With A Little Help From My Friends
Title: With A Little Help From My Friends - 26
Author: dylan_dufresne
Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: Hard R
Summary: A conversation about wedding plans, the gift of time, and a day of romance.
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated as it’s my drug of choice. Many thanks to my beta, frojane.
Special Thanks: To loki_girl for the exquisite banner that she has created, and to tarnishedhalo for loaning me her inspirational manip for the centerpiece. I am so thankful and appreciative of you both, and your generosity.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. This is my imagination at work.
A/N: I won’t be able to post this in the morning, so you get it early. Surprise!
Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25
Chapter 26
It’s nearly dinner time before Dom returns to the shop, a bag of takeaway Chinese cradled in his arms, and with the exception of asking if Dom had a good day, Billy doesn’t pry. He can see that Dom has a lot on his mind at the moment, and chooses instead to respect his privacy and distract him, engaging him in conversation and making inquires as to what they should do tomorrow. They spend the rest of the evening watching movies and turn in late after making love, knowing that they can sleep in as long as they want.
It’s after nine when Billy opens his eyes, and feeling rather playful, slides down his lover’s lithe body, cupping his arousal and tonguing the sensitive flesh until it’s hard. A saliva-moistened finger is gently pressed between Dom’s cheeks, and when the younger man opens his eyes as he rises to consciousness, Billy is rapidly bobbing his head, sucking in a sensuous rhythm and petting the tiny bundle of nerves inside him. Arching his back in ecstasy, Dom cards his fingers through Billy’s ginger hair and watches his lover’s cherubic lips, crying out a warning when orgasm overtakes him.
After Dom’s release his been swallowed down, Billy presses a fond kiss to his belly and then moves back up the bed to bring their lips together in a prolonged, tongue-tangling kiss that leaves them both breathless.
“Good morning, love,” Billy murmurs tenderly when they part and he cuddles the younger man to his chest.
“I’ll say,” Dom replies breathlessly, still dizzy from the erotic way he was awoken. “That was-”
“Liked it?” Billy asks teasingly.
“Loved it,” Dom corrects as his hot, uneven breath flows across Billy’s nipple and causes the nub to crinkle into a tight pucker. “Love your mouth. Love your hands. Love everything about you.”
“Good, because it’s mutual,” Billy tells him softly, dipping his head to kiss Dom’s tattooed shoulder. “And I love making you happy.”
“That’s a bloody good start,” Dom says with a laugh, looking up to meet Billy’s gaze.
“Hungry?”
“Yeah, but I want to take a shower first,” Dom replies, shifting rest his weight on one elbow. “I’m a little sticky. Feel asleep before I cleaned up last night.”
“Want company?” Billy inquires suggestively. “I’ll wash your back, if you like.”
“You can wash anything that catches your fancy,” Dom tells him with a soft smile. “And more, if you like.”
Sharing a warm, passionate kiss, the couple then climb out of bed and make their way into the loo, Billy’s arms wrapped possessively around Dom’s slender waist.
“You’re cuddly today,” Dom comments as he leans into the shower, twisting on the taps and testing the water temperature. “Not that I’m complaining, of course.”
“Missed you in the shop yesterday,” Billy admits, drawing their bodies closer and petting Dom’s stomach. “I think we both got used to you always being here.”
Turning in his lover’s arms as his brow furrows, Dom asks, “Bills, why didn’t you call? I would’ve-”
“No, it’s all right, love,” Billy interjects, kissing the tip of his nose. “It’s just made me appreciate the time that you are here. That’s a good thing. I wouldn’t ever want to take you for granted.”
“You don’t,” Dom says softly, and then brings their lips together for a tender kiss.
Moaning his enjoyment as the kiss deepens, their tongues tangling wetly, Billy reaches behind Dom to draw back the shower curtain and guides their naked bodies under the hot spray. When they finally come up for air, there is lathering, laughter and tickling that ends with Dom pressing Billy against the tiles, his long fingers wrapped around their arousals. Billy’s cries of pleasure echo in the small space, and Dom nibbling kisses to his neck only add to his enjoyment as he’s brought to a fierce, shuddering orgasm.
A few minutes later, Dom steps out of the shower, leaving Billy to catch his breath and wash his hair, and when Billy emerges from the tiled enclosure, he makes a discovery that turns up the corners of his mouth. On the mirror above the basin, Dom has left Billy a message, marking the fogged-over surface with a bar of soap.
I ♥ you
Tracing the message with his finger, Billy sighs with contentment, and after wrapping a towel around his hips, he goes in search of his lover to return the sentiment.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Billy is stirring milk into his cup of tea when he hears Dom walking down the hall to the kitchen, muttering under his breath. As the younger man enters the kitchen, he shoves something into the front pocket of his blue jeans, a scowl marring his normally cheerful features.
“What’s the matter, love?” Billy inquires, setting his cup of tea and Dom’s coffee down on the kitchen table.
“Watch strap broke,” Dom replies grumpily, dropping heavily into his chair. “Again.”
Sitting as well, Billy asks, “Did the pin come out?”
“No, a piece from the face plate is cracking,” Dom explains. “Cheap plastic. What do you expect?”
“Want me to look at it?” Billy inquires, trying to be helpful.
“Actually, I think need to give in and buy a new one,” Dom replies, slouching down in his chair and cradling the cup of coffee between his palms. “I’ve had this one for years, so I guess it’s time.”
“All right.”
“I’ll just have to keep it in my pocket for now.”
“I could-” Abruptly, Billy pauses and averts his eyes as he purses his lips in thought.
“What?” Dom prompts.
“I was going to say that I could look for one when I’m in London, but that’s three weeks away, and I figure you’ll want to replace it long before then,” Billy explains, almost awkwardly.
“If I haven’t found one,” Dom replies noncommittally. “We’ll see, yeah?”
“I wish you could come with me,” Billy adds softly, changing the subject and reaching across the table to take one of Dom’s hands in his. “I’ll miss you.”
“Miss you, too.”
“Three whole nights apart,” Billy laments. “Wish I didn’t have to go.”
“You didn’t go to the last one,” Dom points out. “You can’t miss two in a row. The shop is doing well, and that’s because you keep bringing in new books that people want to read. You need to keep doing that.”
Billy sighs. “I know.”
“I’ll be okay,” Dom tells him, trying to smile. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, yeah?”
“And other bits of my anatomy hard as a rock,” Billy mutters under his breath, blushing when Dom’s eyes widen, informing Billy that he was heard and understood.
“You can make it up to me when you get back,” Dom teases, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
“And perhaps you can work on coming up with a date for when you want us to get married,” Billy adds, deflecting the attention off himself. “Unless you want to keep things the way they are for a while longer and have a long engagement.”
“Come up with a date?” Dom asks in surprise. “Me?”
“Aye,” Billy confirms. “It’s been over five weeks since you said yes, and you haven’t said a word about it since that night.”
“I thought we would decide together,” Dom says, his brow furrowing. “Why do I have to pick the date?”
“Dommie, I’d marry you today, if that’s what you wanted,” Billy replies gently. “But since you’re the only man I’m ever going to promise my life to, it needs to be done right. I want it to be everything you’ve ever wanted. And more. In order for that to happen, we need to set a date. Make plans.”
“I know we have to make some decisions,” Dom admits. “Maggie will need to fly in, and my parents drive down from Manchester-”
“Aye, but before that, there needs to be a date,” Billy interjects. “I’m at the shop. Aside from a few conventions a year, my schedule doesn’t change. You’re going to uni, so that’s something to consider. What’s going to be a good time for you, where it’ll least disrupt your schedule?”
“Well, when do you want-”
“Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be there,” Billy says when Dom trails off, uncertainty clouding his eyes. “All right?”
“Did you, uh, want to invite anyone else?” Dom asks hesitantly, hoping to shift the conversation to a different topic. “I know it won’t be a legal marriage, per say, so I didn’t know if you wanted to be traditional, and have a best man or something.”
“I was thinking of asking Viggo, actually,” Billy admits. “But I wanted to know how you felt about that first. If you’d rather I didn’t, then I won’t. I also wondered whether or not you’d want to invite him to the ceremony-”
“Bills, I’m not concerned that you’re still harboring feelings for him,” Dom says, interrupting his love’s rambling. “If that’s who you want to stand up with you, then I think you should do it. Ask him, I mean.”
“Well, next to you, he’s my closest friend, and I’ve known him for years,” Billy admits. “But I don’t know what he’ll say-”
“I told he was happy for us,” Dom interjects softly. “I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Cradling Dom’s left hand in both of his, stroking the sparkling ring with the tip of a finger, Billy slowly nods. “I just love you so much, and I want him to be as happy as we are. That he has someone who cares about him.”
“He does.”
“What about you?” Billy asks suddenly. “Do you want to have a best man, too? Matt? Your Dad, maybe?”
“I was thinking about asking Mark,” Dom replies. “I love my brother, but I think he’d be happy to sit back and just watch. I’d want Mum and Dad to be together, side by side. Mark’s been a great friend to me. From the first day I worked in the shop, he was very kind, helpful, and understanding. He tried to nudge me in your direction, on more than a couple of occasions.”
Billy smiles. “Me too.”
“So assuming they say yes, that’ll mean eight people, and us, of course,” Dom adds, counting off the guest list on his fingers. “Ten total.”
“I count nine,” Billy says, his brow furrowing. “Who am I missing?”
“I thought it would be nice to invite Emily,” Dom explains. “I know we don’t know her all that well, but I think Mark would like it we included her.”
“That’s a great idea, Dommie,” Billy says. “I think Mark will love it.”
“Okay, so that’s the guest list taken care of,” Dom announces, and then glances over at the clock on the wall. “And now I have to run to school.”
Gulping down his coffee, Dom rises to his feet, places his cup in the sink and then captures Billy’s upturned mouth in a warm, lingering kiss. Reluctantly ending the exchange and wishing they had time for much more, Dom slings his backpack over his shoulder before lifting a hand to wave goodbye.
“I’ll see you tonight.”
“Think about the date, all right?” Billy calls after him. “Have a good day. I love you.”
“I will,” Dom calls back. “Love you, too.”
Listening to his lover leave, Billy sips his tea and contemplates what he can do to give Dom everything he could possibly want for the celebratory day, when they says their vows to one another. Nearly three hours later, while reconciling bank statements with his records, he’s still thinking about it, and keeps losing his place. At Mark’s gentle insistence, Billy decides to go for a walk and clear his head, enjoying the crisp, February air and looking forward to Valentine’s day.
Billy is blocks away from the shop when he catches a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye, something in a display window. Pausing, he steps closer to examine it, and as an idea forms in his head, Billy breaks out into a smile. After checking to make sure that he’d brought his wallet, he steps inside to make a purchase.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Just before seven o’clock that night, Billy calls down the hall to inform Dom that dinner is ready, causing the younger man to remove his glasses and rub at his tired eyes before pushing away from the desk. Whatever Billy is cooking smells delicious, and Dom’s stomach rumbles approvingly as he makes his way to the kitchen.
“I heard that,” Billy teases, glancing over his shoulder when his lover enters the room. “Sit down.”
Dom is sliding into his seat when he looks down and spots a black, square box sitting in the center of his plate.
“What’s this?”
“A present,” Billy replies mildly, walking over to the table with a bowl of mashed potatoes in one hand, and a tray of pork chops in the other. “I was out of the shop this morning and I saw that. It reminded me of you, so I bought it. I hope you like it.”
“What did I do to deserve a present?” Dom asks, eyebrow arched as Billy sets their dinner over to the table and sits down across from him.
“Just open it,” Billy retorts gently. “Please?”
“All right,” Dom agrees, holding the item in one hand and lifting off the lid with the other.
A moment later, Billy sees a smile tug at the corners of Dom’s crooked mouth, silently waiting as Dom carefully takes the gift out of the packaging and cradles it in the palm of his hand.
“You bought me a watch,” Dom murmurs, gazing at the timepiece, stroking the silver tone band and brushing the pad of his thumb over the face.
“I know you said you’d buy one-”
“No, Bills. It’s very nice. Thank you.”
“There’s more,” Billy tells him, green eyes soft and intimate. “It’s inscribed on the back.”
Flipping it over, Dom reads the engraved words, and then blinks rapidly as his eyes start to glisten.
I’ll always have time for you.
“Dommie?”
“Hmm?”
Looking up, Dom discovers Billy looking at him intently, the concern obvious in his expression.
“I’m sorry that I pressured you this morning, about setting a date,” Billy says awkwardly. “I didn’t intend that. We can wait for as long as you want, all right? I’m not in any hurry.”
“Well, I’d have to disagree with you there,” Dom tells him, slipping the watch over his hand securing it around his slender wrist. “I think, deep down, you’re worried that I’m going to change my mind, and the fact that I didn’t set a date is making it worse.”
Knowing that the younger man has seen right through to his deepest fear, the tips of Billy’s ears redden. “Dom-”
“I’m not going to change my mind,” Dom interrupts, rising to stand up and then walking over to the other man, dropping down into a crouch beside him as their fingers lace together. “The night you proposed was incredible, and I wear this ring with pride.”
When the older man tugs gently at his hand, Dom acquiesces to the silent request and shifts to settles on Billy’s lap, wrapping a long arm around his lover’s shoulders.
“There’s nobody else for me, and I want the day we make those vows to be as wonderful as you are, and as special as you make me feel,” Dom finishes. “That’s a bit intimidating, and I can’t do it by myself. This is our day, so we need to decide everything together.”
“I thought by leaving you to choose the date, it was a way to give you control,” Billy admits softly. “But instead it was pressure. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Bills,” Dom soothes, dipping his head to bring their mouths together for a soft, lingering kiss. “Your intentions were good, and that counts for something.”
“Do you really like the watch?”
“I love it,” Dom murmurs, holding Billy’s face in his hands and gazing deep into his eyes. “And I promise that I’ll always have time for you.”
“Deal.”
A long, wet, tongue-tangling kiss is shared, and only ends when Dom’s stomach growls loudly in protest to the delicious aroma of food, and the fact that they’re not eating it. Laughing as they part, the anxiety that both men were feeling dissipates, and now, much more relaxed, they dig into their food, talking about their days, and letting the subject of the upcoming nuptials rest for the moment.
It’s several hours later when Dom digs his mobile out of his backpack to plug it into the charger before he goes to bed and discovers that Viggo left a message earlier. The pictures have been developed, and Viggo has called to let Dom when he’s available to get together to look at the results of the photo shoot. A spark of excitement rushes through Dom’s body, knowing that his present for Billy is almost complete, and he crawls under the coverlet, curling into Billy’s side, calm and content, feeling confident that everything will work out.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The couple’s second Valentine’s day together begins early, when Billy awakens to the sensation of Dom rubbing his bare arse into his morning erection. It would seem that Dom is feeling frisky, and Billy is more than happy to oblige his lover’s needs. Billy is buried to the hilt and rocking in a lazy, sensuous rhythm when he captures Dom’s sleep mouth in a passionate kiss and the younger man opens his eyes.
“Thought I was dreaming,” Dom gasps and then mewls at the erotic sensation. “Bills-”
“Love you, Dommeh,” Billy whispers, thrusting deeper and eliciting a ragged cry. “Does that feel good?”
“God yes,” Dom pants, arching his back, arms and legs wrapped around his lover’s body. “Oh yeah. Right there, baby.”
Dom’s wanton moans of pleasure urge Billy on, hips rocking faster, repeatedly sliding across the sensitive bundle of nerves inside Dom, and at the vision of his lover climaxing beneath him, Billy buries himself deep, and lets go.
The slowing rhythm of Billy’s erratic heartbeat against his chest and small hands sliding over his slender back lull Dom off to sleep again, curled into Billy’s welcoming embrace. When Dom opens his eyes again, breakfast is waiting on a tray beside him, and as he looks down at the plate to see what Billy has made, he laughs and breaks out into a smile.
“I can’t believe you did this,” he says softly, looking over to meet Billy’s gaze and shifting until their lips touch in a feathery kiss.
“Do you like them?” Billy asks when they part, nodding at the plate. “I saw it last week when I was grocery shopping, and I couldn’t resist.”
“I love them, Bills,” Dom replies, reaching over to the plate and picking up a small pancake with his fingers and drawing it closer so he can get a better look. “They’re heart-shaped.”
“Aye, they are.”
“I think you should consider writing a book,” Dom says, looking up at Billy as he tears off a piece of the pancake and offers it to the older man.
“What?”
“About romance,” Dom explains. “Men could learn a lot from you.”
“Hrm. What if I don’t want to give away all my secrets?” Billy asks after chewing and swallowing, one eyebrow arched.
“Oh. I didn’t think about that,” Dom muses, then takes another bite of pancake, smiling when Billy’s hand slides across his flat belly.
“My romantic ideas are for you alone, Dommie,” Billy says quietly, stroking the firm muscles of his abdomen. “Just you.”
“How did I get so lucky?” Dom whispers, offering Billy his mouth and sighing when their lips meet in a soft kiss. “Thank you, Bills.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day, love.”
Snuggled up together under the deep green coverlet, the couple enjoy breakfast in bed and then Dom reluctantly pulls out of Billy’s embrace as he needs to take a shower before going to school. While Dom’s getting dressed, Billy packs his lunch, including a small, heart-shaped chocolate, wrapped in red foil. A long, tongue-tangling kiss that leaves both men breathless is exchanged in the kitchen before the couple have to part for the day.
“To be continued later?” Dom asks hopefully, placing a kiss to Billy’s neck just below his earlobe.
“I certainly hope so,” he replies, giving Dom an affectionate squeeze. “But you better go, or you’ll be late.”
A brief kiss is exchanged, and then Dom leaves, promising to be home early if it’s all possible. Billy can hear the car pulling away as he walks into the bedroom, and when he walks over to the mattress to change the sheets, he pauses. Sitting on his pillow is a folded piece of paper, with his name written on the front of it, in Dom’s familiar writing. Sinking down to sit down on the edge of the bed, Billy opens the piece of paper and begins to read.
Bills,
I wish that I could spend this romantic day
with you, especially after the way it began,
but since that’s not possible, I leave you
with this.
You’ll find your present after you solve the
puzzle.
I love you,
D
Reading further down the page, Billy arches an eyebrow at the strange grouping of letters that seem to be a message, written in code. Only the first word has been translated to give him a clue.
Cjmmz,
Billy
B qjduvsf jt xpsui b uipvtboe xpset, boe J’wf mfgu ju io b ‘tbgf’ qmbdf.
Epn
Glancing over at the night stand and discovering that someone has helpfully placed a pencil there for him, Billy picks it up and switches on the lamp so he can see better. Brow furrowing in concentration, he uses the first word to decipher the clue, a smile turning up the corners of his mouth as it begins to make sense.
After several minutes, Billy puts down the pencil and ponders the words he’s translated.
Cjmmz,
Billy
B qjduvsf jt xpsui b uipvtboe xpset, boe J’wf mfgu ju io b ‘tbgf’ qmbdf.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and I’ve left it in a ‘safe’ place.
Epn
Dom
Rising to his feet, Billy tucks the note into the pocket of his robe as he decides to follow his instincts, and goes to the first place that comes to mind. He walks downstairs to the book shop and into his office, but before Billy can move over to the safe in the corner, he spots a wrapped package sitting on his desk, complete with a red bow on top. Billy’s head tilts to one side as he wonders what Dom is up to, and after sinking into the chair, he slowly peels away the garish paper to reveal what’s hidden within. When a framed photograph comes into view, Billy’s jaw drops, his eyes wide.
The image of his young lover, sprawled on a plush grouping of jewel-toned pillows, his dark-blonde hair tousled endearingly and long fingers splayed over his precious belly button, causes Billy’s breath to catch in his throat. Eagerly, he drinks in Dom’s charcoal-lined eyes, his vulnerable and trusting expression, the one he has after they’ve made love, and Billy aches to reach through the photo. It seems as though every inch of Dom’s lithe body is calling to Billy, hungry for his touch, and the love that is reflected in his eyes makes Billy’s heart skip a beat.
Never in his life has Billy ever received such an intimate gift, and he’s deeply touched at what Dom has created, just for him.
Billy is hugging the frame to his chest and blinking back the excess moisture in his eyes when he realizes that a small envelope is taped to the back. When he opens the small square, Billy’s bow shaped lips curl up into a smile. It’s a wallet sized copy of the framed photograph, and Dom has written a few words on the back, in black Sharpie, of course.
So you always have me with you.
Glancing at the clock, Billy realizes he needs to hurry, in order to open the shop on time. He takes both photos upstairs with him, immediately tucking the smaller of the two into his wallet, next to the one of them taken in front of Big Ben in London. When he’s showered, shaved and dressed, he carries the framed photo back downstairs, a steaming cup of tea in his other hand. A soft kiss is pressed to the photograph before the frame is lovingly placed on the desk, where Billy can look at it often.
The hours of the day pass quickly, thanks to an almost constant stream of customers, and before Billy knows it, it’s nearly six o’clock. It surprises him that he hasn’t seen Dom yet, and growing concerned, he opts to close a few minutes early. Once the front door is locked, Billy starts to move towards the office, but when he hears a car in the alley, he quickly opens the back door and looks outside. To Billy’s surprise, he discovers their car parked in its usual spot, and it appears to have been there for some time. When Billy turns in confusion, he spots a length of white string leading up the stairs to the flat above.
It’s takes a few minutes to finish closing up, and then Billy picks up the end of the string and begins winding it around his small fingers as he follows the trail. At the top of the stairs, he has to pause to open the door to the flat, and then Billy finds that the string continues through the foyer, around the corner and down the hall to the master bedroom. A growing smile lights up Billy’s features when he discovers flickering tea lights scattered throughout the room, bathing it in golden light, but when he doesn’t find Dom, he looks down in the dim to see where the string will lead him next.
Several moments pass as Billy pauses to take in what Dom has done, and then the string he’s holding moves as it’s impatiently tugged from the other end, urging him on. Curiosity getting the better of him, Billy follows the trail over to the loo, and when he hears a faint splash of water, he lets the pile of string fall from his palm, and pushes open the door.
Like the bedroom, the electricity is off, and everything is bathed in soft light, from the candles placed on every available flat surface. The air is laced with a pleasant aroma that Billy can’t quite identify, and there is a tray set up next to the tub, with a bowl of strawberries, a bottle of chilled wine, and two glasses. The romantic image is made complete by Dom, stretched out in the bathtub, frothy bubbles covering his bare skin to his slender shoulders. Gazing up at Billy, his head lolled to one side as he smiles, Dom lifts an arm out of the steaming water, and offers it to the other man, palm up.
“What took you so long?” he murmurs softly. “C’mere.”
“I was following your clues,” Billy comments as he walks over to the edge on the tub and then sinks down to his knees. “I’ve been doing that since this morning.”
“Did you like the picture?” Dom asks, trying hard to hide his nervousness. “I-”
Billy’s mouth closes over Dom’s to cut off his rambling, his pointy tongue sliding between Dom’s parted lips, eliciting a ragged moan of approval before Dom clutches a handful of his shirt to hold him close. Eagerly deepening the contact, Dom grips the side of the bathtub with his free hand, pushing up into the kiss, and then Billy’s arms are sliding around his damp torso, pulling their bodies together.
“Mmm-I’m getting you all wet,” Dom protests, pulling back just far enough to be able to speak. “Take off your clothes and climb in here with me.”
“That sounds lovely.”
As Dom watches with half-lidded, aroused eyes, Billy stands up, quickly peeling away his shirt and trousers and then stepping into the bathtub before sinking down into the heated water. Once Billy is settled, Dom leans back into his welcoming embrace, sighing with pleasure when Billy’s arms slip around him, and a few moments later he’s gently turned until they’re face to face. Cradling Dom to his chest, Billy captures his sweet mouth in another kiss, relishing in the sensation of his lover’s naked and aroused body pressed against him. It’s only when Dom is limp and pliant in his arms that Billy ends the intimate exchange.
“That photo-”
“Yeah?”
“It’s incredible, Dommie,” Billy murmurs tenderly, petting Dom’s damp hair and stroking his slender back. “I’ve never received a gift like that before.”
“A first?”
“Aye.”
“Good,” Dom says with a nod. “That’s what I was hoping for. A first for both of us.”
“It’s wonderful. I’ll always treasure it,” Billy vows before pressing a kiss to Dom’s forehead. “It’s been a very memorable day.”
“I was inspired to do something special for you, and I thought a bath together would be nice.”
“It’s perfect, Dommie,” Billy replies. “I love it, and I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Shifting in the bathtub to find a more comfortable position, Billy then reaches over to the nearby tray and picks up a strawberry.
“Open up, love,” he requests.
The fruit is gently nibbled into two pieces for them to share, and that leads to more kissing and caressing as the couple snuggle in the warm wetness. Billy’s eyes are starting to grow heavy, relaxed and content to have Dom in his arms, when a beeping fills the quiet.
“What’s that?”
“The alarm on my watch. Dinner will be here in a few minutes,” Dom explains. “I asked that it be delivered at half six.”
“You ordered takeaway?”
“From Tony’s,” Dom admits, almost bashful. “They’re having a special today. You can request that your pizza be made heart-shaped.”
“Really?” Billy asks, shaking with laughter.
Looking up at his amused lover, Dom blushes. “I thought it was silly and romantic, but after the pancakes this morning, I couldn’t resist.”
“It’s perfect, Dommie,” Billy assures him. “I love it.”
“Good,” Dom says with a nod, shifting in Billy’s embrace. “Now I better get up and put some clothes on.”
“Aye, me too.”
“You don’t have to, Bills,” Dom tells him, leaning back and rubbing his nose against Billy’s scruffy cheek. “I’ll only be gone for a minute. I thought maybe we could eat in bed.”
Billy opens his mouth to respond, but is cut off when a car pulls into the alley behind the shop and honks its horn.
“There it is,” Dom says, giving Billy a fast kiss before rising from the bathtub and stepping out of the water that is starting to cool. “Get into bed, Bills. I’ll be right back.”
Blue jeans and a t-shirt are quickly pulled on over Dom’s wet skin before he hurries out of the bedroom and down the stairs to pay for the pizza, and as promised, he’s back in just a couple of minutes. Billy can tell that Dom is pleased when he discovers Billy in bed, the wine and strawberries now sitting on the night stand. The pizza box and a stack of napkins are placed on the bed for safekeeping, and then Dom is shedding his clothes even faster than he put them on, eager to slide under the coverlet naked. Once the couple are snuggled up together again, they open the cardboard box to get a look at their unusually shaped dinner.
“I’m starting to think that maybe you should be the one to write a book on romance,” Billy teases.
“Oh, I don’t think so,” Dom replies mildly. “My romantic ideas are for you alone,” he quotes.
Smiling at his lover fondly, Billy nods in agreement, and then dips his head to bring their lips together in a soft kiss.
“Then I consider myself to be a very lucky man,” he whispers before kissing Dom again, and then overwhelming him with erotic pleasure.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Chapter 27
Author: dylan_dufresne
Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: Hard R
Summary: A conversation about wedding plans, the gift of time, and a day of romance.
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated as it’s my drug of choice. Many thanks to my beta, frojane.
Special Thanks: To loki_girl for the exquisite banner that she has created, and to tarnishedhalo for loaning me her inspirational manip for the centerpiece. I am so thankful and appreciative of you both, and your generosity.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. This is my imagination at work.
A/N: I won’t be able to post this in the morning, so you get it early. Surprise!
Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25
Chapter 26
It’s nearly dinner time before Dom returns to the shop, a bag of takeaway Chinese cradled in his arms, and with the exception of asking if Dom had a good day, Billy doesn’t pry. He can see that Dom has a lot on his mind at the moment, and chooses instead to respect his privacy and distract him, engaging him in conversation and making inquires as to what they should do tomorrow. They spend the rest of the evening watching movies and turn in late after making love, knowing that they can sleep in as long as they want.
It’s after nine when Billy opens his eyes, and feeling rather playful, slides down his lover’s lithe body, cupping his arousal and tonguing the sensitive flesh until it’s hard. A saliva-moistened finger is gently pressed between Dom’s cheeks, and when the younger man opens his eyes as he rises to consciousness, Billy is rapidly bobbing his head, sucking in a sensuous rhythm and petting the tiny bundle of nerves inside him. Arching his back in ecstasy, Dom cards his fingers through Billy’s ginger hair and watches his lover’s cherubic lips, crying out a warning when orgasm overtakes him.
After Dom’s release his been swallowed down, Billy presses a fond kiss to his belly and then moves back up the bed to bring their lips together in a prolonged, tongue-tangling kiss that leaves them both breathless.
“Good morning, love,” Billy murmurs tenderly when they part and he cuddles the younger man to his chest.
“I’ll say,” Dom replies breathlessly, still dizzy from the erotic way he was awoken. “That was-”
“Liked it?” Billy asks teasingly.
“Loved it,” Dom corrects as his hot, uneven breath flows across Billy’s nipple and causes the nub to crinkle into a tight pucker. “Love your mouth. Love your hands. Love everything about you.”
“Good, because it’s mutual,” Billy tells him softly, dipping his head to kiss Dom’s tattooed shoulder. “And I love making you happy.”
“That’s a bloody good start,” Dom says with a laugh, looking up to meet Billy’s gaze.
“Hungry?”
“Yeah, but I want to take a shower first,” Dom replies, shifting rest his weight on one elbow. “I’m a little sticky. Feel asleep before I cleaned up last night.”
“Want company?” Billy inquires suggestively. “I’ll wash your back, if you like.”
“You can wash anything that catches your fancy,” Dom tells him with a soft smile. “And more, if you like.”
Sharing a warm, passionate kiss, the couple then climb out of bed and make their way into the loo, Billy’s arms wrapped possessively around Dom’s slender waist.
“You’re cuddly today,” Dom comments as he leans into the shower, twisting on the taps and testing the water temperature. “Not that I’m complaining, of course.”
“Missed you in the shop yesterday,” Billy admits, drawing their bodies closer and petting Dom’s stomach. “I think we both got used to you always being here.”
Turning in his lover’s arms as his brow furrows, Dom asks, “Bills, why didn’t you call? I would’ve-”
“No, it’s all right, love,” Billy interjects, kissing the tip of his nose. “It’s just made me appreciate the time that you are here. That’s a good thing. I wouldn’t ever want to take you for granted.”
“You don’t,” Dom says softly, and then brings their lips together for a tender kiss.
Moaning his enjoyment as the kiss deepens, their tongues tangling wetly, Billy reaches behind Dom to draw back the shower curtain and guides their naked bodies under the hot spray. When they finally come up for air, there is lathering, laughter and tickling that ends with Dom pressing Billy against the tiles, his long fingers wrapped around their arousals. Billy’s cries of pleasure echo in the small space, and Dom nibbling kisses to his neck only add to his enjoyment as he’s brought to a fierce, shuddering orgasm.
A few minutes later, Dom steps out of the shower, leaving Billy to catch his breath and wash his hair, and when Billy emerges from the tiled enclosure, he makes a discovery that turns up the corners of his mouth. On the mirror above the basin, Dom has left Billy a message, marking the fogged-over surface with a bar of soap.
I ♥ you
Tracing the message with his finger, Billy sighs with contentment, and after wrapping a towel around his hips, he goes in search of his lover to return the sentiment.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Billy is stirring milk into his cup of tea when he hears Dom walking down the hall to the kitchen, muttering under his breath. As the younger man enters the kitchen, he shoves something into the front pocket of his blue jeans, a scowl marring his normally cheerful features.
“What’s the matter, love?” Billy inquires, setting his cup of tea and Dom’s coffee down on the kitchen table.
“Watch strap broke,” Dom replies grumpily, dropping heavily into his chair. “Again.”
Sitting as well, Billy asks, “Did the pin come out?”
“No, a piece from the face plate is cracking,” Dom explains. “Cheap plastic. What do you expect?”
“Want me to look at it?” Billy inquires, trying to be helpful.
“Actually, I think need to give in and buy a new one,” Dom replies, slouching down in his chair and cradling the cup of coffee between his palms. “I’ve had this one for years, so I guess it’s time.”
“All right.”
“I’ll just have to keep it in my pocket for now.”
“I could-” Abruptly, Billy pauses and averts his eyes as he purses his lips in thought.
“What?” Dom prompts.
“I was going to say that I could look for one when I’m in London, but that’s three weeks away, and I figure you’ll want to replace it long before then,” Billy explains, almost awkwardly.
“If I haven’t found one,” Dom replies noncommittally. “We’ll see, yeah?”
“I wish you could come with me,” Billy adds softly, changing the subject and reaching across the table to take one of Dom’s hands in his. “I’ll miss you.”
“Miss you, too.”
“Three whole nights apart,” Billy laments. “Wish I didn’t have to go.”
“You didn’t go to the last one,” Dom points out. “You can’t miss two in a row. The shop is doing well, and that’s because you keep bringing in new books that people want to read. You need to keep doing that.”
Billy sighs. “I know.”
“I’ll be okay,” Dom tells him, trying to smile. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, yeah?”
“And other bits of my anatomy hard as a rock,” Billy mutters under his breath, blushing when Dom’s eyes widen, informing Billy that he was heard and understood.
“You can make it up to me when you get back,” Dom teases, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
“And perhaps you can work on coming up with a date for when you want us to get married,” Billy adds, deflecting the attention off himself. “Unless you want to keep things the way they are for a while longer and have a long engagement.”
“Come up with a date?” Dom asks in surprise. “Me?”
“Aye,” Billy confirms. “It’s been over five weeks since you said yes, and you haven’t said a word about it since that night.”
“I thought we would decide together,” Dom says, his brow furrowing. “Why do I have to pick the date?”
“Dommie, I’d marry you today, if that’s what you wanted,” Billy replies gently. “But since you’re the only man I’m ever going to promise my life to, it needs to be done right. I want it to be everything you’ve ever wanted. And more. In order for that to happen, we need to set a date. Make plans.”
“I know we have to make some decisions,” Dom admits. “Maggie will need to fly in, and my parents drive down from Manchester-”
“Aye, but before that, there needs to be a date,” Billy interjects. “I’m at the shop. Aside from a few conventions a year, my schedule doesn’t change. You’re going to uni, so that’s something to consider. What’s going to be a good time for you, where it’ll least disrupt your schedule?”
“Well, when do you want-”
“Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be there,” Billy says when Dom trails off, uncertainty clouding his eyes. “All right?”
“Did you, uh, want to invite anyone else?” Dom asks hesitantly, hoping to shift the conversation to a different topic. “I know it won’t be a legal marriage, per say, so I didn’t know if you wanted to be traditional, and have a best man or something.”
“I was thinking of asking Viggo, actually,” Billy admits. “But I wanted to know how you felt about that first. If you’d rather I didn’t, then I won’t. I also wondered whether or not you’d want to invite him to the ceremony-”
“Bills, I’m not concerned that you’re still harboring feelings for him,” Dom says, interrupting his love’s rambling. “If that’s who you want to stand up with you, then I think you should do it. Ask him, I mean.”
“Well, next to you, he’s my closest friend, and I’ve known him for years,” Billy admits. “But I don’t know what he’ll say-”
“I told he was happy for us,” Dom interjects softly. “I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Cradling Dom’s left hand in both of his, stroking the sparkling ring with the tip of a finger, Billy slowly nods. “I just love you so much, and I want him to be as happy as we are. That he has someone who cares about him.”
“He does.”
“What about you?” Billy asks suddenly. “Do you want to have a best man, too? Matt? Your Dad, maybe?”
“I was thinking about asking Mark,” Dom replies. “I love my brother, but I think he’d be happy to sit back and just watch. I’d want Mum and Dad to be together, side by side. Mark’s been a great friend to me. From the first day I worked in the shop, he was very kind, helpful, and understanding. He tried to nudge me in your direction, on more than a couple of occasions.”
Billy smiles. “Me too.”
“So assuming they say yes, that’ll mean eight people, and us, of course,” Dom adds, counting off the guest list on his fingers. “Ten total.”
“I count nine,” Billy says, his brow furrowing. “Who am I missing?”
“I thought it would be nice to invite Emily,” Dom explains. “I know we don’t know her all that well, but I think Mark would like it we included her.”
“That’s a great idea, Dommie,” Billy says. “I think Mark will love it.”
“Okay, so that’s the guest list taken care of,” Dom announces, and then glances over at the clock on the wall. “And now I have to run to school.”
Gulping down his coffee, Dom rises to his feet, places his cup in the sink and then captures Billy’s upturned mouth in a warm, lingering kiss. Reluctantly ending the exchange and wishing they had time for much more, Dom slings his backpack over his shoulder before lifting a hand to wave goodbye.
“I’ll see you tonight.”
“Think about the date, all right?” Billy calls after him. “Have a good day. I love you.”
“I will,” Dom calls back. “Love you, too.”
Listening to his lover leave, Billy sips his tea and contemplates what he can do to give Dom everything he could possibly want for the celebratory day, when they says their vows to one another. Nearly three hours later, while reconciling bank statements with his records, he’s still thinking about it, and keeps losing his place. At Mark’s gentle insistence, Billy decides to go for a walk and clear his head, enjoying the crisp, February air and looking forward to Valentine’s day.
Billy is blocks away from the shop when he catches a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye, something in a display window. Pausing, he steps closer to examine it, and as an idea forms in his head, Billy breaks out into a smile. After checking to make sure that he’d brought his wallet, he steps inside to make a purchase.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Just before seven o’clock that night, Billy calls down the hall to inform Dom that dinner is ready, causing the younger man to remove his glasses and rub at his tired eyes before pushing away from the desk. Whatever Billy is cooking smells delicious, and Dom’s stomach rumbles approvingly as he makes his way to the kitchen.
“I heard that,” Billy teases, glancing over his shoulder when his lover enters the room. “Sit down.”
Dom is sliding into his seat when he looks down and spots a black, square box sitting in the center of his plate.
“What’s this?”
“A present,” Billy replies mildly, walking over to the table with a bowl of mashed potatoes in one hand, and a tray of pork chops in the other. “I was out of the shop this morning and I saw that. It reminded me of you, so I bought it. I hope you like it.”
“What did I do to deserve a present?” Dom asks, eyebrow arched as Billy sets their dinner over to the table and sits down across from him.
“Just open it,” Billy retorts gently. “Please?”
“All right,” Dom agrees, holding the item in one hand and lifting off the lid with the other.
A moment later, Billy sees a smile tug at the corners of Dom’s crooked mouth, silently waiting as Dom carefully takes the gift out of the packaging and cradles it in the palm of his hand.
“You bought me a watch,” Dom murmurs, gazing at the timepiece, stroking the silver tone band and brushing the pad of his thumb over the face.
“I know you said you’d buy one-”
“No, Bills. It’s very nice. Thank you.”
“There’s more,” Billy tells him, green eyes soft and intimate. “It’s inscribed on the back.”
Flipping it over, Dom reads the engraved words, and then blinks rapidly as his eyes start to glisten.
I’ll always have time for you.
“Dommie?”
“Hmm?”
Looking up, Dom discovers Billy looking at him intently, the concern obvious in his expression.
“I’m sorry that I pressured you this morning, about setting a date,” Billy says awkwardly. “I didn’t intend that. We can wait for as long as you want, all right? I’m not in any hurry.”
“Well, I’d have to disagree with you there,” Dom tells him, slipping the watch over his hand securing it around his slender wrist. “I think, deep down, you’re worried that I’m going to change my mind, and the fact that I didn’t set a date is making it worse.”
Knowing that the younger man has seen right through to his deepest fear, the tips of Billy’s ears redden. “Dom-”
“I’m not going to change my mind,” Dom interrupts, rising to stand up and then walking over to the other man, dropping down into a crouch beside him as their fingers lace together. “The night you proposed was incredible, and I wear this ring with pride.”
When the older man tugs gently at his hand, Dom acquiesces to the silent request and shifts to settles on Billy’s lap, wrapping a long arm around his lover’s shoulders.
“There’s nobody else for me, and I want the day we make those vows to be as wonderful as you are, and as special as you make me feel,” Dom finishes. “That’s a bit intimidating, and I can’t do it by myself. This is our day, so we need to decide everything together.”
“I thought by leaving you to choose the date, it was a way to give you control,” Billy admits softly. “But instead it was pressure. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Bills,” Dom soothes, dipping his head to bring their mouths together for a soft, lingering kiss. “Your intentions were good, and that counts for something.”
“Do you really like the watch?”
“I love it,” Dom murmurs, holding Billy’s face in his hands and gazing deep into his eyes. “And I promise that I’ll always have time for you.”
“Deal.”
A long, wet, tongue-tangling kiss is shared, and only ends when Dom’s stomach growls loudly in protest to the delicious aroma of food, and the fact that they’re not eating it. Laughing as they part, the anxiety that both men were feeling dissipates, and now, much more relaxed, they dig into their food, talking about their days, and letting the subject of the upcoming nuptials rest for the moment.
It’s several hours later when Dom digs his mobile out of his backpack to plug it into the charger before he goes to bed and discovers that Viggo left a message earlier. The pictures have been developed, and Viggo has called to let Dom when he’s available to get together to look at the results of the photo shoot. A spark of excitement rushes through Dom’s body, knowing that his present for Billy is almost complete, and he crawls under the coverlet, curling into Billy’s side, calm and content, feeling confident that everything will work out.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The couple’s second Valentine’s day together begins early, when Billy awakens to the sensation of Dom rubbing his bare arse into his morning erection. It would seem that Dom is feeling frisky, and Billy is more than happy to oblige his lover’s needs. Billy is buried to the hilt and rocking in a lazy, sensuous rhythm when he captures Dom’s sleep mouth in a passionate kiss and the younger man opens his eyes.
“Thought I was dreaming,” Dom gasps and then mewls at the erotic sensation. “Bills-”
“Love you, Dommeh,” Billy whispers, thrusting deeper and eliciting a ragged cry. “Does that feel good?”
“God yes,” Dom pants, arching his back, arms and legs wrapped around his lover’s body. “Oh yeah. Right there, baby.”
Dom’s wanton moans of pleasure urge Billy on, hips rocking faster, repeatedly sliding across the sensitive bundle of nerves inside Dom, and at the vision of his lover climaxing beneath him, Billy buries himself deep, and lets go.
The slowing rhythm of Billy’s erratic heartbeat against his chest and small hands sliding over his slender back lull Dom off to sleep again, curled into Billy’s welcoming embrace. When Dom opens his eyes again, breakfast is waiting on a tray beside him, and as he looks down at the plate to see what Billy has made, he laughs and breaks out into a smile.
“I can’t believe you did this,” he says softly, looking over to meet Billy’s gaze and shifting until their lips touch in a feathery kiss.
“Do you like them?” Billy asks when they part, nodding at the plate. “I saw it last week when I was grocery shopping, and I couldn’t resist.”
“I love them, Bills,” Dom replies, reaching over to the plate and picking up a small pancake with his fingers and drawing it closer so he can get a better look. “They’re heart-shaped.”
“Aye, they are.”
“I think you should consider writing a book,” Dom says, looking up at Billy as he tears off a piece of the pancake and offers it to the older man.
“What?”
“About romance,” Dom explains. “Men could learn a lot from you.”
“Hrm. What if I don’t want to give away all my secrets?” Billy asks after chewing and swallowing, one eyebrow arched.
“Oh. I didn’t think about that,” Dom muses, then takes another bite of pancake, smiling when Billy’s hand slides across his flat belly.
“My romantic ideas are for you alone, Dommie,” Billy says quietly, stroking the firm muscles of his abdomen. “Just you.”
“How did I get so lucky?” Dom whispers, offering Billy his mouth and sighing when their lips meet in a soft kiss. “Thank you, Bills.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day, love.”
Snuggled up together under the deep green coverlet, the couple enjoy breakfast in bed and then Dom reluctantly pulls out of Billy’s embrace as he needs to take a shower before going to school. While Dom’s getting dressed, Billy packs his lunch, including a small, heart-shaped chocolate, wrapped in red foil. A long, tongue-tangling kiss that leaves both men breathless is exchanged in the kitchen before the couple have to part for the day.
“To be continued later?” Dom asks hopefully, placing a kiss to Billy’s neck just below his earlobe.
“I certainly hope so,” he replies, giving Dom an affectionate squeeze. “But you better go, or you’ll be late.”
A brief kiss is exchanged, and then Dom leaves, promising to be home early if it’s all possible. Billy can hear the car pulling away as he walks into the bedroom, and when he walks over to the mattress to change the sheets, he pauses. Sitting on his pillow is a folded piece of paper, with his name written on the front of it, in Dom’s familiar writing. Sinking down to sit down on the edge of the bed, Billy opens the piece of paper and begins to read.
Bills,
I wish that I could spend this romantic day
with you, especially after the way it began,
but since that’s not possible, I leave you
with this.
You’ll find your present after you solve the
puzzle.
I love you,
D
Reading further down the page, Billy arches an eyebrow at the strange grouping of letters that seem to be a message, written in code. Only the first word has been translated to give him a clue.
Cjmmz,
Billy
B qjduvsf jt xpsui b uipvtboe xpset, boe J’wf mfgu ju io b ‘tbgf’ qmbdf.
Epn
Glancing over at the night stand and discovering that someone has helpfully placed a pencil there for him, Billy picks it up and switches on the lamp so he can see better. Brow furrowing in concentration, he uses the first word to decipher the clue, a smile turning up the corners of his mouth as it begins to make sense.
After several minutes, Billy puts down the pencil and ponders the words he’s translated.
Cjmmz,
Billy
B qjduvsf jt xpsui b uipvtboe xpset, boe J’wf mfgu ju io b ‘tbgf’ qmbdf.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and I’ve left it in a ‘safe’ place.
Epn
Dom
Rising to his feet, Billy tucks the note into the pocket of his robe as he decides to follow his instincts, and goes to the first place that comes to mind. He walks downstairs to the book shop and into his office, but before Billy can move over to the safe in the corner, he spots a wrapped package sitting on his desk, complete with a red bow on top. Billy’s head tilts to one side as he wonders what Dom is up to, and after sinking into the chair, he slowly peels away the garish paper to reveal what’s hidden within. When a framed photograph comes into view, Billy’s jaw drops, his eyes wide.
The image of his young lover, sprawled on a plush grouping of jewel-toned pillows, his dark-blonde hair tousled endearingly and long fingers splayed over his precious belly button, causes Billy’s breath to catch in his throat. Eagerly, he drinks in Dom’s charcoal-lined eyes, his vulnerable and trusting expression, the one he has after they’ve made love, and Billy aches to reach through the photo. It seems as though every inch of Dom’s lithe body is calling to Billy, hungry for his touch, and the love that is reflected in his eyes makes Billy’s heart skip a beat.
Never in his life has Billy ever received such an intimate gift, and he’s deeply touched at what Dom has created, just for him.
Billy is hugging the frame to his chest and blinking back the excess moisture in his eyes when he realizes that a small envelope is taped to the back. When he opens the small square, Billy’s bow shaped lips curl up into a smile. It’s a wallet sized copy of the framed photograph, and Dom has written a few words on the back, in black Sharpie, of course.
So you always have me with you.
Glancing at the clock, Billy realizes he needs to hurry, in order to open the shop on time. He takes both photos upstairs with him, immediately tucking the smaller of the two into his wallet, next to the one of them taken in front of Big Ben in London. When he’s showered, shaved and dressed, he carries the framed photo back downstairs, a steaming cup of tea in his other hand. A soft kiss is pressed to the photograph before the frame is lovingly placed on the desk, where Billy can look at it often.
The hours of the day pass quickly, thanks to an almost constant stream of customers, and before Billy knows it, it’s nearly six o’clock. It surprises him that he hasn’t seen Dom yet, and growing concerned, he opts to close a few minutes early. Once the front door is locked, Billy starts to move towards the office, but when he hears a car in the alley, he quickly opens the back door and looks outside. To Billy’s surprise, he discovers their car parked in its usual spot, and it appears to have been there for some time. When Billy turns in confusion, he spots a length of white string leading up the stairs to the flat above.
It’s takes a few minutes to finish closing up, and then Billy picks up the end of the string and begins winding it around his small fingers as he follows the trail. At the top of the stairs, he has to pause to open the door to the flat, and then Billy finds that the string continues through the foyer, around the corner and down the hall to the master bedroom. A growing smile lights up Billy’s features when he discovers flickering tea lights scattered throughout the room, bathing it in golden light, but when he doesn’t find Dom, he looks down in the dim to see where the string will lead him next.
Several moments pass as Billy pauses to take in what Dom has done, and then the string he’s holding moves as it’s impatiently tugged from the other end, urging him on. Curiosity getting the better of him, Billy follows the trail over to the loo, and when he hears a faint splash of water, he lets the pile of string fall from his palm, and pushes open the door.
Like the bedroom, the electricity is off, and everything is bathed in soft light, from the candles placed on every available flat surface. The air is laced with a pleasant aroma that Billy can’t quite identify, and there is a tray set up next to the tub, with a bowl of strawberries, a bottle of chilled wine, and two glasses. The romantic image is made complete by Dom, stretched out in the bathtub, frothy bubbles covering his bare skin to his slender shoulders. Gazing up at Billy, his head lolled to one side as he smiles, Dom lifts an arm out of the steaming water, and offers it to the other man, palm up.
“What took you so long?” he murmurs softly. “C’mere.”
“I was following your clues,” Billy comments as he walks over to the edge on the tub and then sinks down to his knees. “I’ve been doing that since this morning.”
“Did you like the picture?” Dom asks, trying hard to hide his nervousness. “I-”
Billy’s mouth closes over Dom’s to cut off his rambling, his pointy tongue sliding between Dom’s parted lips, eliciting a ragged moan of approval before Dom clutches a handful of his shirt to hold him close. Eagerly deepening the contact, Dom grips the side of the bathtub with his free hand, pushing up into the kiss, and then Billy’s arms are sliding around his damp torso, pulling their bodies together.
“Mmm-I’m getting you all wet,” Dom protests, pulling back just far enough to be able to speak. “Take off your clothes and climb in here with me.”
“That sounds lovely.”
As Dom watches with half-lidded, aroused eyes, Billy stands up, quickly peeling away his shirt and trousers and then stepping into the bathtub before sinking down into the heated water. Once Billy is settled, Dom leans back into his welcoming embrace, sighing with pleasure when Billy’s arms slip around him, and a few moments later he’s gently turned until they’re face to face. Cradling Dom to his chest, Billy captures his sweet mouth in another kiss, relishing in the sensation of his lover’s naked and aroused body pressed against him. It’s only when Dom is limp and pliant in his arms that Billy ends the intimate exchange.
“That photo-”
“Yeah?”
“It’s incredible, Dommie,” Billy murmurs tenderly, petting Dom’s damp hair and stroking his slender back. “I’ve never received a gift like that before.”
“A first?”
“Aye.”
“Good,” Dom says with a nod. “That’s what I was hoping for. A first for both of us.”
“It’s wonderful. I’ll always treasure it,” Billy vows before pressing a kiss to Dom’s forehead. “It’s been a very memorable day.”
“I was inspired to do something special for you, and I thought a bath together would be nice.”
“It’s perfect, Dommie,” Billy replies. “I love it, and I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Shifting in the bathtub to find a more comfortable position, Billy then reaches over to the nearby tray and picks up a strawberry.
“Open up, love,” he requests.
The fruit is gently nibbled into two pieces for them to share, and that leads to more kissing and caressing as the couple snuggle in the warm wetness. Billy’s eyes are starting to grow heavy, relaxed and content to have Dom in his arms, when a beeping fills the quiet.
“What’s that?”
“The alarm on my watch. Dinner will be here in a few minutes,” Dom explains. “I asked that it be delivered at half six.”
“You ordered takeaway?”
“From Tony’s,” Dom admits, almost bashful. “They’re having a special today. You can request that your pizza be made heart-shaped.”
“Really?” Billy asks, shaking with laughter.
Looking up at his amused lover, Dom blushes. “I thought it was silly and romantic, but after the pancakes this morning, I couldn’t resist.”
“It’s perfect, Dommie,” Billy assures him. “I love it.”
“Good,” Dom says with a nod, shifting in Billy’s embrace. “Now I better get up and put some clothes on.”
“Aye, me too.”
“You don’t have to, Bills,” Dom tells him, leaning back and rubbing his nose against Billy’s scruffy cheek. “I’ll only be gone for a minute. I thought maybe we could eat in bed.”
Billy opens his mouth to respond, but is cut off when a car pulls into the alley behind the shop and honks its horn.
“There it is,” Dom says, giving Billy a fast kiss before rising from the bathtub and stepping out of the water that is starting to cool. “Get into bed, Bills. I’ll be right back.”
Blue jeans and a t-shirt are quickly pulled on over Dom’s wet skin before he hurries out of the bedroom and down the stairs to pay for the pizza, and as promised, he’s back in just a couple of minutes. Billy can tell that Dom is pleased when he discovers Billy in bed, the wine and strawberries now sitting on the night stand. The pizza box and a stack of napkins are placed on the bed for safekeeping, and then Dom is shedding his clothes even faster than he put them on, eager to slide under the coverlet naked. Once the couple are snuggled up together again, they open the cardboard box to get a look at their unusually shaped dinner.
“I’m starting to think that maybe you should be the one to write a book on romance,” Billy teases.
“Oh, I don’t think so,” Dom replies mildly. “My romantic ideas are for you alone,” he quotes.
Smiling at his lover fondly, Billy nods in agreement, and then dips his head to bring their lips together in a soft kiss.
“Then I consider myself to be a very lucky man,” he whispers before kissing Dom again, and then overwhelming him with erotic pleasure.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Chapter 27