Page 21 of Nitro

I pulled myself out of bed, checked my appearance in the small mirror on the window ledge, and ran a hand through my hair.

Deeming it passable, I made my way to Nitro, who was still cursing under his breath. He hadn’t noticed I was awake.

I wasn’t sure where I got the courage to hug him from behind. Nitro froze, and I wondered if it was the wrong move.

He felt so solid in my arms, solid and warm. It also didn’t hurt that he smelled so good, uniquely Nitro.

Like bear musk mixed with raspberries. Randomly, I wondered what kind of soap or shampoo he used.

“Essential Raspberry,” he told me. “Makes my hair shiny and fluffy.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I said my thoughts out loud again?”

“Yeah. Did I wake you with all the noise?” Nitro asked.

Reluctantly, I pulled away from him so he could turn and face me.

“Not at all,” I admitted. “I had a great nap. Honestly, I didn’t think that was possible.”

“That’s great, Tommy. While you were sleeping, I thought of a proposal,” he said.

“A proposal?” I said.

I gently nudged him away from the stove and took over frying the bacon and eggs.

Nitro must’ve gone through my kitchen cabinets while I was asleep because he knew where the coffee was.

After brewing us some, he poured the coffee into two cups, then elected to sit at the kitchen counter.

I didn’t mind him watching me cook. I asked him about what he meant earlier.

“Sorry, lost my train of thought. I like watching you do…anything,” he said.

Nitro gave me a sheepish smile which made my heart race.

Butterflies appeared in my stomach. I was tempted to lean over the counter and ask him to kiss him.

No, that was probably a bad idea. Nitro would either get a kick out of it or he could think I was being too bold or needy.

I flushed, although there was no reason to. Nitro had always been frank with me. It was one of his more endearing traits.

“Right, back to what I was saying earlier. What do you think about me staying over again tonight? I could wait until you manage to fall asleep. Then I’d leave,” Nitro said.

The thought was tempting, but it suggested I couldn’t even be alone in my apartment.

He’s just trying to help, I reminded myself.

Besides, deep down, I knew having him nearby would guarantee me another dreamless and comfortable sleep.

“Just for tonight,” I said. “And maybe a few nights after that.”

“Great,” Nitro said. “It’s just a temporary measure, Tommy.”

“Temporary,” I echoed.

I liked the sound of that. Marc was a little overbearing when I lived with him.

He was like an overprotective mama bird who thought I couldn’t do anything on my own.

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