The concern morphs into a dramatic sigh as Skyler cuts me off with dismissive wave. “Jackson, it’s notourfault we’re so damn adorable. It’s not as though weplannedto dazzle everyone senseless with the blinding glow of our love. But it’s happened now, and us being less coupley is only going to disappoint the masses—is that really what you want?”
I roll my eyes, but can’t help the corners of my mouth tugging up. He can be fucking ridiculous sometimes, but it didn’t escape my notice that his immediate concern was for my comfort. He thinks I’m always the one taking care of him; he doesn’t even notice the little ways he does the same for me.
“Was that an actual question, or was it rhetorical?” I ask him. “Because I really don’t give a crap about the masses. I’m glad I get to keep holding your hand, though.”
Skyler’s lips curve up and he leans toward me; I’m expecting him to go for my lips, but instead he nuzzles his temple against mine for a moment before pressing soft kisses to my ear. I blink in surprise when I feel his tongue sliding around the bolt in the top of my ear.
“Is this okay?” he murmurs, his breath hot against my skin.
“Yeah…it feels nice.”
“You look so fucking sexy in this suit,” he breathes. Then he stills for a moment before asking tentatively, “Is it okay for me to say that?”
I reach up and take his face in my hands, guiding his eyes to meet mine. “Of course it’s okay. I don’t want you to censor yourself, Sky. Iwantto know what you’re thinking, even if it’s about sex. No—especiallyif it’s about sex.”
He sighs. “Jax, I don’t want you to feel like I’m pressuring you, or pushing you into doing things you don’t want…”
I quirk a brow at him. “Didn’t we have this same conversation earlier this week? If I’m remembering events correctly, I’m pretty sureIwas the pushy one.”
A slow smile spreads over Skyler’s face as his eyes fill with heat. “Mmm yeah, now I remember. Consider yourself more than welcome to take charge any time you want, babe.”
I let out a soft laugh, a mix of exasperation and affection flooding through me as I gaze at his lust-filled expression. “I’ve lost you, haven’t I?”
“Huh? Wha—?” He gives his head a shake and blinks several times in what I’m guessing is an attempt to clear his head; judging by the glazed eyes and flushed cheeks I’m going to assume it doesn’t work all that well. “No, you’ll never lose me, Jax,” he declares, his bottom lip stuck out in an adorable pout.
I shake my head wryly and bring my arms up to link around his neck. “Well, I already knew that—although I still love hearing it. I was talking figuratively.”
His brows draw together in obvious puzzlement. “Figuratively?”
I let out a soft chuckle. “Yes, Mr. 790 Verbal.”
Skyler groans, running a hand over his face. “I didn’t have to take the SATs with that blowjob on replay in my head. Pretty sure I’d be bagging groceries right now if I had.”
My brows creep up in surprise. “It can’t have beenthatgood,” I reason. “I’ve never done it before.” I’ve neverwantedto do it before…
Skyler shakes his head, reverence gleaming in his dark eyes. “Fuck, Jax, do you think I care about skill or technique or any of that shit? You were practically worshipping my cock. It was incredible.”
I feel my face flame and I let my hands fall from Skyler’s neck, averting my eyes. The wonder and awe in his voice is filling me with so much love and warmth, but I can’t help feeling apprehensive as well—because is he still going to think it’s so amazing once it dawns on him that I was treating his dick the same way I would any other part of his beautiful body? His neck, his hands, his hair…
“Jackson…” he presses, the desire sapped from his voice. “Not that I don’t find this blushing, lip-biting thing adorable, but care to share why you’ve gone into awkward, aversion mode? I thought you wanted me to say everything I was thinking?”
I glance back at him, letting out a soft sigh. “I do. Of course I do. I just…” I hesitate, biting my lip again. “You know I really liked yesterday, right?”
He bobs his head in a single nod. “I got that impression, yes.”
“But it wasn’t…” I let out a grunt of frustration and lift a hand to rub at my scalp. “I mean…”
“Jackson, are you trying to tell me you’re just not that into my cock?” Skyler asks, his lips twitching with barely contained amusement. “It’s not my cock, it’s you?”
I drop my hand and send him an unimpressed look. “Ha.”
The teasing expression morphs into one of wry affection as Skyler reaches for me and draws me into his arms. “Jax, Iknowyou weren’t turned on yesterday. I’m an elephant, not a goldfish.” He leans in to claim my lips for some lip cuddles and I feel instantly reassured. I don’t hesitate in bringing my hands up to roam over the hard planes of his back, pulling him closer to me.
I’d really love it if I could get my hands on Skyler’s bare skin right now, but considering the party guests can hardly keep their attention off us as it is, I don’t think adding a shirtless Skyler to the mix would be the best idea.
“Just so you know,” he murmurs, tearing his lips away and pressing his forehead against mine, “I don’t need you to be turned on by my dick, or any other part of me. I don’t need you to be attracted to me. I don’t need you to want sex. And I’m sorry for how I acted that first night…I didn’t get it then. I get it now.”
“So you don’t think I’m giving you obligation handjobs or whatever anymore?” I press. Truthfully, this hasn’t really been an issue since that first time when Skyler freaked out afterwards, before I told him about being ace, but we haven’t actually discussed it since then either. Our friends’ engagement party probably isn’t the best place, but what the hell—the topic has presented itself so I’m going for it.
