His lips tasted of strawberry candy.
I closed my eyes, luxuriating in the soft kiss, the warmth of his body so close, and the citrusy scent of his cologne. He was the embodiment of the unconditional acceptance I so desperately needed, even after so many years post-transition. It was about us connecting again, not about my journey. He was the home I left behind, the easy laughs, and the sunny days. But he was also a piece of my past that welcomed my present with open arms and heart.
He was too good.
I knew this new thing between us would end badly, the way it always had for me. A few dates, sex, finding out we’re not compatible, and an imminent heartache.
I couldn’t lose a friend I’d just gotten back. Pushing at his chest, I gasped in a breath.
“I’m sorry.” He scooted away. He had nothing to apologize for.
His pink lips and flushed cheeks added to the adorable look on his face.
I couldn’t hurt this man. I wouldn’t. “Are you?”
He squeezed his nape, shrugging one shoulder. “No. I guess that’s what I’m sorry for.”
“Don’t be.”I’m not.“It doesn’t need to mean anything.”
He nodded and stood up. “I better go.” Like a panther, he walked on the balls of his feet, moving his bulky body through the corridor.
“It was great meeting you all.” He waved at everyone in the living room and slipped out of the apartment.
I stood like a dummy, watching the closed door as if it would burst open and Trent would march back in like he had at Randy’s. But he didn’t.
“What did you do to him?” Sabrina asked when I rejoined my friends on the couch.
“How do you know it was my fault?” Ignoring inquisitive stares all around, I grabbed my beer and took a sip. Ugh, it was warm.
“He left with a kicked puppy expression on his face.” Trixie moved the chips bowl away when I reached for it. “Well?”
I released a heavy sigh. “Fuck.” I turned to the door, but he was long gone.
“Well, you can call him and fix it.” Sabrina threw me a bag of chips.
I caught it and set it aside when the realization hit me. “Shit. I didn’t get his number.”
A series of groans echoed through the room, and a loud slap as Felix smacked himself in the forehead.
“Oh, come on, Charlie! I really liked this one.” Sabrina pouted.
“I’d tap that,” Hal said, then flinched when Laurie slapped his thigh. “Ouch! You would too!”
I loved my friends, but sometimes they were assholes.
Chapter Four
Charlie
Iwandered into Randy’s every day during lunchtime and after work, lying to myself that it wasn’t because I was hoping to see Trent. Not at all. Thankfully, the Boston Hill Mail, the tiny local paper I worked at, was three blocks from the diner and I didn’t need an excuse to eat there.
Two weeks had passed since the concert, and not a day had gone by when I hadn’t thought of that kiss, of Trent’s soft lips tasting of strawberry candy… and the way he accepted me for who I was.
I wanted my friend back so badly, and I fucked up my chance the moment Trent handed it to me. I had to apologize, but I needed to find him first.
During my lunch break on a Tuesday, I sent my article about the raffle in the local youth center to editing and sprang out of my chair. A brisk walk later, I pushed open the door to Randy’s and my heart skipped a beat.
The booth I’d sat with Trent two weeks before was occupied by a big guy, hunched over a stack of dino pancakes.
