“That’s true, but you are remarkably shy,” Devon patted his friend on the shoulder. “I just don’t know why I feel so unsettled.”
“Well, maybe you should sit and knit for a few minutes. That always seems to calm you down.”
Devon nodded; he was working on a stranded hat that had rainbow fleur-de-lis in a tan background. He thought it was going to work upbeautifully.
Hopefully, whoever he ended up gifting it to would feel the same way.
Although, maybe this time he’d keep it—it could be his hat, his rainbow fleur-de-lis hat. Why not? He could wear it next winter.
If he made a hat for Laird, it would need to be bigger. The man was kind of a giant.
“See, you thought about knitting, and your shoulders came down from your ears.”
“I know it’s a hobby, but it does distract me. I do love having something for my fingers and brain to do together.” Devon winked at Raven. “How’s it going? You still managing all right on half days?”
Raven nodded. “Yeah, it’s tough leaving them both with Granny, but it has to be done. About half the time Ben can take them in the gym, so I don’t feel so much like I’m deserting them. Aspen is really only spending about four hours a week with the family, and Willow? She and Granny are besties!”
“Oh, I love to hear that. I’m gonna have to go see your Granny soon. I’m glad everybody’s doing well. Feels like I’ve been out of the loop.” It felt like he was just coming into work, going to see Laird, and coming back into work, which wasn’t all that different except for the going to see Laird all the time part.
“That’s because you’ve been dating like a wild man.”
His cheeks heated. “I have. Can I be honest, though?”
Raven stared at him. “Devon. Do you have to ask?”
He chuckled. “I worry I’m way more into him than he is me.”
Raven winced. “Oh that always hurts. I mean it’s always a little off, but if it’s way more, then that’s scary for you, I’msure.” Raven shrugged, wrinkled his nose. “Maybe you’re just misreading?”
“It’s possible. Unlikely, but totally possible. I could just be reading the room wrong. However, you know my track record with hot guys.”
“Hmm.” Raven tilted his head, his long hair sliding over his shoulder. “I know your panic about how hot guys will get bored with you. But that doesn’t have to enter into this.”
“If I fall for this guy, and he doesn’t fall for me, then it does kind of enter into it, doesn’t it?” He didn’t want to be pedantic or anything, but it seemed to make sense.
Raven rolled his eyes. “Right now, you’re just having fun. You can allow yourself to just have fun. It’s all right.”
“It is. But he’s…” Devon sighed. “Nice. A little grumpy on the outside, but super kind. A med guy, so he gets me. He likes to watch me knit. Oh my God, I’ve already fallen for him…”
“Okay. Okay, in and out. Inhale deep breaths, don’t panic.” Raven helped him sit down, put his head between his knees. “You’ve got this. Just because you’re in love doesn’t mean the world is ending.”
“What? Of course it’s ending. I have a life. I can’t possibly—” But he was possibly and definitely too.
Totally fucked.
“I panicked just the same way, hon. Seriously. I had that weekend with Ben and then boom, we were here in town and I lost it. But it will all work out. I swear.” Raven patted his back like he was an expectant omega parent.
“Thank God I’m not pregnant.”
Raven blinked and tilted his head. “Devon, are you sure?”
He couldn’t believe what he just got asked. “What?”
“I mean, you’ve been having sex. Are you sure you’re not pregnant? I mean, it happens to the best of us.” Raven held up one hand. “Trust me. It’s happened to me twice. And I know what causes babies.”
“I am not going to be pregnant. This is not an option. How could you even ask me that? We’ve been using protection!”
“Okay, okay.” Raven held up his hands. “Hey, I’m sorry for asking. It was out of line.”
