“How did you know that?”
He shrugs. “I could feel it. What are you thinking?”
“Just how cool it is to be together again.”
“It is.” He holds my gaze for so long, I feel like I could spill all my secrets. That must be what makes him good at his job.
“What are you gonna get?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I’ll probably regret it, but I think I gotta go with the double cheeseburger and onion rings. You?” He holds up a finger. “Wait. Don’t tell me.” He looks down at the menu again for a second. “Ah, yeah. The patty melt.”
Laughing, I nod. “You called it. I always get it.”
“I remember.” He does that thing again with his eyes, somehow peering deep into my soul, exposing me but making me feel completely safe at the same time. “I love this, Nan. Thanks.”
“My pleasure.”
I’m thankful when the server comes over to take our orders to get Van’s gaze off of me. I remember that look from our younger days. He’s always looked at me that way, I just wish it meant more than it does.
At this rate, I’ll be jerking off every night until he leaves.
Chapter 9
Vanian
“Nonna is gonna kill us if we don’t get home in time for dinner.”
I’m pressed against the window of a sex toy shop, contemplating going inside when Nantes reminds me we’ve been out for hours.
“One last stop. Then we’ll go.”
He gives me a weary look. “You want to go into a sex toy store?”
“I need lube.”
He chuckles. “Fine. I could use some too.”
I loop my arm through his and drag him into the store. We’ve spent the last five hours running all over Madison, from downtown to some of the neighborhoods. I’m having the most fun I’ve had in years being with my former best friend and for once not thinking about work.
The store is bigger than I expected, with rooms that curve off in different directions. I’m mildly curious about what kind of toys Nantes would use, or if he uses anything at all. I’ve always been good with my hand and some lube, but I do get curiouswhat else is out there. Especially when I’m going through a dry spell like I am now.
We pass a wall of dildos next to a display of vibrators. I notice how Nantes lingers in front of both, taking in all the options before he tears his gaze away and continues walking to the lube section.
“You can pick something out if you want to. I won’t judge you.”
Nantes chuckles. “Thanks for the permission, Doc. I’m good though. Just curious.”
“Do you, um, do you use props?”
Nantes seems to freeze, swallowing hard enough for me to notice. “Uh, sometimes. Depends how horny I am.” He clears his throat. “You?”
“Never have, but I’m curious. I have been for a while, I just never make time to look into stuff.”
“Here’s your chance, then.”
Nodding, I turn my gaze back to the toy wall, overwhelmed by the sheer amount. “Wouldn’t know where to start.”
“Do you guys need help?” A clerk appears behind us. They have pink and yellow hair and lots of facial piercings, and I wouldn’t be able to tell their gender without asking, which I never do.
