Page 26 of Nugget

“Energy drink?”

“Absolutely not.” Gavin strolled over to place the tray over Stryker’s lap.

“Oh, come on!” Stryker whined. “I need caffeine.”

Gavin sat on the mattress by Stryker’s feet. “Eat all that and drink your juice. We might be able to negotiate some coffee later.”

Leaning forward, Stryker offered his lips to Gavin.

Gavin’s features flashed in surprise before he kissed Stryker. Stryker slipped his tongue inside Gavin’s mouth, not allowing the kiss to be brief. He sucked on Gavin’s tongue before pulling back.

“I knew it! You had coffee!” Stryker accused.

“I did.” Gavin smirked. “I also don’t live off energy drinks, chicken nuggets, chips, and candy.”

Stryker snorted as he leaned back against the headboard. He couldn’t even argue. Picking up the fork, Stryker was dying to get something in his stomach. The sandwiches that Gavin had made after their shared sexy bath seemed like they’d been days ago.

Gavin didn’t say a word as Stryker stuffed his face with all the food on the plate. And it was good. Much better than anything Stryker had eaten lately. Not that Stryker would ever give up his chicken nuggies but it was nice to be eating something different. He could have driven to one of the closest towns to get some restaurant food since he hadn’t wanted to be spotted in town.

Huh. Draining half of the juice, Stryker realized that he wasn’t going to have to hide any longer.

He could go to the bakery that Dean owned, try the food at the diner Gavin frequented for lunch—he might even be invited for dinner at the big house. Glancing up, he jerked, noticing how close Gavin was watching him.

Stryker wiped his mouth with the napkin that had been under his fork. “What?”

“I’m a little surprised that you were still here when you woke alone.”

Then why the fuck had Gavin left him alone? With a door closed even. “Was it a test?”

Gavin shrugged. “Honestly? I’m not sure.”

The food he’d eaten sat like lead in his stomach. “Did you want me to be gone?”

“Absolutely not,” Gavin replied quickly. “I was fully prepared to chase you down. Again.”

That would have been fun. He shifted and the twinge in his ass let Stryker know that while they would be doing that again, he did need a bit of a break first.

“Hurting?” Gavin asked as he picked up the tray.

Did nothing get past Gavin? “I’m fine.”

Setting the tray down on the dresser, Gavin turned back to him with a frown. “That’s not what I asked.”

Stryker shook his head. “I’m fine.”

With a laugh, Gavin grabbed Stryker out from the bed.

The blanket got caught between them for a brief moment before Gavin carried Stryker from the room.

“Hey!” Stryker shouted. He wrapped his arms around Gavin’s neck. “Here we go with the carrying again.” Not that Stryker really minded. He actually found it comforting. Weird, right? Being carried by another adult.

“All you had to do was tell me the truth,” Gavin admonished. He walked into the bathroom before setting Stryker on the counter.

“I did tell you the truth. I’m fine!”

Gavin started the shower on before turning back toward him. “You must be sore. That’s all you had to say.”

Okay, Stryker was all into the protective Daddy vibe that Gavin was giving off, but he was not made of glass. “Listen, Papi—”

---