by Taylor Rylan
I went to the kitchen and pulled out everything we’d need for tacos, and thirty minutes later, we had our plates piled high with taco salads, something we’d both opted for.
“So the snow’s here. Does Oreo go out to do her business in the heavy snow?” Xander asked as he thumbed his phone and it scrolled upward.
“She has, but she doesn’t like it. You took her out while I was cooking though, so she’s good for several hours,” I told him as I leaned over to peek at the screen.
“These tacos are good. Which sauce did you use for the meat?”
“I didn’t. It’s just a bunch of spices mixed together. There are all kinds of amazing food places in Texas. And there’s a great Tex-Mex joint on just about every corner.”
“Do you miss it?”
I thought about the question and had to shake my head. Yeah, part of me would always call Texas home, but I’d been gone for thirteen years. It wasn’t really home now and especially not with Dad being gone now. I shook my head and turned toward Xander and smiled. “No. I’m good here. Both places have their own thing, and both are special for one thing or another.” I forked taco salad in my mouth, and when Xander put down his phone, he did the same.
“So the weather looks like it took a turn, so maybe we won’t get hit with the worst part of it.”
“That could be good. Although, I’ll certainly not complain about spending a weekend locked up with you. I have plenty of gas for the generator if needed as well as firewood.” The pantry was stocked, and I had plenty of water bottles, too. We’d be okay for several days, but even at it’s worst, the storm didn’t appear to be that bad.
“Hmm, maybe we can cuddle and watch a movie before going to bed?”
“Oh, what movie did you have in mind?” I asked, trying to remember what I’d last watched. I’d binged on The Umbrella Academy a little this week, but I couldn’t remember if that was the last thing I’d watched.
“I’m sure we can find something.”
I got up and grabbed a couple more beers from the fridge and sat back down. We chitchatted for a bit while eating, and then once the dishes were in the dishwasher and it was running, we curled up on the couch together with Oreo. Xander was lying on his back, and I was all but on top of him. Oreo was curled up beside us.
“You know, if we’re going to spend a lot of time here, we really should go shopping for a new couch for you,” Xander told me. I looked at the couch and wondered what was wrong with it.
“You need a wider one, Bishop. One where we can both fit.”
“Oh. Well, we could always just put a TV in the bedroom and just lie in bed.”
Xander looked up at me and smiled as he nodded. “That’s what we’ll do. If you need help, let me know and I’ll gladly help.”
I chuckled and buried my face in Xander’s neck. Oreo jumped down, and when I peeked at her, she’d gone back over to her bed by the fireplace.
“Looks like you were watching Bondi Vet. That what you want to watch?”
“No,” I said as I buried my face into Xander’s neck. He tilted his head back, granting me access to his neck and moaned when I started nibbling and kissing.
“You know if you keep that up, I’m going to want to do more than just watch TV.”
“I gave his neck a little nip before I whispered in his ear. “That’s perfectly fine with me. TV is overrated,” I said as I nibbled on his ear and snaked my hand down his pants. His dick was already plumping up, and I couldn’t wait to see how much more of it I could fit in my mouth.
“Bishop. Don’t tease,” Xander whispered. My eyes met his, and I winked at him as I scooted down on the couch, pulling his pants down around his hips. I looked at his thick cock and groaned. I could really get used to this if I let myself. Xander was so easy to get along with, and even though we had vastly different careers, we had a lot in common.
I peered up at Xander and smiled at the look of need in his eyes. I’d done that. I’d put that there. Now it was time to satisfy the man I was quickly falling hopelessly for.
Xander — 24
I was nervous. Why was I nervous? I really had nothing to be nervous about. It was just dinner, right? But if it was just dinner, why did I feel like I was ready to throw up? And that didn’t help with trying to decide what I wanted to eat. Because as of right now, I didn’t want anything. I glanced over at Bishop, who was staring out the side window.
“You nervous?” I asked, breaking the silence in the cab of my truck. Icy blue eyes met mine, and that was all it took. I felt relaxed and at ease while looking at him.
“Not really. Maybe. Should I be? I thought you said your mom was super nice?”
“She is. She’s been bugging me to meet you for a couple of months.”
“Well, I’ve never met parents before, so I’m excited, but I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous.”
“Don’t be nervous,” I said as I reached over for his hand. It wasn’t lost on me that I was telling Bishop to not be nervous when I was just that. Bishop laced our fingers together and leaned over as he lifted my hand, placing a kiss on the knuckles. It was moments like that that had me wanting to say those three little words to him. But it was too soon. We’d only been dating for just over two months. Granted I’d been lusting after Bishop for almost four, but still.
“I’m sure you’ve said, but where are we going?”
“I made reservations at the Range. I thought since it was one of our favorite places, we’d both be comfortable there.”
“Oh, steak is always good. Any plans afterward?” Bishop asked with a hopeful look on his face.
“I thought maybe we’d spend the weekend at my place. Oreo can run around in the mud, and we can spend the weekend giving her baths in the sink.”
I smiled when Bishop wrinkled his nose. I had been joking about having her run around in the mud. Now that spring had arrived and it had finally thawed, I’d had a fence installed out the back for her. And the yard she would be in was nice and green.
“I’m joking. You know I’d never do that to her. But I do want you to come spend the weekend at my place.”
“Really? I’d hoped you’d want to stay at mine. We could order delivery and never have to leave the house,” Bishop said as he looked at me. That was so very tempting.
“That’s…yeah. Okay, can we next weekend? I have a surprise for you out at my place.”
“Sure,” Bishop said and offered me a genuine smile. I returned the gesture and quickly looked back at the road. We pulled up at the restaurant a few minutes later, and I didn’t see Mom or John’s vehicles, so I assumed we’d arrived first.
“I don’t see them, but we can head on inside if you’d like.”
“That works.”
We got out of the car, and I immediately reached for his hand, doing my best to offer support. He gave my hand a squeeze, and I returned it while looking at him.
“So…question.”
“Yes?”
“Since I’m meeting your mom and all, does that mean you’re my boyfriend?” Bishop asked with a smile on his face. I wasn’t quite sure if he was goofing off or being serious, so I stopped at the edge of the building.
“Bishop, you’re so much more than that to me. We’ve never really discussed that though, huh? We’ve just…”
“Been. Yeah. We’re just us. But I mean, we’re only seeing each other, so I just assumed that we were, you know?” Bishop said as he looked off toward the road. I followed his gaze and saw the cars passing by. When I saw John’s SUV pull into the parking lot, I waved at the pair as they drove by. Mom looked like she was ready to jump out of her seat and I thought again of how amazing John was for putting up with her and all of her quirks.
“So that’s them,” I said as I turned my gaze back to the man standing beside me. He was staring at me intently.
“I love you. I know this is the shittiest time, but I do. I just needed to say that.”
“Thank fuck because I’ve been dying to tell you I lov
e you, too,” I said just before I yanked Bishop to me and pulled his mouth to mine. I knew his mouth by heart now, and I ran my tongue over his lips and then thrust it into his eager mouth just as my fingers found his hair. It was a clearing throat and a squeal behind me that had me finally pulling back from Bishop.
I didn’t let go of Bishop, and he buried his face in my neck as I turned my upper body and looked behind me. “Hey, Mom. John. I want you to meet my boyfriend.” I felt Bishop move slightly, but his hands never left my waist and mine were still wrapped around his shoulders.
“Bishop, it’s so nice to finally meet you,” John said as he extended a hand in greeting. Bishop’s hands on my waist gave me a quick squeeze before he let me go and reached for the offered hand.
“You too. I’ve heard a lot about both of you from Xander.”
“John, really? A handshake? Come here, you,” Mom said as she wrapped her arms around Bishop’s waist and gave him what I knew was a super tight hug. My mom was the best at hugs, and I knew that Bishop didn’t remember the last time his mother had hugged him. He’d been so young when she’d passed away. But we were both getting to know his parents and the once-in-a-lifetime love they had for each other. Bishop had mentioned the letters from his dad’s things, and we’d slowly started reading them together.
I watched as my boyfriend and Mom hugged, and Mom seemed reluctant to let go, but she finally did and returned to John’s side.
“Are you ready to head inside? Our reservations are for now, so hopefully our table should be waiting for us,” I said as I looked at the parking lot, which was pretty full. As a group, we continued our trek inside, Bishop once again holding my hand and Mom with her arm through John’s. He made her happy and treated her well, and that was all that mattered to me. I was so glad that Mom had finally found someone.
“Table for Garrison,” I told the host as we walked up to the station. She offered a smile and held up a finger before she started tapping on the screen. I looked around at the waiting area and saw a lot of couples and parties that were waiting, and I thought again how happy I was that I’d thought to call yesterday and reserve a spot.
“Okay, if you’ll follow Jessie, she’ll take you to your seat. Enjoy your meal,” the hostess said to us. We all smiled and thanked her as we took off to catch up. We were given a table in the back, along the windows. That was pure luck when it was this busy, but I’d never complain at the view.
“Louis will be your server tonight. Let him know if you need anything,” Jessie said as she placed our menus down on the table.
“Thank you,” I told her and sat beside Bishop. Once we were all situated, my hand immediately went around Bishop’s shoulders in support. I knew he was nervous by the way his leg was bouncing.
“So…Bishop. Xander said you’re a marshal?” Mom asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Have been for almost two years now.”
“Do you enjoy your job?” Mom asked again.
“I do. It’s been interesting at times and it keeps me busy, but it’s rewarding.”
Mom and John nodded their heads. And that was how the evening went. The longer we sat there, the more relaxed Bishop became, and it showed. I was so thankful to my mom and her intuition. She had always been great at talking to people and getting them to open up, and she’d done that very thing with Bishop.
By the time our food arrived, we were all laughing and carrying on as if this wasn’t the first time my boyfriend had met my parents. Once it was time to order dessert, Mom had already gotten Bishop to agree to taking a long weekend, and apparently we were going to be spending it with my mom and John on their boat up on Yellowstone Lake, north of here. Who knew?
But that’s what I loved so much about my mom. She was just a people person, and she knew how to make people feel comfortable and at ease.
When dessert had been consumed, we lingered for a little while longer to finish our coffee, but what I’d been nervous about seemed to end too soon because we were asking for the check. After I’d argued and lost, John paid the bill, and then we were exiting the restaurant. If anything, the place had gotten busier by the time we left. We stopped just in front of John’s SUV.
“Bishop, it was wonderful to meet you, and I can see why my son is so taken with you,” Mom said as she gave him another hug. The smile on his face this time said it all though, and I was so relieved. I was in love with Bishop, and at this point in my life, I was positive that Mom wouldn’t have been able to sway me to leave him if she didn’t care for him, but thankfully that wasn’t the case.
“You two need to come to the house for dinner sometime. Xander, I’ll call you and get a time,” Mom said as she came and gave me a hug.
“Sure thing, Mom. Love ya,” I said as I wrapped my arms around her and rested my chin on top of her head. She was short and petite, but she was a force to be reckoned with. I smiled at John over her head, and he shook Bishop’s hand again and offered me a wave before he tugged Mom to the open door.
“That went well,” Bishop said as we waved when they drove out of the parking lot.
“It did. Now, what do you say we go to your place and get the little miss and amble over to my place. I would love to spend some time with you soaking in my tub.” I turned toward Bishop and pulled him into my arms. He smiled at me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders as I laced my fingers at the small of his back. We were touching from our chests to our knees, and I didn’t care. Bishop was mine, and I’d never deny him.
“Oh. You brought out the big guns by mentioning that tub. You’re so on. And could we maybe…” Bishop said as he sucked his bottom lip in and then bit it. He knew how much that drove me crazy, so I flirted right back but took it a step further.
“Oh yeah, we’re definitely misbehaving in there,” I said as I leaned in and started kissing his lips, pulling the bottom one out with my thumb. When it was free, I sucked it into my mouth and gave it a gentle nip, which caused him to groan and grab my hair. He used his leverage there to pull me away from him and send a playful glare.
“You don’t play fair, Doc.”
“Since when have I ever played fair?”
“I’ve got a chubby now, and we have to walk across the parking lot. And it’s going to take us at least forty minutes to get back to your place. That’s not fair.”
“Well, we could take the edge off at your place,” I suggested. And once the words were out of my mouth, I liked that idea even more. Until Bishop shook his head.
“Your tub. I’m going to ride your cock after I suck it, so come on. I’m horny and my boyfriend has a dick that’s to die for,” Bishop said as he walked off toward the truck. I glanced at the older couple that had been walking by, and they both had shocked looks on their faces. Oh well. If my boyfriend loved my dick, who was I to complain?
I quickly followed and caught up with Bishop as we made it to the truck. Once inside, we were off and made it back to his place in good time considering the traffic. I followed him inside and realized I’d never get tired of being greeted by Oreo.
“There she is. Did you miss us, girl? Huh?” I asked as I leaned down and picked her up. She was so excited her whole body was wiggling from her tail moving so fast.
“Would you take her out and I’ll go pack a bag?”
“Sure. But pack it for several days, would you?”
At Bishop’s nod, I took off for the sliding door that led to the tiny patio, and he ran for the stairs. I watched Oreo as she sniffed around the grass and finally found the perfect spot to squat. When she was finished, she walked back over to me and looked up at me like she wondered why I hadn’t opened the door yet.
“That’s it? No number two?” I shook my head and slid the door open and she took off inside. I found her in the living room, running around the couch, barking. I shook my head again at her antics and simply watched her burst of energy. She’d do the same thing once we got to my place.
“What’d you feed her?” Bishop said as he came down the stairs.
“Oh, it’s gotta be my fault, huh?” I joked back.
“Well, you were the one watching her.”
We turned back to Oreo, who was working on what was probably her tenth lap.
“Hey, Oreo. Wanna go bye-bye?” Bishop said, and that got her attention. She knew those words, and she came running full speed at us. She pawed at my legs, and I picked her back up and turned toward Bishop, who was rolling his eyes.
“What?”
“Nothing. I’m packed. You ready?”
“Yes. I brought a bag of dog food home last night so this little lady has something to eat.” Bishop rolled his eyes again, and I shrugged. We were back in the truck in no time and on our way to Sulfur Springs. We spent most weekends together, when Bishop wasn’t working, and two nights a week as well. If I didn’t have this worry about moving too fast, I’d ask him to move in with me, but I was going to wait. I wanted to do things right.
“Can we talk about the declaration of feelings?” I asked as I sent a quick glance to Bishop. He smiled at me and nodded.
“Sorry. I know it was terrible timing, but I just felt like you should know.”
“How long have you felt that way?”
“I’m honestly not sure. It wasn’t like a sudden thing. My feelings have just steadily gotten stronger, and I wanted you to know. I realize it’s fast, but I can’t help how I feel.”
“I don’t want you to. I’m glad you said something because I feel the same. You remember the first time you pitched?” I asked, hoping he remembered. I know I sure as hell did.
“Yeah.” Bishop looked at me, and suddenly it clicked. Yeah, then. I’ll never forget the moment after when I looked up into his eyes and thought I love him. “Then?”
I nodded, and he turned back to the windshield before glancing at me again.
“That was…certainly a turning point. I was definitely in love with you by then, but I was too afraid to say anything yet.”