Page 17 of Need Him
He refused to let Ben wallow in the depths of his workload alone. They would get through it together, and with the help of others, if Ben would eventually allow it. He’d see.
When Ben slid into the seat opposite him, Gareth hid his smile in his tea.
****
Chapter 8
Ben
Ben’s body was still vibrating when he sat at the table. With effort, he set the mug down and curled his hands into fists, staring at them as they went red and white and shook. He wanted Gareth to be annoyed on his behalf, but he sat there, looking out of the window and sipping his drink as if he didn’t have a care in the world. And he supposed, technically, he didn’t. He only worked there. He didn’t have the weight of the company on his shoulders.
The instant he thought that, he felt bad, and the fight went out of him. He slumped back in his chair and closed his eyes.
“That’s better.”
Gareth’s voice brought Ben’s attention to him. A small smile—which Ben was beginning to think, for some reason, was Gareth’s version of approval—graced his lips.
“I shouldn’t have snapped at him,” Ben admitted.
“No, but it’s understandable. He has made things difficult for you, but you could’ve given him the opportunity to right the wrong. It’s a natural reaction to get mad when someone does something wrong.” Gareth smirked. “In my case, when my boy does something wrong, he gets punished.”
Ben’s breath caught, the hitch audible in the quiet room. What punishments?
“Well,” Gareth said, cradling his mug with both hands, and Ben realised he must’ve asked the question aloud. “It depends on the boy’s needs. If I was caring for a little, I might give him a time out, or he might have a toy removed, or we might cancel a playdate. If he’s older, he might be spanked or have to do chores he doesn’t want to do. Everything in this lifestyle is fluid. It’s unique to each pairing. What you and I might do would be different from you and someone else, or me and someone else.”
Ben’s shoulders tightened. He didn’t like that idea. “What wouldwedo?”
Gareth chuckled. “That conversation is for different surroundings.”
Ben bit down on his lip, remembering where they were. “Thanks,” he whispered.
Gareth tilted his head. “What for?”
Ben waved towards the area he’d stood in before. “Diffusing the situation. Don’t think I didn’t notice you also made it so he couldn’t see what you were doing.” He gave Gareth a wide smile he wasn’t used to feeling. What had he in his life that required genuine smiles? Nothing. Until now.
Gareth covered his hands with one of his own, and Ben glanced around. “We’re alone. Stop worrying. One day at a time. Or even one hour at a time if you need it. Are you going home now?”
Ben shook his head and rolled his eyes when Gareth frowned at him. “I have work to catch up on that I didn’t do yesterday. I won’t be here all night, though. Promise.”
Gareth nodded as he stood. “Did you get some rest yesterday, at least?”
“Yes. I slept solidly for ten hours. I’ve never done that.” His chest burned as a reminder came to him. “I have to leave early tomorrow night. I might not see you when you come in.”
“It’s not a bad thing to leave early.”
“It is when I have to attend my parents’ dinner party.” Ben stared at the tabletop.
Gareth crouched beside him, placing a hand on Ben’s thigh. “I’m sorry. Is there no way to get out of it?”
“Not unless I want to make my life hell.” He transferred his gaze to the window, not wanting to see the pity in Gareth’s eyes.
“Hey.” Ben hesitated before glancing at him. “We’ll figure something out. Spend today and tomorrow thinking things through. After that, we’ll arrange a time to sit down and chat properly.” Gareth squeezed his leg and rose. “I better get to work. Apparently, the boss cracks the whip harder than most.” He winked.
Ben chuckled and said, “Gareth?” The man faced him and raised his eyebrows. “Thank you.”
Gareth paused, glanced over his shoulder to the door, then stalked over to him and kissed him. Ben’s brain lit up with fireworks. Kissed was the wrong word. Gareth devoured him and just as quickly pulled back, leaving them both panting. Ben stared at him while feeling returned to his body. He needed more of this man. He needed everything he could give him.
Gareth nodded as if understanding the unspoken thoughts. “Later.” He exited the room, leaving Ben to regain his balance—in more ways than one.
