Page 96 of Antagonist

He keeps his eyes on the vegetables as he recites his list of traits in a way that sounds like something someone might have said to him before rather than what he believes.

The checkout guy seems disappointed that Ellis hasn’t noticed him.

I’m about to point that out when Ellis clears his throat.

“Actually, Fletcher, this is not the most appropriate place, but you didn’t pick George up today. Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. George is with my parents today. It’s date night.” I raise my basket as if to prove my point.

“George seems to have become a little distracted in class recently. It’s as though his mind is elsewhere. Most kids do that when they’re tired or the subject we’re talking about doesn’t interest them, but George is always engaged. He may be vocal about not liking something, such as geography, but he does the work.”

I sigh. “George’s mom came back from Europe recently. She’s currently in Boston for work, which could explain him being distracted. He always misses her, but it seems the longer she stays, the worse it is when she’s not around.”

“That’s quite normal for kids. I’ll think of something to draw him back into the room when he’s distracted now that I know what the problem is,” Ellis says.

“Thank you, Ellis. I gotta go before I forget the rest of the ingredients.”

He smiles and heads over to the checkout desk. The young guy turns beet red as Ellis smiles at him, saying something that makes the guy smile back.

Harrison is in his car waiting when I pull into my driveway.

As usual, he moves his car behind mine so it’s not on the road.

We seem to have settled into a routine of spending a couple of weeknights together, either at my place or his. Sometimes with the kids and sometimes on our own.

During the weekends, we either go to the cabin with the kids, or if Harrison doesn’t have Megan, he’ll stay at my house with George and me.

It’s domestic, and I’d love it if I didn’t have Fran’s black cloud over my head.

“Hmm, you smell nice,” Harrison says, coming up from behind and nuzzling my neck.

“You mean I smell like paint and sweat?”

He chuckles, sucking a patch of skin on my neck. “You have such a unique smell. It’s like rainforest and paint, it’s just…you, and I can’t get enough of it.”

I turn in his arms. “You think you can hold off until after dinner to have more of me?”

“It depends on what’s for dinner. There are very few things I’d give up sex for. That list gets smaller when it’s sex with you.”

I laugh. “Well, I’m flattered but also hungry, so you’ll have to wait.”

He grabs the groceries from my car and follows me inside.

“I saw Ellis at the grocery store earlier,” I say. “I think he has a small crush on the checkout guy.”

“Oh really?”

“Yup. And from the blush on the guy’s face, the crush is mutual.”

“Aww, look at you, Cupid,” Harrison says.

I pretend to throw an arrow at him.

“I’m already taken. Sorry, Cupid.”

“I see.” I sidle up to him. “And who’s this person who gets to freely run their hands up your chest? Or…grab your arms like this?” I watch the hunger on his face as my thumbs brush his nipples over his shirt. I let my hands roam down until I’m cupping his erection.

“This special person certainlyislucky since they get to suck your monster cock, take it in their ass until they’re crazy with lust and need…”