Page 32 of Purrfectly Haunted

I mumble something incoherent in the dark.

Ewan leaves my side, and I immediately start shaking again, missing his warmth. My skin is clammy and cold. Distantly, I feel him pat me down with something, probably tissues.

“Hurry...” I say between chattering teeth.

As soon as he’s back in bed, I wrap myself tightly around him, basking in his heat like a lizard.

Before falling asleep, I hear him whisper, “James, are you gay?”

I laugh. “Yes. What gave it away? The fact that I talked about burying my cock down your throat?”

I feel him shiver. “You know... just checking...”

“Yes, Ewan. I’m gay. And you?”

“Ye—yeah.”

“Good.” I tighten my embrace around him and I’m lost to the world.

When I wake in the morning, I feel deliciously warm and alive. I open my eyes and find Ewan sleeping by my side, his large body against mine under the comforter. This close, I notice the discreet freckles scattered over his nose and cheekbones. His chestnut hair is falling over his forehead, and I want to feel it between my fingers, but my arms are stuck. Then my eyes zero in on his generous lips. Just last night, they were wrapped around my fingers. How good would they feel around my cock?

We didn’t kiss, I realise. That’s a crying shame...

I try to extricate my arms, but there is a heavy weight on my chest. I look down and come face to face with the calico cat, lying on my chest.

“Holy shit,” I whisper as not to spook it and risk getting clawed.

The cat purrs and slow blinks at me.

“Ewan,” I call. Nothing. “Ewan!”

“Hm?” He opens heavy-lidded eyes. “What?”

“Help me,” I say between gritted teeth. “The cat.”

He finally wakes fully and stares at the both of us, a blush creeping on his face. He must be remembering the events of last night. I'd love to reminisce, too, but I’m a little busy panicking about the feline inches away from my face, close enough to gouge my eyes out if it wishes.

“Oh hello, Mouche,” he says to the hell-spawn creature. “Are you helping James feel better?”

Mouche meows.

“You know, there's scientific evidence suggesting that purring can have a healing effect. The frequency at which cats purr can promote tissue regeneration and bone healing,” he says to me. “Mouche probably felt that you needed a little help after last night.”

I sigh shakily. “That’s great, Ewan. And don’t get me wrong, I love the whole athletic nerd package you have going on, but can you get it away from me before I have a heart attack?”

He blushes again, probably at my unexpected praise, and grabs Mouche off my chest with a shy “sorry”.

As soon as I’m free from the demon, I jump out of bed and shake myself to get rid of its evil influence. I’m still only wearing my boxer briefs, so the effect must be quite something. But when I look at Ewan, he’s devouring me with his eyes.

I open my mouth to say something. What? I’m not sure. Can I suck you off for breakfast? Can you get on your knees again? But a knock at our door stops my dirty thoughts in their tracks.

Ewan and I share a glance, and I say, “Yes?”

“It’s Shirley,” comes a voice from outside. She opens the door, and stares at us both for a moment. “Am I interrupting something?” She wiggles her eyebrows.

“Yes,” I growl, pointing to the cat now on Ewan’s lap. “This monster is invading my space. Did you let it in? The door was closed.”

Shirley shakes her head. Today, her purple hair is loose and she has braided colourful beads in it. “No. The cats come and go as they please in this house. No door can stop them.”