Page 68 of Our Own Light

“We can’t never let that happen again,” Floyd said, a little more sternly than intended, mostly upset with himself, not with Ollie. “Not here.”

“You’re right,” Ollie said. “I’m sorry.” He nuzzled Floyd’s nose. “I lost myself in you.”

Floyd turned these words over in his head. He liked the comfort they brought with them. He really had lost himself in Ollie. With their truth, Floyd found he could forgive himself a little.

“I lost myself in you,” Floyd repeated. “I like that.”

“I won’t let it happen again.”

Ollie’s apologetic tone awakened a sympathetic sadness in Floyd’s heart. Because they had both been lost in each other’s touches. Ollie hadn’t acted alone.

“Ain’t your fault. I enjoyed myself too. I thought I was making that clear when we were in it.” He kissed the tip of Ollie’s nose. “We got to be respectful of my family, is all. Can’t have Effie or Jo walking in on that kind of sinful behavior.”

“I know.” He climbed off of Floyd’s lap. “I understand.”

As soon as Ollie settled next to him, Floyd pulled him in for a short kiss. He couldn’t hardly believe he hadn’t even kissed Ollie yet a few hours ago. It felt so natural now, like they had been kissing for years.

Ollie pulled back and said, “I had so much fun, sweetheart.”

Floyd’s stomach fluttered in the most wonderful way.

“Sweetheart?”

“What do you think? I can alternate it with lunkhead.”

“I like it.”

“I know it’s not exactly the most unique nickname, but you’re my sweetheart, Floyd. You’re the sweetest person I’ve ever met.”

Floyd laughed a little. “You’re too nice to me sometimes, Ollie. I’m sorry I ain’t thought of a better nickname for you yet.”

“I love the way you say ‘Ollie.’ It’s the only nickname I need.” Ollie shifted and tugged at his pants. “Yeesh, I’m not looking forward to my walk home.”

“Do you want to borrow some clothes? I can sneak into the bedroom and find some.”

“Nah. It’s a short walk.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

“I should head out.”

“Are you coming to church tomorrow?”

“How are you asking me about church right now? Did you forget about the fact that we finished fucking each other? Or, kind of fucking.”

“Well, I’ll be there. Even though we... effed each other through our clothes.”

Ollie laughed. “Jeez, that’s adorable. One day, though, sweetheart, I will coax some very naughty words out of you.”

“You can try.”

“I will.” Ollie smiled wolfishly. “I can’t wait.”

Blood rushed to Floyd’s cheeks. He couldn’t wait neither.

Chapter Ten

Oliver