Page 42 of Claim Me

“I’m not tired,” Hector assures me in between yawns.

Jacinda stares at me with a devious smile and glances at Bear standing at the doorway.

“I have a secret,” she whispers to me.

Leaning closer, I whisper, “What is it?”

“I’m a Muppet,” she tells me, and Hector giggles.

The kids think they’re Muppets because their former last name was Grover like from “Sesame Street.” Bear is always giving them grief over that fact since he hates their dead dad and wants them to view themselves as members of the O’Malley family.

“Youarea Muppet. That’s why you’re so cuddly,” I promise.

The kids look at me like I’m awesome as I leave them to nap. Indigo wears a similar expression when he sees me. Nearby, in the kitchen, Tack and Hunter are huddled up, whispering and kissing.

Bear and Natasha are also in a cuddly mood. I normally feel like a fifth wheel when I’m around the two couples. Now I have a handsome fella who might like me rubbing up against him.

I walk to Indigo and try to read his expression. He seems happy and relaxed. I gingerly rest my hand on his chest to see if he’ll become self-conscious about us touching in front of our friends.

Indigo surprises me by wrapping his arms around my shoulders and dropping his lips to mine. His kiss promises we’re on the same page regarding our future.

INDIGO

As we sit in Bear’s rustic dining room, I admire Siobhan at my side. Whenever she laughs, she leans toward me and her soft hair brushes across my bare arm. I can barely focus on my meal when she smells so inviting. Occasionally, her gaze will find mine, and I feel her reaching into my chest and claiming my racing heart.

If this is how Siobhan’s affection always feels, I can understand why Sync wanted out. He is a man who requires personal space. Back when we were kids hanging out together on the farm, he would suddenly stand up and walk away if he felt people were crowding him. It’s also one of the reasons he moved off the farm. He likes privacy and to be left alone. Only his daughters are allowed to crowd him.

Siobhan’s constant touching must have driven Sync crazy. She is naturally clingy. After one date, she’s already moved me into her house. Siobhan prefers to keep her people close.

Her clinginess feels good to a man like me. My best early memories were of me cuddled up with Lorrie and Bubby. I didn’t want toys or even a home. I only wanted to be close to my people.

After lunch, Siobhan finishes chatting with her friends while I walk outside with mine. The security men aren’t visible when we stand on the front drive. Noticing Bear’s cats at the front windows, I immediately wonder how Siobhan’s cat will handle my dogs visiting soon.

“When do you plan to fess up to Sync?” Bear asks as we stand in the wide driveway and wait for our women to finish up.

“I figure Siobhan will tell him when she picks up the girls.”

“He’ll still need to hash things out with you.”

“Sync once said Siobhan was the best woman he ever knew, so he ought to understand why I want her.”

Tack crosses his arms. “Don’t hide,” he mutters. “It’s your way. I get it. Hiding makes sense. I do it, too. But our lives got better when we fessed up what we were feeling.”

Scratching hard at my jaw, I mutter, “I don’t know why I need to say anything to Sync.”

“He’s your friend. We all came up together. We’re always at his place. He often rides with us. You don’t want that shit to get awkward.”

“If it was me,” Bear says and frowns at his cats meowing at him from the other side of the window, “I’d want you to be square. He’ll understand. Siobhan hasn’t been in his bed for years. But he’s going to be weirded out by how you didn’t say anything for so long. That’s why you need to clear the air.”

Their words make sense. I can’t build a life with Siobhan if I avoid tough conversations. That doesn’t mean I’m in any hurry to talk shit out with Sync.

On the way to her house, as the motorcycle idles at a stop sign, I run my fingers across her soft hands gripping my shirt. Siobhan immediately tightens her hold on me. Such a small amount of affection instantly excites her.

I pull my motorcycle into the garage, trying to imagine myself living here. Siobhan climbs off and waits for me to follow. She’s watching me with hopeful eyes. I’m unsure what she wants. Am I supposed to say something romantic? Should I propose marriage?

Rather than speak, I cover her lips with mine and enjoy the ease of our attraction. Siobhan instantly wraps her body against mine. I sink my hands into her thick hair and fight the urge to overthink the situation.

Shutting off my brain, I climb off the motorcycle and keep Siobhan glued to my body. Her hip brushes against my hard cock.My body wants her. My heart needs her. Why am I still waiting?

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