Page 52 of His Boys to Protect

Charlie scowled. Of course he couldn't hear Ward. The man wasn't talking. And he was too far away to hear. Charlie was just about to point that out when Ward sent another message.

Ward: If you really want to learn, I can teach you. But do it for YOU. Okay? Not because you think Sky needs that from you.

Before Charlie could come up with a reply, another message came through.

Ward: Do you know the difference between lust and love?

Charlie had to think about that one for a minute.

Me: I don't know.

Ward: You mentioned how Sky looks at me, and that's probably nothing more than lust. That's fleeting. Just physical attraction. And, yes, it feels good, but there's no substance to it. But what you and Sky clearly have is love. That's enduring. Deeper. Lasting. And far more important. Don't envy the way you think Sky looks at me. I envy the way you and Sky feel about one another. I know I've only seen you guys together a couple times, but your connection is obvious. You don't find that kind of deep-seated comfort and security with just anyone.

Charlie stared at the words. Ward was right. His Sky was safe and constant. A comforting, familiar presence in his life. Someone on whom he could always rely.

But Charlie had felt that same thing with Ward, too, brief though it had been.

He was about to write something to that effect when he heard soft footsteps behind him. Charlie turned around and saw Skylar step down off the last stair riser and shuffle across the foyer.

Skylar gave him a fleeting smile as he came into the sitting room.

Early, Charlie signed.

Skylar nodded. He stepped around the couch and sank down onto it at Charlie's side.Bad dream, he signed back, preservingthe silence. Then he curled up on his side and put his head in Charlie's lap, closing his eyes.

Charlie found himself smiling, realizing this was what Ward had been talking about. Simple, quiet moments like this one. Charlie and Skylar utterly comfortable in one another's presence. Each knowing the other so well that no words were needed.

He glanced at his phone. Charlie had no idea what possessed him to do it, but he couldn't resist opening the camera app again and taking a picture, making sure the flash and the shutter sound were both off so it wouldn't disturb his Sky.

Charlie checked the picture. He'd had to hold his arm way out so the camera captured both himself and Skylar, the two of them lit only by the soft glow of the Christmas lights. Charlie smiled as he sent the picture to Ward.

Ward: Geez, buddy.

Ward: You two look so adorable together.

Ward: I hope you realize how lucky you are. You don't need muscles, Charlie. You've already got the whole world right there in front of you.

Charlie looked down. His Sky wasn't asleep but he looked relaxed and at peace. Like there wasn't anywhere else in the world he could possibly want to be. Charlie smiled. He felt the same.

Except there was something missing. Charlie carefully turned and eyed Ward's chair. It looked so empty. What would it be like to have Ward there with them? Just the three of them, sitting quietly, having coffee, watching the Christmas lights dance across the trees? Charlie smiled again. It didn't make any sense, but he wanted that.

Skylar stirred. “Oh, that coffee smells good,” he murmured.

Charlie grinned.I make!he signed. He waited until Skylar sat up, then shot to his feet and headed for the kitchen, texting Ward as he went.

Me: I have to go now. I'm making coffee for my Sky.

Ward: Okay. :) Have a great day, Charlie. Merry Christmas.

Me: Merry Christmas!

Charlie put his phone aside. He didn't text Ward again that day, but he couldn't resist sending the man a message the following morning. They were in the van, heading back home. Skylar had kept himself up all night, so he fell asleep the moment they took off, using the drive to adjust his sleep schedule back to days. Charlie scowled. He hated that his Sky worked nights, leaving their routines in conflict.

So he entertained himself by chatting with Ward.

Even as it happened, Charlie wondered at it. He usually didn't like lots of conversation, not even with people he knew well. As for strangers, Charlie had learned the hard way to keep himself aloof. Otherwise, people tended to make fun of him.

But something about Ward made him feel utterly safe. Comfortable. It was so easy to talk to the man without worrying about judgment. He told Ward about everything they'd done on Christmas Day, then shared what he was having for lunch as well as things he saw on the road. The latter was mostly complaints about stupid drivers who couldn't follow simple rules. It made Ward laugh and commiserate with him.

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