Kent made him vanilla milk and served it with a chocolate chip muffin leftover from what he made Reece for breakfast. Nick liked thinking about Reece having breakfast there in the mornings with bedhead, still in his pajamas, and knowing Kent was spoiling him. But he didn’t like that he wasn’t there to see it.
“That should hold you off until dinner,” Kent said, and he was already preparing to cook. “I’m making something simpleand quick tonight. We didn’t expect you until tomorrow… But if you want me to make something that takes a bit longer—”
“Nah. Quick is good. I’m ready to eat and get in bed for the rest of the night.”
“It’s still pretty early…”
Their eyes met and Nick just cocked a brow. It took Kent a moment, but once he caught on, his ears turned red and he looked away.
“I’ll be sure to clean up quickly and get out of here.”
“Aw, you don’t have to run.” Nick chuckled. It made no difference to him whether Kent left or stayed and heard Reece scream and cry and beg when Nick fucked him.
Nick finished his snack and Kent took his plate and glass. Kent always somehow managed to know exactly what he needed to fuel him because Nick felt like he had enough energy to do anything. But he knew exactly where whatever energy he had was going when the door opened a moment later and Reece walked in, having no idea that Nick was home early.
Somehow, Nick didn’t really even feel home, not until Reece stepped into the kitchen and Nick laid eyes on him. Tall and lean and beautiful. His kitten. But Reece looked down. Sad. Exhausted. As if the day had really taken a toll. There was a short conversation about cake, but Nick didn’t catch it all. His pulse was racing, so much that it was what he heard most. Until he saw Reece, and a calm he couldn’t quite place settled over him.
Maybe the excitement of being home had gotten to him. Or maybe it was something darker. This part of him that claimed Reece as his and only his, the same part that made it impossible for his own interest to sway. So he couldn’t put a label on them, but he’d be damned if he shared Reece with anyone. And he’d be damned if a bastard like Harrison got anywhere near him again. The only way he could express himself was through his actions and kissing Reece might’ve been crossing that final linehe’d promised himself forever ago never to step over. It might’ve gone far enough for him to know there really was no going back. But Nick didn’t care. Didn’t give a damn if it meant Reece knew who he belonged to. As long as he knew Nick wasn’t letting him go.
He didn’t think about that first kiss when he kissed Reece this time. Not until Reece brought it up. As if Nick could ever forget it. That kiss had stuck with him ever since. Before he ever broke and let himself play with Reece, and so much more ever since he had.
That first time, Nick had been floored by everything he felt after kissing Reece for just an instant. How every part of him had reacted to it. The way it made him feel alive in a way basketball or anything else never could.
But this time, it was different. A thousand times more intense. It meant a lot more than that first time. Because they’d both been wanting it for so long. How many times had Nick caught Reece staring at his mouth, begging to be kissed? How many times had Nick had to have his mouth on every other part of Reece just to make sure he didn’t kiss him on the lips? He couldn’t take the first kiss back, or any of the many that followed. He couldn’t pull back either and didn’t want to. He didn’t need to, because Reece was exactly what he needed.
And Nick had been content with those kisses. With making Reece come. It didn’t matter how bad he wanted to fuck Reece because Nick knew they had plenty of time. He was satisfied just being in his presence. But his dick was still hard as he stepped into the kitchen, Reece right behind him, straightening the t-shirt he’d just put on. Kent looked to Nick first, meeting his gaze directly before his eyes flicked downward, then very pointedly turned to Reece.
“Kenny, are you really making cake?” Reece asked, walking up to the counter by Kent’s side to see what he was busy with.
“Double chocolate. Dinner first, though. It’s ready, go have a seat so you can eat.” Reece stole a hug and then made his way over to Nick before Kent said, “I hope you washed your hands, Nick.”
“The hell? Why’re you only worried about my hands?” Nick glared and Kent turned his back to him, opening the cabinet for a couple of plates.
“Don’t be mean, Nicky. Be good and go wash your hands.”
“My hands are clean, damn it.” Nick stood anyway and walked over to the sink to wash his hands instead of going to the bathroom, just to purposely get in Kent’s way. “I hope y’all are happy.”
“Very. Take that basket of bread with you.”
Nick scoffed and dried his hands on Kent’s apron, then grabbed the basket and took it to the table. He didn’t even have it set down before Reece grabbed a piece and tore a small chunk of it.
“Damn—” Nick started, about to tease Reece for not wasting any time, but Kent nudged him with a shoulder to his chest hard enough to interrupt him, placing their plates and giving Nick a look that had him sitting silently.
“Do you want some melted butter with the bread, Reece?”
“I do,” Nick grumbled.
“Please.” Reece smiled at Kent, cutely batting his lashes, and Nick sighed.
Nick wondered how this had become his life, and if it was okay to be this happy.
* * *
“Get on your knees right here.” Nick took one of the pillows from the bed and dropped it at his feet.
Reece stared at it, pale cheeks flushing red. “But, Nicky… I’mshy.”
“The fuck d’you mean you’re shy?” Nick snorted, snapping his fingers and pointing at the pillow.
