He almost looks crushed at that, but that damn determination creeps back in almost instantly. “It’s not. At least Ihope it’s not.”
I smile at his choice of words, caressing his scruffed cheek with my fingertips. “I can get that. I'm just afraid that this is an experiment, that this is only an exploration of your sexuality and curiosity, that it's a rebound because Kaylee–”
“Kaylee and I were long over before last week, you know that,” he interrupts, giving me a peck in reassurance. “But you want my honest answer?”
Of fucking course I nod.
“I don’t know if it’s foolish.”
I deflate.
“No, don't look at me like that.” He grabs my chin again. “Because Iamcurious. And Iwantto experiment. And yes, I want to explore my sexuality.” His fingers now slide in my hair. “But I want to figure those things out with you, and only you. That’s something I’m definitely sure of.”
I smile at that.
“So, I hope as well. That you will have some patience with me while I muster up the courage to do this.”
“Do what?”
“Come out? It will be all over the news, I guess? If I do, make public that I’m dating you. It would become a very big thing, which I don't want. I don't really like the spotlight and all that comes with and–”
“Woah, woah, woah,” I interrupt, holding my hand over his mouth to stop the babbling. “No. Way too soon to come out. Don't do that, please? You can figure everything out and take all the time you need. I really don't mind being your dirty little secret.” I grin at that. “Imagine the fun of sneaking around campus. Quickie bj's in Yetties bathroom? I'm all for it.”
He licks my hand, which makes me let go, and he guffaws. “Please. I should flaunt you around campus, not hide you. I managed to scoretheJace from Encore, who is notorious already for being hard to catch.”
“Ah, no way. I'm not that picky usually,” I say as I happily grab his ass again as he's still propped beside me.
“You are since you moved here, apparently. What changed your MO?” he prods.
“You want to hear it, right?” My question lights up his face as he nods. Greedy bastard.
“Okay then. Maybe some idiot QB caught my attention, and he was being dumb about it, flaunting his girlfriend in my face. He's an ugly mutt, really. I don't know why I'd bother waiting.”
He bursts out laughing, before dropping his head again, pressing his face to my throat, throwing one thick thigh over mine. I love how he cuddles close, like he justhasto touch me.
That never happened before.
I shiver at his warm breath that fans over me.
“So you really want this?” I ask softly, still petting his hair, still not believing this is happening.
“Define this.”
“Us. Dating?”
He pops his head up, dimples appearing as he smiles. “Yeah, that's a good place to start. I want to date you.”
“Is it not too soon after…”
His hand now coversmymouth. “Shut it. It's not. Trust me on that, okay?” He presses his nose against my cheek. “I don't know how this will pan out, but I know itfeelsright, and I’m always going with my gut feeling, so I really want to try. I can only promise that I will keep being honest, okay? If for some idiotic reason I'm not into this anymore, I'll tell you. Deal?”
I nod and he removes his hand with a smile. “Deal. No lies.”
“No lies,” he confirms with a peck against my mouth. “It’s okay to hope, Jace. Because I hope too.”
I smile before pulling him down again, taking his lovely mouth in a long, firm kiss, feeling all warm and buzzy inside. He wants this. He wants this just as badly as me.
He hopes as well.
