Chapter 419: No More Arguing

"Cecil, Stuart’s right! Junk food and sweets aren’t good for you. You’re going to start eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies. No more junk food and no more eating out any more than we can help," Edie explained.

Stuart nodded his head in agreement. "She’s right! You need to start taking care of your body. Look at this!" he said as he flexed his muscles. "Don’t you want to grow up to be big and strong like me?" he asked.

"No! I don’t want to," Cecil said as he flattened his belly. "I’m already skinny, and the girls like how I look. If I lose any more weight, they won’t like me anymore," he said with a slight disappointment in his voice.

Edie and Stuart laughed at him. "You’re a handsome little fellow, and we’re just looking out for your best interest, that’s all," Edie said.

Sitting at the table, Cecil pushed the food around his plate with his fork. "Gross!" He stuck out his tongue. "It doesn’t taste good," he said sadly. "I just want something that tastes good." He cocked one brow. "I want some real food."

Stuart could feel eyes on him, imagining Cecil’s thoughts as he ate his food, but he ignored him. "Have you finished your meal?" he asked him.

"Yes," Cecil said hesitantly, glancing at Stuart. "Wait, I can’t go to bed! My stomach hurts! I’m hungry. If you give me a snack first, I promise I’ll go right to bed," he said, trying to bribe him.

"No more snacks," Stuart said, raising his voice. "Do you want some salad?" he asked, passing him the bowl.

"Okay," Cecil muttered under his breath.

After everyone was finished eating, Stuart turned to Edie and said in a gentle voice, "Let’s go upstairs and put some ointment on your back."

She nodded her head, and they turned to go upstairs. "No!" Cecil cried. "Don’t leave me!"

Stuart turned around and looked at him. "You can help Mr. Bates clean off the table and then go straight to the bedroom," he ordered.

"You’re not being very nice to me," Cecil said, crying even harder. He clung to Stuart’s leg. "Please just one little snack?" he pleaded.

Stuart smiled and tapped his head. "Remember what Edie said? We’re doing this for you—no more arguing. Just do what you’re told. Okay?"

"But I’m just a kid. I’m a growing boy. You’re too strict with me," Cecil argued with Stuart. He turns to look at Mr. Bates with tears in his eyes. "Mr. Bates, do you see how he treats me? He’s making me go to bed hungry."

"I’m afraid I can’t go against Mr. Yates’s wishes if you keep pulling stunts like this. Mr. Yates is going to send you home. Behave and do as he asks," Mr. Bates said, grinning back at Cecil.

Cecil never said another word. He nodded his head and did as he was told. The last thing he wanted was to go home.

When Stuart walked into the bedroom, Edie was reading a book. He cuddled next to her and asked, "How’s your back feeling?"

"It’s still tender," she replied.

"Lie on your stomach, and I’ll put some cream on for you," Stuart said in a gentle voice.

Edie took her shirt off and laid on the bed, revealing her burned skin. Stuart’s eyes widened in shock. "I didn’t know it was this bad," he said. He took a deep breath as he tried to control the terrible feelings of remorse overwhelming him. "All I want to do is relieve your pain," he said as he gently rubbed the ointment on her back.

It sent a shiver through her body as he applied it to her back. "It’s actually rather soothing," Edie said.

Stuart stopped for a second and asked, "Am I hurting you?"

Edie’s voice took on a seductive tone as she said in a low voice. "No! It feels so good."

The sound of her voice gave Stuart chills up and down his body. A tingle of excitement ran through him. He had missed her so very much. Her taste. Her smell. The feel of her. Touching her and feeling her heat made Stuart’s body go crazy with a burning desire to feel more of her. He took a breath to gain back control.

Edie groaned with pleasure as he ran his hand gently over her back. "Oh, Stuart," she said.

Stuart could feel his body humming with sexual tension. His fingers spread on the back of her neck, and he drew her close without even seeming to. Edie opened her eyes and stared at Stuart with soft, dark eyes. His heart was beating wildly in his chest. He swallowed hard as he looked at her naked body. Then he quickly turned his head.

Edie could feel her face flushing with embarrassment. "Are.....you....thinking about something else?" she stammered.

"It’s been so long! The sight of your gorgeous body has made me realize how much I’ve missed making love with you. I just can’t help myself," he said with a tinge of frustration in his voice.

"Turn around," she said. "I’m going to get dressed." Edie breathed a sigh of relief and looked around the bed for her clothes. As she reached down to pick up her shirt, she fell off the bed and screamed.

"What happened?" Stuart asked as he rushed over to help her. She took a step toward him and was suddenly pressed against him, her naked breasts pressed hard against his chest. He rubbed against her making low, choked sounds deep in his throat.

They stared silently at each other. She was irresistible, and he was burning up with desire. Edie’s breath came quicker and quicker and faster and faster beat her heart against his own. "You’re blushing! Your face is red," Stuart said, teasing her.

Edie covered her face with both hands and said, "No, I’m not!"

"It’s been a long time since I kissed you." After Stuart said it, he did it. His lips claimed hers with a red-hot hunger and demanded that she felt right down to her toes. His tongue tasted hers, and Edie shivered. He opened his mouth wider and adjusted angles, so he could have more of her. More contact, more of her tongue in his mouth because it drove him crazy in the most exquisite way. She melted against him, opening herself even more to the kiss.