He sighed. “True. All right, then, I’ll meet you downstairs in twenty.”
“Downstairs? I’m sitting right here to enjoy you getting dressed.”
“Gray, that’s embarrassing.”
“Get used to it, sweetheart. I love watching you naked.”
Ozzie blushed prettily and slipped off my lap. “At least pick out something for me to wear while I blow-dry my hair.”
I rose and walked toward his open closet. He kept the bathroom door open, and soon the sound of the blow dryer filled the room. I thumbed through the array of shirts, smiling. I was actually enjoying the idea of choosing something for Ozzie to wear.
Minutes later, Ozzie emerged from the bathroom, his hair styled perfectly and his skin still glowing from whatever he’d applied to his face. He inspected the ensemble I had chosen for him: dark jeans and a light blue button-down shirt that would bring out his eyes.
“Where did you find this?” Ozzie picked up the black lace thong and clutched it to his chest.
“In the underwear drawer. I want you to wear it so all night I can think about removing it later when we climb into bed.”
“Okay.”
I watched him get dressed, which wasn’t a good idea after all. He dropped the towel, leaving him naked. When he stepped into the thong and settled the lace between the generous swell of his cheeks, I was rock hard. The light from the setting sun streaming through the window kissed his skin, casting a warm glow on him. My heart throbbed with longing and love as he finally pulled on the dark jeans. He added a brown leather jacket.
“What do you think?” He slowly turned in his socked feet. “Will the town approve of me stealing their most eligible bachelor?”
“The whole town could disapprove, and I wouldn’t give a damn. Their opinions don’t matter to me. Only yours does.” I pulled him into my arms and drank in his beauty. His scent was intoxicating, and I roamed my hands over his body, fingering the soft fabric of the shirt. “You’re beautiful. Let me help you with your shoes.”
He sat on the edge of the bed, and I kneeled before him, easing his feet into his boots one by one. “All done.” I rose, as did he.
“Thank you.” He pressed a light kiss to my lips, lingering for a few seconds, then pulling away. “I guess I’m ready. Let’s go.”
“Are you nervous?” I slipped my hand into his.
“Kind of.”
“That’s okay. I’ll be by your side all night.”
We drove to town in silence, soaking up the last rays of the setting sun and the tranquil sight of the countryside. The pub was bustling with regular patrons. Upon our entry, heads turned, and conversations halted, creating an almost tangible wall of awkwardness. Ozzie’s steps faltered, and I squeezed his hand in support.
“Hey, Ozzie! Gray!” A loud cry from our right broke through the tension. Opie, wearing a wide grin, waved us over to the booth he was occupying with Lawson.
We moved through the crowd, ignoring curious glances and hushed whispers. Ozzie seemed to draw strength from our friends, straightening his shoulders and lifting his chin slightly. He clutched the hem of my shirt.
“You’re finally here.” Opie slid over in the booth, patting the space beside him. “You sit right here next to me, Ozzie.”
“Glad you two could make it,” Lawson said.
Ozzie sat next to Opie, leaving me on the end with Lawson on the other side.
“Thanks for inviting us out,” Ozzie said. “We really appreciate it.”
“Lawson wasn’t sure you would come,” Opie said. “But I knew you were brave. Who cares what these people think? You look great together. Don’t they, Daddy?”
Lawson chuckled, shaking his head. “Y’all see what I have to put up with? You all saved me tonight by showing up.”
Opie pouted. “That’s a mean thing to say, Daddy.”
“Someone’s gonna be in the doghouse tonight,” I said, and Ozzie laughed. I smiled. Seeing him happy always made me smile.
“There’s truly no one else in this world like you, Opie,” he said.
