Page 51 of Praising Haru

I nod vigorously.

He stands and holds out his hand. “Come on.”

“Do you want me to wash up?”

“Nope. It can wait.”

I take his hand. He leads me to the sofa via the bookcase. I sit with my feet on the sofa and my back against his side, stroking his arm, which he’s looped around me. I listen to every soft-spoken word as he reads the next few chapters. The story, as read by him, enchants and enthrals me.

“The BBC should hire you to read their bedtime stories,” I say once he’s closed the book.

“I’m happy being a brickie.” He rests his cheek on the top of my head. “But I’ll read to you whenever you want me to.”

“How many chapters does the book have?”

“Twenty-four. We’ll get to the end before you leave.”

I press into his embrace. As much as I want to find another job soon, I don’t want to think about having to leave right now.

“Then you can read your favourite book to me,” Kyle says.

“Deal.” I repress a yawn.

“Getting sleepy?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you want me to drive you home?”

“I’m fine catching the bus.”

“Let me rephrase that. I’m going to drive you home, gorgeous.”

A shiver snakes down my spine. “Yes, Sir,” I whisper. “I’ve had fun tonight, thank you.”

“Me too.”

“Do it again?”

“The friends part or the benefits part?”

I laugh. “Both?”

“Definitely.”

CHAPTER10

KYLE

The week flashes by before I realise it. I talk to Haru daily, sometimes through text, as we did before he moved back to Leeds and other times in person. He brings dinner around twice more. Each time, I read to him, and then we end up talking into the night. Each meal he brings over proves he’s a great cook, something I make sure to tell him as often as I can. I can’t get over his reaction to being praised. It makes me want to do it damn near constantly.

I also do more research into BDSM, specifically bondage. The more I read, look at, and watch, the more enticing the idea of tying Haru up or holding him down becomes. But as hot as it looks, I don’t know if it would feel sexy in the moment or if I’d freak out. I guess there’s only one way to find out, but right now, I’m too nervous to suggest it. Besides, we’ve been having fun without screwing. Although I keep dreaming about putting Haru on his knees and fucking his gorgeous mouth with my cock. Those dreams are delightful. It’s not something I’ve done before. When guys have gone down on me, I’ve been sitting or lying down, and I’ve let them take full control. What the fuck is Haru doing to me? He’s got me all turned upside down and twisted inside out thinking about doing things I’ve never considered before.

It’s Friday evening, and we’re watching a comedy film. I tend not to go out on Fridays. I have work and rugby practice, and I’m often tired and need some wind-down time. Tonight is no exception. My belly is full of the chicken casserole and mashed potato that Haru brought, and all I want to do is lounge on the sofa with my friend. I find myself watching him more than the film. He’s animated as he laughs, his dark eyes sparkling beautifully. Whenever he notices me watching him, he dips his chin and blushes. Do admiring gazes count as praise?

“That was fun, but I don’t think you were paying attention,” he says when the credits roll.

“I was paying lots of attention. To you, pretty boy.” I peck his lips.