Page 36 of The Jorogumo

"There's that," I agreed with a nod just as Liam let out a wide yawn. "Time to sleep."

"Yeah," he said, then gave me a drowsy smile. "I really enjoyed spending time with you today."

"Me too," I murmured, and he sighed happily before closing his eyes and pressing his face into my shoulder.

I wrapped an arm around him, holding him close as I let my eyes fall shut. I would love to end every night just like this.

Liam

When I woke up the next morning, it took me a few minutes to be awake enough to realize where I was.

The gentle sway of my 'bed' was a dead giveaway, and I frowned when I realized I was alone in bed. Why was I alone?

After almost flipping over and falling on my ass, I somehow managed to sit upright in the hammock, and I rubbed at my sleepy eyes before peering around the house, frowning when I found it empty.

"Good morning, Liam."

I jumped at the voice, and almost flipped the hammock again before catching myself. I glanced up, then gawked asHaruto lowered himself in front of me, his hand wrapped around a thick web.

"Did you just do that to impress me?" I asked, because I knew there were web-walkways all around the walls and he had no need to lower himself from the ceiling like a certain superhero we both liked.

Haruto's cheeks lit up immediately, and he quickly let go of the silk rope that now hung from the ceiling.

"What? No! That's not—I was just trying something," he fumbled, and I grinned at how damned cute he looked.

I loved that there was no morning-after awkwardness to be found here.

"Okay, okay, sorry I doubted you. And good morning to you too, Haruto."

He huffed, then nodded at me before glancing at his watch. "It'll be time for breakfast soon. Would you like to stay?"

My eyes widened and I struggled off the hammock, growling when I tripped. Haruto caught me before I could faceplant, and I shot him a grateful look as I straightened up.

"What time is it?"

"Half past eight."

"Fuck. I'm late to open the shop." I opened at nine, but I usually got in at eight to do all the pre-opening prep.

"Oh. No breakfast then?" Haruto said with a smile, and I nodded.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. How about you get changed and I'll walk you to the door?"

Nodding, I did just that, and when I came out of the alcove, the house was empty.

I placed the robe I'd worn on the hammock, then walked out of the house, finding Haruto waiting for me outside.

We headed out together, our hands clasped, and made plans to see each other again tomorrow. I didn't think I'd have met up so frequently with a human boyfriend, but things were different with Haruto. I wanted to be around him all the time.

Just before we reached the main exit, Keoni tumbled up to us, the clatter of his cart preceding his arrival.

"Hey, Keoni," I greeted, not wanting to be rude even though I really needed to leave.

"Hey! I know you're running late, so I'm not gonna tease you about staying the night yet, but here." He held out a paper bag, and I took it automatically, confused.

The scent of recently fried bacon hit my nose, and I peered inside, finding smaller boxes filled with breakfast.

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