Page 38 of Charming But Reckless

I had never had anyone in my life who was that way outside of his mother. And that was years ago.

Sol and I had been on our own. My father had never attempted to take care of me in my young life. I knew how to cook and clean before I could properly write my name.

"Sol, buddy. I'm going to take your dad to his room now," he said.

Sol waved his arm in acknowledgement. He found a puzzle and was spreading it out on the floor.

I chuckled. "How did you know he was obsessed with the things?"

Orion turned to me and said, “When he first came around, he didn't talk much, but I watched him like a hawk. I saw the way he eyed certain things or when people would say specific words, how he would light up. I made a list in my phone, tracking it all so that whenever I was ready to come back, I would have it.

When the guys said that they would get the house ready, I agreed mostly for you and him, but also under the condition that they bought some of the recreational things as well. Kids shouldn't have to come to a home that doesn't have things they like in it. It's not fair, especially when he has two fully capable adults taking care of him.”

My chest felt like it was on fire. Was I having a heart attack? Is this a stroke?

Oh God, maybe heart failure.

“BreatheArick,” Orion said forcefully, his hands grabbing my shoulders. He stood in front of me, his eyes locked on mine. “Breathe, baby. It's all okay, I'm right here.”

The panic had only just begun, so I pushed it back down and shook my head.

“I don't know what the fuck that just was,” I admitted as his thumbs rubbed against my shirt.

That simple movement had me off-kilter.

“I think you may have panicked at all the things we did. I know the team can be a bit much. We tend to give it our all when we find someone that we like, whether that's friendship or more. Considering you've fallen into both categories, it’s…” He took a deep breath. “It's a lot. I'm not going to apologize for it because you deserve to know what it's like to be cared for. You deserve to be loved and doted on. Sol is not the only person that deserves good things.”

He was so earnest in his plea. While I did believe him, I also knew that it wasn't always the case for people like me. There were times in my life when things went well, but there were also times when it was a shit show.

“Alright, enough of me and my panic, show me to my room.”

His smirk returned as he bounded down the stairs, waiting for me to follow. I went back the way we had come originally and started to head towards the guest room.

He stopped me and then tugged me in the opposite direction. He headed to the one he had said was the master bedroom.

When we stepped through the doorway, he pulled me in front of him. His arms wrapped around my waist and his chin went to my shoulder. I put my hands over his and tilted my head back, giving him access to my neck.

He didn't do anything other than breathe me in. It was like he was soaking up our connection.

“I would love it if you would stay here with me. I know it's forward and probably a bit too soon. But the thought of you anywhere else but safe in my arms terrifies me. With Sol right upstairs, I know he's safe.”

While a part of me wanted to say yes immediately, I had to take a step back to think of everything rationally. Was this the best decision for us? I was already contemplating everything about this new relationship in the car ride over.

How could I jump straight into living with him and sleeping in his bed?

I knew people said this was the way that some folks found love and forever. They met and it's an instant attraction, then three weeks later, they're married at the courthouse.

I didn't knock anyone who has experienced this in real life. It's a very valid situation for a lot of people. But I couldn't believe it was something that I would get to experience.

"What's the biggest hurdle for you?" he asked me.

I bit my lip, then decided to go with the truth. “It feels like it's just too fast, you know? We just met. It's been a couple of days.”

His entire body went rigid.

“It hasn't been a few days, Arick. It's been years. I might not have understood how I felt as a child when it was just my best friend I cared about. But I'm a grown-ass man now. I know what I'm feeling isn't normal. I understand that being around you and your son feels like I finally have a family again. There's no timeline for right or wrong for this. Nothing about it is instant because from the minute we were separated, all I could think about was getting back to you and my mom. And once I got out and found out my mom was okay, you remained an integral part of my life. I told myself that I was trying to find you for the sake of finding my friend again and that I wanted to let you know that I was okay. I wanted to see how your life had turned out and make sure that your father got what he deserved. But nowthat you're here and I've found you, it's so much more. You feel like home. That's why this works. That's why I want you here. Because letting you go is an unacceptable option.”

I couldn't breathe. His words moved me in a way that I've never experienced. I believed everything he said.

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