Shawn didn’t turn his head.
Chapter 10
Shawn spent a few hours playing with Emily and Bee after dinner.
When the twins were finally exhausted and fell asleep, Shawn returned to his—their—bedroom.
It was empty.
Unsure if he was relieved or disappointed, Shawn grabbed fresh clothes and took a long shower. He stood for a while with the water pouring over his naked body and thought of the fact that he was going to share a bed with Rutledge. All night.
Shawn looked down at his half-hard dick and sighed. This was all so confusing. Rutledge was a man. He was also one fucked up asshole. He couldn’t possibly be excited about sharing a bed with him.
Annoyed with his body, Shawn dried himself, dressed, and stepped back into the bedroom.
At first, he thought Rutledge was still elsewhere. Then he spotted a tall figure out on the balcony.
Slowly, Shawn made his way towards the door, slid it open, and stepped out into the night.When the chilly air hit him, he shivered a little and wrapped his arms around himself to keep warm. It was still pretty warm for November, but it was not warm enough for one thin layer.
Rutledge had a cigarette in his hand. He didn’t turn his head.
Shawn leaned against the balcony railings, mirroring Rutledge’s posture. “He’s really ill, you know.”
He noticed the subtle stiffening of Rutledge’s shoulders only because he was watching him closely.
“Yes,” Rutledge said tonelessly. “He’s dying.”
Shawn couldn’t say he was surprised.
“I’m sorry.”
Shrugging, Rutledge took a long drag from his cigarette. “There’s no love lost between us.”
Shawn looked at the moon as it peeked out from the clouds. “When my parents died, they left huge debts. The house had to be sold to pay off creditors, so I ended up homeless, barely legal, and with two toddlers to care for. Sometimes I hate them. For dying, for being so irresponsible and putting me in this position.” He felt his throat thicken and had to swallow the lump. Breathing in the clear night air, he tilted his face upward to feel the breeze brush across his skin. “But I miss them. So fucking much.”
Rutledge didn’t say anything.
Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted.
“He’s your dad,” Shawn said.
Rutledge stubbed the cigarette out. “I didn’t bring you here so that you can lecture me about the importance of family.” His voice was clipped. Irritated.
“No. You brought me here to annoy your dad and prove your point. Don’t you think it’s petty and nasty?”
“He’s no victim. Dying doesn’t make him less of a piece of shit.”
“It doesn’t,” Shawn agreed.
“And you know nothing about our relationship.”
“You’re right: I know nothing. We’ve already established I’m just a dumb pretty boy.”
Rutledge turned to him. Shawn could feel the heat of his glare even in the dark.
“You’re incredibly annoying,” Rutledge said before yanking Shawn to him and crushing their lips together.
Several minutes later, Shawn opened his eyes and said, “This is annoying, too. You’re using my oral fixation thing against me.”
