“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because when I first made a move he slapped me across the face and stormed out.”
Antonio laughed. It didn’t happen often, but Ryder loved it when he made the doc crack.
“Before we talk about Felix, have you gotten your test results back yet?”
“No. Should be a couple of days. Why do you think I can’tget hard for anyone but him? Do you think he could be a witch?”
Antonio snorted. “You make our sessions very memorable, Ryder.”
“Thanks, doc,” he said, preening from the compliment.
“There could be a lot of things at play here, Ryder. If we take Felix out of the equation for a second... You couldn’t perform with a new partner, or should I say, partners. You also had a regular partner, who you were familiar with but weren’t interested in. Then you also weren’t able to masturbate. Was there anything stressing you out at the time?”
“No. My life’s great.”
“Any changes? Did anything happen before the first incident?”
Ryder thought, but nothing sprang to mind.
“It doesn’t need to be anything sexual, or even emotional. Perhaps there was a disruption to your routine?”
“The only thing I can think of is that Friendsgiving was canceled. Well, not canceled, but different.”
“How?”
“Sebastian, Deacon, and Max went on a cruise with their men. The singletons were left to do their own thing.”
“How did you feel about that?”
“I was pissed.”
“Why?”
“Ugh. Why are you asking me all these questions?”
“Focus, Ryder. Why were you pissed?”
“I guess because they’re all pairing off. The other two will be next. Ethan has a secret thing on the go, and Mason just needs to pull his head of out his ass and do something about the guy right in front of him. Where will that leave me once they all have someone?”
“I know Sebastian moving to London was difficult for you. Did you ever talk to him about that?”
“How could I? He’s so happy with Charlie, who’s theperfect guy for him. Why would I taint that by trying to make my best friend feel guilty?”
Out of all of them, Sebastian was the one he was closest to, which was why he’d bought an apartment in the same building. Sebastian was like a big brother to Ryder. Growing up, he’d been the oldest and the only boy, so when his dad had died, he’d had to be the man of the house, and he’d stepped up to that challenge. He’d never thought of how much he could get from the guidance of an older sibling until he’d met Sebastian.
“Your intention wouldn’t be to make him feel guilty, Ryder. How long has Sebastian lived in London for?”
“It’ll be two years in the spring.”
“Don’t you think it’s time to have that conversation? Put it to bed?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Ryder!”
“That growly voice might work on your twinks, but it doesn’t work on me, doc.”
Antonio smiled and shook his head.
