“I took the liberty of unloading the produce you brought back,” Cai told him the moment he logged into the shipnet. “I had it placed in my kitchen since you do seem to prefer cooking here.”

“Your kitchen has more space to cook in,” Nick pointed out, “and thank you. I was going to ask you, but I got distracted.”

“I thought as much.” Cai sounded amused. “I didn’t figure your mother for the nervous type.”

“She was in a shuttle accident some years back. She hides it well, but flying terrifies her. I think it’s entirely to her credit that she doesn’t let her fear stop her.” Nick checked his queue. Nothing was pending for a change. Everything was on schedule and no crises had developed anywhere. He wasn’t sure he trusted this seeming peace and quiet, it couldn’t possibly last, but he’d enjoy it while he could.

“I concur,” Cai said at length.

Nick wondered what his Gator was agreeing with—his mother’s bravery or the peace and quiet not lasting. With Cai, either was likely.

“Both,” Cai admitted.

The thought that Cai was reading his thoughts didn’t bother him in the least. It was just a side effect of being married to a powerful telepath. It certainly made things convenient at times, since he didn’t have to explain what Cai had already heard directly from his mind. He thought that was becoming more common as time went by. So, just to tease his spouse, he daydreamed about slowly stripping the clothes off Cai’s body, running his hands over Cai’s smooth, pale skin, pushing Cai down over the arm of his couch and... Nick broke off with a groan. It was time to collect Gilly and Evie and here he was with a raging hard-on.

Finish it, Cai whispered in his mind. Damn it, Nick, don’t leave me dangled over the arm of a couch!

“But it’s time for dinner.” Nick grinned as he replied via the shipnet. “And it wouldn’t be as satisfying in a dream as it will be in person.” Power cracked over his balls, slid up his erection from base to head. He groaned again, his hips lifting in spite of his intentions to wait. Invisible fingers slid up into his ass and pumped him, stretching him open and teasing him, making him want more. It stopped as abruptly as it started and Nick moaned aloud, “Caaaiii... not fair.”

Now we’re even, Cai said tartly. See you in a few.