Page 41 of A Different Form of Oxygen
My eyes fall to his hand, pulling my burrito away. “Don’t you know it’s rude to touch someone else’s food.”
He chuckles. “It’s also rude to make yourself sick in someone else’s house.” He cocks his head to the side. I roll my eyes, taking a slower bite, gaining a nod of approval from him.
“That was delicious, Papi. What was in it, and how in the world did you make it so quickly?”
He smiles. “I usually prepare my food for the week, and lucky for you, I made extra. I just had to warm it up and put it all together. It’s beans, rice, corn, guacamole, and vegan sour cream.”
“Well, feel free to make me one of those anytime you want. Maybe I should have you meal prep for me too.”
He takes our plates to the sink. “That can be arranged. I would never complain about making you food. At least that way I know you’re eating.”
I scoff. “Is this your way of converting me into vegetarianism? What made you become one anyway?”
He sighs, moving my way. “I’m not a vegetarian per say. I just stay away from most meat. Ever since I was younger, my stomach had a hard time digesting certain types of food. Meat being one of them, and ever since changing my diet, I’ve never felt better. Most importantly, I wasn’t getting sick anymore.”
“Wow, I had no idea. I thought you were just some animal activist.”
“I mean, I love animals. Don’t get me wrong but no, that isn’t why.”
Exhaustion weighs heavily on me once my stomach is full. My eyes struggle to stay open, and I know Gavin takes notice by the way he’s shaking his head in my direction.
“Let’s get you to bed, sleepy head, before you collapse at my table.” I like the idea of being at Gavin’s table again. I like the idea of being in Gavin’s bed even more. I stand up from the chair, heading for his bedroom while leaving a trail of clothes behind me. I climb under the warmth of Gavin’s covers as he watches me. He pulls off his own clothes, tossing them into a nearby hamper. “Did I say you could sleep in my bed?” His voice is teasing.
“You didn’t say I couldn’t.” I bury myself deeper in the covers as if I belong here. I have zero intentions of moving. The bed dips and a warm body presses against me, strong arms wrap tightly around my waist. His face burrows into my neck, scratching my skin with the scruff of his prickly stubble, and his breath tickles my skin.
“You don’t smell like lilacs today. You smell like jasmine and honeysuckle.”
I laugh into the pillow. “I didn’t come in contact with any lilacs today. Today wasn’t a re-potting day for them.”
I turn around to face him, my nose nearly touching his. “So, you aren’t going to kick me out of your bed then?”
He shakes his head, his eyes boring into mine. “If you’re going to be in my house, then you’re going to be in my bed. I’d rather not be away from you. Especially right now.”
My fingers glide over the stubble of his cheeks, loving the roughness beneath my nails. “Then don’t.”
My body’s hunger for him wins as my lips crash against his, flicking my tongue against his parted teeth, thrusting it into his open mouth.
