Page 84 of His Choice

“You won’t forget the kick I’ll give yours,” Aaron shot back. “Now lift your good foot onto the first stair. Hold on to me and James.”

Each step up was agony. I needed to put more of my weight onto Aaron, since he was on my left and, with pain, I was able to wrap my arm over his shoulder. The most James could do was guide my right elbow.

“You’re doing great, Mikey,” James encouraged. “Only a dozen more steps or so.”

I rolled my eyes. “Damned mansions. Who built this staircase? The set designer for Titanic?”

“Well, most of the guys who’ve used it have been known to go down,” James quipped.

Aaron shook his head. “That was bad, dude.”

“Really bad,” I concurred.

“Sorry,” James said, not sounding it at all. “Too soon?”

Finally, we made it to the second floor, and we hobbled to the room where Aaron and I were staying. I eyed the bed with longing.

“Oh, no you don’t.” Aaron veered me away from the object of my desire and walked me toward the bathroom. “You’re not getting in bed all filthy.”

“I can’t shower,” I complained. “Everything hurts too much.”

“That’s why I’m going to help you,” he replied.

“You’re what now?”

“Do you want me to stay and help you, too?” James asked.

“Sure. Invite the whole household upstairs to watch. Maybe Daryl can entertain everyone with more body shaming,” I snarled.

“I’ll fix his covered wagon,” Aaron sniped. “Don’t worry about that.”

“What does that mean?” James wondered.

Aaron shrugged with his free shoulder. “Something my mother always used to tell me and my sister before she’d punish us. It didn’t go well when I responded once that we were sick of hearing about her childhood transportation.”

James snorted. “I’ll bet. So, do I stay or go?”

Aaron answered for me. “I can manage. Mikey is shy. Since I’ve already seen him naked, though, he won’t give me any grief about helping him.” He turned to me. “Will he?”

“Yes, I will,” I mumbled.

“Then I guess you’d better stay, James,” Aaron rationalized. “He could hurt himself if he’s trying to fight me. I’ll need your help to restrain him.”

I scowled. “Fine! I’ll…let you help me into the shower.”

Aaron grinned like he always did when he got his way. That was almost all the time.

“I’ll leave you, then.” James removed his hand from my arm. “Mikey, if you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask. You or Aaron can just push the intercom by the bed, and I’ll be here in a jiffy.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled, before James mouthed the words ‘good luck’ to Aaron and exited the bathroom. I narrowed my eyes at Aaron. “Jiffy? He looks remarkably young for a senior citizen.”

“And you look like a street urchin. I think you took half the house down with your fall.” Aaron positioned me so I could lean back against the vanity. “Let me undress you.”

Words I had always longed to hear from Aaron, until now.

“Turn off the lights then,” I demanded.

“How am I supposed to see what I’m doing in the dark? Don’t be like this.” He sighed. “See how it was a good thing you already showed me your dick? Now there’s no reason to feel shy.”