He shakes his head.
“Not hungry.”
“Do it anyway. Okay? Just a couple.”
He agrees and takes a reluctant bite. It must go down well because he eats the rest as if he’s starving. I give him the water bottle again, encouraging him to drink a bit more.
I can see it in his eyes when he comes back to me fully.
“Tier?”
“I got you.” Joining him on the couch, my hand rubs gentle circles on his back, then slowly moves up to the back of his neck—grounding him with my touch. He leans against me, and I move my arm around him, holding him close.
We sit together until he’s feeling stronger and ready to move. He’s still leaning on me as we head toward the entrance. Thank God it’s only a short ride home.
The cool night air has Arlo shivering as I help him over to my bike. He looks around timidly. My chest aches, and I pull him closer. I need to get him home, where he’ll be safe and I can take care of him.
I grab the extra helmet I brought and help him put it on. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s never ridden a bike before. I settle him in behind me, and despite his inexperience, he’s got a firm grip on me.
It’s low and slow all the way home, but I don’t care. He needs to feel safe. Despite the circumstances, I love the heat of his body against mine. I can almost feel his exhaustion from the way he’s slumped against me, barely holding himself up. I’d worry, except for the death grip he’s got on my jacket. I practically have to pry his hands off it when we finally reach my place.
I help him into the house—the tour can wait until tomorrow. Right now, he’s glassy-eyed and nodding off. Despite that, he still looks around the room with interest.
Seeing it through his eyes, my place isn’t much to look at. I have done nothing with it since I bought it, except add some furniture. I never really noticed until now, but there’s nothing personal about it. A couch and a flat screen mounted on the wall. One beat-up coffee table. No pictures, no knickknacks. My chest throbs at the realization that my house isn’t a home. Not yet. Not like the gym.
With him tucked against my side for support, we make our way down the hallway to my bedroom. My house is ranch-style, so no stairs. I’m grateful because I can feel his exhaustion with each step.
We cross the threshold to my bedroom, which I’m relieved to see isn’t nearly as barren. My king-size four-poster bed takes up most of the space, but there’s a matching dresser, a couple of nightstands, and a bookshelf against the far wall. It looks downright cozy compared to the living room.
I grab an old t-shirt, soft from repeated washing, and help him change. He doesn’t resist when I maneuver him into bed, tucking the blankets around him for warmth.
“Smells like you, Tier.” He mumbles into the pillow. I love how he’s shortened my name. It’s always been Tiernan or T, but Tier feels as if it’s just for us. Something clicks inside me, like the last piece of a puzzle falling into place. He belongs here. With me.
“Go to sleep, ‘Lo.”
He sighs and instantly drifts off.
I stand by the door, reluctant to leave, but knowing I need to be patient. He’s so peaceful in sleep. Face relaxed, body loose. Long lashes dark against the pale beauty of his skin. I want to stay and watch him sleep, but I need to go check the cameras and make a few calls. I’m not taking any chances with his safety.
He’s not staying at the gym. He’s moving in with me. I have a spare room.
You want him in your bed, not the spare room. Admit it.
Fuck.
I do. More than anything. There are so many reasons not to, but none of them matter. Not the age gap, and not the fact that he’s my employee. None of it.
I want him… and not just in my bed. In my life.
Tonight showed me with devastating clarity that I can’t lose him. I’ve been fighting with myself all day since I watched him get himself off in the locker room. Hell, even before that. I can’t lie to myself anymore, because he’s worth the risk and it’s time someone showed him what safe looks like.
Chapter 11
Arlo
Iwake slowly. My bed feels so soft and cozy. Everything smells so good—like fabric softener. Warm breath flutters against my neck, and I’m snuggled up against a muscled chest. I wriggle closer, soaking in the heat.
Yesterday comes flooding back, and I stiffen. My mind jumps around until I remember I’m at Tier’s house. Flickers of memory come back, the way he helped me change, draping the covers over me with such care. How did we end up in bed together?
