Page 87 of Commander in Briefs

He is so full of shit.

Ans: Sounds like a plan. Bring me a burger back. And for goodness’ sake make sure Hayes takes a condom.

Theo: You don’t want me to take a condom?

Ans: You don’t need a condom. I’m confident your assholeness will keep the whores at bay. But by all means, give it a shot. I’ll just stay in bed with Cade. All fucking night. Just in my panties.

Theo: You suck.

Ans: I’ll take my burger with everything. And fries. DO NOT EAT MY FRIES! Don’t even try to play me by lying thatthey fell on the floor or some shit.

Theo doesn’t respond after that. Smart boy. I toss my phone on the nightstand and snuggle down in Cade’s sheets. It’s a wonder they don’t reek of sweat, cum, and nasty balls. Oh, you have neverexperienced that, have you? Well, consider yourself one lucky bitch because these nasty-asses can stink up a room in a millisecond.

I sneak a glance at Cade, who is staring narrow-eyed at the TV. I quickly face away before he notices me being a mother hen. On TV, Chip is doing something absurd while Joanna is trying not to appear like she wants to knee him in the balls. The restraint this woman has is paramount. Relationship goals right there.

We are half a show in when Cade mumbles in a whisper, “Will you stay a while?”

I glance over. His eyes are heavy. The Ambien is kicking in. I take the cup from his hand and set it on the table beside mine. His head falls back against the headboard with a quiet thud.

When have I not stayed with him? For reassurance, I twine my finger with his. “Always.”

He manages a nod and I take that cue to mean he is on the verge of passing out any second now. I scoot closer and encourage him to get his legs under the sheets. By some small miracle, he complies without argument. When he’s all the way under, his head resting on a pillow, I make myself comfortable on his chest and listen to the steady thump of his heart.

Within minutes, his breathing evens out, his soft snores filling the room. Thank heavens.

I get through two more episodes ofFixer Upperbefore Theo texts me with his impatience.

Theo: Did the princess finally fall asleep?

Ans: Yep. Got my burger and fries?

Theo: I got the burger. All out of fries though. Who would have thought?

Ans: For your sake, I hope that’s not the case.

Theo: And you better come the fuck down here before I lose all my patience.

Ans: You are such a drama queen.

Theo: 5

Ans: You are stupid.

Theo: 4

Ans: Theo, Seriously?

Theo: 3

Ans: OMG

Theo: 2

Ans: OK, fuck! I’m coming.

I ease out of bed and pull the sheet farther up to cover Cade’s chest. He’s sleeping soundly now. With a light stroke to his forehead, a feather of a kiss to his cheek, I wish him sweet dreams.

I take one glimpse around the room, making sure everything is in order before I hurry down to Theo. These guys need order. It’s pivotal to their therapy and integration back into society. I like to make sure they have stability at all times, even if it’s just knowing their room is tidy.

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