Promises Part 1 (Bounty Hunters 1)

Vaughan yelled through the door when he heard the water running, “I have toothbrushes under the sink.”

“Got it,” Duke called back.

Vaughan pulled out his notepad and his new thermometer from the nightstand drawer so he could go back to being a responsible post-op living donor. They both still had things they needed to do now that their surgery was complete to ensure Duke and he were both healing properly. That meant keeping a food journal, along with weighing themselves and taking their temperature every day. Tracking those things would help the doctor determine if Duke’s body was rejecting the kidney or if infection was present in either one of them.

Duke had put on the clothes Vaughan gave him, and he felt proud that he was wearing his clothes. Trying not to stare, Vaughan asked Duke, “Do you have your journal with you?”

It took a second for Duke to catch on, but after a few moments his eyebrows rose higher. “Oh, shit. How the hell could I forget about that? I can’t even remember what I ate yesterday.”

Vaughan opened the notepad to a clean page. “Well, you had a salad here and banana pudding. Just list that and we’ll do better keeping track today. But for the time being, here.” Vaughan handed Duke the thermometer. Without amusement or disdain, Duke popped it in his mouth and picked up Vaughan’s brush off the dresser and began brushing back his wayward locks. When Duke removed the thermometer he looked at it.

“I’m good.”

When he handed the thermometer back, Vaughan saw it was ninety-eight point eight.

“Is this what you’re going to do while I’m here?”

“Excuse me?” Vaughan stood, buttoning up the rest of his lounge shirt over his own tank top.

“I don’t want a babysitter. I’m capable of managing my own journal.” Duke’s eyes were hard and penetrating. “I don’t want to burden you. You don’t have to be responsible for not only saving me but also for my post-op care. You’ll be tired of me before we’ve had one date.”

Vaughan snorted lightly. He stood and carefully wrapped his arms around Duke’s waist and leaned in until their foreheads were pressed together. “I would never try to babysit you, micromanage you, or make you feel like you’re incapable. I was just letting you know that I have everything you need to spend the day with me. I’m sorry. Forgive me for making you feel like that.”

Duke was staring at him like he had two heads.

“Baby. I really am sorry. I won’t do that again. I swear. I’ll leave the stuff in the bathroom, the thermometer, gauze, pain reliever, and you just use when you want.” Vaughan rubbed one hand up and down Duke’s arm and stroked his cheek with the other. “Okay?”

“Sure.” Duke broke apart after kissing Vaughan’s forehead. “I didn’t mean to be snappy. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”

“Let’s go eat. I’m starving. I might start eating you if I don’t get some food soon.”

“I’m delicious and meaty,” Duke teased, easing the tension that had drifted in like a storm cloud, settling over them.

Making their way downstairs, Vaughan realized that his father said he’d be leaving early for work, so they were there alone. He smelled coffee and bacon as soon as his feet hit the landing. When they entered the kitchen, Vaughan went straight for the coffee, fixing them both a cup while Duke pulled out two plates. The food was warming in the oven and Vaughan was so grateful for his dad’s thoughtfulness. The eggs and bacon rejuvenated both of them. Duke read the paper his friend had left on the table while Vaughan answered emails on his laptop. It was oddly domesticated. Comfortable.

“What’s the weather today, babe?”

Duke flipped back to the front page. “Um. High eighties.”

“Nice.” Vaughan closed his laptop and took another sip of his coffee. “You want another cup of Joe before we go for a walk?”

“Yeah.” Duke thrust his empty cup across the table. “That last cup was really good.”

“I added cinnamon.” Vaughan winked.

“You spoil me.” Duke shook his head, a grin spreading across his face.

“It’s just a spice, honey. I haven’t begun to spoil you.”

********

Duke held Vaughan’s hand loosely while they walked around his best friend’s spacious backyard. They kept the pace comfortable and easy. They weren’t up to brisk walking yet, but probably after their next checkup they’d be cleared to get on a treadmill or stationary bike and increase the pace and elevation.

Duke had been so surprised at how easily Vaughan had apologized for upsetting him that morning. People, not to mention potential lovers, never apologized to him or cared how he felt. After Vaughan had apologized, Duke didn’t know what to say. He immediately felt bad for raising such a fuss in the first place. It’s not a bad thing that someone who loved you wanted to make sure you were healthy and healing properly.