Page 12 of Size Doesn't Matter

Cyrus shook his head. “Ugh, Nico, really. There’s a way to be tactful and that is not it.”

“I’ve never tried to be tactful so I guess it’s working, huh?” I moved out away from the door so he could come inside if he wanted. “You have time for a cup of coffee?”

He checked his watch, sighed, and said, “I suppose so. It will have to be quick.”

I finished making coffee, swept up the beans I spilled onto the floor, and put on some clothes that I found draped over the back of the old dining table chair I kept in my bedroom to put folded laundry on. There was no folded laundry on it today, only a crumpled pile of most likely clean pants and shirts. Cyrus watched as I worked, sitting awkwardly on the couch that was much too small for him.

“Here’s your coffee.” I handed him a cup and joined him on the couch, although there wasn’t really enough room for both of us when one of us was a good foot and a half taller and twice as thick.

“Thank you.” He took a sip. “Mmm, it’s good.”

“I am a chef.”

“A chef’s assistant.”

I cleared my throat. “Yeah, whatever. So, tonight at your place?”

Cyrus nodded, looking around for a place to set his cup. “Unless you need more time between dates.”

“No,” I said quickly, “not at all. Should I bring anything? Food, beverages, toys?”

“Just yourself. That will be enough, I’m sure.”

He finally handed me his cup and I set it on the windowsill behind us. “Sorry about the lack of tables. I don’t spend much time at home, and when I do, I don’t really find the need to have much surface space.”

“No need to apologize. I won’t be spending much time here either, I can assure you that.”

He got up to leave, but I stopped him in his tracks by grabbing the sleeve of his coat. He could have pushed right past me if he wanted to, so I didn’t hold on too hard. The last thing I wanted to do was to dislocate my shoulder because of a stupid little accident.

He turned to look at me, slightly annoyed. “What is it, Nico?”

“Can I have one kiss before you go?” I gave my best puppy dog eyes, hoping it was enough to charm him.

“But the coffee,” he protested. “The taste will be awful.”

“I don’t care.”

Reluctantly, Cyrus leaned down, tilting my head up to meet his. His kiss was soft and tender and once again all too short. I could have stayed there for hours, but he pulled away almost as soon as our mouths touched.

“Another one?” I asked, staring up into those dark eyes. I still couldn’t tell if they were brown or black, but I loved the color anyway.

“Not yet. Tonight I’ll give you more, I promise.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Be patient and you will be rewarded, remember?”

I smirked. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”

Cyrus closed the door softly behind him, his massive shoes thumping down the corridor as he left. I would have followed him all the way to the university if I didn’t have my own job to go to, just so I could spend a few extra hours with him.

If only Cyrus knew what he had done to me, maybe he would feel differently about our relationship, and maybe I could convince him to go all the way with me. There was still time to change his mind, and as I zipped up my coat and grabbed my keys, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was anything else I could do to get deeper into his head.

10

CYRUS

Ihad little time to prepare for Nico’s arrival once I got home from work. I’d wanted to shower and wash my hair, change into something more comfortable, tidy up the house a bit, and maybe even fix something simple for dinner, but all I had time for was a quick rinse and a pot of tea. I hoped Nico liked tea.

---