Page 25 of Fluffing the Stallion

Laughing again, Clay shakes his head. “Cling to me is more what you do.” He exhales a soft breath and adds, “But I don’t mind. I kind of love it.”

I love you. I want to say it, but it seems sudden, too soon. So, I hold back.

I’m not sure how much longer I can, though.

twelve

CLAY

Sleeping in my own bed is weird and I don’t love it. I’ve been staying over at Yuri’s for a few weeks now, only coming home to grab a few changes of clothes so I’m not wearing his clothes all the time. But last night, I told him maybe we needed a bit of space, so we could make sure we want to be around each other all time. I wanted to see if I was being clingy or if I really wanted to spend all my time with him because I enjoy it.

Well, I’ve seen it and I know I want to spend all my time with him because I enjoy his company. A lot.

I barely got any sleep last night, so used to lying on his chest, feeling his whole body wrapped around me. Sleeping by myself now fucking sucks.

Rolling out of bed, I sit on the edge, rubbing my tired eyes. I woke up no less than five times in the middle of the night, trying to slide closer to Yuri or wrap his arms back around me. I was always disappointed when the space behind me was cold and empty.

I press the heels of my palms into my eyes hard, starbursts popping behind my lids. God, I’m fucking strung out on Yuri. There’s no other way to describe it. I feel like I need to be with him to feel complete. The one night we’ve spent apart in weeks tells me that.

Deciding I’m not going to wait any longer to be with him, I grab a quick shower and pack a bag for a couple night’s stay. There’s no way I’m going to get a terrible night’s sleep two nights in a row.

My exit is halted though when Dario walks out of his room, giving me an up nod. “What’s up man? Heading to see Yuri?”

I give him a quick smile, glancing at the door. “Yeah. We wanted to sleep alone last night, give each other space, ya know?”

Dario gives me a knowing look. “And you were fucking miserable, huh?”

Blowing out a long breath, I drop my bag and run my fingers through my hair. “Yeah, I was. I’m surprised you didn’t hear me tossing and turning all night.”

Dario laughs, shaking his head and clapping me on the shoulder as he walks past me to the kitchen. “It’s cool, man. I’m glad to see you both happy.” He looks over his shoulder at me, a pained expression on his face. “I’m still sorry about not telling you what a fluffer was. I should have just said?—”

I raise my hand, cutting him off. “It’s cool man. You’ve already apologized for it. Besides, I think you did me a favor. Had you told me what it was, I wouldn’t have taken the job or met Yuri.”

His expression still looks guilty. “Maybe, but I still feel shitty about it.”

Walking over, I pat his shoulder. “Chill, dude. I don’t know what else to say. You’ll give yourself an ulcer if you keep worrying.” He smiles faintly at me. To get him out of his head, I ask, “How’s set design? I’ve noticed a lot of new things built.”

Dario’s smile is genuine now. “It’s going well. I’ve been thinking of exploring carpentry or architecture or something. I didn’t know much about designing until I started working at Carnal Desires. Now, it’s like I have a knack for it.”

“You do. I know you have a team you work with, but people defer to you. I’ve seen it. I’m sure you’ll do well with whatever you want to do.”

He smiles. “Thanks man. I appreciate that. Maybe I can branch out and do more than set design for Carnal Desires. Like, I don’t know, making custom furniture? Designing floor plans or some shit?”

“I don’t see why not. I think you’ll succeed no matter what path you take. Go for it.”

He nods, then pulls his lips in. After a moment, he says, “Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot, man,” I say, pulling a bottle of water from the fridge.

“You and Yuri. It’s serious?”

Grinning around the top of the water, I nod. “Yeah, I think so. It’s serious for me. I think I love him.”

“Whoa,” Dario murmurs. “That’s big. His job doesn’t bother you, right? If it does, get out now before you get hurt or you hurt him.”

I like the fact that Dario is worried about both of us. He shouldn’t worry though; I have no intention of hurting Yuri and I know he won’t hurt me. His job isn’t something that would ever bother me. I like watching Yuri way too much. “Doesn’t bother me at all. I actually like watching him work.” My face heats, but I keep eye contact. “Yuri and I have discussed it. It’s no big deal.”

Nodding, Dario says, “Yuri is a good guy. I wish you both well.”

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