Page 104 of The Anonymous Hookup

“It’s not a scary question,” I say, caressing his back. “It’s important, though.”

“Okay. What is it?”

“What’s your middle name?”

His laughter tickles my neck, shoulders shaking with the movement. “Really?” he asks, and I can sense him looking up at me.

“Tell me.” When he takes a beat too long to reply, I drag my hand up to his hair and tug gently.

“Alright, alright,” he says, tapping my chest to make me stop, but there’s a smile in his voice. “It’s Reginald.”

I pull back, as if to look at him even though the room is dark. “Reginald?”

“I know. It’s the worst.”

“No it’s not! Fitzwilliam is way worse. I can’t believe you’re embarrassed aboutReginald.”

“Well, I am,” Aaron replies, “so you better not tell anyone, okay? Promise?” He reaches for my hand and intertwines his pinkie around mine.

“Fine,” I say. “I promise not to tell anyone about your totally acceptable middle name.”

“Thanks Fitzy.”

I recoil. “Don’t say that ever again.”

“But I need a pet name for you. Or would you preferbabe?”

A flush spreads over my face while Aaron laughs, hearty and loud, and I slap his shoulder. After he’s finished laughing at his own joke, he snuggles against my chest.

“Hey Aaron?”

“Mm?” His voice vibrates into my skin.

“I love you.” I say it easily, without any fear. Actually, the scary thing is how not scary it is.

“Yeah?” His legs twist around mine. “I love you too.”

I kiss the top of his head and bring him closer, our bodies intertwined as we fall asleep.

THE END