Page 39 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“Sorry. I was trying to get up and not wake you. I need to leave soon so I can get to the bakery,” he whispered.

Malachi then realised Trent had been trying to crawl over him to get out of bed.

“Well, I’m awake now.” Malachi smiled. “So you don’t need to whisper.”

Trent let out a laugh and climbed from the bed. Malachi lit a candle. The fire had died, and the world remained dark outside the window. But of course, it was not long to midwinter, so it might not be that early.

Trent searched for his clothes and dressed. Malachi did the same. He could feel Trent stealing glances at him.

Malachi still had no idea where they stood. They should work that out before Trent left. And it was probably Malachi’s responsibility to initiate that conversation, since he was older and last night had been Trent’s first time.

“Thank you for last night. I enjoyed myself a great deal,” Malachi said.

“Really?” Trent exhaled heavily, as if he had been holding his breath. “Me too. And was I okay?”

Malachi paused buttoning up his tunic. He walked towards the young man and placed his hands on Trent’s shoulders. “You were wonderful.”

Trent beamed.

And suddenly Malachi very much had the urge to kiss him. Actually he had a strong urge to undress him and fuck him.

But Trent had to go to work. So none of that now.

So instead Malachi asked, “How are you feeling this morning?”

“Good.” A flush stained Trent’s cheeks. “Very good.”

“No regrets?”

Trent gave a sharp shake of his head. “Definitely not.”

“I’m glad.” Malachi squeezed Trent’s shoulder. “And is that all you wanted?”

“What do you mean?” Trent frowned.

“As I mentioned yesterday, I am not in a position to date or fall in love.” Malachi needed to ensure he did not mislead Trent. “And last night, you and I both wanted sex. Are you satisfied now?”

Trent let out a laugh. “I was very satisfied. Couldn’t you tell? I spent twice!”

Malachi chuckled. “What I mean is, and I say this without any intention of putting pressure on you, but did you just want a single sexual encounter with me? Or more?”

Because as Malachi spoke, he realisedhewanted more of Trent. He wanted to show Trent more of the pleasures that could be shared between two people. He wanted more nights with Trent in his bed.

“Would you want that too?” Trent’s brown gaze flickered over Malachi’s face, as if he was trying to read him.

“Yes.” Malachi decided he should be honest and up front. They’d had enough miscommunications. “But only if you wish.”

Trent grinned. “I do! Tonight?”

Malachi blinked. That was sooner than he’d expected. Although, he hadn’t really thought further ahead than this conversation. He supposed it showed Trent was eager and did want this. “Are you free?”

“I’ll have work into the evening. Then I’ll go to Ordelia’s, my sister’s, for a bit to help with her kids,” Trent spoke rapidly. “I wasn’t there last night, but I told her I wasn’t coming beforehand. But after going there, I can come back here. If that’s not too late for you.”

“That should be fine.”

Trent practically vibrated with excitement. “I’ll bring more food from the bakery.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Malachi smoothed his hands down Trent’s arms. “But I would definitely not turn down more of your family’s baking.”