Chapter 22

"Get some sleep, we have a mission tomorrow," mumbled William, half-asleep, thinking he was back in the military and someone was messing with him.

"What mission?"

"Survival training in the wilderness."

Sleep, sleep, sleep. His brain was stuck in military mode, always thinking about missions. Had he ever thought about anything else?

Brian tried to get back into bed, but as he moved, William woke up.

"How did I end up on the floor? I'm dead tired, let's sleep. No more messing around, be good," he mumbled.

Brian climbed back into bed, and William, still groggy, followed suit. He grabbed a pillow, threw it under his head, and pulled the blanket over himself. He was out like a light.

Brian gave him a good kick. Sleeping in his bed, using his pillow, and hogging his blanket!

William's leg landed heavily on Brian's stomach, pinning him down.

Brian didn't push his leg away. Instead, he turned his head to look at William. He relaxed and moved William's leg to the side, then lay on his side, quietly looking at William's face. He reached out and touched his chin.

Married for three years, and this is only the second time they've shared a bed since the wedding.

Long time no see, William.

Brian woke up early. By the time he was ready for work, Nina was just getting up to make breakfast.

"I won't be eating; I have an early meeting," Brian said.

"Let William drive you," Nina suggested.

"No need, he's still sleeping. He must be tired. I'll just drive myself," Brian replied with a smile, and left.

Nina watched him leave with a look of adoration. What a good kid.

Wait a minute, why was William still sleeping? How were they supposed to bond if he was sleeping in? She stormed into the bedroom and smacked William on the thigh.

William jolted awake. Seeing his mom, he quickly wrapped the blanket around his lower body. Thank God he wore pajamas last night, or he would have flashed her.

"Mom! I'm in my thirties, can you please knock before entering?" he exclaimed.

"Didn't bother you when you were eight and came home with pee-soaked pants and a bare bottom, did it?" she retorted.

"Let's not bring up the past."

"Get up! Brian's gone to work. You should pack him some lunch and eat together. Then pick him up early for a movie or something," she instructed.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Can you and my mother-in-law please leave? We need some privacy. I know how to woo my husband," he said.

"Alright, but make sure you treat Brian well," she said as she left.

Finally, they were gone. William hurriedly got up and tidied the room. The cleaning service was due to arrive. He drove to the military base to pick up his belongings. He didn't have any clothes at home; even his underwear was new. He needed his stuff. By noon, he was ready.

Time to take his hubby out for lunch.

The receptionist at Brian's office building flinched when she saw William. But this time, he didn't yell. He wore a big, friendly smile.

"Where's Brian?" he asked.

"With a client," she replied.

"He doesn't have a lunch appointment, right? I'm going up to see him."

"Mr. Wang, please wait. I'll make a call," she said.

"We're married, and I still need to make an appointment to see my own husband?" he said as he headed for the elevator.

As the elevator doors opened, Brian emerged surrounded by a group of people. William's face lit up with a smile as he approached.

"Brian! I was just coming up to find you. Let's grab lunch together," he said cheerfully.

Brian whispered an apology to the people around him and pulled William aside.

"What are you doing here?" he asked in a low voice.

"Having lunch, of course! It's our date," William replied with a grin.

"I have to entertain some tax officials. You go ahead," Brian said, trying to leave.

But William quickly grabbed his hand. What about dinner? Brian shook off his hand with a stern look. Keep your distance.

"Don't make a scene. Too many people are watching," Brian whispered.

"Hey, Brian! Brian!" William called after him, but Brian was already leading his group out of the building and into a car. He was gone.

William was left standing there, frustration bubbling inside him. What was this? He was making an effort here, and Brian wouldn't even give him a chance.