Page 62 of The Key Holder

Morgan: How’s it going?

I grinned, a delicious warmth spreading through me.

Morgan: Haven’t heard from you in a while.

Morgan: I’m on break at work.

I spent the next half hour filling him in on all the sordid details of the summer so far. I would’ve called, but I had a lot to explain, his break was only so long and Ford was right next to me.

Dylan: Do you think it’s a mistake?

I found myself holding my breath, waiting for his response.

Morgan: The problem with mistakes is sometimes they have really good dick.

I had to admit it was a really good dick.

Morgan: But I don’t think it’s a mistake.

Morgan: The dude is mature as fuck. It’s about time you found yourself a daddy.

Morgan: You know what guys our age are all about.

I chewed on my lip, a tiny wrinkle creasing my brow. Morgan had a point, a lot of points actually, but one still nagged at me.

Dylan: But what would he see in me?

Morgan: He’s known you for 14 years. He knows who you are, Dylan.

Dylan: I guess you’re right.

Morgan: I’m always right.

Morgan: And I’m happy for you.

I was smiling so hard my cheeks almost hurt.

Dylan: I’m happy for me too.

Morgan: Cage still working out? Haven’t been tempted to use the key yet?

Dylan: About that…

The afternoon sun dappled through the leaves of an ancient oak tree. The heat became too much, and instead of swimming more, we had simply retreated to a patch of soft grass in the treeline. I was on my stomach, propped up on my elbows, watching Ford as he read his book, his brow furrowed in concentration. The silence was punctuated only by the chirping of random songbirds and the gentle rustle of leaves.

Every now and then, he would look over at me and smile, a silent affirmation of comfort. The lingering scent of lake water and his subtle, musky cologne mingled together, creating a heady perfume that I had committed to memory and would associate with this summer for years to come. It was the kind of day that I wanted to last forever.

A few hours later, as we were drying off from another dip in the lake, Ford's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. "It's River. They’re done for the day. They'll be back tomorrow to finish the job."

"Good to know." I smiled, pulling Ford closer. "Guess they know what they’re doing."

Ford grunted.

“What? You still jealous?” I threw my leg over his, pressing my cage against his thigh.

“No.” He kept looking in the other direction.

“I’m not convinced.” I hooked his chin with my finger and made him look at me. "How about we go home and see how many holes you can fill tonight?"