Cal:Something good I hope?
Mac:Please tell me it’s related to thebook deal!
Ryker:Kinda.It’s personal.
Mac:K.What’s up?
Ryker:Wes and I are seeing eachother.
Mac:Group call.NOW.
Ryker’s phone lit up.He prepared himselffor the barrage of questions.
“Hey, guys.”
“Hey yourself.What do you mean, you’reseeing each other?You’re writing a new book series together, so Iimagine you’ll see him occasionally.Please tell me that’s what youmeant,” Mac growled.
“No, Mac, I mean Wes and I are dating.As inwe are sleeping together.In fact, he flew out two nights ago tosurprise me.We like spending time together.Naked and clothed.That sort of seeing,” Ryker said.
Before Mac could say anything, Cal’s voiceboomed out.“I knew it!I knew it.He could not resist your moodycharm.I saw it on his face when you were leaving Mac’s party.So,tell us—how’s the sex?He’s bossy in bed, isn’t he?”
Mac groaned loudly and Ryker sighed.
“Just trust me when I say it’s all verygood.”
Mac apparently wasn’t done yet, though.“Have you thought this through, Ry?Are you sure you can handleworking and sleeping with this guy?What happens when you break up?What about the book deal?”
“Let him enjoy himself, Mac,” Calwarned.
“No, I am being the voice of reason here,because I’m the only one who’s thinking with his brain and not hisdick right now,” Mac barked.
Ryker took a deep breath to steady himself.“Mac, I know it’s fast and unexpected, but I’m happy.We’re happytogether.I don’t know why, but we clicked and I’m going with mygut.You need to trust me on this.”
“It’s not you I don’t trust.I just don’twant to see you get hurt, Ry.I want you to think about thisrealistically.He lives in Toronto.You live here.You both havebusy careers and schedules.How’s that gonna work out?”Macasked.
Ryker was aware of the long-distance issue,but he wasn’t too concerned right now.To be honest, he was goingon instinct, just as he’d told Mac.
“We’ll sort that out later.For now, we’retaking it day by day.”
Mac grunted.“Until he grows bored, goeshunting, gets photographed with some hot guy coming out of anightclub, and you’re left shattered.”
Wes’s personal history via social mediaflashed through Ryker’s mind.Wes wanted to be exclusive, but washe prepared for the reality?Would he get restless as Macsuggested?Ryker believed that Wes was true to his word.He wouldhave to trust in that for now.
“Wes wouldn’t do that.We’re seeing eachother exclusively.We’ve even ditched the condoms.”
“What the fuck, Ry?Don’t do that!”Macyelled.
“I’ve never had sex without condoms.Does itreally feel better?I need details,” Cal asked.
“This is crazy,” Mac said.
Ryker interrupted Mac before he could sayanything further.“Relax, we’ve both been tested recently, and Iknow what I’m doing.Be my friend.Be happy for me.I don’t expectyou to understand, but I need to know you two have my back.”
“Of course,” Mac mumbled.
“Always,” Cal replied.
Ryker was mentally wrung out from thisconversation.He’d expected a razzing by his friends, but Mac’scynical reaction was making him second guess his decision to bewith Wes.Fuck that.He and Wes knew what they were doingand they were happy.On to the next item.
