Page 29 of Ryld's Shadows

“No. That would be dangerous. I’ve made you uncomfortable. I’m sorry.”

This. This is what I’m afraid of. Hurting your feelings. “Don’t be sorry. Please. There are…” Hank moved the bowl of popcorn to the coffee table just as the documentary got to the part about whale sex.Wow.Is that really…?Hank deliberately turned away from the screen. “Well, there are lots of other nice things besides sex. Things that sometimes lead up to it but don’t have to.”

He lifted an arm in invitation. “Here. How about a snuggle for now?”

Ryld didn’t exactly jump in his arms. More like inched over, just close enough so the outsides of their thighs touched. He felt stiff as he leaned back against Hank’s arm.

“We don’t have to…”

“No. I want to snuggle. If that’s okay?”

“Sure. I invited you after all.”

Ryld relaxed ever so slightly. His eyes were on the TV. After a few moments he said, “I will get better at snuggling. I like your arm around me.”

“Everything takes practice.” Hank forced himself to relax completely since his tension would no doubt telegraph to Ryld. “Pretend I’m another part of the sofa. You can lean on me or lie against me, however you’re comfortable.”

Ryld squirmed closer. He still felt stiff, but after a little while, bit by bit, he leaned more against Hank’s side. The whales were into their calving season before Ryld spoke again.

“Since your jobs are to be my companion, and to do accounting, it’s much more believable that I would be taking advantage of you.”

“Heh. I guess you have a point.” Hank turned his head to kiss the top of Ryld’s head. It was an automatic gesture, and he hoped he hadn’t misstepped. “I don’t feel taken advantage of.”

Apparently either the kiss or his words were the right thing because the last bit of tension slipped away from Ryld and he laid his head on Hank’s shoulder.

“Is it all right if we keep this private?”

“Of course.” Hank watched the baby whale cavort around mom.Aww. How could something so big still be so cute? “If there’s ever anything you don’t want me to tell, please say. If it’s not something I think would put you in danger, I won’t tell anyone. Not even Mr. Hiltas’ cat.”

Watching TV with Ryld nestled up against him felt more right than any physical contact Hank had ever experienced. He swore he was just going to enjoy it for a bit, but he was so comfortable that by the time the whales started to migrate, he fell asleep.