“John always used our extra money for things like that. I’d draw his art, but there wasn’t really enough money for me. We planned that once he completed both sleeves, I’d get mine,” Kellus answered, laying his head on the seat as he stared at Arik.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, real good. I’m just tired.”
Arik brought Kellus’s knuckles to his lips. His cell phone vibrated, rattling in the cubby. As usual, a text message came through right after the missed call. “Who’s that?”
“Probably BT.” Arik rolled his eyes. He’d clearly told the guy that he had no interest in being anyone’s sugar daddy. That hadn’t stopped BT from asking about introductions to someone who might be interested in, as he put it, “arm candy that enjoyed being put on his knees.”
“He’s still calling?”
“I told him I was in a relationship. He’s not after me. He wants me to introduce him to a rich man. I don’t respond.”
“I trust you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here. I lived with John who messed around on me for years. I knew it, I just didn’t wanna believe. I won’t do that again.”
“I wouldn’t do that to you, Kellus.” Arik caught Kellus’s gaze and held it long enough to try to convey his sincerity.
“I believe you.” Kellus gave him a soft, reassuring smile, but he was compelled to reinforce his words.
“I won’t. It’s another reason why I’ve never committed. I’m not a cheater.” Arik pulled the car in the underground parking lot. Kellus kept his head tilted his way. His guy did look tired. His plans to take Kellus home and slowly coax him into agreeing to move in had to be put on hold. Kellus needed sleep.
“Why don’t you have tattoos?” Kellus asked, surprising him.
“It’s hard to commit to something that’s permanently inked on my body. I’d get your art tattooed on me though. I had even thought about that before I met you.”
“You make me feel good when you say things like that,” Kellus murmured, fighting off a yawn as Arik pulled his car in the designated parking spot.
“I love you. And I mean it. I want you to move in, but we can talk about that later. You need sleep.” Kellus hung on to Arik’s hand as he reached for the door handle, keeping him inside the car.
“Let me see what you had drawn up for the renovations. I wanna keep my house, and for the record, I do think we’re moving too fast.”
“Noted. I don’t want to ever hurt you. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll make sure you’re cared for. I’ll have that drawn up legally too.”
“I don’t want that, Arik. I want to pay for this move—”
He jumped in quickly, cutting Kellus off in the middle of his sentence. “No, I can’t let you do that. You’re only doing this for me. We’ll work something out, put money aside in your name to move you out if you ever want. Whatever you need.”
“I don’t want your money. You already pay for everything we do. I need to pay for my business. If the renovations cost too much, I’ll have to wait.”
He started to speak, but Kellus shook his head, pushing open the door, letting go of his hand. The car door slammed shut. He tracked Kellus, turning his head until he had to shift to the rearview mirror to see his retreating form. Kellus stood waiting for him by the trunk.
He had to physically hold his lips together in order not to respond. In no way did he plan to allow Kellus to pay for this remodel. He was only moving for him. Arik left the car and walked to the back, then he extended a hand, letting Kellus walk before him toward the door. He made it as far as the elevator before holding his tongue became too much to bear. He had to respond.
“You can pay for relocating your supplies, but it’s not reasonable for you to remodel something that you haven’t purchased.”
“Arik, you’re hardheaded,” Kellus said, dropping his head in his hands as he let out a loud yawn and entered the elevator. “I’m changing the subject. How do you get used to all the time changes?”
“I try to keep my schedule the same. It’s hard to accomplish, but it’s been the easiest way. I didn’t hold to that rule while we were gone because I wanted you to experience everything the area had to offer.” Arik leaned back against the wall. He stretched an arm around Kellus’s waist as his guy relaxed against him. Kellus’s head rested on his shoulder and Arik pulled him closer to kiss the top of Kellus’s hair. “Thank you. I had a good time.”
“Me too.”
Arik watched the floors pass by, timing his next words carefully with the doors opening on him, hoping the disruption would help end the argument in his favor. “So I’ll pay for the remodel. I have the plans in email. You need sleep, so let’s look at them tomorrow morning before you leave.”