“Of course not, but I don’t want you tofeelthat way.”
“I won’t.” Brent shifted the hand Riley was still holding so their fingers were linked together. “I just… I need… Iwantto feel loved right now. And it’s okay if you say no. I won’t hate you for that, either.”
“I’m not saying no,” Riley repeated.
Brent breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn’t being rejected. Riley was just being good to him, like he always was.
“And I do love you,” Riley added after a moment.
“I know,” Brent said.
Riley didn’t love Brent the way Brent sometimes wished he would, but Riley cared. And Riley had always been cool about platonic sex with other people, based on his stories.
Why shouldn’t they try it?
Before Brent could say anything else, Riley leaned in again. His mouth was so soft, so gentle against Brent’s lips that it made his heart hurt.
He hadn’t really expected Riley to be sweet. Sweet was good, though. Sweet was probably what he needed right now.
“We can definitely be the kind of friends who do this,” Riley murmured. “If you’re sure it’s what you want?”
“I’m sure.” Brent nodded, breathing in the scent of Riley’s skin, soaking in his warmth. He really,reallywanted them to be the kind of friends who did this.
“Good.” Riley pecked Brent’s lips softly. “Because it’d be a shame to waste having access to that bed.”
Brent chuckled, his nerves easing as Riley climbed off the couch and held his hand out. This would be fine. He’d always wanted to try it, and he couldn’t imagine his first time being with anyone but Riley.
He took Riley’s hand, standing. “Thank you.”
“Thank me after.” Riley laughed, tugging Brent toward the bedroom.
