My gaze snagged on his couch.
His brand-new, just unwrapped couch.
That we’d definitely made a mess all over.
“Maybe we shouldn’t have unwrapped that, then.” I jabbed a finger, pointing at the mess alreadystaining the cushions.
Cay scrambled upward to spot the stains of saliva and cum dotting the fabric. He let out a loud groan. “Fuck me.”
“Been there, done that, would do it again,” I responded.
“You would?” Cay asked, the slightest hint of vulnerability in his tone. It made my chest squeeze tight.
“Hell yeah,” I murmured, reaching down to trace my fingertips around his reddened wrists. “There’s so much more I want to explore.”
Our gazes locked, and a heaviness stretched between us like the first few drops of rain in the thickened summer air. My pulse pounded in my ears, and I couldn’t look away, even if I wanted to.
His eyes were soft as he responded, “Me too.”
Chapter Twelve
Cay
Friday.Finally.
Not many people said that they liked their job, but I actually did. Working in HR let me chat for hours, but after a week of solving people’s issues, I wanted to talk withmypeople. So when I got a text from my stylist-turned-friend Tai about a movie evening at his place, I sent a juicy thumbs-up in response within a second, followed by a promise of bringing popcorn. His list of guests included his sister, Sam, a bunch of people he’d been friends with forever, and a few newcomers like me and Alex who’d met him through his work as a stylist.
A quick shower and even faster shopping later, I jogged up the stairs to Tai’s apartment, longing to leave work behind and welcome the weekend bliss.
The moment Tai opened the door and pulled me into a quick hug, my shoulders relaxed. I soaked up the buzz of excited talk about Jon Kent and his adventures in the new Pride Anthology. The whirlwind of friends greeted me with waves and hugs, moving quicker than I could acknowledge them. I’d always gotten along with people, but this group created a different vibe, like a welcome home where home was a group of friends, not a place.
A tall figure in black jeans and a Megadeth T-shirt by the window acknowledged my presence, and with a nod, I reciprocated.
“Sam! I haven’t seen you in forever. Since that party at—”
“Don’t mention that night.” Her black hair was so short it didn't move when she shook her head.
“What? No, we need a repeat!”“I’m just here for the weekend.” She patted her biker jacket draped over the side of the couch. Her helmet was at her feet on the floor, as if she was ready to bolt at any second.
“Who wants a pillow or a blanket?” Tai waltzed in with an armload of fluffy items, his pink hair styled to such perfection it defied gravity.
“There are five of us and a small couch,” Tai’s sister mumbled.
“Umm, I just bought these.” Tai dumped the array of fluffy items on the carpet. “Don’t be a snob. We can all cuddle on the floor.Or sit on Cay’s lap.”
“I won’t mind.” My reply was automatic. Affection, cuddles, and friendly touches were my thing, but now there was one person who I’d want on my lap more than anyone else. And it wasn’t Sam.
“Dibs on the armrest, then.” Sam perched one ass cheek on the worn-out spot.
“Yes, following the roaring bisexual rule.” Tai blew her a kiss, and she flipped him the bird.
Alex clapped so abruptly everyone levitated off their seats for a second. “Behave, kids. We’re all gathered here to make sure Wes stops talking about his fight with Ethan.”
My mind went to the day I’d bumped into Beck at Ethan’s comic book store. The guy had looked lost in thought. Maybe even sad? Had Wes been the source of it?
“I just don’t know what happened.” Wes flopped his thin but muscular arms, then plopped to the floor pillow with a graceful twirl. “We party as usual, him being my best wingman and always scoring me prime Daddy material for a quickie. Lately, though, he’s become distant and moody. I don’t know what bit him.”
“Maybe taking your straight friend to gay bars on the regular is getting boring for him?” Tai suggested on his way back from the kitchen. He brought wine and beer glasses, waving for me to follow.
