Ah, there it was.
Adrik sat beside him, close enough their knees brushed. “I mentioned it to her the other day then saw her at the train station today. She was freezing. I offered her a brief ride back to her apartment. That’s all.”
“I bet you gave her your helmet.”
“I would not let her ride without one,” Adrik said gently. “And she held on because she had to. That’s it.”
Hans stared at the floor, shoulders tense. Adrik reached out and touched his arm, just a light press of fingers, but enough to make Hans look up.
Adrik hadn’t expected the conversation to turn this sharp, this fast. He could see the tension in Hans’ shoulders, the way his jaw tightened, and he hated he’d caused it, even unintentionally.
“It wasn’t anything.” Adrik meant it. He leaned in a little, hoping Hans would feel the truth in it. “I wanted to get back here. To you.”
But instead of relaxing, Hans stiffened. Though the shift was subtle, it struck Adrik with the force of a resounding slap.
“On your part maybe,” Hans said. “Amelia wants to date you.”
Adrik was even more stunned by the flicker of hurt behind Hans’ eyes. “I know,” Adrik admitted. “She asked me to go to a club with her.”
Hans’ head snapped up. The shock on his face was immediate and raw, and it made something twist in Adrik’s chest. “And what did you say?”
“That I’m all booked up.”
“She called me and told me all about the ride you gave her. She thinks she has a chance.”
“She has no chance.”
“You said you’re bi. Why not her?”
“Because I want you, Hans. Only you.”
Hans’ expression softened, but only a little. “I just… would’ve liked to know before Amelia. About the motorcycle.”
Adrik nodded. “You’re right. I should’ve told you.”
Hans exhaled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “Well… I bought a brand-new motorcycle.”
“You what?”
Hans shrugged, trying to look casual and failing miserably. “Online. Earlier today.”
Adrik stared at him, stunned. “You bought a motorcycle because I have one?”
Hans’ ears went a little pink. “No. I bought a motorcycle because I wanted one. And maybe because I… liked the idea of riding with you.”
Adrik leaned in, bumped shoulders with Hans, and then kissed him.
“You’re going to look hot on a bike,” Adrik murmured.
Hans huffed a laugh. “I have no idea how to ride.”
“I’ll teach you,” Adrik said without hesitation.
Hans looked at him then—really looked—and the last of the jealousy, the worry, the frustration melted into something softer.
“Okay,” Hans said. “I’d like that.”
Adrik couldn’t help it—he smiled.
