Neil ate another bite of the spicy, hearty rice before he waggled his eyebrows. “I know, Kitten.”
“I spoke with Brandon on the phone today, and his wrist is much better. He thinks we should have dinner when they get back from their vacation. I told him we all had some adjusting still to do. Probably best if we turn in early, hm?”
“I need a shower before anything else. I’ve been sweating like a whore in church.” He finished his food, sighing now that his belly was full. “That was amazing, Kitten. Thank you.”
“It was. I’m stuffed. I feel very spoiled having you here to make dinner, Alain. Thank you.” Isaac stood and cleared his plate, gave Alain a light pat on the shoulder, then came back to him. “You’re tired, boy. Go ahead and get your shower. Alain and I can clean up.”
“Are you sure? Y’all got this?”
Isaac arched one eyebrow, and he held his hand up in mock defeat. “Shower it is. I’ll meet y’all in bed.”
“I like the sound of that.” Isaac gave him a hand up out of his chair and hugged him. “Long day. I can see it. It’s okay, love. You’re home now.”
“Thank god for favors large and small,” he murmured, and he heard Alain whisper,
“Amen.”
Isaac let him go. “We’ll all sleep well tonight, and tomorrow Alain can start shopping for a bigger bed. Surely there is such a thing.”
“How fun! I bet can find one!” Alain stole a quick kiss from them, their boy almost bouncing. Even after a long day, how could that not make him smile?
“Okay, you. Dishes. Neil, shower.” Isaac herded Alain toward the sink.
Neil stripped down, putting his tie on the chair, his shirt in one hamper, his slacks in the other. By the time he was in the hot shower, all he could do was stand there and enjoy the heat pounding on him.
And the next thing he knew, Alain was turning off the water. “We got to get you to bed, Chou.”
He blinked at Alain, wondering if his mind had wandered off or he’d actually dozed off standing up. He wasn’t even sure he’d washed his hair.
“That’s right. Come on out.” Alain grabbed a soft towel and wrapped it around him. “You okay?”
“Mmhmm. Long day.” He could have a nap, have a late-night snack, and go back to bed. “And a good supper.”
“Yessir. Gotta feed my men good things.” Alain dried him off and pulled him into the bedroom.
“There he is.”
“He’s sleepy, M’sieur. For sure.” His kitten chuckled. “Him’s dozing in the douce.”
“Time for bed, then.”
Neil didn’t bother arguing. They could watch some television and get some rest.
Isaac was reading but was already under the covers, warm and every bit as naked as he was. He climbed in, and Isaac pulled him close and kissed his head. “No moving boxes tomorrow. We’ll finish over the weekend.”
“Mmm…okay, Guapo. Sounds good.” He stretched, his back popping loud as a firecracker. Oh. Better.
Alain leaned against his spine, warming him right up.
“Goodnight, boys.” Isaac turned off the light, leaving only the glow of his Kindle to see by. He felt Isaac relax against the headboard and the soft sigh sounded absolutely content.
He pondered asking Isaac to put on the TV to watch as they fell asleep, but he was dreaming before he managed.
15
Life was easy these days.
Sort of blissful.