Page 49 of A Different Form of Oxygen
Twenty-eight
Ben
The next few days go by in a blur. Spending all this time with Gavin made me feel even closer to him. When Gavin invited me into his home, he invited me into his world, allowing me to know every part of him. I was worried I was becoming too used to being in his bed. Things with Gavin were going so well, it made me nervous. Things always went well at first. What if this was only temporary? I know Gavin said I could always talk to him, but I still struggle to put into words what I am feeling. Trying not to remain caught in my head the way I always am, I put my focus back on my genetics essay. The last words don’t come easy, and I’ve probably deleted them and rewritten them five times already.
Satisfied with my last attempt, I submit my assignment for school and walk into Gavin’s room to find him tossing clothes into a large black bag. His bright smile affects me in a way I never knew something so simple could. I could feel my heart growing with each stretch of his lips. It rains over me, comforting me like a warm hug. I remember how good it felt to have the sun shining down on my face when I left David. Gavin was my sun, shining brightly on me, bringing me out of the darkness. I plop down on the bed making it move and Gavin reaches for something in the nightstand and winks at me before tossing it into the bag.
“Are you going to pack, or did you come in here to just watch me?”
“I do love watching you move those strong, sexy arms of yours.” I point to my blue duffle in the corner of his bedroom. “And I kind of already have all my stuff in a bag. I’m basically living out of one.”
He frowns staring at my half-unzipped bag with clothes spilling out of it. “We’ll just have to make room for your stuff in my drawers when we get back, won’t we?”
My eyes widen and my feet begin to bounce against the floor. “I didn’t realize this was a long-term thing.”
He sighs, running his hand through his hair. “It’s an until I feel you are safe and until you feel you are safe thing. You seem happier here, more at peace.”
My cheeks become warm and I smile. “Because you make me feel that way.”
He takes a seat next to me, pulling me into his arms. “Then you’ll keep staying here. End of discussion. Besides it’s nice having someone to come home to, and even a bigger bonus that it’s you.”
I rub my face against his shoulder. “You keep sweet talking me like that and we’ll just stay here in this room all weekend.”
“As tempting as that sounds, I made a promise to take you away for the weekend and I always keep my promises.”
I nuzzle my nose against his neck, inhaling his alluring scent which sends waves of comfort through me. “By all means then, don’t let me be the person who makes you break them.”
We stop at a sandwich shop and eat our food as we drive to save more time on the road. My Italian sub has me moaning around each bite. “This is so good.”
“I can tell. I don’t even think you’ve made those sounds with me yet. Maybe you should have asked that sandwich to take you away for the weekend instead.” His smile has his sunglasses being lifted by his rising cheeks.
My laughter fills the small space of the car, drowning out the song playing on the radio. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of a sandwich.”
He turns the music up, focusing his eyes on the road. “I think we are done with this conversation, and no more Italian subs for you.”
I laugh again. “Is that a new rule, Papi?”
I reach my hand over his denim clad leg, moving it up toward his groin. His hand stops me from going any further. “Strike one. Don’t distract Papi while he’s driving. You could cause an accident.”
I pout, crossing my arms. “You’re no fun, Papi.”
His face goes stern, lips forming into a thin line. “I can’t always be fun, especially not when our safety is involved. Don’t make me call strike two from all that pouting you’re doing.”
I resist shooting him a side glare. “Yes, Papi.” I hated being in the car for long periods of time but being next to Gavin makes it easier. My legs start bouncing against my seat and his large hand rests over my knee keeping it steady. I relax more, focusing on his comforting touch and the way his eyes light up in my direction. He hands me his phone. “Here, put on whatever you want.”
I bet he is already regretting telling me that when I log into my own music account and select the first song and “What Does the Fox Say” begins playing. Now he is the one grinning at me and I’m the one snickering. The closer we get to the lake, the fewer buildings we see. Fields of trees and flowers replace the residential houses from before.
After an hour of driving Gavin crazy with my singing, we finally reach the lake. He shuts the radio off before I can finish the end of the last song. “Remind me to bring some ear plugs the next time we have a long drive together.”
I throw my head back against the seat, laughing. “First of all, an hour isn’t long and second, I was more than sure that last song brought us closer together.”
He huffs. “Pretty sure songs like “Call Me Maybe” are what tear people apart.”
I press my back into the seat, crossing my arms and sticking out my tongue in his direction. “This is my first time staying at a lake house, and I won’t let you ruin the experience for me by limiting my music choices.”
“Someone’s being a brat again. Should we make it a rule you don’t get to touch the radio in my car?”
With begging eyes, my voice turns pleading. “Please, Papi, don’t do that. I’ll be good; I promise. Music helps calm me, and I love being able to share my favorite songs with you.”
