Tentacle on 34th Street (Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0)

Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

C ryss ambled down a few of the gangway steps before pausing to make sure his human made it down safely behind him. Alex exited, wincing at the brightness outside the jet’s cabin. Cryss reached inside his woolen topcoat and offered his sunglasses. Alex slipped them on and smiled, his lips red and swollen from Cryss’s kisses. He was quite pleased he’d helped Alex join the Mile High Club during their flight, though he’d neglected to inform the man that Aspen was well over a mile’s elevation, so Alex was going to log a lot of mile highs over the course of their weeks together there.

Alex shivered when he made it the bottom.

“I told you to take one of my coats,” Cryss murmured, slipping out of his topcoat.

“I’m fine,” Alex argued. “I’d be dwarfed in one of yours.”

Cryss ignored him and wrapped the coat over Alex’s shoulders. “Get in the car. I’ll be there in a moment.”

The driver and pilot were already loading their luggage into the back of the waiting car. After thanking the cabin steward and pilot for their flight— and discretion —Cryss issued a few instructions to their driver for entering the property. Once settled, he slipped into the back. Alex rested his head against the backseat, lids low.

“Sleepy?”

Alex rolled his head to the side, handing Cryss’s glasses back. “We spent nearly that entire flight fucking. So, yes. I’m a bit tired.”

Cryss dragged Alex closer and claimed a kiss. He could taste his seed in the man’s mouth, which only made him want to play all over again. Watching Alex kneeling between his legs, head bobbing over his cock, had driven him to extremes. Alex drove him to extremes… ones no one else ever did. He could barely control himself around his human, his already higher sex drive ignited to new levels. Somehow, Alex’s mouth on him had been better than in his dreams. After he’d come once, he’d dragged Alex into his lap and replayed the moment on the couch before their feast—only Cryss demanded slow and sweet. He’d deliberately tortured them both, denying both Alex and himself of orgasm after orgasm for the bulk of the three-hour flight.

Alex’s whimpers and pleading to come had almost been his undoing. He still wasn’t sure how he’d managed to hold out so long. Perhaps it was the feel of his cock, warm and snug inside Alex’s body. He’d not wanted it to end—all while craving sweet release for them both.

His human wasn’t accustomed to Cryss’s drive or desires, nor the daily torment. He'd promised himself they wouldn’t fuck on the plane, but Alex’s insistence in providing a blow job had made it very difficult to refuse.

“Why don’t we take a break tonight? Maybe tomorrow, too.”

“A break from what?”

The driver slipped into the front seat and shut the door. “It’s not far.”

“Thank you,” Cryss replied before raising the partition for privacy. He turned his head toward Alex as the car pulled away from the jet. “From sex.”

Alex’s eyes widened, a stricken look on his face.

“You haven’t had a partner in some time.” Cryss reached over and captured Alex’s thigh, sliding his human closer to him. “You’re a temptation—and I’ve overindulged. You might end up injured if we don’t slow down.”

“I prepped with the toy. For weeks.” He grinned naughtily. “I sensed what was coming.”

“We need a break,” Cryss whispered.

“Tonight? Maybe. Tomorrow? That’s cruel and unusual,” Alex murmured.

Cryss chuckled. “I don’t want to break you before I buy you.”

Alex lifted a brow. “I already told you I can’t be bought.”

“It was a joke,” Cryss whispered. “I know you’re better than that.”

Alex smiled, closing his eyes and resting his head back again. “Although, a boy could get used to all this luxury. Private jets with champagne. A car and driver. Vacations to Aspen. If I was a lesser man, I’d be cuddling up and trying to convince you to be my Sugar Daddy.”

Cryss smiled. The fact Alex wasn’t interested in being his Sugar Baby only made him want to spoil the man even more.

“I won’t know what to do with myself when I get back to my boring life in January.”

You’re not going back. You’re all mine.

Alex’s eyes whipped open, and he lifted his head, glaring. “Oh, really?”

Cryss froze a few seconds. “What?”

“I’m not going back, I’m yours?” Alex asked, spinning on the leather seat to face him better. “What exactly does that mean?”

Had Cryss started projecting his own thoughts? If so, he was in serious trouble. He grasped his knee and squeezed it, trying to refocus his panic and slow his rapidly beating heart. Alex’s thoughts came through when the man was emotional. Cryss would clearly need to contain his emotions.

Qylar had given him some pointers on blocking his telepathy and did his best to erect a wall between them.

“Well?” Alex asked, insistent.

“I think we can both admit this might last well past New Year’s,” Cryss replied, rolling his head to the left and capturing Alex’s gaze. “And if we’re right, your life isn’t going to be boring. I can assure you of that.”

Alex fought a smile, sliding to face forward. “Cheeky lech.”

Cryss forced a smile, worry gnawing in the pit of his belly. He couldn’t lose Alex. He simply couldn’t. Once they pulled away from the airport, he slid his hand against Alex’s and linked their fingers. “The driver’s taking us to the house. It’s a family member’s vacation home, and we have free use of it all. They’re off-pl—” He caught himself before saying off-planet. “They’re home, spending their holidays there. We can use one of the vehicles in their garage to go into town for supplies after we drop off the luggage.”

“Supplies?”

“Food, any kitchen tools I see they might be missing, and some clothes for you,” Cryss said.

“Honestly, I think what I brought might be enough. I’ll just layer things on when we go out.”

Cryss tugged on Alex’s winter coat under his topcoat. “This isn’t going to keep you warm enough. We’ll get you a new coat, some sweaters, and some thermal pieces for outside. And whatever else I see that you might need.”

“That’s not necessary,” Alex said. “I don’t want you going to all that expense for me.”

“You already gave me permission to spoil you a little.”

“Within reason. That’s not within reason,” Alex argued.

“I never mentioned Aspen when I set down my terms. The plan to come here came after. I wanted us to be here, so it’s my responsibility to make sure your needs are met. I can’t have you freezing to death on me.”

“I’m the one who missed that text. I could’ve ordered a few things online before we left,” Alex said.

“You were tired. Working long hours. When would you have had the time? I’ll take care of it. My plans, my responsibility.”

Alex sighed, shaking his head. “Although, upon more reflection, I do have a question.”

“Shoot.”

“I read back through those messages around the one I missed. Did it escape your notice that I never responded to your comment about us coming here? We chatted for nearly a week after that, and you never brought it up again.”

Cryss shrugged. “I thought I remembered seeing an ‘okay’ from you soon after that.”

“It was for something else you said.”

“Ah. Well, it was a simple miscommunication. It’s done and over. We’re here, and we’ll soon be squared away and settled in.” Cryss smiled. “And we can have all the fun we want.”

Alex sighed. “Yeah. I suppose so.” He laid his head on Cryss’s shoulder and closed his eyes.

Cryss kissed the top of his head and let the man rest for the brief trip to their destination, trying not to let any of his thoughts be too loud. The gnawing in his gut would only grow as time passed. He’d spend their time together worried Alex would figure out who he was instead of enjoying himself. If he could remain calm and steady, maybe he’d make it.

Alex made him anything but calm and steady, though.

The car drove through the heart of town on its way to Aspen Estates, where his cousin, Queen Qalani, had purchased her family’s vacation home. He’d been there once, years ago, for an extended family ski trip—where he’d taken a bad fall and broken a bone and been unable to shift for two weeks waiting for it to heal. Having the massive house to themselves was going to be strange.

Unfortunately for Alex, they arrived only fifteen minutes later.

When he roused Alex, he got a sleepy, “Already?”

“Afraid so.” Cryss leapt out of the car and turned off the alarm systems—both the human and alien—and their driver brought the first round of luggage into the foyer. Alex shuffled in behind the driver, carrying two suitcases, his eyes wide, mouth open, and his head on a swivel. He deposited the luggage beside the others and kept walking deeper into the house. Cryss fought a smile as he tipped the driver, who’d returned with the last of their luggage, and wished the man a good day. He pressed the ten-foot, all-glass door closed and spun to Alex.

Only Alex wasn’t there.

Cryss walked down the three steps into the massive living room and swept his head around, seeking signs of life, but didn’t see Alex in any direction. He did hear multiple gasps, several ‘oh my god’s, and a few ‘this is unreal’s. Cryss followed the sound until he found Alex standing in the wide hall that extended along the back of the house, pointing to a set of double doors.

“There’s a movie theater in there. Who the hell has a movie theater in their house? I mean, media room, sure. Lots of people have media rooms. That’s a whole-ass mini movie theater in there,” Alex said, wired and fully awake. “I’ve already counted two massive bedrooms, a workout space, a dining room, a kitchen you’re going to cream over, and I haven’t even made it to the second floor yet.” Alex seemed in utter awe. “And the views? There are more windows than walls and through every single one of them. All I see are mountains and snow. This place is utterly unreal.” He shook his head. “I can’t imagine living like this.”

“Well, you will be for the rest of the year,” Cryss murmured, dragging Alex closer. “You better get used to it.”

“Yeah, until I go back home.” Alex lifted his face to Cryss’s. “This really is too much. It’s more than we need.”

“It was sitting empty, ours to borrow, so why not use it?”

Alex smiled. “I guess.”

“I was going to suggest a slight change in plans. I can go do a grocery run alone while you get in a little nap,” Cryss said, dragging Alex into his arms. “We can go back into town after you wake up and pick up everything else we need.”

“I’m so wound now, I don’t know if I could take a nap,” Alex said.

Cryss grinned. “I’m going to go peek in the kitchen to see if there’s anything missing.”

“Missing?” Alex asked, following Cryss there. “As fancy as it was, I doubt they’re missing anything.”

“They might not have all the tools I like to use nearly every day,” Cryss murmured.

Cryss stepped in, forgetting for a moment just how nice it had been. While the King and Queen had been in residence, they’d brought along two of their chefs, helpers, and a few servants. He’d never had a chance to cook anything himself. He searched the drawers and cabinets, making a mental list of the small items he didn’t see. After he’d peeked through everything, he opened the door to the mudroom off the kitchen. “Let’s see what’s in the garage.”

He ushered Alex toward the four-car garage, pausing in the mudroom to enter in the code for the car key lockbox. He pulled out a fob and an old set of keys, both emblazoned with the same manufacturer’s logo, and slipped them into the pocket of his trousers. Stepping out into the garage, he was reminded they had a vintage Land Rover Pickup and a newer Land Rover Defender Octa. “If memory serves, the old pickup’s heat doesn’t work so well. Until we get you a new jacket, the behemoth it is.”

He unlocked the doors and whipped the passenger’s side open for Alex. It didn’t escape his notice that Alex rubbed his hands together upon entering, as if chilled. “You didn’t bring gloves?”

“I couldn’t find mine. I was planning to buy some here.”

Cryss fished through his pockets in his topcoat, which was still wrapped around Alex, and pulled out his gloves. He handed them over.

“I’m fine,” Alex murmured. “I’m a big boy, and I can fend for myself.”

Cryss lifted a brow.

Alex scowled, snatching them from Cryss. He shoved one hand in. “My hands aren’t going to fit in these.” He pulled on the other and then lifted both hands. Cryss’s gloves were way too big. “I look like I’m wearing Daddy’s gloves.”

Cryss leaned closer, grinning. “Who’s your Daddy?”

Alex tried to pull away from Cryss’s kiss but failed, fighting a smile the whole time.

As soon as he’d gotten what he wanted, Cryss circled the back and climbed into the driver’s side.

Alex eyed him. “Aren’t you freezing?”

Cryss reached for his phone in his trouser pocket. “Big body, lots of heat.” He was also accustomed to swimming in the icy depths of the ocean—maybe not in that form, but he could survive much colder temps in either. He wore the coat more to blend in than to keep warm.

“I’ve only been to Aspen once and it was years ago, but I recall there being a cluster of shops where we can likely pick up everything we need. After that, how about we grab lunch then stock up on groceries, followed by a quiet night to settle in. Does that work for you?”

“Absolutely,” Alex murmured.

Cryss searched his phone for the address of the shops and then entered it into the Defender’s navigation. One tap to the garage button, and they were off, traveling back down the mountainside where the house sat. A few minutes later, they were already in the center of town.

“It felt like we were way out in the middle of nowhere looking out those windows. We’ve only been driving for ten minutes.” Alex craned his neck, taking it all in. The quaint heart of Aspen, with its red-brick buildings, piles of snow, and rustic embellishments, was exactly what they needed to set the right mood for the holidays. Add in the fact most businesses had already decorated for the season, with their lights, trees, and garlands, and it was ripe for romance. Qylar’s suggestion had been perfect.

When Cryss pulled in front of Prada Aspen, Alex’s gaze flipped to his. “No.”

“No, what?” Cryss asked. “This area is the one I mentioned. There are a few blocks of retail shops all around us.”

Alex relaxed. “Oh …”

Cryss climbed out and reached for Alex’s hand before pulling him toward Prada.

“No way in hell, Cryss,” Alex said, pulling his back.

“Why not?”

“That’s too expensive.”

“I’ll spend my money how I see fit,” Cryss said, urging his human inside.

Cryss swept in, the clerks rushing to welcome them. One beat the others to offer their assistance. “Is there something specific you’re looking for today?”

Cryss pointed to Alex. “We need to find him a heavier winter coat and a few warm essentials.”

“We can easily handle that. Let me go pick out a few pieces. Your size, sir?”

Cryss turned to see Alex lingering by the door. He walked closer and lifted a brow. “Your size?”

Alex didn’t answer him.

Cryss reached into the back of Alex’s coat and read off the label. The clerk smiled warily before walking off.

“This is too much,” Alex whispered, frowning and avoiding Cryss’s stare. “Way too much.”

Cryss lifted Alex’s chin with one finger. “You’re worth it.”

“This feels like a nightmare version of Pretty Woman. While Julia Roberts’s character might’ve been excited to spend mountains of that millionaire’s money, I’m not.”

“Do not compare yourself to a prostitute,” Cryss snapped a little more forcefully than intended.

Alex’s eyes widened.

“I’m not trying to buy you. I’m not trying to cheapen the nights we’ve shared or the one’s we share in the future. I simply want to keep you warm,” Cryss whispered before pressing a kiss to Alex’s lips.

The clerk returned, appearing a bit shocked to catch the tail end of that kiss. If she was, she shook it off quickly.

“I have a few jacket options for you.” The clerk lifted her hands, two hooks in each. After she pushed the clothes on the nearest rack together to make room, she hung up the four coats. “You can try any of these that catch your eye while I go see what else I can pull for you.”

The woman wandered away, and Alex didn’t move.

Cryss urged Alex to go try the jackets on, but his human was being stubborn.

“Alex, this town caters to the wealthy. All of the shops here are high-end and expensive.”

“There has to be something less,” Alex whispered.

“Fractionally,” Cryss said. “You need a warmer coat and a few other items to get you through the month. You said it yourself before we left.”

Alex scowled, but eventually walked to the rack and the coats. He looked through the options, shaking his head. “I don’t like any of these.”

“Really?”

“I don’t,” Alex said. “I wouldn’t wear these, even if I had…” He lifted the price tag, his gaze whipping to Cryss’s. “Thirty-seven-hundred dollars?” He backed away from the rack. “That’s almost what I pay in rent for a month.”

“And look what little that gives. These coats might keep you warm for years.”

Alex shook his head.

Cryss took Alex’s hands and turned the man toward him. “This trip was my idea, and as your host, it’s my duty to make sure you have what you need. I can see this makes you incredibly uncomfortable—and it pains me to upset you. You’ve brought me immense happiness in our short time together already, and all I want to do is make you happy in return. I’m not trying to buy your affections. I have more respect for you than that. I simply want to keep you warm.”

Alex seemed to find a measure of peace with that, but he didn’t meet Cryss’s gaze.

“I told you that you feel like home to me,” Cryss whispered.

Alex’s gaze flipped up to his.

“What that means is I’ll do everything in my power to ensure you’re safe and protected. I want you to enjoy this trip with me while we’re here. Skiing. Playing in the snow together. You need warm clothes to do those things. I have the means to provide them. By my own choice, no strings attached. I do not expect reimbursement in any way .” He sighed. “But I won’t force you if you’re that uncomfortable. If you’d rather spend the rest of December inside that house, cuddling by the fire, and avoiding outdoor activities, we’ll do that and walk out right now.”

“If there’s something I’m unequipped for, that doesn’t mean you can’t go. I won’t hold you back.”

Cryss lifted a brow. “I asked you to be with me… I go where you go.”

Alex sighed, his shoulders finally dropping and his body relaxing some. “You’re so stubborn.”

“I’m being the stubborn one here?”

Alex cut his eyes to Cryss before softening them. “I don’t want to ruin your trip and keep you trapped indoors the entire time…” Alex scoffed. “If I accept, only a few basics. Nothing more.”

Cryss lifted his hands in surrender. “A few basics.”

“That said,” Alex fought a smile. “Those coats she brought over are fucking ugly. Can we go somewhere else?”

Cryss returned the smile. “They really are ugly.”

“And you were forcing me to try them on?”

Cryss shrugged. “Those aren’t the only coats they have, I’m sure—and you need a few sweaters. Let’s browse a minute, hmm?”

Alex nodded, finally at ease again, much to his relief. Cryss pulled his human into his arms and kissed the man’s head.

A winter coat wasn’t to be found there, but a couple of sweaters and a soft, warm pair of cords were added to the pile. They stopped next at Ralph Lauren, where Alex’s eyes widened. He stalked to the first rack and lifted a sweater hanging at the front. “Oh, I like this.” His gaze drifted to the next. “Actually… that one might work better.”

Ralph Lauren was obviously Alex’s Kryptonite, but then the clothes inside did look more his taste than Prada. Alex soon looked like a kid in a candy store. He’d find something he really liked, but then put it back when he stumbled on something better. Cryss soon whispered directions to their sales associate to pull everything Alex had liked and slyly take it to the register.

Alex found a winter coat he liked, and took an armful of sweaters, pants, and shirts to the dressing room. While Alex was testing the fit, Cryss pulled a few more pieces and handed them to the staff to add to the pile. Alex stepped out of the dressing room in the first sweater, and Cryss smiled. He walked closer, carrying the long, black woolen topcoat he’d found that was similar to his own. Cryss urged Alex to try it on over the sweater, to ensure it fit with the added bulk.

“You look great,” Cryss murmured.

“It might not work well out in the snow. The winter coat would be more practical.”

Cryss nodded. “The other will serve you better.” Cryss slid the coat off Alex’s shoulders. “Get back to trying things on.”

Alex wandered back into the dressing room, and Cryss handed the topcoat to the clerk as well as his Mastercard Black Card. “Two separate sales. The winter coat—which he needs to walk out in—and whichever items he picks out from that dressing room go in one bag. The items he doesn’t know about, tally in another. I’ll come back for that later.”

“Yes, sir.”

Alex appeared moments later, showing off a few more pieces. He turned to gaze at his reflection in a nearby mirror, appearing to enjoy how he looked in it. “What do you think?”

Cryss moved behind Alex and smiled. “You look very handsome. The sweater brings out those beautiful blue eyes.”

Alex smiled into the mirror. “It is a really nice sweater. I don’t think I need the shirt or pants, though.” He turned to face Cryss. “Thank you for doing this. I know I sounded unappreciative earlier. That wasn’t my intention. You’re being incredibly generous, and I was being completely ungrateful. I think deep down I knew you weren’t trying to buy me, but that first gut reaction hit hard and wouldn’t let go.”

“I didn’t think you were being ungrateful. You were uncomfortable and communicated your concerns. We discussed and came to an understanding.” Cryss smiled softly. “What else are you going to try on?”

“I feel bad for carrying all of that in there,” Alex said before thinking, “I got carried away.” He smiled at Cryss. “I think I’m done. The first sweater and this one were the ones I liked best, and they fit well. I don’t need more than those.”

Cryss nodded. “If you’re sure, hand me those you do want. I’ll check us out while you change back.”

Alex peeled the one he was wearing over his head before slipping into the dressing room to collect the other. Cryss waved the associate walking toward them to speed up her pace. She came to a stop at Cryss’s side.

“He’s picked two sweaters. Can we ring those and the coat together?”

“Of course,” she said, laying the sweaters over one arm. “If you’re done with the other items you’ve tried on, I can clear those away, as well.”

“I can put them back,” Alex murmured.

“I insist,” the woman said, smiling broadly. “It’s what I’m here for.”

After she walked away, Alex stopped Cryss, rose on his tiptoes, and snuck a kiss. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” Cryss grinned and swatted Alex on the ass. “Go get dressed.”

Once Alex returned to the dressing room, the associate whipped back around the corner with a knowing look. She lifted the items Alex hadn’t chosen.

“All of it,” he whispered as he walked closer.

She nodded, grinning slyly, and headed for the register.

Cryss scanned the shop as he slowly trailed behind her, adding a claret cashmere set of gloves, hat, and scarf to use with the topcoat. He leaned on the counter. “I’ll come by for the rest this evening or tomorrow morning.”

“We can deliver,” the associate offered.

“Even better.” Cryss scribbled the address where they were staying on a provided card. “We’re having lunch and making a couple of other stops, but we should be back early evening and most of the day tomorrow.”

“Of course, sir. We should be able to bring it by this evening. We’ll send a text when we’re on the way.”

Cryss turned to find Alex still browsing. He ambled closer. “Something else you like?”

Alex stepped away from the rack, lifting both hands. “No.”

“They’re ringing our items now. It’ll only be a couple of minutes. Ready for some lunch?”

“Absolutely. I’m famished.”

The order was tallied, paid for, and the few items they were walking out with bagged. He returned to Alex, still browsing.

“I think you like it here,” Cryss murmured.

Alex smiled. “This is more my taste.”

Cryss pulled the new coat from the bag. “Swap?”

Alex switched his out and slipped on the new one. “Where to for lunch?”

Cryss wrapped an arm around Alex’s shoulders and led them out. “Whatever we stumble on that sounds good to us both.”

A fter their groceries from the gourmet market were put away and the luggage rolled back to the first-floor master suite, Cryss lit the firepit in the backyard. They sat and watched the sunset behind the mountain, wrapped together in a warm, woolen blanket. Alex curled into the crook of Cryss’s arm, fighting sleep by the time the sky fully darkened.

“Dinner… then sleep,” Cryss whispered, kissing his forehead.

Alex stretched his arms over his head. “What time is it?”

Cryss eyed the phone he’d been sneaking peeks at all night. “Not quite seven.”

“That’s all?”

“Why do you think I suggested we rest? You’re exhausted.”

“Yeah. I am.” Alex yawned, covering his mouth with the back of his hand. “Can we just do something simple? Sandwiches even.”

“Already tired of my cooking?” Cryss asked with a smile.

“Absolutely not. I’m just struggling to keep my eyes open.”

Cryss rose and dragged Alex to a standing position. “Your wish is my command.”

Once Alex’s belly was full, Cryss tucked him into bed. He slept fitfully until Cryss joined him later that evening. The second his head rested on the man’s shoulder, he was out like a light. When he awoke the following morning, he smiled, feeling refreshed and still curled against Cryss’s big, warm body. The smell of coffee tickled his nose.

“Morning.”

“Morning.” Cryss gazed down at him with a growing smile. “Did the smell of coffee wake you or me climbing back in bed?”

“I dunno.” Alex rolled to his back. “Back in bed? I thought we were sleeping in today?”

“I did sleep in. I got up at six, slipped out, did a few things, and then slipped back in so I’d be here when you woke up.”

“That’s better than waking up alone,” Alex murmured. He slid a palm over Cryss’s bare chest before skimming it lower over the man’s tight abs. “Glad you’re back in bed where you belong.”

Cryss captured his wrist before it reached its destination. “We’re resting for a couple of days. Remember?”

Alex lifted on his elbow. “We rested last night. I feel great.”

Cryss lifted Alex’s hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. “I’ve pushed you too hard. If we keep up that pace, you’ll end up hurt. I won’t let that happen.”

Alex pouted. “Are kisses off limits?”

“You can have all the kisses you want.”

Alex jumped up and straddled the man’s hips, a mischievous smile forming. He rubbed his cock against Cryss’s brief-covered one before leaning in for his promised kisses. He’d tempt the beast and have what he wanted, the rules be damned. The kisses were sweet. Too sweet. Alex deepened it, swiping his tongue across of the seam of Cryss’s lips until the man opened to him.

It didn’t take long for Cryss to flip them and roughly pin Alex to the bed. He smiled triumphantly, shivering as teeth nipped at his neck.

Cryss rose on his arms and looked down into Alex’s face, eyes molten with need. “A break.” He slipped out of the bed. “French toast for breakfast. I’ll go start it now while you wash up.”

“Fine,” Alex grumbled.

He climbed out of bed and hit the bathroom to take care of his needs. It took him a moment to realize all his toiletries had been unpacked and neatly lined beside one of the two basins. Alex had grabbed his toothbrush before bed but had left the rest until morning. He walked out of the bathroom and didn’t see their luggage. After peeking in two different empty closets, he finally found the one where their stuff was. All his clothes were neatly hanging up, including his new sweaters and pants. A deep drawer in the built-in dresser was filled with his underwear, tees, and such.

Alex chuckled and headed for the door, but something caught his eye. There was a shirt he’d really wanted at Ralph Lauren, but he’d put it back. He snatched the hanger and marched to the kitchen. “What’s this?”

Cryss looked up from slicing strawberries and shrugged. “A shirt.”

“A shirt I put back.”

“Maybe it got mixed in by accident,” Cryss murmured, avoiding his gaze.

Alex walked closer and stopped less than an inch away from the man. Cryss continued to ignore him.

“I put it back for a reason.”

“You really wanted it.”

Alex sighed.

“We’re here for a month. A few sweaters and a pair of pants wasn’t enough,” Cryss argued.

“I have clothes that I brought with me, and I’m quite sure this house has a washing machine, Cryss.”

Cryss lifted a brow. “We came to relax. Not do laundry.” He popped a cut bit of strawberry in his mouth. “It’s one shirt.”

“One more shirt.”

“Daddy’s gotta spoil his Sugar Baby.”

Alex narrowed his eyes, spun, and returned to the closet. Before he hung it back up, Alex took it off the hanger and tried it on. He smiled at his reflection. It fit him perfectly and actually made him look a little less scrawny. He had really wanted it, but he wasn’t going to be greedy or abuse Cryss’s generosity. Turning this way and that, he grinned.

He lifted his stare in the mirror and saw Cryss watching him from the doorway. Alex spun to face him, chafing at the victorious smile plastered across his face. He said nothing, just allowed his gaze to wash over Alex before he spun to return to the kitchen. As he was walking out, he said, “I’m about to start the French toast. Meet you in the kitchen in five.”