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And when he tossed his head back, laughing at something his friend was saying? I had the distinct thought that Christ, I’d give anything to hear him laugh for me like that. This guy I didn’t even know.
Christ, he’s pretty.
I’m not remotely sick, but the wink Brad sends me does have me feeling slightly feverish.
I swear there’s nothing like a hug between bros.
LMaloo
And there’s a beaming smile on his face because of course there is. He’s beautiful.
Gianna positions him atop the chaise. He looks…stunning. Drop-dead gorgeous. Like everything I want and thought, however briefly, I might be able to have.
He clears his throat and closes his eyes, attempting to blank his face, but as soon as he opens his eyes again and looks at me, that smile returns.
For a moment, I let myself enjoy the heat of him and the feel of his chest against my own. I let myself imagine, even, that the possession I feel in his grip is real.
He flushes with happiness, looking so lovely it physically hurts.
Nothing has changed. Not for him. Which means, somehow, I have to find a way to let it go. If only I knew how.
“Bub,” Joey says quietly, the nickname lighting me up inside. It feels like ours. Like something that’s just for him and me.
He starts to laugh, quietly at first, and then a little harder. “God, Brad. Don’t ever change.”
My chest warms at the simple fact that Joey likes me for me. It’s rare to find that. To find someone who accepts you for who you are. Who doesn’t ask you to change. Doesn’t even want you to.
Brad winces. “Yeah… Maybe don’t call him that. It’s mine.” My heart thumps, the traitor.
He never seems to run out of words, and I find myself hoarding every scrap of information he gives me.
He’s everywhere. In my lungs, my arms, my head.
“Huh,” I say, weirdly happy that Joey thinks I’m charming. I’ve been called too much plenty of times. But charming? Not that. At least, not that I’m aware of.
Brad bats his eyelashes at me, and I have a hard time remembering why I can’t simply…kiss him. Kiss him and never stop.
My pulse is thundering as I swim his way, although I’m not even sure why. It’s just swimming lessons. But it’s Brad. Trusting me.
“No, I want to. I need to get it over with. Just…face my fear head-on, you know? And I’m safe with you. I know that. You’ll keep me safe, Joey.”
I only tighten my arms around Brad and promise what I know to be true. Will I keep him safe? “Always.”
“Maybe they start dating for real. And, maybe, Joey has less time for you. Would that bother you?” I take a second to truly consider it, even as my gut churns uncomfortably.
Jason makes a small sound of acknowledgment, but the question sticks with me. Because I don’t want to lose Joey’s time. And, even though it makes no sense whatsoever, I don’t want to come second.
Once done, he gives me a beaming smile, and fuck. It feels as if my heart might beat right out of my chest.
You’re perfect, I want to scream at him. You’re killing me. Kiss me, kiss me, kiss me.
He looks good. Any which way, really.
I’m not a small guy, but Joey is bigger, and he makes me feel protected. Safe. Which is probably why I like having those arms around me so much, right? Like, really like it. Love it, even. Want it more than anything.
“I probably shouldn’t come on your dates anymore, huh?” I say, even though I hate it. I don’t want Joey going on dates without me. Jason was right. I do want all his time.
So I like Joey’s abs. And the way he feels pressed against me. Not to mention his pretty brown eyes and his smile. Such a nice smile.
Maybe I like him. Maybe I should…explore that. Oh God.
Joey’s eyes are locked on my hair as he dries me off. He has thick lashes. Dark, too. The brown of his irises is…really quite beautiful. Like a tiny autumnal starburst.
His hair has a bit of curl to it. Not much, just enough to make it look tousled, even when dry.
My inhale is shaky, my heart pattering along as I hold Brad’s gaze. His eyes, so very green, are wide open and staring right back at me. There’s no question in my mind.
He’s perfect—perfect—and I’d consume him if I could. I’d take him down my throat, keep a piece of him inside me always.
“Here’s the thing. I didn’t like him having your attention, you know? Which is pretty shitty of me, considering I set you up with the guy. But…every time you were looking at him, it pissed me off.”
Brad looks up at me. “I’m attracted to you, Joey. At least, I’m pretty sure I am. I’ve been having a lot of thoughts.” “Thoughts about me,” I say weakly.
“Joey…” “I won’t put pressure on you,” I tell him seriously. “I won’t push for anything you’re not sure about or ready for. You’re safe with me, and you can explore with me.”
“But what if I end up hurting you?” he nearly whispers. “Why would you hurt me?” I ask, pressing a trembling kiss to the top of his knee.
“I don’t… I can’t even… I don’t want anyone else.” I open my eyes, meeting his gaze. “Then try with me,”
“No?” I ask, throat tight. “What scares you?” “The thought of losing you,” he answers, just about doing me in. “I couldn’t stand to lose you, Joey.”
“No Logans,” he finally says, a hard edge to his voice. “He was nice and all, but I don’t want you with anyone else. Just me.” Fuck. “No one else,”
He’s grinning up at me, looking so damn happy my chest swells like a balloon.
Slow. I can definitely take things slow. I have a month to prove to Brad he should be mine.
“He said he didn’t want anyone else, Iggy. Just me. So this means something to him, too. I’m sure of it. The very least I can do is give him a minute to adjust. The rest will come.”
“You sound so sure about him,” he says, the beginnings of a smile forming. “I am,” I admit. “If there’s one thing I’m sure about, it’s him.”
So I’m not holding back. Brad wants to confirm his attraction to me? I’ll give him all the proof he could ever need.
“And you’re feeling okay about everything?” he asks me seriously. “About liking Joey?” “It’s the easiest thing,” I admit, still stuck on that.
“Joey would never hurt me,” I tell him. “I’m not even worried about that.”
I’m just stepping up on a treadmill to get my warm-up started when Joey walks in. My heartbeat trips, a smile forming on my face in an instant…
And then I about die. Joey is wearing the shortest short-shorts I’ve ever seen on any human and a cropped tank top that shows off every single inch of his V.
