Page 90 of A is for Aftercare

I can believe that. Of the three of them, Blake seems the most relaxed.

“I’m going to do Uncle Archie’s next,” Lexi announces. “Then he can be beautiful for his boyfriend.”

While Lexi attacks Archie's face with far too much make-up, I look around the living space. I instantly notice the whiteboard Archie told me about, which has sections for each of them to fill in with what they're doing each day. Archie was right when he described the house as 'cosy'. It is, more so than my house, although it feels cosier whenever Archie is in it.

“Done,” Lexi says.

Archie looks just as ridiculous as me.

“We should take a picture,” I say.

“I don’t think…” Archie begins.

I stare at him sternly.

“Okay, S—” He swallows.

I put my phone camera into selfie mode, pull him close to me, and take a photo. Neither of us is smiling, exactly, but that's not the point. Lexi beams at us both, which makes the embarrassment worth it.

“Food’s ready,” Blake says, and Corey breathes a sigh of relief.

There's only room for four chairs around the table, so Lexi ends up sitting on Corey's knee to eat. I already know from making food together that Archie can cook, but Lexi wasn't wrong when she said Blake is better. He's made us a pretty straightforward cottage pie, which hits the spot.

After dinner, Lexi sits between Archie and me on the sofa and reads her school reading book to us. Then Corey chases her upstairs for a bath. Blake disappears too, leaving Archie and me alone.

“I’ve had fun,” I say.

“Really?” Archie asks. “Even though my niece made you look ridiculous.”

I gently pinch his chin and kiss him. Most of our lipstick rubbed off while we were eating, but there’s still a little on our lips as we kiss. It’s an odd sensation. I’ve never kissed anyone wearing lipstick before.

“It made her happy,” I say.

“Aww, I always knew you were a big softy,” Archie says.

“Aye, sometimes. Seriously, she’s great, as are your brothers. There’s a lot of love in this house.”

Archie smiles and lowers his gaze. He might even be blushing, but it’s impossible to tell through the inch-thick make-up on his skin. “You’ll come again?” he asks.

“If I’m invited.”

“Well, I think Lexi adores you, so I think it’s a fairly safe bet that you will be invited over again.”

“Is it just Lexi who adores me?” I ask.

Archie chuckles. “Blake and Corey seemed to think you were okay.”

I pinch my lips together.

“Iadore you, Sir,” Archie whispers. “But you already knew that.”

I smile and kiss him again. “Aye, I did.”

21

Archie

It’s the night of Hamish’s kink party and almost two weeks since he told me he was in love with me. I haven’t said it back. Not that Hamish seems to mind. He’s been just as loving and kinky as always. The thing is, I’m pretty sure I don’t know what it feels like to be in love with someone. I’ve had relationships with guys before that have ranged from flings to at least semi-serious, but I’ve never felt likethisbefore. Like Hamish is my sun, and I’m revolving around him in an irresistible orbit. He consumes my thoughts whether we’re together or not. The sight of him makes me happy. When he kisses me, I become giddy. When he touches me, I melt. When he makes love to me, I experience utter bliss, and when we play…there are no words to describe how wonderful he makes me feel. I ride the high of being in subspace like it’s some kind of highly addictive drug, and he holds me through the gaping plummet of sub-drop. He takes care of me. Always. I trust him more than any man I’ve ever been with. Is this what love feels like?