Page 32 of Refraction

“Fair enough. You can give him my number if you need to. I wouldn’t hurt you for anything.”

“If I thought there was any chance in hell, I wouldn’t be here, baby. Timmy’s just being a friend.” Calvin handed him the phone. “Charge me up, tiger.”

“You got it.” He plugged Calvin in, closed all his apps so his battery would last, then settled into the sheets.

“Thank you.” Calvin bounced up on the bed and snuggled in beside him with a happy sigh. “Ooh, these are nice sheets. Comfy and cool. Maybe I’ll steal them on my way out tomorrow, just to give them something else to talk about in the lobby.”

Tucker chuckled, drawing Calvin close. “I can see you in a toga. Although I can’t imagine anything more amazing than tonight’s outfit.”

“Yeah? Thank you. I thought you’d like that. I wanted to fit in with your paintings. You know, dark, powerful, sexy. I wanted to look like I belonged to you.”

Tucker’s fucking soul clenched, and he pressed his lips to Calvin’s shoulder. “Thank you, ever so.”

“It’ll be a fascinating walk of shame in the morning, though. That shirt isn’t suited to Sundays.” Calvin laughed, the sound bright.

“You can borrow one of mine. I got nice sweaters.”

“I’ll take you up on that, but I’ll probably look like I’m wearing daddy’s clothing.” Calvin reached across him and turned out the light.

Tucker thought that lots of folks wore oversized clothes, but what did he know? He bought ten of the same shirts at a time.

Calvin kissed his chest. “Are you sleepy?”

“I don’t know. I’m floating. It’s like I smoked a joint, without the burnt taste.”

“Floaty is good. I feel like I hit the lottery. I probably could dance all night.” Calvin giggled and then calmed and settled into him. “But really, I just want…. Is it weird to just want you to hold me? Just quietly?”

“Sounds like heaven, honey. Rest with me a bit.” His brain was quiet, and he knew to be grateful for that.

For that peace and the man in his arms. He couldn’t remember the last time the world allowed him ease.

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