Oblivious

by Colette Davison

He lifts me down from the counter and sets me back on my feet. It’s fun being with someone who can pick me up with ease, and for the first time, I don’t find myself cursing how short I am.

It’s not even unusual for me to curl up against him or for him to stroke my hair absently. But it feels different, like his tender touches and the way I press against him is exciting and new.

I smile and snuggle closer to Addy. He keeps running his fingers through my hair. As his other hand comes to rest over mine, I realise I don’t want to be anywhere else.

Addy is my guardian tree. I adore everything about him, and I have a feeling I’m going to end up falling in love with him all over again.

“What time is it?” he asks. “Early.” I kiss his forehead. “Go back to sleep.”

He’s sleeping soundly, hugging the pillow as he lies on his side. His red hair is messier than normal. The quilt is tucked under his arms, leaving his freckled shoulders bare. He’s so beautiful.

It’s been a great few days. True to his word, Fitz has been a lot more relaxed about the concept of us, which has, in turn, made me calmer. We’ve done all the usual things. We’ve eaten together, watched TV, and hung out.

“Stop!” He puts his hand up. “Kiss tax.” Smiling, I walk over to him and kiss his forehead. He has other ideas because he grabs my shirt and pulls me down for a proper kiss.

I smile whenever I see blossom trees. The scent is wonderful too. I wonder if Fitz would like a garden with lots of fruit trees too. He could use some of the fruit later in the year in his baking or cooking.

I’m grateful, even though I can tell from my first spoonful that the soup is out of a tin. I’d rather be eating Fitz’s soup right now.

I’m glad I’ll be sharing the meal with him rather than a woman I’ve never met before.

When I’m finally ready to go home, I get into my van and send Fitz a text. It’s not something I’d have done before we kissed, but now I find I want to let him know I’m on my way home.

I’ve got a smile on my face as I put my phone away. It’s been a good day already, but I know it’ll get even better when I get home, wrap Fitz in my arms, and kiss him.

“It’s sweet.” “Like you.” He blushes. “Seriously, you’ve made everything look beautiful.” “I was being serious too.” I stroke his hand. “You’re the sweetest person I know, Fitz.”

I pout, which makes Fitz laugh. Then he pushes up and pecks me quickly. I catch him before he can lie down again, holding him tight as I give him a much longer, deeper kiss.

“I love kissing you,” I whisper against his lips. “It’s a lot of fun.” He rests his forehead against mine and strokes my beard.

I put my arms around his back and flip him onto the sofa. Air whooshes out of his lungs. “Is kissing more fun like this?” I ask, leaning over him.

“I’m not going to get any taller. I think my growth spurt days are long gone.” “You’re the perfect size.” I lay him on the bed and kneel over him, leaning down to kiss him. “The perfect fit for me.”

“It’s nice lying like this.” He cracks a smile. “You’re like one of those weighted blankets. Warm, comforting, and just the right weight to make me feel safe.” “I make you feel safe?” “You always have, Addy.”

His hands are sweeping over my shoulders and back again, and he’s kissing me as though it might be the last chance he ever gets.

“I’m okay.” I use my knuckle to stroke his face. “Just getting a little too hot and bothered.” “Yeah, me too.” Longing and fear swirl in his eyes, and I suspect he sees the same in mine.

Fitz breathes in sharply. I hold my breath while I wait for him to answer me. He exhales. “I don’t want dessert yet.” His hand slides to my waistband. “I want to be close to you.”

I put my hand over his. “Are you sure? We don’t have to do anything other than this. Lying with you and kissing you is wonderful and all I need.”

“But it’s not all you want…” I press my lips together, not wanting to pressure him. “And it’s not all ...

“Yeah. And you know what?” “What?” “If it gets too much and I need things to slow down or stop, I know we will because I trust you, Addy. I know you’ll ne...

“You’re gorgeous,” I whisper. “So are you.”

He steps up to me and wraps his arms around me. I hold him back, and we stand there for a few minutes, doing nothing at all. I can feel the thunder of his heart.

His isn’t beating quite as fast as mine, but it’s clear we’re both ridiculously nervous. Addy is just doing a much better job...

“You’re cute when you’re flustered. And your words are just fine.”

“It was beautiful. You’re beautiful.” He pecks a kiss on my cheek. “And you make great cakes.”

“You only want me for my food.” “Well, they do say the way to a man’s heart is via his stomach.” “I shouldn’t have any trouble getting to your heart, then,” I muse.

“No trouble at all.” Addy sighs. “You’ve had a place in my heart for a long time, Fitz.” I know that,...

“It’s great, isn’t it?” Fitz asks. “We can have the most mundane conversations and be happy because we’re talking to each other.” I tilt my head as I stare at him.

I stroke his cheek. “We’re still the same two people we were before we kissed, having the same conversations.” “I know. We’re so dull.” “Speak for yourself. I’m very exciting.”

I put my arm around him and rub his arm, hoping to keep him warm. It is a bit too cold for a picnic, really, but I adore the spot we’ve picked.

It feels like we almost have the park to ourselves, which is how I like it. I’ve never needed or wanted to be surrounded by many people, but being with Fitz always makes me happy and comfortable.

I realise he’s right. We have. We looked out for each other through school and helped each other with homework.

Although we had different interests and career ideas, we supported each other every step of the way. Moving in together had felt like a natural step.

Fitz needed to save money so he could invest in A Spot of Tea, and I’d wanted to see his business venture succeed. Besides, living together made my costs cheaper, I got amazing food and cakes nearly every day, and I got to hang out with my b...

“Uh, I’m the one who keeps losing the power of speech.” “Only around me.” I kiss his cheek. “And only when we’re in the bedroom.”

“Huh. Between us, we make one normal person.” “How so?” “You get nervous around other people, and I get nervous around you. Between us, we can talk to everyone.”

“See? Tongue-tied.” “It’s cute.” He flips me off again. “Am I allowed to call you cute?” “I’m not cute.”

“You’re still scared?” He nods. “Are you?” “A little.” I stroke his arm. “But I’m with this amazing guy, who I find really sexy, and who I trust more than anyone. I know he won’t laugh at me if I try something new and end up embarrassing myself. He’ll hold me and tell me it’s okay.”

“Who is this guy?” Fitz asks. “Should I be jealous?” I cup his face and kiss him. “It’s you, dummy.” I rest my forehead against his. “The point I was trying to make is that I’m not worried about trying new things with you. We might not like everything, but we won’t know unless we give things a go.”

“I know.” I take a breath. “And I think, one day, when we’re both ready, I’d like to make love.” He exhales and nods. I can’t tell if he’s agreeing with my wish list or acknowledging that he’s heard it.

“Yes.” I brush my fingers over his cheeks as I think about what I just said. “Yes,” I repeat in a more confident tone. “As long as I’m with you, I’ll feel safe enough to try anything.”

“Yes, anything legal. I hope you’ll feel safe enough to try too?” He nods hesitantly. “This isn’t a demi thing,” Fitz says. “This is just me being nervous.” He looks up into my eyes and strokes my beard again. “I love you. I think you’re sexy. I want to be sexy with you, but…”