MAX: What can I say? I like to be comfortable x
I hesitated, biting my lip as I typed a second message.
MAX: Are you okay after everything we talked about earlier? x
Rowan’s reply wasn’t instantaneous, and I fiddled with my phone, running my thumb over the smooth edges as I waited. I sighed with relief as I watched three dots appear at the bottom of the screen.
ROWAN: Yes, I’m fine – better than fine, really. I have a lot of thinking to do, but don’t trouble yourself over it. I’ll sort it all out x
A second message followed quickly.
ROWAN: Just don’t tell Becca how hot the sex was, please? x
I smirked.
MAX: The days of kiss and tell are over. You enjoyed yourself, then? Was it worth waiting for? x
ROWAN: Hell, yes x
ROWAN: Getting a bit hot just thinking about it again, tbh x
A shiver ran down my spine and I felt my cheeks grow warmer. Questions I’d been dying to know the answers to wrestled in my mind.
MAX: I don’t think I need to tell you I enjoyed myself. I got cum all the way up to my chin, ffsx
ROWAN: A highlight of the night, for sure x
I tapped out a message, deleted it, then tapped it out again before finally pressing send:
MAX: I’m guessing that wasn’t the first time you’d done that with someone? x
Curiosity burned at me. Usually, I didn’t give a toss how experienced a partner was, as long as we both enjoyed ourselves, but this was different. Rowan’s past was muddy, and I wanted some clarity.
ROWAN: No, that wasn’t the first time x
I waited for some elaboration, but none came. I leaned over for a sip of my drink, debating what to say next, when I saw the three dots appear as Rowan typed something else.
ROWAN: I was confused about how I felt about all of this for a long time. I’ve experimented in the past, but this is the first time I’ve actually cared to keep the person around for more than an hour afterwards… and it’s the first time I’ve brought anyone back to my house too x
So, there had been other guys. It made sense. I doubted Rowan was about to throw himself and his family off a cliff on a whim. It was still nice to hear I was the only one he’d been serious about though.
MAX: How long ago did all this happen? If you don’t mind my asking. I’m just trying to get my head around it x
ROWAN: Three years ago was the last time. A guy I met at the gym whilst I was away on a work conference x
There was another question I desperately wanted to ask, but I wasn’t sure if I should. I typed it out and stared at the text for a moment before quickly pressing send.
MAX: When was the last time you and Christina…? x
A reply came through quickly.
ROWAN: I can’t even remember. Ten years ago? Maybe more x
Fuck me, that was one hell of a dry streak. Whilst I wasn’t sure how I felt about Rowan seeking partners out at the gym (I’d have to rib him about that, such a cliché) but I could somewhat understand how, after such a long time, anyone would crack.
MAX: What was the guy at the gym like? x
ROWAN: Rushed and awkward x
