“Mmm… had to check the horses.” He kissed the shell of Hudson’s ear.
Hudson took the hand Jack had around him and tucked it tighter with a sigh. “All good?”
“Perfect.” He loved the way Hudson smelled, as a matter of fact. It suited him to the ground.
“You’re awfully snuggly for a non-snuggler.”
“Mmm.” Was he? Probably. Jack liked to hold on. He didn’t indulge it often, because that was an easy way to a broken heart.
He’d tried that whole being-in-love thing, and he’d sucked at it.
Hudson rolled to face him. “I like it.” He got a kiss—a lazy, gentle one followed by a sleepy smile.
He nodded, his eyelids going heavy. Hudson and Mackey—they were the two people on earth he could sleep with.
“That’s it. You close your eyes. We can have brunch later.” Hudson nuzzled into his chest. “I’ll stay right here.”
“Mmm…I like brunching with you.” He liked the flavor of cantaloupe on Hudson’s lips.
“I meant food, you one-track cowboy.” Hudson kissed his chest. “Don’t make my romantic moment sound so dirty.”
“I make everything sound dirty, darlin’. It’s a talent.” He relaxed, though, and let the morning happen around them. This was the way to do it, long mornings where nothing hurt, and the bed was soft.
The sun had shifted, and the room was brighter when he felt Hudson slip out of bed and disappear into the bathroom. He heard the flush and running water, and then the sound of the microwave.
“Oh, you are a brilliant bastard, aren’t you?” He had intended to drink his coffee and, to be honest, he’d drink it cold, but he preferred it hot.
“Maybe. You’re the one that got the snazzy room with the microwave.” It beeped and the scent of coffee filled the room when Hudson opened the door. Hudson set one down on the nightstand for him, climbed back into bed with the other and sat up against the headboard.
“Mmm… mornin’.” He kissed Hudson’s shoulder, tongue flicking out to taste.
“Almost afternoon.” Hudson bent and kissed his forehead. “I was supposed to have lunch with Ellie, but I texted that I couldn’t make it… She said she had to cancel too.” That made Hudson chuckle. “I guess she had a good night after Scott’s good night.”
“Good on them. You reckon we’ll end up with baby number six?” He didn’t get it, but folks sure liked having them.
“She insisted no more, and she swore he’s on board.” Hudson grinned at him. “This narrator is skeptical.”
“Well, I swear I ain’t never got anyone pregnant, and that’s a fact.”
Hudson nearly choked on his coffee. “The last thing this world needs is Jack multiplied by three or four or five anyway. I’ll take the original, thank you.”
“Preach it. There ain’t but one of me in all the world, thank the Lord.” His only brother had died in the arena, and that had been that. He was alone.
“That’s plenty for me.” Hudson stroked his jaw with warm fingers. He knew that story, and a few other stories Jack didn’t just up and tell other people.
“I’m a lot to deal with.” And he knew it. He loved sex. He loved making a lover need. And no one wanted that, long-term.
“Yeah, I hear that. I think you’re the only person that didn’t bat an eyelash when I shouted, ‘do me harder, asshole’.” Hudson partly hid a grin behind his coffee, then took a sip.
“You do holler so pretty. I love the way you take my cock in.”
Hudson patted his cheek. “I love your cock. But don’t get any ideas right now. I’m in recovery.”
“Aww… poor baby butt. Does it need a little tender loving care?” He cupped said butt, staying gentle. This was about teasing, not hurting.
“Maybe. But that would be weird, coming from you.”
“Weird? Moi? Are you suggesting I’m not gentle?” He pinched, just enough.