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I look down at my limp cock as the water rushes down around me and decide I can wait one more day. If I take any longer in here, I’ll be at risk of falling asleep in the shower. I take one last glance at my neglected dick before rinsing and shutting off the water.
Once I’m dressed in a pair of boxer briefs, sweats that River left before he moved out that somehow became mine, and an old MIT T-shirt, I quickly finish the rest of my chores before I crash. I don’t even start a load of laundry, just throw all my dirty clothes into the washing machine to start tomorrow. It makes me a little shaky. I know I’m going to toss and turn all night thinking about the dirty clothes sitting in the washing machine, but I’m afraid I’ll fall asleep before I can get them in the dryer. There is nothing worse than wet clothes sitting in the washing machine all night. That musky, moldy smell, ugh. It gives me chills just thinking about it.
I reluctantly turn away from my laundry room, go back to the bathroom to brush my teeth, and then head back to my room. After setting an alarm for the morning, I immediately climb into bed, and it’s only seconds before my eyes begin to close. As much as I miss my family, sleeping in my own bed is really nice . . .
* * *
The next morning, I’m up early and feeling refreshed despite the fact that I didn’t get a lot of sleep. I have plenty of time to do my laundry, run a couple miles on the treadmill, masturbate, and still be at River’s in time for breakfast. I didn’t inform him that I’m home yet, wanting it to be a surprise. Hopefully Miri slept well enough last night. I do not want to deal with a cranky River.
Once I start the washing machine, I climb down to the bottom level of my place where I set up a small home gym. Working out is another new development for me over the past few months. It never seemed important before, but even I have to admit I’m getting older and all of those hours in front of a computer are catching up with me. While I do have an impressive set of dumbbells, I found the treadmill most effective for me. I’m able to listen to my music or an occasional audiobook on days I need to disconnect and relax. On days I’m deep into a project, I can look over notes while I run or listen to reports through my AirPods. It just feels more productive to me. Besides, I’m never going to be the bulky type of man. I’m always going to be on the thin and lanky side, and I have no issues with that.
The morning flies by, and before I know it, it’s time to head over to River’s home. I already texted my dad to tell him I’m home, and he invited me over on Sunday for a family dinner with River, Cooper, Essie, and, of course, Miri. I happily accepted.
I’m dressed in my casual clothes, even though I know River will make fun of me, but I’m comfortable in my dark-gray khakis and my lighter-gray sweater, thank you very much. It’s a brisk morning, but still warm enough that I can walk. October is so hit or miss in the north. Sometimes it’s incredibly warm, and on other days, it can be snowing. Today I’m fine in my sweater without an additional jacket.
I decide to ring the doorbell since River doesn’t even know I’m stateside again. After the second ring, I hear River grumbling, “I swear to the gods, Cam, if this is some random leather Daddy you invited to my home first thing in the morning . . .”
“That was only one time! And it wasn’t in the morning!”
“Same idea.” I can hear River grumbling all the way to the door as I try to process what I’m hearing. Why is Cam over at River’s so early? Did he spend the night? I’m not sure how I feel about this. We’ve always had a strange relationship. I know he’s an amazing friend to River, so I respect him for that, but the small man is justa lotto deal with, and I typically don’t have the patience for it.
Before I can think any more about it, though, River opens the door. Whatever protest that’s on the tip of his tongue stops short as he sees his own reflection staring back at him.
“Lake! I didn’t know you were back!” He steps aside so I can come in and then immediately hugs me. I awkwardly tap his back until he finally releases me.
“I just came back last night. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, I’m definitely surprised. It’s so fucking good to see you. I was getting nervous because you were gone for so long.”
I wave away his concern. I’m never really in danger with my position. They’d actually have to find my location to hurt me, and I’m just too good for that. But I know from prior experience that River won’t listen to reason. Neither does Dad and Essie. I think it’s a waste of energy, but I can’t exactly force them to stop worrying.
“I’m glad to be back. Is Miri awake? I wanted to say hi to you guys and my niece before meeting Avery and Zoe for coffee.”
River’s eyes widen. “Oh, really? This is a new development.” River heads into the kitchen without another word. “Coop, did you know Lake’s meeting with Zoe today?”
Cooper is sitting at the island looking utterly exhausted. Miri sleeps peacefully on his chest while he stares at his coffee like it holds all of the world’s secrets.
He looks up at the sound of River’s voice. “Did you say something, baby?” he asks, his voice rough, like he didn’t get any sleep. “Oh hey, Lake, when did you get back?”
I smile at my basically brother-in-law. The idle thought has me wondering when they plan to make that part official. I know they planned on waiting a while, but now that they are pretty sure they are fated mates, I don’t really see the point. Not that they ask me my opinion.
“Just last night.” I turn toward my brother. “And he probably doesn’t know. I just messaged them late last night.”
“Know what?” Cameron enters the kitchen looking as worn as Cooper, which makes me wonder exactly what happened here last night. He’s wearing bright pink leggings and a long black T-shirt that falls to his knees. That makes me realize that River and Cooper are still in their sleep clothes. Even Miri is still wearing a little pajama romper with sleeping lambs on it. I guess that makes sense; it’s still pretty early after all.
“That I’m meeting with Avery and Zoe for coffee later.”
That news finally wakes Cooper up a bit. “Oh, that’s great. I didn’t know that they came to some kind of decision.”
This worries me a little bit. “They haven’t discussed this with you?’
Cooper shrugs, unworried. “Nah. It’s not exactly my business. I’ll find out later, I’m sure.”
I look over to Cam, who’s pouring himself a cup of coffee. “Did you spend the night here?”
Cam looks surprised by my question, though I can’t understand why. “You didn’t tell him?” he asks River, accusation in his voice.
River just grunts as he grabs a carton of eggs out of the fridge. “No, I didn’t tell him. I had exactly one text message conversation that lasted two texts while he was gone. I wasn’t wasting that to tell him you got kicked out of your apartment and are crashing here.”
