Since adolescence I usually had to get up during the night to pee. I tried to ease out of the bed and not wake him, but Conrad always welcomed me back with a quick nuzzle and a sleepy sigh of contentment. He would twist his toes around my chilled feet and rub them until they were warm again.
One Friday night, I’d propped pillows under my torso to watch television sideways over Conrad’s broad shoulders. We took turns stretching out, one holding the other, and switched off as the shows ended and cruised through commercials. I let my fingers ease over Conrad’s back and arms. “This feels great, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, absolutely.” Conrad turned towards me, his face furrowed. “You’re spoiling me, I’m not used to this.”
“Come on, you’ve had this before.”
“Not really.” Conrad shrugged. “It’s not
