Ben opened the door to his and Scott’s bedroom and stepped out into the lounge. He was shocked to find Scott in the same place he’d been when Ben had gone to sleep the night before.
“What the hell are you doing, boy?”
Since the decision to live the lifestyle fulltime, Ben had been doing his best to fulfill Scott’s needs by giving him more structure in his life. He took to it like a duck to water, and he was thriving.
“This Friday is my deadline. I promised my publisher I’d have it to them by then.”
He tapped furiously at the keys, his forehead scrunched in concentration. Ben shook his head and went to the coffeepot to grab his first cup of the morning.
“Can you pour me one too, please?”
Everything froze as Ben did a slow turn toward his husband.
“Excuse me?”
“Grab me a cup too.”
The words raised all kinds of red flags for Ben. He moved to the table where Scott was working, and put a hand on the laptop.
“I think that’s enough for now. You need sleep.”
Scott peered up, his lower lip jutted out slightly. “But…”
Ben arched his eyebrows. “Excuse me?”
“Please, just another hour.”
Ben reached out and grabbed a chair, then took a seat beside Scott. “When I first met you, you told me coffee was, and I quote, ‘pure evil’. Since then, it’s never touched your lips as far as I know. Is there something you want to tell me?”
Scott averted his gaze, and Ben knew the truth.
“How long?” When Scott didn’t answer, Ben grabbed his chin and tugged it so Scott was looking him in the eye. “How long, Scott?”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t play stupid with me, boy. How long have you been drinking coffee?”
“Just for a little while. It helps when I’m writing.”
Ben got up and went to the coffeemaker, poured two cups, and brought them back to the table. He put one down in front of Scott.
“Drink.”
Scott eyed the mug like it was a snake that was ready to strike. “But I need cream and sugar.”
“Drink, Scott. Show me how much you love coffee.”
Scott picked up the mug and blew across the surface. He closed his eyes and took a sip, and Ben noticed the shudder that went through him.
“Good?”
“It’s okay.”
“Stop lying to me!” he snapped, unwilling to yell, lest he wake the kids. “You hate coffee, and have been very vociferous in that claim since the day I met you. Why are you drinking it? Wait, don’t tell me. You’ve been using coffee to avoid sleep, haven’t you?”
Scott’s cheeks flushed, but he didn’t reply. Ben put a hand on the top of the computer and closed the case. “You’re done.”
“But my deadline—”
“Will have to wait. You’re going to bed, and I don’t want to see you for at least four hours.”
Scott gaped. “But you have to work, and I need to watch the kids.”
“Which means you’re going to be drinking more coffee, just to stay awake for them. How long do you think it’ll be before the caffeine buzz crashes, and you pass out? Think of it, there won’t be anyone watching them when you’re too exhausted to think and can’t stay awake anymore.” He reached for Scott’s hand. “No one is more proud of you than me with what you’ve accomplished. You’re a successful author, you are the father of two beautiful children, and you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Scott scowled. “Waits for the but…”
“Smartarse. When you came to me and said you wanted us to live 24/7, I was hesitant, but you persevered. I could see how desperately you wanted the guidance, so I agreed. Now, as your Dom and, more importantly, as your husband, I’m taking a stand here. No more work today. You’ll sleep. I’m going to call Leo and tell him I can’t make it. I’m sure JJ will cover. You’re going to sleep, and I’ll watch the kids.”
“But my deadline!” he protested again.
“Don’t argue with me, Scott. I won’t have you risking your health or that of our children because of a book deadline.” He squeezed Scott’s hand. “Don’t force me to make a choice for you about your writing, because I promise you, your health is way more important to me than a book, no matter how good. So, please, for me. Go to bed.”
Scott sighed and pushed away from the table. “Yes, Sir.”
“Good boy.”
When Scott shuffled toward the bedroom, Ben called after him. “Did you forget something?”
Scott turned, a wide grin on his face. “Sorry.” He came back and kissed Ben.
Ben patted his rump. “Now get to sleep. And know that I love you.”
This time when Scott went to the bedroom, his steps were a little lighter, and Ben knew he’d made the right choice. As soon as the door closed, he got up and went to check the kids. They were lying there, smiling up at him. He changed their nappies, then heated a bottle for each of them. As soon as they were happily sucking away, Ben went to the bedroom and cracked open the door, smiling when he found the most precious thing in his life, already fast asleep. His heart warmed as he watched Scott for a few moments, then one of the babies started to fuss, so Ben closed the door and went back his kids.
As he played with the babies, Ben realized that though he never expected to be here with a family, he wouldn’t change his life for anything.
The day he met a frightened boy in the lounge of an airport, was the day he finally started living.