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“I’m not that worried. I didn’t want everyone to think this was a stunt but there’s no use in denying it now. Mom figured it out within moments of me stepping in here.”
My face runs hot as I focus on taking the next step. “Your… mom? You told your mom?”
“Not on purpose. She caught me watching you and asked who my new boyfriend was.” The way he so nonchalantly talks about our relationship makes me smile. Raphael truly does love me.
I lean on Raphael as he helps me onto the sidewalk, ideas swirling through my head. “Wait, does this mean I can kiss you in public?”
He chuckles. “You’ve always been able to do that.” Someone pulls around the car and I don’t even remember when the keys were handed to someone but I’m not mad about not having to walk far. Raphael opens the front passenger door, pointing to the seat. “Get in the car, Atlas. God, you are so difficult. Car, atlas. Then home and some coffee and real food.”
That sounds fucking fantastic. I hope I get cuddles too.
And spankings.
I don’t know why I keep thinking about those.
Chapter 13
RAPHAEL
Atlas curls into the seat on the way home, passing out moments into the drive. He’s been under a lot of stress; I’m not sure what I thought would happen at an event like that. I sigh, loving how comfortable he is with me, though. My mother clocked him from across the room the first time my attention was snagged by my lover. I thought she might be disappointed but she was rather intrigued by him.
“Son, who’s that? Oh, don’t bullshit me. I haven’t seen you smile like that in a long while.”
I fidget, tearing my gaze from Atlas who seems a bit uncomfortable. Given the circumstances, I’m not surprised. “My boyfriend.” No use in lying to the woman. Karla and Heather are in the same book club as my mother, not to mention they share way more information than is necessary about me, the building, the business, and everything else.
“Who’s wearing your suit. Again, I know things, Raphael. I’m your mother.” She places a soft hand on my arm as she leans closer. “I want to meet him. Anyone who puts a smile like that on your face is someone I want to meet.”
“Don’t scare him.”
“I have no intention of doing that.”
My mother is a wonderful woman and she’s only ever wanted the best for me since I took over the business. She’s wanted to see me married and settled down—whatever that looked like for me—for a while. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to find the balance I need. With Atlas, I want that. I want a forever, even if it’s too soon to plan for it.
I pull into the driveway, nudging Atlas with a gentle touch. “Little One, we’re here.” The adorable yawn that causes his lips to part has me chuckling, Atlas turning his head to face me with a small smile on his face. He mumbles something as he settles into the chair again and as much as I want to watch him sleep, he needs sustenance to fight the hangover that’s inevitable tomorrow. “Let’s go inside and I promise you can sleep.”
More mumbling and shuffling erupt in the little space as Atlas undoes his seatbelt and leaves the car to head inside. I’m two steps behind him, narrowly saving him from running into my front door. By the time I have him seated at my kitchen island, his head is on the counter, his cute cheeks squished by the porcelain. “Everyone saw that, didn’t they?” He whines.
I let out a deep sigh as I pull leftovers from breakfast out. Greasy food is the best when drunk. “It’s a party. Everyone indulges a little more than they should, little one.” Coffee. Microwave. Tylenol. It’s been a while since I’ve had to take care of anyone that wasn’t myself. Correction, it’s been a while since I’ve wanted to take care of anyone else. “How are you feeling?”
Atlas sits up a little as I slide a plate of food toward him and a cup of coffee a little later. I’ve never seen him drink coffee and I didn’t think to ask what he wanted in it. Watching him stare at the mug, grab it, and then chug half of it surprises me. The sweet, beautiful man in front of me isn’t someone I’d think to take their coffee black. “Fine, I guess. Just embarrassed. I didn’t mean to drink that much but…”
“Not your scene. I get that.”
Atlas starts stuffing his face, avoiding eye contact but all I see is a gorgeous chipmunk perched in my kitchen. It’s a sight I didn’t think I’d ever love and yet I want more. Having him here the last two days has shown me how much I’m missing, how empty this place is. Just his presence brightens the rooms.
I’m content to watch him eat as I sit beside him, running my fingers through his curls. He leans toward my touch, the comfortable silence in the room, everything I need.
Half an hour later, Atlas’ bright-eyed expression is plastered back on his face as he sits cross-legged on my bed, flipping through a myriad of stations. I offered the living room but I’m not sure the last time I used it for private entertainment. I’ve hosted a few after-work parties with some of the board but never spent time here willingly. Why? With no one at my side, most of my time is spent at work or anywhere other than here. Seeing Atlas in my room, though, does things to me.
I will my cock to stay put, knowing that this isn’t the time or place to start something. Atlas needs to rest—we both do. “Atlas, maybe we should sleep-” I hold my hand out for the remote and Atlas giggles as he rolls out of reach. He flops to the floor, inciting more giggles that have my cock rock hard. He’s definitely still out of it. “Atlas.”
“Make me.”
My entire body locks up at his words because I’m not sure he knows what he’s starting. Once again, this is a door we haven’t yet opened but I can see the interest lingering in his eyes. “Atlas,” I say again, softening my tone before we get too deep. “I don’t want to start something you’re not ready for. It’s late and-” My words die on my tongue as Atlas stands up, the remote clattering to the floor as he pulls off his jacket. Rooted to my spot, I watch as Atlas fumbles the buttons of his shirt and his pants, growling when he can’t seem to get them undone. “What are you doing?”
“You said to sleep.” He says it so matter of factly that I know he has something up his sleeve.
I stalk over to him, a playful squeak tearing from his throat when I back him up against the wall. I press myself against him, biting back a groan when I feel his cock throbbing against my leg. He likes this. We’ve never had the room or time for moments like these. “Tell me what you want, little one,” I say, breathing out a sigh as I lean my forehead against the wall beside him. My eyes fall closed as I try to calm my desires.
