When our last catboy went off to grad school, my husband was adamant, no more catboys, it was just too much work but seeing you on your own, shivering in the cold, I just couldn't help myself. It was a rainy, miserable night in late fall, the kind of night where you can feel winter approaching but we're all still in denial about.
"Hey sweetheart, I'm Aileen" I say softly so I don't spook you as I get out. You peer at me skittishly from under a fringe of damp hair, suspicious green eyes reflecting the light behind me. "Are you lost?" I ask. You stare back at me blankly. "Did you run away from home?". You blush and look away. "Ah, I see. Do you want to go somewhere warm to dry off?" I ask, opening up the passenger door and showing you a seat in my nice, warm car. You hesitate but eventually climb in. Inside the heater is running and I have the heated seats cranked up. I fetch a blanket from the back and wrap it around you gently. You're asleep before I even pull back onto the road.
You awaken to the sound of hushed voices arguing.
"We said no more catboys," a man's voice rumbles.
"I know, but Dan, look at him! It was cold and miserable, I couldn't just leave him," as predicted my husband is unhappy with this development.
"Remember how it went last time, how exhausted we were all the time?" he asks.
"Sure, but we don't have to take it that far, besides, we don't have to keep him or anything, just a few days until we can find a better home for him."
You peer over the edge of the passengers side door and see me arguing with a handsome, dark haired man. You hope I win the argument, little do you know, I always do. Finally, the man sighs. "For a few days," he says emphatically.
I'm smiling when I walk back over to the car. You still seem shy so I'm careful when I open the door. "Do you want to come inside?" We've got a really nice shower you can use and I'll lay out some clothes for you in the spare bedroom." Your ears perk up and I can't help but smile, I have a real weakness for catboys.
You follow me into the house, sparing a wary glance for my husband, who doesn't seem angry but has moved into the kitchen and is nursing a glass of wine. I follow your gaze and laugh, "Don't worry about him, he's good at hiding it, but he's happy you're here too." You follow me down a hallway to a small but cozy guest room with it's own bathroom. I show you where all the towels and toiletries are and then leave you to your business as you close the bathroom door.
I promised you clothes so I cross to the wardrobe to pick out something for you to borrow. For a second I daydream wistfully that you were mine to keep and I get to pick out the kind of clothes I'd truly love to see you in, but a promise is a promise and my husband and I don't make those to each other lightly so a standard t-shirt and short pajamas set it is. I at least make sure it's the softest, coziest one in the drawer. On a whim I throw in an oversized hoodie as well. We'll have to take you shopping soon, but for now this will have to work.
In the kitchen my husband is still sulking with his wine. "Come on Dan, you know you're going love this. It's nice to have a guest in the house again."
He frowns, "You know it might not go that way."
"Of course, and that will be fine, we'll have a guest for a few days and then send him on his way, no problem. But you never know," I tease, getting closer. "Haven't you missed it?" I ask, and he turns away blushing, but I can see the front of his pants give a twitch. Of course he has, I have too, we're just built for this. Teasing and pleasing cute boys is in our DNA. We can fight it, but it's just too fun to give up for long.
"I just don't want you to get your hopes up," he says.
I hum. "I know love, and this is why you're such a good boy, always thinking of me." He gives a little shudder and I know I've got him. As if it was ever in doubt, if there's one thing my husband loves, it's giving me anything and everything I want.
He hands me the second glass of wine he poured and refills his own. I love how he likes to be just a little tipsy when we play with boys. Just needs that little bit of an excuse. His denial is as adorable as it is delicious. I love to see him try to deny himself when such a tasty treat is within our grasp.
Just as we move to the couch you come back in to the room. You look adorable draped in that too big sweatshirt. You look shy but more relaxed than before. I lean back against the edge of the couch, and my husband moves to sit next to me, moving my feet into his lap on reflex.
"Do you want to watch a movie with us?" I ask and you nod. "Would you like wine?", a headshake and I start to wonder if we're ever going to hear your voice. Now seems like a good time to test you out a little. "Speak," I say firmly, "in this house you ask for what you want, understand?" You waver for a second and I'm worried I push too far, too fast, but I'm rewarded with a quiet "Yes Miss."
I motion you to the couch and you sit as far from my husband as possible, pushed up against the arm rest. "Would you like a snack?" I ask and you look up at me with wide green eyes.
"Yes Miss," you say as your stomach growls and I laugh. A beautiful flush of pink spreads across your cheeks. In the kitchen I start some popcorn but also throw together a more substantial meal for you. Who knows how long you were out in the cold. My husband cues up a comedy and I watch you study him, the light blush returning to your cheeks seems like a good sign. I do love when people appreciate my property and the man is handsome as hell.
I return with all our snacks and settle in. Dan rubs my feet absent mindedly and I can feel your green eyes on us watching us like a hawk. You eat like you've been starved, but I don't tell you to slow down. Dan and I both save the lion's share of the popcorn for you. The night is still chilly and blustery so Dan kicks on the fireplace. Between a full stomach and the soft, warm firelight permeating the room we all know it's only a matter of time before you fall fast asleep. We don't have to wait long. Throughout the movie you've been inching closer and closer to Dan and when you finally fall asleep leaning against his shoulder, purring slightly, I know he's a goner.
I hate leaving you both home the next day, but it's a weekday and I've got to make money to spoil my boys so it's necessary. Dan works from home and I know he'll take good care of you while I'm away. Not to mention, having you around will be a delicious tease that will have his motor running by the time I finally arrive home. When I walk in the door, I see you in the kitchen loading the dishwasher. At my surprised look you blush and break eye contact. "I wanted to be useful, and Mr. Dan said it would be fine if I did this."... I'll just bet he did.