Dylan sucked his lower lip into his mouth as the praise buoyed him up. More than that, it made his body heat with desire. God, he wanted Callum. He would be so gentle with him and would make all his firsts perfect. And when he made love to him, it would be beautiful.
“So are you,” he said. “But we should probably stop before I get carried away.” He helped Callum stand. “I don’t want to pressure you. We go at your pace, baby, I promise.”
Callum nodded and leant against him, his forehead resting on Dylan’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
“And if—” Dylan’s chest shuddered. “If you decide this isn’t what you want, it’ll be okay, baby. We’ll still be friends.” It would hurt, but he’d make sure he didn’t lose Callum.
Callum turned his head on Dylan’s shoulder, so he was staring up at him. “I think I do want this. At least…I wantyou.”
Dylan’s heart swelled and a silly smile spread across his face. “It’s late.” He looked upwards and then shrugged, throwing caution to the wind. “That’s not me chucking you out, by the way. My bed’s really comfy and big enough for two. I’m not suggesting we do anything other than sleep,” he added quickly. “We can keep our clothes on.”
Callum stood tall. His expression was impossible to read, and Dylan secretly crossed his toes and hoped that Tattoo Boy would agree to stay.
“Okay.”
Dylan couldn’t help but grin.
He went up the ladder first. It wasn’t possible to stand on the bed—not that he’d want to, as it was so tall—but they could both easily sit on it without having to duck their heads. He’d put fairy lights above and around the bed, making it a twinkly haven. It was romantic, not that he’d ever had them turned on when he’d had a guy over before. He’d been afraid his conquests would mock him, but he’d known Callum wouldn’t. He felt safe enough to be himself with Callum.
“It’s beautiful up here,” Callum breathed.
“I like it.”
They laid down, side by side, staring up at the fairy lights.
“Do you want me to turn them off?”
“No.” He turned his head to face Dylan. “Thank you.”
“What for?”
“Being so understanding and for being an amazing kisser.”
“You’re going to give me a big head.”
Callum traced Dylan’s jaw with his fingers. “I thought you liked it.”
“I do.” Dylan’s throat thickened. “But like I said, it turns me on.” He caught hold of Callum’s hand and pressed it to his lips, kissing it softly. “And you’re not ready for that yet, are you?”
Callum shook his head. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologise, baby, I’m good with slow.”
Was he really? He’d never been with a guy who wanted—no,needed—to take things slow before. But then he’d never imagined himself making love to anyone before, either. He’d only ever thought about fucking a guy. This was new, and wonderful, and frightening.
He wriggled closer and gave Callum a soft kiss goodnight. Callum turned towards him and moments later they were cuddled up together, gently stroking each other as the fairy lights twinkled above them. They weren’t in a rom-com, Dylan decided, they were in a fairy tale, but it was far too early to dare to hope for a happily ever after.
