The New Next One

by Ryan Taylor

He reached up to stroke my head. “The light makes your hair look even blonder. It almost sparkles.” Moving his hand down to my arm, he met my eyes again. “I don’t know if you’re gay. I don’t know if you’re bi.” He paused, apparently waiting for me to say something. When I didn’t, he went on. “I do know you’re hot as hell. I know you haven’t pulled your arm away, and I know you’re open-minded.”

He hummed and broke contact. “My God, I can’t compete with that, Nicky.” “You don’t have to.” I put my hand over his dick and squeezed him back. “This is perfect.”

“You’re the sexiest man I’ve ever known. You’re absolutely gorgeous, but more than anything, it’s you—your personality, who you are. Nobody holds a candle to Nick Johnson.”

I love you, Nick. I’ve loved you for a long time, and now I’m in love with you.”

I’m crazy happy because I love you too.” He smiled, and I stroked his cheek and kissed him. “I’m in love with you too, Tyler. Forever.”

Life wasn’t going to be easy, but we’d convinced ourselves there was hope.