*
MONDAY MORNING, RORYsaid he needed to check in on Mina. She’d been alone a lot the past few days.
“I’ll be back soon,” Rory said. “I just need to make sure she has food and water and change her litter. I’m going to get some shopping done. Why don’t you take a nap and I’ll be home in time for dinner.”
Rory placed a warm kiss on Bernard’s lips. Rory parted his lips, eager for Bernard’s tongue. Bernard’s warm tongue entered his mouth. He sucked on it. He didn’t want to let go. Bernard’s mouth invited him in. They completed each other.
“I love you,” Rory said.
“I love you too.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
Rory drove home. The taste of Bernard lingered in his mouth. He wanted all of Bernard again. His heart, his body, and his mind. He didn’t know how long this would last, but he wanted to enjoy it while it did.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Bernard
Monday, December 21–Thursday, December 24
RORY LEFT MONDAYmorning. He told Bernard he needed to clean his house, take care of Mina, and run errands.
Bernard called and apologized for not being at work. Rich told him to take the week off since they’d be closed Thursday and Friday for Christmas.
Bernard rotated through multiple games. He couldn’t settle on one to play. It wasn’t even noon yet.
He made his way to check on his crops. The generator Rory’s friends had set up continued to power the greenhouse. He and Rory had set it up to house all the vegetables he needed. The artificial light, heating system, and watering system kept it in perfect condition to grow what he needed.
Rory showed him how to change the timers, heating temperature, and lights if he wanted to grow different plants.
At one o’clock, he fixed himself a sandwich and chips for lunch. He missed Rory’s cooking. He didn’t have the energy to cook anything. He was grateful Rory bought supplies for simple sandwiches or he’d have to order out.
“I need to do something,” he said to Ginger. “I can’t sit in the house all day.”
Bernard picked up the phone and called Kelly.
“Hello,” Kelly answered.
“Hey, Kelly, it’s Bernard. I was wondering if you had time to hang out at the dog park today?”
“Of course. Are you feeling better?”
“Yes, I’m doing a lot better. Thanks.”
“Meet us at the dog park,” Kelly said. “We can hang out while the dogs play.”
“Sounds great,” Bernard said. “I’ll see you in ten.”
*
KELLY SAT ONa bench when Bernard arrived. Ginger strained at her leash.
Bernard unhooked her harness and she bolted for Chester. The two dogs chased each other around the play area, nipping and barking.
“Hey, Kelly.”
“Hi, Bernard. Good to see you out and about.”
