Page 77 of Refraction

He groaned softly, his hands shaking as he petted Calvin’s hair.

Calvin purred into his chest. “You taste good.”

“I feel amazing.” He bent one knee, rocking Calvin against him, nice and easy, his world still spinny.

“You carried me.” Calvin giggled, vibrating under his hands. “You were totally Tarzan there for a minute, Tucker.”

“I’m a stud,” he teased. “And I needed to see you in my bed.”

“Oh?” Calvin rolled slowly and stretched out, posing coyly like his own personal centerfold. “How do I look?”

“Exactly right.” He dragged one hand down along the center of Calvin’s body, touching nice and slow.

“You are a stud, you know. Even without the Tarzan thing. But I liked that. Keep it in your arsenal.” Calvin reached out and scritched his whiskers.

“I trimmed, just for you.” He knew it was silly, but he also knew Calvin would be pleased.

“I noticed, and I love it. I love how you think of me. Even if there may have been an ulterior motive.” Calvin’s smile was genuine, but a little naughty tugged at one corner of his lips.

“The ulterior motive is to make you feel good, honey. It’s my favorite drug.”

Calvin just shook his head at him. “I can keep you in a steady supply of the good stuff, no problem.”

“Fair enough.” He leaned down and kissed one nipple, then rubbed his chin over the tiny little bit of skin.

Calvin hissed and then exhaled heavily. “God. See?”

“Mm-hmm.” He did, and he wanted to see more.

Calvin combed fingers through his hair. “Tucker, I’m… still recovering. I don’t have all my energy back yet, you know? I’m sorry.”

“Shh. Sorry for what? I’m happy to be here with you, like this.” He wasn’t an asshole. In fact, he was trying to be a good man, as best he could. He could love on Calvin without worrying about the end result.

“I don’t know. I just feel like I owe everyone an apology right now. This is lovely. You’re good to me. Thank you.” Calvin curled back into him and rested against his shoulder.

“I get that. You don’t have to apologize to me. You just know I got you.” He had never had a man in his bed here. Never. It was a luxury that he’d never forget.

Calvin nodded. “I feel pretty damn good right now, though. I was so excited getting on the plane this morning. Timmy came with me to the airport, which was adorable. Oh! Remind me I have bagels in my carry-on for you.”

“Yeah?” Oh, that was spectacular. “I bought you groceries from the H-E-B I thought you’d like—shrimp and olives and pretzels and fizzy water.”

“Perfect. I’ve got a few more calories to spend on this trip, so that’ll be nice. Maybe you can cook for me.”

“I will do my best.” He grinned before casually mentioning “I have some Lucky Charms and some Froot Loops….”

Calvin laughed. “Yeah? When you give me the grand tour, make sure you show me where the garbage goes.”

“Butthead.” He pinched Calvin’s butt, careful not to leave a mark.

“Ow? I’m only looking out for your health, you know. When I’m feeling better, you’re going to need all your strength.”

“I’m ready.” He stretched, his sleepless few days catching up with him. “Tell me if you need me to turn the AC up or down or anything.”

“I’m fine. Nap for a bit? And then I want to see everything.”

“You got it, honey. Anything you want.” Tucker let his eyes close, let himself breathe, knowing Calvin was right there. It was just what he needed.

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