Chris and Chase lead me back to the bathroom where they rinse off my cut, spray it with disinfectant, and bandage it up. Then, they both kiss my finger dramatically to “make it feel better,” and I laugh at how over-the-top they are with the loud smacking sounds. But at the same time, I feel so loved and so taken care of that tears push at the backs of my eyes. A lump builds in my throat and I swallow hard to try to get rid of it.
“You guys are so sweet,” I murmur as my boyfriends lead me to the couch. “But I should get back to making dinner and stop causing a fuss.”
“You aren’t causing a fuss,” Chase says immediately, his blue eyes dark. “We’re doing what lovers are supposed to do.”
Chris nods. “Don’t worry about cooking tonight,” he says. “Chase and I will handle it.”
“You guys, really, it’s just a little cut—”
Chris cuts me off with a quick kiss. “No buts, doll. We’re on it.”
I sigh happily and give up.
“Okay,” I smile. “But I’m warning you – I need ketchup in my spaghetti sauce!”
Both men groan because they’ve also noticed how I’ve gone overboard with the ketchup lately. But do they suspect? After all, now I know my cravings are because of pregnancy, but have my lovers guessed as well? In some ways, I hope so because then, my pregnancy won’t be so much of a surprise. But at the same time, they seem to be oblivious as they head to the kitchen, laughing and joshing with one another. A longing burns in the pit of my stomach as I watch them bang pots and pans about. I adore Chase and Chris, but their lives have changed, and they just don’t know it yet.
8
Chris
* * *
After a tasty spaghetti dinner (if I say so myself) cooked by me and Chase, the three of us settle on the living room couch and flip on the TV. I’ve got my arm draped about Patty’s shoulders as we watch reruns of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, while her feet are conformably ensconced on my buddy’s lap. But despite the antics of the characters, I’m only half paying attention because most of my brain is tied up with a mystery that’s been bugging me ever since I walked in through the door today.
“Penny for your thoughts?” a sweet voice sounds my ear.
I look down at my girlfriend. “What’s that, sweetheart?”
She smiles.
“You seem distracted by something, that’s all. Is everything okay?”
By now, Chase has turned away from the TV too and is listening.
“No, everything’s fine, baby. It’s just … well, you seemed a little nervous when Chase and I got home. I know you’d just cut yourself, but the door was unlocked. That’s unlike you, honey, even if our little town is very safe.”
Patty winces. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. It’s just been a long day, that’s all.”
Chase nods from where he sits.
“A normal long day, or is it something else?” he growls. “Did something horrific happen at school? A pop quiz or some professor that tried to hit on you?”
Patty shakes her head and laughs. “No, you worrywart. The professors at the Wellness Atrium are very professional, don’t worry, not to mention about eighty years old! I’m fine. I guess I’ve been a little distracted by school, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
But still, there’s something else.
“Maybe you’re okay physically, but mentally? Emotionally?” Chase pushes. “Tell us, honey. You know we’re here to listen.”
“I’m fine, I promise,” she says with a smile while snuggling even further into my arms. “I feel so much better when you guys are around, and home doesn’t feel like home anymore unless I hear one of you stomping in the hallway or banging in the bathroom.”
I chuckle and stroke her shoulder. “We try to be quiet when we know you’re studying.”
“That’s you two trying to be quiet?” Patty giggles. “You two suck at doing anything stealthy.”
Chase grins. “Yeah, but why would we want to be stealthy? We want to be loud so that the neighbors hear when you climax.”
With another sly grin, he disappears into the kitchen for a moment and returns with beers in his hands. I take one right away, but Patty demurs, which is a little weird because our girl usually drinks with us. She definitely doesn’t overindulge, but one or two beers after dinner is okay. Then again, maybe she’s planning on studying a little later and wants to keep her concentration sharp. Who knows?
But then, Chase starts acting like the lech he is and holds up his beer bottle, inspecting the sweating glass.
“Hmmm, this is exactly the right shape,” he muses.
“For what?” Patty asks flirtatiously. “What’s on your mind, big guy?”
But of course, she already knows. Chase leans in and presses a long kiss to her lips before gently rolling the ice cold bottle against her nipple. It hardens instantly and we both watch in delight as she gasps.