Kaj lifted a shoulder. “We weren’t sure how you’d take it, or how Val and Theo would take it, and not everyone in town is okay with gay, so we just kept it a secret.”
Relief took over Noah upon hearing those words. He wasn’t ashamed of him, but truly afraid of the guys and his dad’s reaction.
“Why wouldn’t I be okay with you dating Noah, son? I mean, he’s been your best friend for years. I know he’s a good kid who appreciates you as much as you appreciate him. You’ve had each other’s backs since you met. Besides, if it weren’t for him, you probably wouldn’t pass math.” He grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “I can’t see a problem there.”
“Does that mean you’re okay with me being gay?” Kaj tilted his head.
“Are you gay?”
“I don’t know. I think I might be... bi?” Kaj averted his gaze as those words rolled off his tongue.
Although they hadn’t talked about it since the beginning of their relationship, Noah knew Kaj still liked girls—but he also liked him.
Nik got up from the armchair and walked around the coffee table to the couch. Plunking himself between the two teenagers, he wrapped an arm around his son’s shoulders. “You can be anything and date whoever you wanna date. That’s not gonna change us.” He gently punched his chest with his free hand. “I love you, Kaj.”
A sheepish grin appeared on his face. “Love you, too, Dad.”
Noah raised his gaze, only to find Mom looking at him adoringly, a soft smile on her face. “Come here,” she mouthed.
Reluctantly, he got up from the couch and dragged his feet across the carpeted floor toward her. He sat on the armrest. There was no way his ass would fit on the tiny spot she was patting beside her. Before he could react, Trine pulled his hoodie, and the world swayed as he fell backward onto her lap.
“Mom!” Noah screamed.
“I’ve got you,” she whispered, and he had the feeling that those words had a deeper meaning. “I wish you’d told me about this, though. I thought we were closer, but I get it. I get it. You’re growing up and all that.” She tightened her arms around him, and a sudden wave of embarrassment swept his insides.
He grumbled, trying to get up. She was right. He wasn’t a cute little boy anymore. And Kaj was there, in front of them. Noah didn’t need him seeingthis.
“Let go, Mom.” He kicked his legs, but it was useless. He was like an upside-down turtle.
“But I’m glad you figured out who you are and your feelings,” she said, ignoring his complaints. “It makes me happy that you’re happy.”
“Thanks, Mom. But seriously, would you let me go?” Noah huffed.
With her right hand, she grabbed his face and squeezed, forcing his mouth to look like that of a fish. “Just one more thing.”
“What?”
“Are you using condoms?”
“Mom!” Noah rolled off her lap, his ass landing on the floor. “What kind of question is that?”
“Just making sure you’re being safe.” She shrugged like it was no big deal talking about this in front of Nik.
“No, we’re not! We haven’t—you know.”
“Okay, okay. But they’re also important for oral, just so you know.”
“We’re gonna be traumatized for life after this.”
“No, you won’t.” She chuckled.
Noah facepalmed himself. “We haven’t done any of that, okay? Can youpleasedrop it now?”
They’d kissed. They had jerked together and each other off. But that was it.
He was sure that the horde of butterflies in his stomach every time he was with Kaj meant he was in love. Probably. Most likely. It didn’t matter if they were making out, simply holding hands, or reading silently in the same room. It was overwhelming. All of it. Feeling like colors were brighter when Kaj smiled. Like food tasted better. Like song lyrics made sense. Like he couldn’t breathe without him.
Noah wanted to be with him every minute of every day. But they hadn’t gotten to the next levelyet. As comfortable as he was with what they were doing, Kaj had admitted he was intimidatedabout the idea of giving head, and Noah didn’t want him to do it until he was ready.
