He returned to his desk and briefly considered how weird his life had just turned. In good ways, at least.
* * * *
At lunchtime, Maddox pulled out his phone and perused Venture’s website. There was a rope class late on the afternoon of the Saturday of JJ’s party, but Maddox thought he’d have enough time to make the class. He jumped onto FetLife and marked himself as going on the event there. Hell, the only way he’d meet local people in the lifestyle was if he went to events. No one wanted to get involved with a keyboard warrior sight unseen.
Not that he thought he’d do much dating, but one never knew.
It’d be a way to take his mind off Hank for a few hours, if nothing else.
Unless, of course, Hank wanted to do something with him that night. Then he’d do that.
No-brainer.
He really should have a conversation with Hank sooner rather than later, though. So it wouldn’t be…weirdif his kinkiness came out accidentally in some other way. Or he wouldn’t want Hank to think he was hanging out with people and deliberately excluding him.
It was already a given he was going over to Hank’s house that night. He’d basically told Hank he was coming over to make dinner for them again. Maybe Hank would eventually get tired of him doing that, but until he did and expressly told him no, Maddox was going to do it.
Besides, he enjoyed it. JJ was adorable, and if nothing else it gave Hank a couple of hours he could take some stealth downtime, with JJ focusing on him and not Hank.
In fact, when he went grocery shopping on his way over to Hank’s, he made sure to add a few extra items Hank could tuck into lunches for himself or JJ.
And some other things, like toilet paper, paper towels, things he knew would absolutely be used.
JJ ran out the front door to greet him and help him carry in groceries when he arrived. From her damp hair, he guessed Hank had once again bathed her first instead of himself.
“Daddy in the shower?” he asked her.
“Yep! He told me I could only open the door for you, or someone like Miss Eliza.”
He gave her a high-five. “Good job.” They carried the groceries inside.
“What are we having for dinner?” she asked.
“Chicken breasts, and mac and cheese, and broccoli.”
“Can I help?”
“Of course you can.” He’d also purchased a baking dish for the chicken breasts, because he’d scoped things out Monday and knew what Hank didn’t have in the way of kitchen gear.
By the time Hank emerged from his shower, Maddox had the chicken breasts in the oven, and they were working on chopping the broccoli. Well, Maddox was chopping, while JJ was watching and they were talking.
His gaze happened to sweep over Hank’s and, once again, he felt that pleasant squeeze hit his soul. Hank’s hair was damp, and he’d pulled on a T-shirt and loose shorts. Maddox was glad he’d opted for jeans tonight to help contain everything and hide his own reaction.
I just know I’m going to despise his next girlfriend.
* * * *
Hank had heard the front door open and slam shut a little while ago, so he assumed it meant Dox had arrived.
A flash of guilt washed through him that the man was once again buying them groceries.
Except he felt so exhausted, it was worth the guilt.
While his final paycheck from his previous job had hit the bank account today, it meant less money he had to spend right now.
I’ll make it up to him.
He wouldn’t deny selfishly enjoying adult company he could unwind in front of, either. He suspected Dox wouldn’t be doing it if he didn’t really want to. He’d never had trouble telling Hank no when they were kids.
