“What does that mean? What would I think from looking at him?”
Kaden pauses before giving me his answer, knowing I’ll see right through him if he’s not completely honest. “He’s gorgeous and confident, so naturally, most people would think he’s cocky. But he’s not afraid to be vulnerable. I’ve barely broken the surface of it, but there’s something there.”
“So, you think he’s hiding something?” Maybe I’m reading too far into his words.
“I don’t think it’s something bad, not likehim.” Kaden looks away from me.
He doesn’t have to say his name—it’s obvious he’s talking about Tyler. He knows how protective I am over him when it comes to the men in his life. I told him that much, back when I was the one there with him every day when he grieved their relationship. He may have meant nothing to that piece of shit, but Kaden felt differently. I know the feeling of unrequited love—more than I’d like to admit, unfortunately.
“You said the same thing about him back then. Are you sure history isn’t going to repeat itself?” I hate that I’m a natural pessimist, but I’ve learned not to expect much out of this life. It’s safer that way; the fewer expectations you have, the less disappointed you are, right?
“I don’t think that’s the case here, truly. He’s the complete opposite in every way, at least during the time we’ve spent together. I guess only time will tell, right?” Kaden lets out a sigh that I can’t help but mimic.
“I’ll say this one time: he better not hurt you.”
Kaden’s only acknowledgment is a half-nod before we’re interrupted by Connor when he reappears with a tub of ice cream and three spoons. The rest of our night consists of sweet treats and movies while lying on a pile of blankets and pillows in the middle of the living room until we fall asleep together.
When I wake up, the sun is beginning to rise through the blinds, and I’m sweating from the heat radiating off the bodies pressed up against my sides, both Connor’s and Kaden’s limbs draped over me. Why do I always wind up in the middle of these two? Most of the time, this is the only physical touch I receive, so I guess something is better than nothing.
Chapter Two
My Relationship Goals
Gabe
The past few days have been the most stressful of my life, preparing for the opening of our first restaurant in less than two weeks. My best friend and I have dreamed of this place for the past decade, and it’s finally coming to fruition. Stonewood’sSteakhouse is going to be the next big craze for foodies in the Charlotte area. We’ve designed the inside so that it’s a single spacious area, with high ceilings and chandeliers lighting the whole room. A long bar extends across one side with a few dozen tables between it and circular booths that seat larger parties lining the exterior walls. The rich, dark wood finishes, along with à la carte menu items, and staff dressed in all black with white neckties, give the elegant look we’re hoping for. We named the restaurant something simple but memorable, using Luke’s last name instead of mine, because calling it ‘Williams’ Steakhouse’ just didn’t sound enticing.
Currently, Luke is staring at his phone with those lovesick eyes again. I’ve caught him like this many times in the past few weeks. He told me he’s been hanging out with the guy he met back in December at that party he went to with Jackson and Dakota. To say I was surprised he’s dating anyone right now is an understatement. I’ve been trying to get him to do anything other than open this restaurant for years. The guy barely goes out with any of us without dragging him by the hair. I’m not saying I’m one to talk about dating, since I don’t either, but at least I go out regularly and let off some steam—unlike him until recently.
I’ve known Luke since we both started working in his aunts’ café. Working there got him out of a bad situation at home. I didn’t work there voluntarily—more like I was told to go work there by my parents to ‘learn to work for what you need and the value of a dollar.’ I didn’t get it at the time—why would I need to go to work in this little café when my family is generationally wealthy? Don’t ask me what my grandparents did besides ‘build their empire in finances and investments’—at least that’s the only answer anyone ever gave me. I only know I’ve never had to struggle like others, and I received a large trust fund when I turned twenty-seven. Not surprisingly, my parents had otherplans for me, refusing to allow their spoiled child to skate by in life. In hindsight, it’s the best thing they ever did for me.
Looking back now, I’m glad they made me learn a good work ethic and to support myself without relying on my family’s wealth—I wouldn’t have met Luke otherwise. He’s the closest thing to a brother I’ve ever had.
I met Luke on my first day working at the café. It was a seamless transition from strangers to inseparable friends. Now he’s the closest relationship I’ve had in my entire life, even closer than my parents. He didn’t even blink an eye when I told him I was gay, and it’s never been an issue in all our years of friendship. There’s that old tale of how gay men fall in love with one of their straight friends—formerly straight since Kaden came into the picture—and for some it’s true, but I’ve never felt that way about Luke, despite how gorgeous he’s always been. Now at almost thirty years old, he’s even more handsome than the day we met, but still, I see him as nothing more than my person. We all have that someone who’s our platonic soulmate; Luke is mine.
I’m not sure I’ll ever find the kind of soulmate all of us hopeless romantics dream about. I’m too damn picky to bother trying to have a relationship with half the guys I mess around with. You want to suck my cock? Sure, have at it. You want me to give you the railing of a lifetime until you have trouble walking out the door? Fine by me. Staying the night and having breakfast with me—that’s where I draw the line. No one has sparked my interest enough to consider a call the next day, much less spend the night. I may be a hopeless romantic, but I don’t need to be in a relationship to be happy. Even so, I’m still hopeful the right guy will come along when I least expect it, like Kaden did for Luke.
Seeing Luke captivated by whatever pictures Kaden sends him day in and day out has me hoping it’s in the cards for me one day—Luke is completely gone for him. I have no doubts Kaden will be around for a long time.
“Stop making googly eyes at your boyfriend’s sexting pics,” I tease him while looking over his shoulder, hoping to catch a glimpse of what’s making him see hearts.
“It wasn’t a sexting pic, you dickhead.”
“So, you haven’t sexted after not seeing each other for three weeks? What the fuck, man? You like torturing yourself? Send him a fucking dick pic. I guarantee he sends one back.” I dance my eyebrows. Apparently, he doesn’t think it’s funny, fixing me with the ‘What’s wrong with you?’ look he often gives me.
“You know, just because you like unsolicited dick pics doesn’t mean everyone does, right?”
He’s absurd—everyone loves dick pics. I have so many pics of random cocks in my phone, I could fill an entire museum with them. “Fine, tell him to send me the dick pics, and I’ll make good use of them.”
“Stay away from Kaden’s dick or you’ll have to find a new best friend, along with some new teeth.”
“Oooohhhh, getting possessive already. I can’t wait to meet him on your birthday. This is going to be so much fun.”
Luke’s brother, Jackson, is dating Kaden’s sister, whose birthday is on Monday. Luke’s birthday is on Tuesday, so Jackson created a whole combined birthday gathering for our friends to meet each other. From my minor stalking of Kaden on social media, his friends seem pretty cool.
“Gabe, don’t fuck with me around Kaden. I won’t be held responsible for what happens.”
“Man, chill. I’m not going to hit on your guy.” He knows I would never really hit on Kaden, but I sure as fuck love bringing out the jealous side of Luke for sheer comedy. This is new territory for him—falling in love—andfor me seeing it happen for him.
