napkin, having devoured his waffles.
“All good, I promise you.” Ryan met my gaze. “We’re taking it slow.”
Oh we are, are we? A hand job minutes after our first kiss didn’t feel slow. On the other hand, we’d known each other for more than two weeks. Two very intense weeks. I couldn’t think of anyone—aside my grandparents—who knew me this well.
I cleared my throat. “I’m g-going to try to clear the driveway.”
Ryan arched an eyebrow. “It’s still snowing.”
“Right. B-but the more I clear, the easier it will be to get out t-tomorrow.” Putting off those calls an hour was logical. Right?
Something flashed in his eyes. Then he smiled. “I can’t help…but could I come out and watch?”
“You’ll f-freeze. It’s c-cold.” I hadn’t actually checked the temperature, but clearly we were below freezing.
“I’ve got my coat.”
“Young man can wear my snow pants.” Bops grinned. “He’s about my size. I can gift him tons of stuff if he wants it. Well, maybe not my funeral clothes. Gotta look good when I go.”
Inwardly, I winced. Outwardly, I smiled. “B-because you want pretty ashes.” This was something my grandparents insisted on joking about. I was terrified of losing them—neither was afraid of death. Suffering? Yes. Death? No. They’d lived good lives. Their biggest fear was leaving me alone. But as much as I wanted to beg them to live forever, life didn’t work that way. Also, both wanted to be cremated and to have their ashes spread in the forest at the back of the property. Which was so appropriate given they’d spent their entire married lives here.
“I don’t want to take your clothes…” Ryan gave me a panicked look.
“Just the stuff I don’t use anymore. If you don’t want it, then you can donate it to the charity shop in town.” He eyed Nanny. “You might consider thinning out your closet.”
She gestured to Ryan. “I don’t think they’ll fit him. And anyway, I don’t think he wears women’s clothes.” Then her eyes widened. “Unless you do. Which is totally fine. We’re progressive here and don’t judge—”
Ryan placed his hand over hers, stilling her. “I don’t happen to dress in women’s clothes. But I bet I’d be the best dressed in town if I did.”
My grandmother actually blushed. “Well, there was that purple silk number I wore to my retirement party. I still fit in it.”
That didn’t surprise me. Both my grandparents were doing well for their ages. They had a few exercises they did every day. Stuff I’d asked Marcus Branigan to show them a few years back when they stopped going out as often.
“S-snow pants?” Somehow we’d moved from me shoveling snow to them emptying closets. I eyed Ryan. “Unless you w-want to help in here.” Giving him an out from the cold and wet felt right…and my grandparents shouldn’t be emptying closets without assistance.
Ryan grinned. “How about Chia and I keep you company for a while, and then, when I’m too cold, I can help your grandparents organize any clothes they want to donate?” He turned to my grandfather. “I’ll take a look at those clothes—if I’m not depriving you. I don’t have much that fits me these days.” He patted his flat stomach. “I used to be much heavier. And money’s a little tight.” He leaned in. “I don’t like spending my father’s money on myself, you know?”
“I do understand.” My grandfather beamed his obvious approval. “We’ll get you set up.”
Four hours later, I made the difficult phone call to Chloe to get her consent for us keeping Chia. She’d been super grateful that we’d saved her dog from the storm, and although she agonized over wanting to keep her grandma’s beloved pet, in the end, she decided we were Chia’s best chance. I hoped we could live up to that.
I’d cleared most of the driveway and had showered, then I found Nanny in the kitchen making grilled cheese and tomato soup—with Ryan’s help—and twelve bags of clothes in the garage.
Several marked Ryan.
I had no complaints about helping him try them on that evening. And the next. And helping him take them off.
Two days later, we made it to Maddox’s house to retrieve his car.
We hadn’t gone all the way…but we’d done just about everything else.
And although I hadn’t told Nanny, I had the feeling she’d known.
Man, I was in deep.