Even though Dawson knew it, sure as anything, deep down in his bones, he still felt a pulse of disappointment. Too much reality intruding into a moment that could’ve lived forever in his fantasies.
“Want to grab something hot to drink?” he asked, gesturing towards a cafe, lights shining out of the window.
Cam nodded and they went inside, Dawson holding the door for him.
Chapter 7
Camwasacutelyawareof the fact that while on the outside, he was acting normal.
All while screaming the roof down internally.
He sipped his hot chocolate opposite Dawson and kept trying to be normal. Even if he didn’t know what normal was anymore.
Dawson Hall thoughthewas hot.
Dawson Hall was attracted to him.
He’d had a bad day, and instead of sulking alone in his apartment, Dawson Hall had soughthimout.
Had just showed up, like it was nothing, like it was no big deal.
But it was a huge fucking deal.
“God, why is it already so cold?” Dawson complained, cradling his cup of hot chocolate close to his chest.
“It’s October still, Daws,” Cam teased. “It’s gonna get a whole lot colder.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” How was Dawson so cute even when he was bristling with grumpy annoyance? Cam was beginning tothink he’d be cute, no matter what. His stomach went all gooey, just thinking of how it was mutual, now.
Maybe itwasa bad idea. He’d said it, and they’d both agreed it was, but he had a feeling that it wasn’t going to end there.
If anyone could use some fun to loosen him up, it was Dawson Hall.
“It was cold in Baltimore, right?” Cam asked.
“Not as cold as Montana,” Dawson retorted.
That was probably true. “I can always warm you up,” Cam offered mildly, knowing exactly the face Dawson would make at his suggestion.
Hopefulness sliding into reluctant resignation, finally ending in denial.
“I’m good,” Dawson said, even though it was obvious he hadn’t gotten any warmer in the last ten seconds.
Cam felt like he was existing in an alternate universe, and it didn’t even matter if Dawson shook his head decisively, because Cam had seen the way he’d wanted it, before he’d buried the desire.
The last bits of the sun were reflecting off the skyscrapers as they headed back towards their apartment building.
“You feeling any better?” Cam asked.
“I’m fucking freezing,” Dawson complained and Cam laughed.
“Don’t argue,” Cam said and wrapped an arm around Dawson. Despite his slender stature, his dad had always called Cameron his little space heater.
“I’m not arguing,” Dawson muttered, and to Cam’s surprise, he leaned into Cam’s body. “Remind me to get a warmer coat.”
“Or you could just always take me with you,” Cam joked.
“Like a personal blanket?” Dawson glanced up at him. There was that look again, flashing across Dawson’s face. Cam caught it before it was gone. A split second of desire, quickly hidden.
