Touching his fingertips to his lips, Odd continues. “We were just talking and he…he grabbed me and kissed me, and it was everything I thought it would be with him. He overwhelmed me with it and then just pulled away before very politely asking me to leave.”
I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place because I know some information that might be helpful, but DB trusts my discretion, and I refuse to break trust with him.
“I’m so sorry, man. I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t want you to give up on him; you’re exactly what he needs. I just know it. But I don’t want you to hurt like this anymore.”
Odd’s posture shifts, and he straightens his back, wiping the rest of his tears away. After a small pause, he nods to himself.
“You know, you’re right. He and I would be amazing together. But he doesn’t see it. Or doesn’t want to see it. And I’m really fucking tired of this one-sided thing that’s happening between us. No, means no, right? He’s made his opinion, however stupid, clear. This was helpful. Thank you, Thane.”
Odd brushes past me, heading back to the living room, and I’m left feeling uncertain.
I know for a fact that DeShaun Blaylock is in love with Odd Bash, and I know at least some of what’s stopping him. And goddammit, I wish he’d see his way past it. He deserves to feel the way I feel about Ro, and so does Odd.
A gentle hand on my arm disrupts my reverie, and I look up to find Ronan’s beautiful eyes searching mine.
“What’s going on, babe?”
I shrug. “Odd and DB. I wish I could help, but I can’t make it better for them until DB forgives and accepts himself.”
He slips under my arm, hugging my side. “Gosh, that doesn’t sound familiar at all.”
“Shut it, little man.” I slide him around so we’re facing each other when I hug him.
“I’m only little next to you,” he says into my chest.
Using my thumb, I lift his chin, peering into his gorgeous baby blues. “Impossible, baby. You’re my whole universe.”
Epilogue
Three months later
Ronan
I was never much of a boater before, but now I kind of get it. One of our favorite things to do, aside from plotting the downfall of some horrible asshole, is to get on the boat early in the morning and explore the various coves along Lake Travis. If we find a cove that isn't too overrun, we drop anchor and dive in, floating next to each other as we enjoy the rising sun and the cool water.
This morning, the lake is relatively quiet, so we’re moored by Hippie Hollow, and I'm floating nude on an inner tube with some breakfast weed and a fresh croissant resting on my belly.
And yes, I'm moderately stoned before ten in the morning. Don't judge me, it was a tough week.
But fewer bad guys are on the table, and I'm with the man I love.
My thoughts are interrupted by a tidal wave created by my beloved cannonballing right next to my head.
“Oy! You almost ruined my joint!”
“Oh, you’re fine. You’ve had your two whole puffs,” he says, splashing me.
"But my croissant!”
"There’s more on the boat.”
"But why did you cannonball me?"
"Because you’re too delicious, floating out here for all the world to see,” he says, dragging me off my inner tube. “And also, I like to see you wet.”
I sputter and splash until he pulls me in for a searing kiss, his naked body pressed against mine in chilly water. I wrap myself around him, delighted to see that he’s as hard as me.
"Rub against each other in the water? Or go back home and see if I can't get you to do your little circus act for me before I have my way with you?”
