Page 29 of Little Saint Nautilus

“Trust me.” I gave him a wink.

He walked across the room and hit the switch on the wall; at the same time, I pushed the plug into the outlet and it sprang to life, the multi-colored bulbs casting a bright glow. Nemo gasped audibly. His hands were in front of his mouth as he came to stand before it. I stood behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist, my chin resting on his head.

“Now, what do you think of it?”

His arms folded over mine on his waist. “Oh, Cory, it’s magnificent. This is a wonderful tradition. You must do this every year.”

It was gaudy and obnoxious, and I wouldn’t have picked out the brightly colored sea creatures if it was up to me, but seeing the joy radiate out of him made it perfect. Complete perfection.

He sighed and leaned back against my chest, and this moment with him felt more like Christmas than I’d had since I was a kid.

“What do you usually do after your tree is decorated?”

“Watch Christmas movies. Have you seen any movies?”

Nemo tilted his head to the side so he could look at me. “Hmm. No, I’m notsure what that is.”

I pulled him toward the couch and sat down. Instead of sitting beside me, Nemo sat right on my lap, as if he was always supposed to be there, and I didn’t mind one bit. “A movie is a story told by people acting it out, and it is recorded so we can watch it again and again. Christmas tends to have a lot of funny or romantic stories to help capture the spirit of the season.”

Nemo nodded, trying to understand. “I think we should watch a romantic one.”

“I like the way you think.” I kissed the side of his neck, and he made that wonderful humming sound he did.

I picked out a movie about a snowman who came to life and became the love interest of the small town’s new mayor. It was corny, but sweet. We ended up shifting on the couch so I could recline to the side and prop my leg up, and Nemo settled between my legs with his head on my chest. He laughed at moments that weren’t intended to be funny, making me laugh, and he asked questions about the idioms that were used, making it an entirely different experience than if I had watched it on my own.

Nemo was very entertained and, in turn, entertaining. It was endearing as hell, but also fun. When it was over, he let out a loud yawn. It had been a long day, and he seemed to be handling things a lot better than I expected him to. Too well, in fact. I was half-bracing myself for it to hit him again, but I was glad I was able to distract him for a while.

“Hey, little one, I think we should head to bed.”

“Is it time for more sex yet? Because I think we have waited a really long time.”

A snort popped out of me. It was tempting. So tempting. I wanted nothing more than to explore every inch of him, but so much had happened in such a short time. I wanted to savor him, not just devour him, because he looked entirely too enticing.

“Not yet. Not because I don't want to, believe me I do, but I still think we should wait a little longer. Consider it part of me courting you and trying to be a gentleman. I want you to see I value you and want you for your heart and not just for your body. Even if it's a really incredible body.”

Nemo sat up and stretched, that crop top lifting to reveal more of his beautiful, fair skin. Fuck, was it too late to take back what I said about waiting? No. No. I could resist. He looked back to catch my gaze, giving me a knowing smirk. “Very well. We'll wait.”

I swung my leg around him to straighten it and stand. My knee buckled for a minute, but Nemo came to my side quickly and wrapped an arm around me, bracing me while I carefully put weight on my leg.

“Are you all right, Cory?”

“Yes, little one. I have good days and bad days with my knee, and I think those steep stairs are catching up with me. I'll be okay. It'll be better after some decent rest.”

Nemostayed at my side as we crossed the apartment to the bed. He stood on his tip-toes and kissed me. “Can I help you with your clothes?”

Did I need help? No. But waiting or not, I would be foolish not to take him up on his offer. “Sure thing, sweetheart.”

He beamed as if I'd given him a gift. Damn, this man was going to spoil me for any other. Though it was hard to imagine another after him.

Nemo pushed his hands under my hoodie, pausing to play with the hair on my belly, an action that had my cock perking up. The playful look in his eyes told me he knew the effect it had. Yup, a natural brat. I smiled to myself. He pushed the hoodie up higher until my nipples were exposed. He stared at them and licked his lips. They'd been tender all day after that suction magic from his cirri and the idea of feeling them again made me even harder.

I narrowed my eyes when Nemo looked up at me. “You don't play fair.”

He shrugged with a wicked gleam in his eye. “It's really too bad we can't do anything about it tonight. But I want you for your heart, too, Cory, so it seems we can't.”

The laugh that burst out of me was muffled by my hoodie being pulled over my head. Once my arms were free, I threw them around his waist, lifting him off his feet, and kissing him deep. The move was a bad idea, especially when his legs went around my waist, but Isimply could not resist. Nemo was the textbook definition of irresistible. The hint of the ocean on his tongue made me think of where else I wanted to taste him. Before I gave in to that idea, I pulled back, resting my forehead on his. Slowly, I set him down, putting space between us as I fought to not lose my resolve.

Nemo looked beautifully flushed, and his white pants were tented. Before I could say anything, he lowered himself to his knees, his face lined up with my crotch. Fucking hell. His position did nothing to quell the throb in my cock.

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