Page 30 of Baby Love

“Yeah?” He stares at me as I pick up my shirt from the floor where it fell. I turn my back to him as I put it on, giving myself a moment to conjure up a normal facial expression. When I turn around, his shirt is on and he’s standing, the outline of his hard cock visible through his pants. Swallowing, I look away, knowing I’m in the same boat.

“I’d better get home now,” he says. “You okay here alone? I mean, you’re used to your sister being here with you.”

"I’m okay," I assure him, walking him to the door. “We have tomorrow off and then workshop Monday through Wednesday. Thursday is the photo shoot for Love Lounge, and Friday’s some event Khun Lee alluded to in a recent email. Got any idea what it might be?”

“Not a clue,” P’Park says. “Well, I’ll see you on Monday, Nong.”

When he’s gone, I lean against the door, my lips still tingling from the feel of his skin. “Okay, so I guess I still have a crush on him.” I say aloud. Going to the window, I look out on the street until he appears from the front of the building and walks toward his car. Afraid he’ll see me standing there, I close the window and lock it, then pull the curtains closed. The apartment is so quiet, it unnerves me.

I get ready for bed. When I look at my phone, I see I have a text from Nok.

Do you miss me, P’? (blue heart)

Of course. Although it’s nice to go to sleep without having to listen to Black Pink.

(Laughing face) I’m sure you’re enjoying having a bed!

Crawling under the covers, I think I’d rather have to sleep on the couch forever if it meant not having to be alone.

Chapter Twelve: Park

Ispend all day Sunday doing laundry and housework and playing with Anya, who is unusually clingy, following me from room to room. I keep thinking about the skinship session last night at Spin’s apartment. If practicing helps him to relax, I’m happy, but what do I do with the knowledge of just how much I enjoyed it?

Practicing skinship has never felt this way before. I've always done it at a workshop, so Spin’s suggestion blindsided me. But if it would make him feel better, I was willing to do it.

Kissing him, without Khun Aat and P’Big's scrutiny, was amazing. Spin has the prettiest lips, and my new favorite thing is sucking on them.

Anya doesn’t usually take an afternoon nap anymore, but she’s so out of sorts today, arguing with me about every little thing and tearing up at the slightest provocation, I convince her to lie down with her books, and she soon falls asleep. A little worried about her behavior, I call Khun Anong.

“Auntie, did Anya seem off to you yesterday at your house?” I ask after greeting her.

“No, I don’t think so. My son and his new wife came by for a visit. Maybe that wore her out a little.”

“Oh, Prem is here in Thailand?”

“Yes, he came on business. He took Pear out to dinner.”

“She must have been happy to see him. I know how much she misses having her father around.” I remember her mentioning that often when we dated.

"Yes, she was very happy about it. What is it that Anya’s been doing that has you concerned, Park?”

“She just wants to be with me every second. I don’t know, maybe you’re right and she’s just tired. She’s sleeping right now.”

“Did you ask her what was wrong?”

“Well, no.”

“Try that. Maybe something about school is bothering her. Children are just small humans, Nong. Have a talk with her, and let me know if I can help.”

“Thank you, Auntie. I will.”

Anya doesn’t sleep long and comes into the kitchen while I’m trying to decide what to make for dinner.

“P’Park,” she says, holding her favorite blanket and resting her head against my leg.

I stroke her hair. “Did you have a good nap?” She nods, yawning.

Remembering Auntie’s suggestion, I gently guide my sister to the living room couch. “Is something bothering you?” I ask softly, continuing to pet her hair.

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