Page 51 of Pure Silence

He made it back to the couch, and then he glanced to see what Day was doing.

Day had pulled the chicken nuggets out of the oven, and he was stirring up the macaroni and cheese. He’d moved the paper towel holder away from the stove and put the salt and pepper shakers in its place, and Goldie noticed that a few dish towels were hung now on the handle of the oven instead of being shoved in a drawer.

Humming to himself, Day pulled two plates out of the cabinet and set them out on the counter. He divided the macaroni and cheese between them, and then he started scooping the nuggets onto their plates.

The sight made Goldie’s heart flutter unexpectedly, and he smiled.

It was funny in a way. He’d always been such a stubborn person, infamous for never changing his mind once it was made up and vehemently resisting change.

And yet here he was with this mysterious young man practically living with him and rearranging his kitchen, and Goldie didn’t mind.

The apartment didn’t feel like a tomb with someone else here to brighten it up. Though Day hardly spoke a word, his very presence was uplifting, and Goldie truly enjoyed his company.

Even if Day was maybe possibly an insane killer with the most incredible luck in the world, Goldie was still willing to believe that all of this was the result of the wildest set of coincidences ever. He was very aware that his willingness to believe that was being led by his intense desire to be with Day again.

To feel Day’s touch on his skin, to carry out his every silent command, to be good for him and please him…

Shit.

The depth of these physical cravings was startling, and Goldie had never wanted to surrender himself over to anyone before. He had no idea what Day had woken up inside of him, but he definitely wanted more.

No—heneededit.

Day brought the plates over and set them down on the coffee table. He left briefly to go grab napkins and silverware plus another beer for Goldie and a glass of water for himself. He pointed at the boxed set with a laugh.

“What?” Goldie grinned and handed it to him so he could see it. “This is it. This isStarax. It’s about an alien prince, that’s me, who gives up his throne to go adventure around the galaxy and save people. Fall in love with a hot princess, kick the bad guy’s butt, all that good stuff.”

Day nodded eagerly and pointed at the TV.

“Okay, baby. Go put it in.” Goldie gestured to the cabinet. “The VCR is in there. You know how to work a VCR?”

Day stared flatly.

“What? I’m allowed to ask! You’re what, twenty?”

Day rolled his eyes and flashed his fingers to make twenty-two.

“See? You’re a baby. A lot of people your age probably wouldn’t know what to do with these.”

Day rolled his eyes again, and he took the first tape over to put it in. He smirked smugly as he was able to successfully get the movie going, and he came strutting back to the couch.

“Yes, very good. I will never doubt you again.” Goldie changed the channel on the TV until he selected the correct input for the VCR. “Ah, there we go.”

Day sat beside him and snuggled in close.

“Thank you for making lunch.” Goldie kissed Day’s hair. “Smells great.”

Day blushed, shrugging off the compliment though he was clearly pleased by it.

Heavily synthesized music signaled the start of the film, and flashing neon letters popped up onscreen spelling out Starax as the music reached a fantastic crescendo.

“You just hang on to your butt,” Goldie declared. “This is gonna blow your mind.”

Day gave him a thumbs up, his eyes now fixed on the television.

Oh, it was bad.

It was so very bad.