I should probably change his name in my phone but I can’t bring myself to do it. It’s funny and it reminds me of when we met, and how I found myself bringing my walls down for the first time in my life because he was so kind and intriguing. And something in his eyes had told me that as desperately as I needed somewhere to belong, he needed someone to hold on to, someone to care for, someone maybe even to save. I don’t know why, but something tells me we need each other. I can’t seem to shake the feeling that this arrangement is turning into something more than either of us ever expected.
I spend a good amount of time doing chores around the house that have been neglected since I got my job. I iron my new outfit and I also make a grocery order to have delivered so we have food for the coming week. Then I have a couple hours of down time before I start getting ready.
I strip and step into the shower. I take my time, lathering and rinsing, washing my hair with the amazing shampoo he lets me use. I can’t help but get a little turned on by the fact that I smell like him, and he smells like me.
I shave my legs because I like to, and my pits. I like the feel of smooth skin, and it will look better with my outfit. I dry off but leave the towel around my waist as I shave my face. It doesn’t take long as there isn’t much there. I’ve never been able to grow much of a beard, but that’s fine with me. I’ve never wanted one. I lather some moisturizer on my face and body to make it extra soft and smooth, then peer at myself in the mirror. Damn, what I wouldn’t give for some make up. I’d love some bling for my eyes and just a light shimmer of gloss on my lips. I’ll have to wait for my first paycheck for that. Only one more week. I can manage that. I squirt some curl cream into my hand and run it through my hair, then wash my hands and make my way out of the bathroom and into my bedroom.
I slip into my thong panties and take a moment to enjoy how they look on me, admiring my ass in the mirror, and my cock. Damn, I wish I had someone who could enjoy this. Not naming any names but he’s roughly six foot-two, has incredible cerulean eyes, a smile that lights up my world, an ass that won’t quit, arms that make all my troubles fade away when I’m in them, and makes gray hair look sexy as fuck.
I pull the camisole and pants off the hanger they are on, and slide into them. The pants hug my hips and flare out around my ankles. There’s a bow in the middle, just below my belly button. The camisole is flowy and billows out as I twirl, admiring myself once again in the mirror. I have been putting on weight, and I’m not so sickly skinny anymore. At least not so much that you can see my ribs, so this outfit is even sexier on me than it would have been three weeks ago. Both the shirt and pants are insanely soft, and I’m loving how they look and feel. I twirl once more as I take myself in in the full length mirror, and it’s only when I step away that I see Paul standing just inside the bedroom door, a wide smile on his handsome face.
“Shit,” I say, putting my hand to my chest and gasping. I laugh.
“I’m sorry.” He steps closer, chuckling.
“You scared the hell out of me.” He plants a kiss on my hair and I notice he’s holding something behind his back.
He smiles. “You looked like you were having fun. I didn’t want to ruin it.”
“What do you think?” I glance down at my attire and then back up at him.
He tilts his head and takes me in. “Almost perfect.” I squint. He moves his hand out from behind his back and shows me a small white gift bag with bright pink tissue paper poking out of the top.
“More presents?” I take it with a raised eyebrow. “What is it?”
“Open it.” He seems a little nervous, but I do as he asks, and my mouth falls open. Tears fill my eyes.
“You got me makeup?” I look up at him and he blushes beautifully. Inside the bag is eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, and lipgloss. Shit, it’s like he’s read my mind. How the hell does he do that? “Thank you.” I go to him and hug him, but he pushes me away and takes my chin in his hand instead. He kisses my forehead, his lips lingering longer than normal.
“I would love a hug, but I’m gross and you are divine. I’m not messing up your brand new outfit with my filth.” I chuckle and go back to the makeup.
“How did you know what to get me?” I ask as I rummage through and pull everything out, opening it up and admiring it all. The color palette he got me is perfect for a redhead, and will look wonderful with my skin tone. He didn’t skimp, either. This is top of the line stuff. If he goes broke because he keeps spoiling me I will never forgive him.
“I asked someone at the store. They were very knowledgeable, and quite eager to help.” He smiles at me and I smile back. I can’t believe he was willing to do that for me. My Papa Bear loves lavishing gifts on me.
“I’m gonna go ahead and shower, if that’s okay,” he says. I nod and he leaves the room.
“Oh, wait,” I call, and he pokes his head back in. “I uh, I have your outfit set out on your bed.” He eyes me. “You pick out my clothes, I pick out yours.” He grins and leaves, a flush to his cheeks.
Twenty minutes later, he’s knocking on the open door. I turn from my place on the bed where I’m resting on my side reading my latest book—a friends to lovers mm romance. My mouth practically falls open. I knew he’d look good in the clothes I picked out for him, but hot damn. Good is a major understatement. He’s fucking stunning in the white button down shirt, dark wash jeans, and leather jacket. His hair is styled to perfection.
“Wow,” I say, and I just barely register that he’s said it, too. I blink, because he’s already seen me, but then I realize it’s the makeup. I bite my lip and stand as he moves towards me. He takes my hands and I swear he’s giving me that look that tells me he wants to kiss me, but he won’t. Ugh, this man is infuriating! Fucking kiss me, goddamn it! Would he, if he knew I wanted him to? How can he not know I want him to? I haven’t exactly been subtle the past couple weeks. Or ever, really. I’ve wanted him since, like, day three of moving in here, and I thought I’d made it pretty obvious.
“You look amazing,” he tells me, then presses his lips to my knuckles. I fucking shiver. “The makeup suits you, Charlie.”
“I love it,” I say. It comes out as a whisper even though I don’t intend for it to. And I do love it. I applied a gold shade to my eyelids and it’s got a light shimmer. The gloss on my lips is just enough to give them a light sheen and the mascara and eyeliner make my eyes pop.
“Ready?”
I nod, and he extends his elbow, which I take with a smile. He leads me to the truck, which we chuckle about because we both know it’s not the ideal vehicle for our outing or for how we’re dressed, but oh well, it’s what we have. I’ll take him and a truck any day over no him.
He opens my door for me and I slide inside, and we make our way to dinner.
PAUL
Fuck, I feel like I’ve been weak in the knees ever since I saw Charlie in that incredible outfit. He’s so goddamn sexy. My mouth is watering just being near him, and I can’t believe I’ve actually been able to utter complete sentences. I’ve been semi hard for the last hour. And thank god I had a good excuse for pushing away from him when he went to give me a hug, because otherwise he would have felt how very much I liked his new attire. The way the thin straps show off his freckle-strewn shoulders is more enticing than I ever thought it could be. Having him on my arm tonight feels like a precious gift.
The waiter leads us to our table when we arrive at the restaurant. I didn’t want to skimp on anything tonight, so we’re eating fancier than I probably ever have. Not a three course meal or anything, but it’s a nice place. I pull Charlie’s chair out for him and he blushes adorably before he sits and I help him scoot in. I hear the tinkling of silverware and the light murmur of conversation around us. There’s a lovely linen tablecloth on the table and a candle in the center. The lighting is warm and gives a romantic vibe.
