Page 91 of Sliding into Love
"Would that be so bad?" I tighten my arms around them. "I kind of like having you all to myself like this. No work, no team obligations, no family dropping by unexpectedly."
"Bellamy only did that once."
"Once was enough. I was not prepared to have a chat with your brother while wearing sweatpants and no shirt."
Royce laughs, the sound vibrating against my chest. "He was just being nosey. And for the record, I think he likes you now.”
“I think it’s because he knows my intentions are to worship the ground you walk on and do whatever you tell me to.”
“That is probably the reason.” They pull back to look at me, their expression turning more serious. "Kenny baby, are you happy? With this? With us?"
The vulnerability in their voice catches me off guard. Even now, after weeks together, they still doubt my intentions. Still worry that I'm going to wake up and realize I've made a mistake.
"Royce." I cup their face in my hands, making sure they're looking directly at me. "I have never been happier in my entire life. Being with you, like this, it's everything I’ve wanted. You're everything to me.”
I watch as their entire body relaxes. There’s even a shimmer to their gaze that speaks to how emotional I’ve made them. "You can't just say things like that when I'm trying to cook."
"Why not?"
"Because it makes me want to forget about cooking and just…" They trail off, but the heat in their gaze tells me exactly what they're thinking.
"We should probably eat first," I say, though it takes considerable willpower. "You need to keep your strength up."
"For what?" they ask innocently, though the smirk on their face is anything but.
"For later. When I beg you to show me exactly who I belong to."
They shiver slightly, then step back with visible effort. “Little menace,” they growl.
"Right. Food first. Worshipping later.”
They smile, softer now. "Go check on the rice while I finish these vegetables."
I do as I'm told, moving to the rice cooker and confirming it's doing its job. We fall into an easy rhythm with me setting the table, them cooking, and both of us stealing touches and kisses as we move around the kitchen.
It's domestic and comfortable and so far removed from the perfectly curated dinners at my parents' house that it almost feels like a different universe.
"Shit," Royce says suddenly.
"What's wrong?"
"We're out of soy sauce. I could have sworn I saw a bottle in your pantry earlier." They check again, moving things around. "Nope. Definitely out."
"I can run to the store?—"
"No, you stay here. I'll go. There’s a certain type I like, and I don’t want you to have to hunt it down.” They're already grabbing their keys from the counter. "The store's only five minutes away. I'll be back before the rice is done."
"You sure?"
"Positive. I’ll be back before you know it.”
I pull them in for a quick kiss. "Hurry back."
They grab their jacket and head for the door, then pause. “I’ll rush. I promise. Oh, and stir the vegetables every couple of minutes. I turned it to low so they shouldn’t burn."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
They grin, then disappear out the door. I hear their car start up a moment later, and then I'm alone in the apartment with the sound of sizzling vegetables and the gentle hum of the rice cooker.
