“I do,” he admitted, but he dropped his head as if he was sad.
Lucas really wanted to know the dynamic of their relationship. And, just as he was getting ready to ask, the bartender sat two shots in front of them. Dean picked up the shots and handed one to Lucas.
“Down the hatch,” he toasted before taking his shot.
Lucas took his shot and slammed the glass on the bar. “So, if you still love her, how can you see us together?”
“I’m gay, Lucas. I love Bella with all my heart, but I can’t deny who I am.”
Lucas was stunned. He would have never guessed that Dean was gay. To be honest, he didn’t fit Lucas’ stereotypical idea of a gay man. He looked more like an NFL player.
“When Bella and I got married, I was totally in love with her. I dreamed of having a normal life, including a family. The only problem was there was nothingnormalabout me. I strived to be a good husband. I fought to be straight. But, in the end, I am who I am. And, after coming to that realization, I hurt Bella more than she’d ever been hurt before.”
“Awe, shit, man.” Lucas breathed.
The thought of the pain that Bella must’ve felt was distressing. It was no wonder why she was constantly running from him. She had to have major trust issues with men and relationships in general.
“Is she still in love with you?” Lucas had to ask.
“Naw. She doesn’t love me inthatway. But she is the only family that I have left. So, you should know that if you do get involved, I’m not going anywhere.”
“Fair enough. But, if wedoget together, you’ll have to keep your mouth off of her.”
Dean’s eyes lit up with amusement. “I’ll do my best.” He chuckled.
“Naw, fuck your best. Keep your lips to yourself.”
Dean laughed and patted Lucas on the shoulder. “Don’t get ahead of yourself,” he uttered. He tossed a fifty on the bar and walked away.
Lucas went back into the dining room and searched for Bella. He found her chatting it up with Taylor. Taylor was laughing, and Lucas would bet that she was ratting him out about his text messages.
He maneuvered around the tables and made his way over to the ladies. Bella smiled, and Lucas was astounded by her beauty. Bella didn’t smile much. Well, not around Lucas anyway. But, when she did, she was blindingly beautiful. Her natively, reddish complexion was glowing. She had her long, black hair pulled into a high pony that hung down her back. And so tempting was her lean but femininely curvy body was in the black, strapless dress. The more he looked at her, the more he had to have her. And, before the night was over, he would.
