Liam pushed out his bottom lip. “It’s gonna hurt?”
Gently, Jude cupped Liam’s face. “It’s going to hurt. Then it is going to itch. You also can’t go back outside for several days.”
Liam whined. “But—”
“But nothing,” Jude said. “I gave you very specific instructions that you failed to follow. I’m not trying to be mean.”
“I know,” Liam admitted. It was his fault.
“It just means that I need to keep a closer eye on you,” Jude said. He leaned down to press a gentle kiss on his lips.
Liam gasped.
“And your lips are going to be just as bad as the rest of you, so no more kisses for a while,” Jude said firmly.
Kisses? Were they kissing friends now? Liam must have missed that. He was not upset about this turn of events. Well, he was upset that he wouldn’t be getting any more kisses for a while. “How long is awhile?” he asked. Liam really wanted to know.
“Until you are completely healed,” Jude responded.
“What if my lips heal fast?” Liam questioned. He would apply ChapStick a hundred times a day if it meant more kisses.
“Not until you are completely healed. You can think of it as part of your punishment.”
“But—”“Now get in the tub. I’ll wait for you in the living room. Soak for at least fifteen minutes.”
“Okay.” Liam waited until he was alone in the bathroom. He closed the door then gave a booty shake. He danced around the room until he lifted his arms, and they hurt. Oops! That sucked.He wasn’t doing that again. He carefully removed his clothes. His skin was tight, starting to hurt, and Liam regretted all his decisions that day. Well except whatever had happened that meant that Jude might kiss him again.
More kisses. Lots more kisses. Please and thank you.
Chapter Twelve
Jude
For the first time in over nine years, Jude considered skipping his morning swim.
The night before he slathered cold aloe over Liam’s face, neck, shoulders, and arms before forcing the boy to drink three bottles of water. They’d relaxed on the couch until Jude had applied more aloe and coaxed Liam to bed.
Jude had even tucked the boy in, leaving with just a soft forehead kiss.
It killed him to not be with Liam, but they had a lot to talk about before Jude made that much of a nuisance out of himself. Whether Jude was ready or not, Liam had become his boy. Liam, his sweet little neighbor, deserved to be taken care of like the little prince he was.
Jude hoped by Liam’s reaction to the soft kiss that the boy was going to be onboard with the plan to explore their relationship. At least try.
Jude completed his morning swim, although he might have shaved off a few minutes from his regular routine. He showered quickly and gathered up what he needed for the day then made his way next door.
Tapping on the sliding glass door, he was pleased to see Liam shuffling toward him.
At least the boy was up and out of bed.
“How are you feeling?” Jude asked as Liam let him inside.
“Sore,” Liam admitted quietly.
“I know, baby.” Jude gathered Liam close although he was careful where he touched.
“I’m so stupid!” Liam whined.
“No, you’re not,” Jude told him. “You made a mistake. It won’t happen again. I won’t let it happen again.”
