Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
He groans, then rubs a hand over his face. “I was trying to forget I said those things. I don’t know what it is about you.”
“Probably how charming I am,” I tease.
“Well, you definitely don’t lack confidence.”
No, no I don’t.
I pull into the parking lot of the restaurant and park. It was a short drive, but I enjoyed it. I like talking to Theo. He intrigues me, and there hasn’t been much that’s held my attention in a long time. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s a nice guy—no, kind is more like it, because there’s a difference.
For the first time in my life, I’m hoping someone I’m going to hook up with is the kind of person to be chill afterward and maybe wants to be friends. I’m not looking for a boyfriend, and I’m not even sure I want a fuck buddy unless the lines are clearly drawn, but a friendship with him? I can handle that.
Even if I can’t stop thinking about how much I want him. Once I have him, though, I have no doubt that desire will fade.
CHAPTER FIVE
Theo
“Are you and your brother close?” I ask Perry once we get seated and order. Then I wonder if that’s a little nosy and personal, and wince. “Shit. Sorry if I shouldn’t ask that.”
He waves his hand as if to say it doesn’t matter. “If I didn’t want you to mention it, I shouldn’t have said anything. And yeah, he’s great. We don’t look alike at all, but we’re similar in other ways. Both bi, both sarcastic and cocky. One might also call us stubborn.”
Oh, wow. I didn’t realize he’s bi—or why it matters to me. I’m not one of those straight guys who thinks any queer man is checking me out or wants me. Some of my best friends are queer, but I feel like usually, I catch on, and I didn’t with Perry.
“I can see you being stubborn.”
“Well, that’s not very nice, especially after how I saved your life and kept your secrets last night.”
I chuckle. “You have a point there. But I’m paying my debt with this lunch, which means I don’t owe you anymore.”
“So after lunch you’re going to start busting my balls?”
“I mean, I probably won’t wait until then.” We laugh together, and it strikes me how easy Perry is to be around, how natural it is to tease and joke with him. To talk to him. Maybe all the shit that’s happened in my life the past few days all happened to bring me a new friend. “Would I know your brother?”
“Why, you interested in him?”
“God no,” I rush out. He grins, but I feel like there’s something more there than he’s showing. It would make sense. If their dad raised his brother but not him, he’d have to feel some kind of way about it.
I wouldn’t know the first thing about not having parents who would do anything for me—and that’s why it’s important for me to do the same for them. The thought of letting them down leaves a persistent ache in my gut.
“That’s good. Because you’re mine.” Perry winks, and I unexpectedly feel a little…wobbly. Strange but true. “But he’s Tyson Langley, so you’ve probably heard of him. He played lacrosse.”
“We watch them play sometimes. He’s dating that guy who’s always pissed off, right?”
A loud laugh falls from Perry’s lips. “That’s him. Brax is actually great, though.”
The waitress arrives with our food—both of us having gotten burgers and fries. We dig in, the conversation flowing well the whole time. Perry makes me laugh a lot, and I seem to do the same for him. We don’t talk about anything life-changing, but the only time there’s a lull is when one of us is chewing.
I pay, but Perry insists on covering the tip, and then we’re on our way back to my house. When we get there, Perry doesn’t mention all those plans he seemed to have for us earlier, and I’m not ready for him to go home. I feel like there’s no pressure to be or do anything I don’t want to when I’m with Perry. It’s like a clean slate.
“You want to come in?”
He frowns for a moment, and I worry I said something wrong or he’s going to say no, but he recovers quickly and says, “Well, that’s better than doing this in the car.”
Doing what? Hanging out? I shrug because he’s right.
The house is quiet when we get inside. Everyone must have left, which I’m thankful for. That way, Perry and I can just chill and get to know each other better without others around.
“You want a drink?” I ask.
“Nah, I’m good.”
So I nod and lead him upstairs to my room.
The second we’re inside and I close the door, Perry steps closer to me, my back against the door as he grins. This is weird. Am I about to get jumped?