Page 98 of The Last One to Let You Down

“That is weirdly considerate of you.”

“I’m a very considerate guy.”

“And still weird.”

Soup in hand, Tom followed Cypress over to the couch. Mister Doodles joined them, but she only seemed interested in exploring Tom’s bowl. They picked out a movie and cuddled up together, the conversation devoid of murder, blackmail, or sex.

They didn’t need all of that to enjoy each other’s company. Just being with Cypress, laughing and chatting about the movie together, was so much fun. The simple pleasure of having Cypress’s arm around him and holding his hand was somehow as intimate as when they had sex.

Shit.

Now Tom was thinking about sex again.

He knew Cypress wanted them to wait, and he did his best to keep his thoughts clear of carnal activities. As the movie credits rolled, he noticed Cypress messing with his phone. “Everything okay?”

“Texted Fox,” Cypress replied. “He’ll stop by tomorrow for our hypothetical conversation.”

“Can’t wait.” Tom grimaced.

“It’s gonna be fine,” Cypress promised, giving his hand a big squeeze. “Mm, how are you feeling?”

“Really good,” Tom said, smiling brightly. He’d said as much earlier, but this time it felt like he really meant it. “Since I’ve been here, I haven’t heard her once.”

“Good. If she comes back, tell me.” Cypress kissed Tom and made as if he was going to pull away, but he paused.

Tom kissed him back, murmuring pleasurably. He didn’t want to stop, not yet, and tried to encourage Cypress to keep going.

Cypress went on kissing him, using his arm around Tom’s shoulders to draw him in closer.

Tom went willingly, his hands sliding up Cypress’s broad chest as they kissed. It was slow, deep, and they took their time finding the perfect fit. From there, the heat increased, with an open-mouthed kiss and nimble slides of their tongues that made Tom start to pant.

He was trying to behave, but it was difficult when Cypress could drive him this crazy with only a kiss. He kept his hands where they were, determined not to grope, but his fingers did dig in a little when Cypress groaned.

That low sound made Tom shiver, and he did not want to stop at kissing. His cock was already getting hard, and desire was making his head feel light. “Mmm, Cypress.”

“We really need to go to bed.” Cypress’s voice was hoarse, and he inhaled sharply before clearing his throat. “You need to rest.”

“Right. Yeah.”

Rest was the last damn thing on Tom’s mind.

They left Mister Doodles sleeping on the rug and retired to the bedroom to brush their teeth and take their turns in the bathroom. Tom had to sit down to piss, cursing at his hard dick to stand down.

When he joined Cypress in bed, he realized he was exhausted.

Even the marrow in his bones was tired, drained from the physical and emotional labor of the day. It wasn’t enough, however, to stop him from letting what was meant to be a sweet good night kiss turn into another juicy make out session.

Tom simply couldn’t get enough of Cypress’s lips, so velvety and full, and he could feel the very air around them starting to boil from the intensity. He wanted more, so much more, and he kissed Cypress with everything he had.

They should go right to bed, but Tom needed this. More than Cypress’s words, Tom needed to have something physical to secure all the loose moorings in his mind. Cypress could say that they were fine and starting anew as much as he wanted, but it didn’t feel real.

Tom wanted proof, a tangible act to bring them together beyond those sweet promises, and he didn’t know how to express that except to keep kissing Cypress. It was desperate, a bit messy, but it seemed to be working.

Cypress gently urged Tom onto his back, his thigh sliding between Tom’s legs and pressing into his groin. The friction felt good, and Tom arched up against him with a needy moan. He let out a hushed cry when Cypress grabbed his hip, holding him in place.

“Cypress,” Tom murmured. “Will you… please…?”

“Slow down,” Cypress soothed, tenderly kissing his way down Tom’s neck. “Just me and you tonight, okay?”