Naughty & Nice (Merry Elf-Mas 2)

Chapter 10

Rolly

“ T hat should do it.” I surveyed my finished basement and was filled with satisfaction. Ever since the boys and I had made plans for them to come over, I’d been preparing this space. I’d put dozens of thick foam pads under my enormous plush rug. That way, they could romp around with minimal chances of getting hurt as they played.

This room had served as my painting studio, but all that was put away in the closet for now. Well, save for the few things I’d kept out because I had something big to ask the boys. I had my fancy camera out as well. While I didn’t love painting things based on pictures, it was hard to get people to pose for hours on end.

I checked that the pet dishes had plenty of food and water in them before heading upstairs. My house was kept spotless thanks to my years in the military. Which was to my advantage because I didn’t want to be that old bachelor that lived like a slob.

Going into the kitchen, I checked the oven to see how much time was left on the cookies and casserole I’d made. Lolly had actually been by earlier with the girls to help me out. I can cook, but I wanted something nice for my boys. Her chicken and rice casserole was to die for, but she guarded the recipe like a national secret.

The timer beeped, and I pulled everything out to cool. I felt a smile curl my lips as I looked at the cookies. I’d seen the bone and fish cookie cutters on my last trip to the craft store and bought them on a whim. Now I was patting myself on the back over it. The boys were sure to love these treats.

My doorbell rang, and my heart fluttered in time with it. They were here. I restrained myself from jogging to the door and took a second to compose myself. No point in appearing over eager. Even if I felt like a teenager, having his crushes over to hang out.

The door had barely opened before I found my arms full of an excitable pup. “Master! Sunny missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too, boy.” I patted his back before disentangling myself. Standing on the porch was my Grumpy Cat, looking for all the world like he wanted to be anywhere else. After our trip to Portland, he’d opened up more and showed me little signs of affection. He was still a cat though, so he couldn’t be too blatant about his attitude change.

A chilly breeze blew by, and he shivered before bustling into the house. I bit the inside of my lip to keep from snickering. It was damn adorable how much he hated the cold. Turning from shutting the door, I narrowly avoided taking a gift bag to the face. I felt my brow arch in confusion as I gazed around it at Angel.

He gave an awkward cough as his eyes skittered away from mine. “I wanted to thank you for driving me the other day. So here.” He shoved the bag into my hands. “Now you know I’m not an ungrateful bastard.”

I shook my head with a fond chuckle as I opened the bag. What I found touched my heart. It was a dark wooden case that held a set of premium brushes inside. I knew these weren’t cheap to get and it must have taken him a while to find them.

My misty gaze rose to meet his anxious eyes. “Thank you, Angel. This is beautiful.”

Angel huffed and removed his outwear, but I didn’t miss the little pleased smile he tried to hide. The boys tucked their winter gear in the coat closet, and I led them on a quick tour of the upstairs. They dropped their toy bag off in the guest room and we returned to the kitchen. “So, are you both in the mood to eat first, or do you want to play?”

Damon bounced in place with a goofy grin on his face. “Do you even have to ask? Play! Food is always better after a good play.”

I chuckled and looked at Angel. He shrugged and gave a lazy wave at Damon. “I’m good as long as the mutt is happy.”

That settled it then. I covered the food to keep it warm and shooed the boys off to the guest room to change. Making my way downstairs, there was a little skip in my step. Having the boys in my space was thrilling and something I hoped would one day be permanent. Their lease on the house next door had to come up sometime, and I’d be happy to adopt two little homeless pets.

I snagged my camera before settling on the couch, pushed against the far wall. As I checked the battery life, I heard footsteps on the stairs and my heart rate sped up. I hoped they liked what I did with this space and the things I bought for them.

Sounds of delight hit my ears as they entered the space and took it in. Guess I’d done a good job. Looking up, their faces were obscured by their hoods, but I could see awe in their eyes. I set the camera safely on the side table as my lips pulled up into a grin. “What do you think, boys? Did Master make you a nice play area?”

Damon bounded across the room and plopped beside me on the couch. I found myself pulled into a rib-cracking hug as he nuzzled my shoulder. “Oh, yes, Master. It’s amazing! Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome, Sunny.” I gave his head a fond pat, but my eyes were tracking Angel. He was making a circuit of the room. Pausing here and there to look at the oversized floor pillows or the scratching post.

His features remained impassive, but I noticed his butt would give this imperceptible wiggle when he liked something. With an air of indifference, Angel walked over and sat beside me. His head fell on my shoulder, and I swear I heard a purr. “I guess it will do.”

That was high praise coming from my contrary kitten. I stroked his neck, and he burrowed further into me. “I’m glad you like it all.”

With that out of the way, it was time for some serious play. I plucked the new squeaky bone from the basket on the side table and gave it a squeeze. Damon’s head popped up, and he gave a yip. “Go get it, boy.”

I threw the bone on the floor, and he dove after it. He picked it up in his mouth and rolled around a few times, gnawing it merrily. Angel stretched before sliding onto the floor. He licked his paws and groomed himself.

Oh, no you don’t. He would not get me all riled up by showing off how flexible he was. I fished a laser pointer out of the basket and put the dot right in his line of sight. His eyes flashed, and he leaped on the spot.

It was adorable how he skittered all over the rug, chasing after the little light. The view of his tight butt with the cute tail hanging over it wasn’t bad either. It bet he’d look even more delectable if that tail were attached to a plug buried in the succulent ass.

Damon had abandoned his bone and had joined Angel in the hunt. Them tripping over each other to get at the dot had me quaking with restrained laughter. I guided the spot toward the couch, where it disappeared underneath.

They both pawed at the space under the furniture but came up with nothing. Damon made confused puppy eyes before chuffing, then trotting off back to his bone. Angel sat poised to pounce for a few more moments, with his eyes trained on the couch.

When he at last realized the laser dot wasn’t coming back, he looked up at me as if I’d committed the greatest betrayal. He turned his nose up and strolled off with a fuck you very much air. It seemed I’d been dismissed as he went to lie on one cushion and glared at me.

That was fine, as I needed to shift gears. I hated to end their playtime, but this was the best opportunity to ask about the painting. “Yellow.” Both pets froze and turned quizzical eyes on me. “It’s okay, boys. I just have something to ask you. We can go back to playing after.”

Damon sagged in relief while Angel sat up cross-legged on his navy pillow. “What is it, Master?”

“I wanted to ask if you would allow me to paint a portrait of you both?” I picked up my camera and waved it.

“Um, Master. You can’t paint with a camera.” Damon did that adorable puppy head cock, and my heart melted. He was beyond precious.

Rising to my feet, I went over to where he sat and petted his hooded head. “That would be correct. The camera is to get a picture of you both for me to paint from.”

“Why bother with painting if you already have a picture?” Angel toyed with his tail, acting nonchalant. “Seems like way too much work.”

I’d need to find a better use for that smarmy mouth of his later. “Well, if you don’t want me to paint you.”

He dropped his tail, and there was a hint of panic in his eyes. “I didn’t say that. I just thought it was a lot of excessive effort.”

My feet carried me over to him, and our eyes locked. His gaze was steely, but under it, I could see the fear. The worry that he’d gone too far. That maybe this was what would drive me away. I’d learned that while Angel could be blunt, even tactless sometimes, he didn’t mean to be hateful.

I stroked his head while giving him a reassuring smile. “Yes, it’s a lot of effort, but one I do for those I care about.” I waved the camera for him to see. “Having a picture is nice, but there’s something about capturing an image on a canvas that makes it so special.”

As I spoke, a memory floated to mind. Uncle Solly had taken the family to the museum to see the local art exhibition. He was always finding ways for us to broaden our horizons, even though he wasn’t the richest man alive. When I saw those oil paintings, I fell in love. I’d bust my ass mowing lawns and other odd jobs to earn money for art lessons and supplies. If I was ever short, Aunt Dolly would give me the money. I knew it came from Uncle Solly and that he’d worked hard to make sure I could follow my passion.

My eyes stung with tears, and I rubbed them away before the boys could see. “So tell me, boys. Will you let me paint you?”

Damon popped to his feet and hugged me. “If it makes Master happy, then Sunny is all for it.”

I thought my heart might burst from his sweetness and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, my good boy.” I turned a questioning look on Angel. “And what about you, Kitten?”

He rose to his feet and wrapped his arms around himself. I didn’t take that as a good sign. He was still skittish, and all I could do was wait him out.

After a few moments, his hands fell to his sides, and he stepped into me. As those arms wrapped around me, I felt my chest swell. “Yes, but I have one condition.” He looked up at me with a pointed glower. “You have to be in the painting, too. It’s all of us or none of us.”

I couldn’t have asked for a better answer. I wrapped my arms around my boys and held them tight. “As you wish.”