20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Liam

M y sweet bull giggled and buried his nose in my neck. My heart leapt in my chest at the sound.

Oh, Rhys, you perfect man.

“Come on. Let me feed you.”

He gave a tinkling laugh again.

“I don’t know why it’s so hot when you say that.”

“What? That I want to feed you?” I smirked at him. “Probably some archaic programming. It does things to me, too.”

Humming, he raised his head and touched his lips to mine.

“Let’s eat something. We can explore these things later.”

“Good idea, bull.”

I waited until he had put on socks and led him back into the kitchen, giving him a tour of the living room on the way.

“I love your place. It’s so cosy, Liam.” His eyes wandered over my couch and the fireplace, with Fergus’ massive tartan dog bed next to it. He was spread out on it, his paws twitching in his sleep.

My poor baby was knackered after being at my mum’s house for the last few days.

“Aw, he’s dreaming,” Rhys whispered. “That’s so sweet.”

“Fergus is like that. You’ll see when you get to know him.”

“I can’t wait. He’s grown on me over Christmas.”

More than once I had caught him with Fergus’ head on his thigh absentmindedly brushing the shaggy, green fur off his brow.

And every time he referred to me as ‘your dad’ when he spoke to my hound, I fell a little more in love with him.

“I’m going to make chickpea curry for us,” I murmured into his temple before I kissed it. “Want to snuggle up under a blanket while I cook?”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to help?”

“Yes,” I said, apparently way too quickly because it made him laugh again.

Hestia, less than a week ago I had rarely ever heard him laugh. This carefree, happy version of him was wonderful to see.

“I prefer cooking alone if that’s okay.”

“Of course it is, Liam.” Rhys slipped his arms around me. “I can help if you want, but I’m also happy to wait here by the fire.”

“Is that a hint that you want me to start a fire for you, bull?” I grinned at him and squeezed his backside.

Damn. Rhys in that kilt was so sexy.

“Wouldn’t say no to it.” He winked.

“Sit down.” I took one of the fluffy blankets and tucked it around him. With a kiss on his forehead, I made my way over to the fireplace.

“Thank you, Daddy.” He snuggled his face into the burnt orange corduroy cushion, his eyes drooping.

“Anything for you, bull. Anything.”