Page 6 of Bleed for You (Bloody Desires #6)

C raig waved to Cat when he spotted her in the restaurant and plastered a smile on his face.

One he didn’t feel. After all the time they’d spent together, how long they’d been together, Jinx’s reluctance had Craig feeling that Jinx didn’t feel for him what Craig felt for Jinx.

He didn’t know how many hints he had to drop, but he had the feeling he would have to ask Jinx outright and see how the other man reacted.

But he was hesitant to do so in case Jinx said no to him, so things remained the same and Craig hid his disappointment.

Maybe Jinx felt the way he did because of the type of relationship they had.

They weren’t Daddy and little all the time.

It wasn’t twenty-four seven for them. For a start, Craig couldn’t adapt to that.

He liked being a little, but not all the time.

He liked being an adult around Jinx, too.

He knew couples who lived the lifestyle all the time, but it wasn’t for them.

They matched well in that regard. After that first night together, they’d talked about how it could be for them, and they’d agreed.

Craig may have been new to the scene, but it hadn’t felt right to him to be a little all the time.

What they had now was perfect, and he didn’t want to lose it, but he may have to walk away if Jinx wasn’t willing to have their relationship progress.

Or maybe he was reading too much into it.

This was his first relationship where he was an adult and a little, if that made any sense, because some days it actually didn’t to him.

He was learning as he went along, but Jinx was an amazing teacher.

Kind and patient, while Craig figured out what he liked and disliked.

Jinx had said there was no right or wrong and Craig was to follow his gut.

If they did something or tried something and it felt off to him, then Craig was to tell him, and they stopped.

They had originally tried Craig with diapers and as soon as he’d put it on, he’d known it wasn’t for him, and immediately told Jinx, who’d nodded.

Jinx himself preferred briefs to diapers, but he’d wanted Craig to experience everything so he would know what felt right to him.

Now they had a rhythm that suited them, and Craig didn’t want to change that, and moving in together could well do it.

But he wanted to be with Jinx more, and living together would give him that. Their lives entwined. Waking up and going to sleep together. One day, maybe.

Cat stood when Craig reached her, and they hugged before sitting down at the table. “How are you? I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“A while for you is a couple of days.”

“You’re my big brother.” Cat smiled. “How’s Jinx?”

“He’s working today. They have a couple of funerals, so he’ll be there for them.”

“I forget he works all week and then Saturdays as well. The parents still don’t mention his job. He’s a builder whenever they mention him.” She suddenly grinned and leaned across the table. “Guess what?”

“Guess what?” Craig gave her a teasing smile that had her rolling her eyes. “What?”

“I’m going to have a baby.” She smiled shyly, then glanced down at the table.

“I thought you were single after he who shall never be named?”

“He is the father. I told him, before you ask if he knows, and he wasn’t bothered.

Told me to get rid of it.” Cat licked her lips and messed with the cutlery on the table.

“I don’t want to,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.

She looked at Craig. “I want this baby, but I’m scared and happy and excited. ”

Craig reached across the table and held Cat’s hand in his own. “Have you spoken to the parents about this?”

Cat shook her head, then shrugged. “I haven’t told them yet.” She bit her lip and Craig squeezed her hand. “You know what they’re like. In some ways they’re the best parents a child could ask for—”

“And in others, they’re stuck in the past. I remember from when I told them I was gay. They’re okay now, but back then…”

“I remember the arguments.” Cat smiled wanly as he then sighed. “I know in time they’ll be fine, but I need them right now.”

“You will always have me and Jinx. We will always be here to support you.”

“Can you see yourself as an uncle?” Cat squeezed Craig’s hand, then let go. “You’ll spoil him or her.”

“Yes, I will. It’s not like we’re going to have kids.”

“Does Jinx not want any? I know you do. We’ve talked about children in the past.”

“It’s not really something we’ve discussed. We’re still in the new stage.”

Cat snorted. “It’s been eighteen months, or is it closer to two years now?”

“Two years. We’re happy with things the way they are. We don’t even live together.”

“That’s because you need to tell Jinx to his face what you want, but you drop subtle hints instead. He’s a man who needs it spelled out for him, otherwise it will go over his head.”

“You could be right.” Craig chuckled softly. “I tried dropping some of those hints earlier, but nothing. Maybe I should make us a romantic meal, then tell him.”

“I’d love to—”

“Can I get you both some drinks?” The waiter asked. Craig couldn’t help but look. Tall, broad, with thick dark blond hair and pretty brown eyes, he glanced at Cat, who arched an eyebrow at him.

“Two sparkling waters, please.”

“Are you ready to order food, or do you need a few more minutes?”

“A few more minutes, please.” Cat watched him walk away, then fanned herself. “Wow.”

“He was definitely a wow. Not my Jinx wow.” He laughed when Cat mimed throwing up, which is what he intended. “Cat,” he said when she stopped. “We’re here for you.”

“I know and thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me.”

Their drinks arrived and Craig placed their orders with the hot waiter they both couldn’t help but admire.

He might be happy and in love with Jinx, but his eyes still worked.

In fact, he knew if he’d been here with Jinx, they’d both would have admired the waiter and his nice tight ass that his work pants highlighted.

“I’m going to have to move out of my place. It’ll be too small with a baby.”

“You don’t have to do it all right now. Get used to being pregnant, and once the baby is born, you’ll still have a few months.

Babies stay in the same room as their mothers for the first few months.

By the time he or she is ready to go into their own room, we’ll have worked something out between us. ”

Their food arrived and Craig licked his lips at the sight of his big, juicy steak.

Cat had chicken and a small salad because she’d told him her stomach could only just about handle that.

When he offered to change his order, she threw an ice-cube at him.

Craig ate half the steak before asking, “What can we do to help?”

“Not much for now.” Cat pushed her plate away and rubbed her stomach, wincing slightly. She’d only eaten half the food on her plate, which concerned Craig. Catching the look on his face, she gave him a small smile. “I’m eating small meals. A large meal is just too much for me right now.”

“As long as you are. If you’re struggling with anything, you have to let me know. No matter how the parents react, I’ll always be here for you, and you know Jinx will be too.”

“I know and thank you. It’s knowing you’ll be there that helps, but I want them to be there as well. I know they’ll be unhappy, but I don’t want to get rid of my baby.”

“Then we face whatever comes our way.”

“Tell me about work.” Cat smiled and picked up her glass of water, taking a few sips before putting it back on the table. “Is he still being a dick?”

“You know he is. Hates the fact that I’m better than he is and that clients want me to handle their designs and not him.

” Craig pushed his plate away and leaned back in his chair.

“HR is aware because, of course, he’s spoken to them about me.

Lacey told me to keep a diary about what he says and does so I have evidence.

It’s not something I want to do, but I know he wants rid of me. ”

“It might be time to look elsewhere. You have a good working relationship with that Simpson company. Didn’t you tell me they asked you to design something for them?

Maybe you could drop some hints about possibly moving?

” Cat shrugged. “They might offer you a job.” Another shrug.

“You’re good at what you do. You shouldn’t be treated this way. ”

“Jealousy does that to a person and Flint is jealous of me, even though he’s my boss.”

“A position he shouldn’t be in,” Cat muttered darkly. “Fuck the boss.”

Craig burst out laughing. “One, I am pretty certain he’s straight, and two, Jinx.”

“He’d understand.” Cat grinned. “He could tell you off later.” She wriggled her eyebrows. “No Daddy! I didn’t enjoy it! I only love you!”

Craig kicked Cat under the table as she laughed. “Stop it,” he murmured, feeling his face heat up. “I wish I’d never told you now. Gave you ammunition to use against me.”

“Okay! I won’t mention it again unless you give me an opening.” Cat smirked, then grinned. “And that was too perfect to let it pass me by.”

“I’m so glad I did,” Craig grumbled. “I must note it in my diary to never do it again.”

“You do that because we both know in a week or two, you’ll do it again then mumble under your breath at me.”

“How are we related?”

“Our parents had sex.” Both of us paused and looked at each other, then winced. “Eww. That’s something I don’t want to visualize.”

“Me either, and now it’s there. In my head. My brain needs bleaching.”

“Sorry.” Craig gave her a look full of disbelief. “No seriously. Who needs to think about their parents having sex? Talking about sex—”

“He still rocks my world.” Craig rushed out before Cat asked him any of those types of questions.

He had been there before. Stuck with her, asking about boy briefs and spankings and what toys he liked.

He wasn’t doing that again. He loved Cat, but that was a conversation he never wanted to go through again.

“You know I am happy for you. My relationship didn’t work out, but I like how he looks at you.”

“I like how he looks at me too. He’s the first one who doesn’t treat me differently because of what I like.” Craig smiled. “We’ve talked about it before. I told you that you needed to find someone who looks at you like you were their stars and sun and everything good all mixed into one.”

“I know.” Cat sipped her water and whispered, “Who’ll want a single parent?”

“There are so many good men out there who will love you and your baby.”

“Maybe, but how will I find one? I’ll be the single mom with no social life that doesn’t revolve around my baby.”

“And that’s where Uncle Craig enters. Once the baby is old enough, we’ll have him or her stay over. You can then be Cat and not Mommy.”

“You really are the best.”

“I am, but the first time you say daddy to me in that way, you’re on your own.”

Cat placed her hand over her heart, gasping dramatically. “You have a mean streak in you.”

“Have you both finished?” The waiter asked as he stood beside their table.

Cat nodded her head, so Craig said, “Yes we have, thanks. Can we have the check, please?”

The waiter took their plates away as Craig watched Cat as she stared out of the window, her eyes lost in shadows. “You’re not alone.”

“I know. I’m thinking about our parents.”

“When you go to tell them, let me know and I’ll be there with you.” The waiter came back with their check and Craig paid. When the waiter left, Craig reached for Cat’s hand and held it. “We’ll both be there for you.”

Cat stood and put her coat on, and Craig did the same. They left the restaurant and, once outside, walked to the parking lot where their cars were. “I enjoyed today.”

“Me too. You’re not bad for a sister.”

“Piss off,” Cat said, grinning. “I’m the best sister anyone could ask for.

” She suddenly stopped and Craig saw the color drain from her face.

He helped her to the wall of a building as she took deep breaths and rubbed her back.

“Why do they call it morning sickness when it strikes whenever it wants?” She swallowed and breathed some more, then nodded. “I’m fine now.”

“Will you be okay to drive home?”

“Strangely enough, it doesn’t bother me when I’m driving. As soon as I get home, I’ll rest.”

“Call me when you get home.”

Cat grinned and leaned into Craig. “Promise.”

Craig helped her to her car and stood watching as she drove away. “I’m going to be an uncle,” he whispered, a smile developing. Him. An uncle. He couldn’t wait.