Page 96 of Gideon's Gratitude

“He probably forgot. It’s dark tonight without a moon.”

Archer squinted. “I guess.” He signaled to take the turn onto our street. “Let’s go home.”

“Are you sure?”

“I just want to be wherever you are. I missed you this week.” As he accelerated out of the turn, he again placed his hand on my thigh.

And warmed me from the inside.

Soon we were in the house and getting everything organized for dinner.

Kennedy agreed with my plan to test the waters with Archer. To take things slow, with the understanding I was attracted to him.

As I put slices of the chicken into the microwave, I considered my options. Archer’s comment about seeing his doctor, and the subsequent dismissal of the topic, still rankled.

For me, aside from my sensory-overload issues, my back problem, and my muscle atrophy, I was a pretty healthy guy. More exercise might return some of my stamina, so that was something to strive for.

I also needed to find a family doctor in Mission City. I’d gone to the clinic for a rash earlier in the year and had fortunately gotten my yearly vaccines from the local pharmacy. But now I’d walked away from the pain clinic, I didn’t have regular medical attention. I hadn’t seen the need, but I realized now that neglect wasn’t good.

You need to take better care of yourself.

Yeah, I did. I really did.

“You okay?”

Archer’s question pulled me back into the present. “Yeah, I am.”

“Okay. I thought I lost you there.”

“Well, yeah, you kind of did. What were you talking about?” I pointed to the salad. “Enough dressing?”

“You can never have too much dressing, and I was talking about all the ways I’m going to use you sexually tonight.”

I sputtered.

He laughed.

“Truly, I was asking if we needed to run into town to get anything.” He gestured to my pantry.

“No, I did a shop earlier in the week. We’ve goteverythingwe could need.”

He shot me a quick glance before returning his attention to the salad. “That sounds promising.”

I grinned. “Oh, it is.”

When I turned my attention back to the microwave, Archer slipped Lucky a piece of lettuce.

My grin didn’t falter.Softie.

The dog had been very inattentive during my counseling session. He’d retrieved a chew bone and had gnawed on it for the first half of the appointment, then he dozed during the second half.

Kennedy remarked that was a good thing. If I was relaxed, obviously Lucky didn’t feel the need for vigilance.

“There’re bacon bits in the dressing.” I winced. “Your doctor said to cut down on the red meat?”

In return, he cringed. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

I stepped into his space and then grasped his cheeks. “You promised me honesty. I’m still not clear what drove you out here on a stormy day, but I’m glad you came. If I need to make a couple of dietary adjustments, that’s hardly a big deal.”

---