Before now, I've played with the Boys at the club, even taken a few on some dates (and playdates), but they've never felt like actual relationships. I've never been invested. I neverallowedmyself to be invested. I had too much going on between my large family, my studies, hockey, and my social life. Adding in a real relationship seemed like too much work.
Until now.
I don't know what it is about Justin that makes me want to put in the effort, but there'ssomething. I felt it from the moment we met — that lightning bolt to my soul which demanded that I give him the time and attention he deserves.
I'll admit it: that is definitely part of thesomething,the fact that he deserves to be someone's priority. For a guy who is only in his late twenties, he's been through a lot. Isstillgoing through a lot. Yes, that speaks to my savior complex, as Iz calls it, but I wanted to help him even before I knew his story.
So, no; Israel isn't wrong. But that doesn't mean I can't balance everything. I can have a real relationship on top of everything else.I just need to make sure Justin and I are on the same page. Dating, but taking our time.
"I'm just saying, man," Izzy holds his hands up in surrender, but he has a cocky little grin on his face which speaks volumes on its own, "something's gotta give at some point. This year isn't exactly going to be a walk in the park for us."
“All the more reason to extend my support system, then." I smirk right back at him.
Surprisingly, my roommate considers my rebuttal with a serious nod. "Yeah, okay, I'll give you that. Plus, sex on tap will also keep you from getting all...grrr."
"Grrr?" I repeat, trying not to laugh at him.
"You get all wound up and you're hell to deal with, and you know it."
I toss a cushion at him as I laugh, "You know, every time you say that, I think it's pretty rich coming from you. When's the last time you got laid?"
"None of your damn business is when."
"Which means too long ago," I shrug, ducking as the cushion hurtles my way again. It hits the wall behind me with a mutedthump. "Andyour whole personality is basically the grumpy bear stereotype on crack. Ergo,youneed to get some."
Izzy gapes at me for a long moment. "Did you just say 'ergo'?"
"That's what you're taking from my epic argument?"
He snorts, and I cheer internally at cracking his cranky façade. "You're an idiot."
"Seriously, though," I tell him after I've finished chuckling, "you should get out there and let off some steam. Channel that Daddy Dom energy you've got going on because trying to dominate me isn't working."
"Ugh, I don't have the patience for brats like you."
"Then find a sweet, pliant sub." My thoughts flit briefly to Marshall, but I am not going to be dumb enough to stir up our group of friends if my suspicions aren't one-hundred-percent on the money. "All I'm saying is maybe you've finally hit your abstinence limit, too."
He grumbles under his breath, but the fact that he doesn't completely dismiss my observations is a surprise. I'm half a breath away from calling him on it when my phone alerts me to a new message. It's from Justin.
Justin
Are you alone?
My lips curl upwards and I push myself out of the armchair I've been lazing in. "Well," I tell my roommate distractedly as I type out my reply, "I'm about to take care of my lack of abstinence right now."
"Dude, come on," he protests as I press send.
Me:
I'm about to be. Heading into my bedroom now, baby. Is there something you need?
Justin's bubbling ellipses appear and disappear as I watch. Shutting my bedroom door, I cross the small space to my twin bed and settle myself against the headboard.
After a few more seconds without a reply, I decide to take charge and I call him via FaceTime. His cute face fills my screen almost immediately, and I drink in the sight of him, even though I saw him only yesterday.
"Hey, sweetheart," I practically croon, watching the already-present blush darken his pale cheeks. "Talk to me. Tell me how I can help."
"It's silly," Justin’s teeth sink into his plump lower lip. "So much is happening tomorrow, and I need to get to sleep early, but I..."
