Once we’re inside, I scrape the small bits of food left in the dish into the trash can and move to the sink to begin washing when I feel Phoenix’s eyes boring into me.
“Can I talk to you for a second?” he asks, his tone the most serious it’s been all night.
I keep washing the dish as I answer. “I figured this wasn’t just about cleanup duty.”
Although he’s been jovial and a great host, Phoenix has kept an eye on me almost as much as Knox has tonight. Not in a creepy way, but in ahe’s-protective-of-you-and-I’m-protective-of-himway.
“Yeah, I’m gonna make it fast because he’ll actually drag you out of here if we’re not back in five minutes, so I apologize for the bluntness, but Knox has had it rough for a long time. If this is just a game to you, please leave him alone and don’t look back.”
I turn to face Phoenix because this conversation deserves eye contact.
“It’s not a game to me,” I confirm. “But it’s also been a very short period of time, and it’s unfair to basically tell me I need to make my mind up about forever right now.”
His brows raise a small amount as he digests my words before nodding his head slightly. “That’s a valid point, but Knox doesn’t trust easily, and once he does, he’s all in.”
I chuckle. “So I’ve learned.”
“He seems to really like you, and I’ll admit, it’s nice to hear him laugh again.”
“But?” I prompt.
“But he’s my best friend, and I wouldn’t hesitate to kick your perfect ass if you hurt him.”
My immediate instinct is to deflect with humor.So, you noticed my ass, huh?
But I don’t.
He needs to know I’m serious.
Hell,Ineed to know I’m serious.
Taking a deep breath, I let out a slow exhale. “Look, man. I’m not perfect. I’ll inevitably fuck something up because I’m human, and yeah, I’m young. This started as a way to get your friend to explore a side of himself I could see as clear as day the night we met. It’s morphed into something more. I wanted to help him heal in any way I could. And now, I want to see where this goes forme.Forus.I can’t promise forever, but this isn’t a joke to me.”
Phoenix pinches the bridge of his nose like a Taylor-shaped headache is forming behind his eyes.
“Just promise me if things change for you, you’ll talk to him. Tell him what’s going on, and for the love of God, please don’t just leave him with no warning or explanation. Give him the chance for closure he didn’t get before.”
His words suddenly take me aback.
“With Karen?” I ask, and Phoenix nods. “Didn’t he tell you? She came by the house this morning. He got his closure while I was half naked in his kitchen.” I snicker as I tell the rest of the story. “I called himDaddyand then got her name wrong on purpose. You should’ve seen her face. I just wish she’d seen the bite mark I left on his chest, though.”
Phoenix’s eyes widen, and he unleashes a torrent of new question, the heaviest part of the moment now over.
“Holy fuck, Karen was there? Hesawher? Wait, and youbithim? Why is that so hot? What’s he into? Is he kinky? I swear it’s always the quiet ones.”
I laugh and shake my head. “I’m not divulging all the details, but I can confidently agree that when he’s into something, he’sallin.”
I didn’t think it was possible for Phoenix’s eyes to get wider when he shrieks. “You guys fucked already?!Jesus!”
I shrug, letting him draw his own conclusions. The queer community is more fluid in their definition of sex. Blowjobs and frotting to orgasm count to me, so yeah, I guess we have.
“Does he top or bottom? Is his ass as hairy as his chest?”
“You’ll never fucking know, you nosy bastard.” Phoenix jumps at the sound of Knox’s voice. “It’s been seven minutes. Tay’s leaving with menow.”
Phoenix cracks up over being caught. I hadn’t realized my feet were moving, instinctively carrying me toward Knox, until Phoenix catches my wrist, halting my progress.
Phoenix may be Knox’s best friend, but Knox doesnotlike him touching me, and he forcefully peels Phoenix’s fingers from my arm.
