by A. T Brennan
I let out a bubble of laughter at the abrupt change in the conversation and nodded. “Same.”
“How about you jump in a shower, and when you're done, I'll take one. Then maybe we can find something to eat and hang out until you have to start work?”
“I'd like that.”
Rhys gave me one last kiss, and even as I was standing up, a part of me was disappointed we weren't going to be showering together, while another part of me was grateful Rhys was giving me my own space.
We'd gone from kissing to sharing orgasms way faster than I ever thought I'd be comfortable with, and I needed this time alone to process everything.
I LEARNED THAT RHYS was actually a great cook. I didn't have much in the way of breakfast food in the house since I don’t usually eat until after noon, but the fried egg sandwiches Rhys made us were delicious, and we finished off the chocolate milk from the night before.
We spent the next hour playing the game my company was currently working on, and it was pretty cute watching Rhys learn the controls. He had no gaming experience and couldn't seem to get his hands to do two separate things at the same time.
Whenever Michael struggled with something, he would get frustrated, then angry, then lash out at me. Rhys laughed at his silly mistakes and made snarky little comments that had us both giggling.
It was so nice to be able to relax and just be myself without having to worry about what might happen if I won or made Rhys feel inadequate. It had been way too long since I'd had this much fun gaming with someone else.
I loved the cute way he stuck his tongue out when he was concentrating, almost like he was trying to look like he was concentrating and not actually doing it. We played for about an hour, and when he put his controller down and declared me the unequivocal winner, my stomach and face both hurt from laughing so much.
“I just remembered I'm meeting Tristan for our workout soon.” Rhys gave me an apologetic look.
“That's okay. I can always start work early, get a head start on the million emails that'll be waiting for me.”
“I'd like to see you again.”
“Me too. When are you working?”
“I have Saturday and Sunday off. Evan must be in a good mood because I never get two days off in a row, and this is twice in two weeks.”
“Evan?”
“The owner. He does the scheduling for us.”
“How about Saturday?” I asked, hating the flutter of nervousness that moved through me.
“I'd like that. How about we make plans to make plans?”
“Perfect.”
“I had a wonderful time with you,” he said softly, his hand moving up so he could trace my jaw with the tips of his fingers.
I bit back my self-deprecating remark and smiled instead. There was no need to bring up my seizure again. Rhys said he was fine with it. I needed to trust he was telling the truth.
We both leaned forward at the same moment and met halfway in a sweet kiss. I desperately wanted to deepen it, to make it last, but by the time I'd decided to actually do it, Rhys was pulling away.
I walked him to the door and waved as he headed out. Again, I watched until he'd disappeared down the hallway and closed the door with a sigh.
What had started out as the best date I'd had in years had devolved into one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. If Rhys had been anyone else, I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd run away after making sure I wasn't going to die on my apartment floor, but he'd turned the night around and had taken care of me and reassured me that he didn't see me any differently. We'd had an amazing morning, and he still wanted to see me again.
I was floating, but at the same time, I was bracing myself for when the other shoe would drop. I'd learned a long time ago that happiness was fleeting, and that all good things come to a crashing end.
Chapter Eleven
Rhys
“WHAT'S UP?” I ASKED Blaze as he leaned against the counter, staring off into the distance. We were experiencing a lull in customers, but considering our half price wing special was starting at eight, it wouldn't stay quiet much longer.
“What?” Blaze jumped and spun around.
“What's going on with you? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just have a lot on my mind.”
“Need someone to talk to?”
Blaze looked at me, then nodded slowly. We'd always been friends but had become a lot closer over the past few months. Ever since Blaze and Galen were married, it was almost as though the last brick in the wall Blaze had put up to protect himself from being hurt again fell apart. He was much more open to talking about what was going on with him, and I was really happy he trusted me like he did.
“I'm going back to school.”
“That's great.” I reached out and patted his shoulder. “When?”
“Fall semester. I'm going full-time.”
“Wow, that's a lot to take on. What about your job here?”
“I actually tried to quit, but Evan wouldn't let me. I'm moving to part-time. Evan said I could do a half shift or two a week and take time off for finals and midterms.”
“I'm really proud of you, Blaze. I know this is something you've wanted for a while.”
“It is. I always had a reason why I shouldn't. I've been out of school for almost ten years, I only have my GED, I should work so Galen doesn't have to support us... but he convinced me to do it.”
“What are you going to study?”
“Social work. I want to try and help LGBTQ kids who find themselves on the street. I want to be the person I wish I'd met when I was alone out there.”
“That's incredible. I always knew you'd do something great once you found peace.”
Blaze gave me a questioning look.
“You've always been a bright light. So full of life and positive energy, but you needed someone to love you as you are, to show you that you're perfect just the way you are. Galen's done that.”
“He has.” Blaze blushed and pushed his long hair back from his face. “And you're right. I needed to find him to get to this point where I feel like I'm enough.”
“You are. Always have been, kiddo.” I opened my arms, and Blaze stepped into them so I could hug him.
“You know, you're only four years older than me,” he said against my chest, his voice muffled.
“Shhhh, little one. One day you'll learn not to question your elders.” I patted his head teasingly and laughed as he broke free of my embrace.
“You're such a tool.”
“Meh, I've been called worse.” I caught the rag Blaze tossed at me and was about to toss it back when movement at the door caught my attention. “Looks like our lazy time is over.”
“I feel your lazy time is never really over. You're just really good at looking like you're working.” Blaze winked and laughed at me as I threw the rag back at him.
“You know, you're not wrong.”
BY THE TIME I WAS HALFWAY through my shift on Friday, I was getting antsy to see Caleb the next day. We'd planned to go for a hike in the afternoon, and then I was going to cook for him. I knew he'd be more comfortable at his place because of his modifications, so I'd bought the ingredients I'd need to make my signature eggplant lasagna and was going to drop them off when I picked him up for our hike.
“Hey, blondie.”
Pale fingers with neatly manicured nails snapped in front of my face, and I jumped.
“What the... sorry, Layla. I spaced for a second there.”
“You were gonzo. I called your name three times.”
“You were in another world.” Cody gave me a concerned look. “Are you okay?”
“Fine, just ready for the night to be over.” I sighed and dumped the lemon slices I'd cut up in a tub and brought the cutting board and knife to the back sink to wash them.
“That doesn't sound like you. Everything okay?” Layla asked, following me to the back of the bar.
“Fine. I'm anxious for tomorrow.” I shrugged and glanc
ed at her as I started the taps. “I have a date.”
“A date? With whom, pray tell.”
“His name is Caleb.”
“The same Caleb you've been seeing for the past few weeks?”
“How do you know that? I've never mentioned him to you.”
“Honey, secrets are like smoke around here. You can't stop them once they're out there.”
I chuckled at her description of the gossip that went on at the bar. She wasn't wrong. “Yes, it's the same guy.”
“I'm happy to see you with someone.”
“You think I wasn't happy alone?” I put the knife in the drying rack and set to washing the cutting board.
“I know you weren't. When I first met you, I knew you were missing something. You put on a good show of outwardly loving the single life and hooking up, but I could tell you wanted more.”
“Geez, how transparent am I? Tristan said the same thing to me.”
“Pretty transparent,” Cody said as he peeked around the corner. “Layla, can you do an override for me?”
“Sure thing, hun.”
She gave me a pointed look that told me this conversation wasn't over and headed back to the front of the bar.
“So you knew too?” I asked Cody when he lingered.
“Not at first, but in the past few months, yeah, I could see it.”
“Good thing I don't play poker.”
“There's nothing wrong with wanting to find your person.”
“Or persons, in your case.”
Cody blushed pink as he nodded. I loved seeing how his eyes lit up every time he thought of his boyfriends.
“I mean, it's all still new. I'm not sure what we are, but I like him.”
“Then go with that and enjoy the ride.” Cody turned as Layla called out to him. “Let things develop at their own pace. You can't force love.”
“You know, you're right. Thanks, Cody.”
He winked as he turned to see what Layla wanted. It was no secret that Cody was sensitive about his age and worried that we all saw him as a kid, but I sure as hell didn't. Even with everything he'd been through in his life, he was strong, sweet, and he cared deeply about his friends. He might only be twenty-two, but he was far wiser than me in most areas.
I finished the few dishes that were in the sink and headed back out to the front of the bar. It was relatively quiet for a Friday night. It if had been busier, it would have been easier for me to keep my mind off Caleb and what was or wasn't going on between us.
We hadn't discussed being boyfriends, and I was worried that it was too soon to bring it up. We'd already established that we were monogamous, but I wasn't sure he was ready for the “relationship” label. I wanted it, but I didn't want to push him or make him feel he had to want it too.
I kept half my mind on my predicament and the other on my work. I was so busy trying to balance doing both that I stopped looking at the door when it opened. Even as I was handing a drink to a customer, I felt Caleb.
I had to be hallucinating. I was only feeling him because I'd spent the better part of the day thinking about him. I needed to focus on work. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
I glanced up on reflex and almost dropped the change I was about to put in the tip jar.
Caleb was there, in the bar, with a woman by his side. He looked like a deer in headlights as our eyes locked, but relaxed when he saw the huge smile that stretched across my face.
You're here. I signed as he came up to the bar.
Blame me. I wanted to meet you, so I convinced him to bring me. The woman beside him grinned and gave Caleb a little jab in the side with her elbow.
You must be Lizzie.
“Hey, Rhys, why don't you take a quick smoke break.”
“I don't smo... right. Thanks.” I gave Layla a sheepish grin as she laughed at me. “Not a word.”
“There will be plenty of words. Don't you worry about that.”
“You're going to be the death of me.”
“Probably.” She winked and did a “shooing” motion at me. “Go.”
What's going on? Are you in trouble? Caleb asked, a worried look on his face when I turned back to him. He wouldn't have been able to read mine or Layla's lips so he had no idea what had been said.
Not at all. I was being sent on a break.
I came around the bar and paused before leaning in to kiss Caleb. We hadn't talked about how he wanted me to greet him in public.
Can I kiss you hello? I asked, not wanting to overstep or make him uncomfortable.
God, yes.
Before I could lean in, Caleb was stepping into my arms, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that quickly went from sweet to simmering. My hand cupped his cheek as the other pressed against the small of his back and held him against my body. I loved the way he felt against me. I knew Caleb was a bit self-conscious of his slender frame, but he felt perfect to me.
“Hi,” Caleb whispered against my lips when I'd pulled away. The kiss had gotten a little too hot, and it was starting to feel a bit cramped in the front part of my pants.
“Hi.” I pulled back enough so he could see my lips. “I'm really glad you came by.”
“Would it be weird if I said I missed you?” he asked, swallowing as his cheeks flushed pink.
“Not at all, as long as you don't think it's weird that I missed you too.”
“Oh my god, you guys are so cute. Total relationship goals.”
I'd forgotten Caleb's friend was there, and was glad he hadn't heard her comment. I still wasn't sure what we had, and I didn't want to put Caleb on the spot and make him uncomfortable if he didn't want more right now.
“Sorry.” Keeping one arm over Caleb's shoulder, I led them to a free booth so we could sit. It was near the door, so it was loud, so I switched to signing as soon as Caleb was sitting in the booth with me, his leg pressed up against mine. I kind of got distracted there.
Don't have to apologize. Like I said, relationship goals.
Caleb's gaze swung over to look at me, and I bit my tongue. Damn it, why did she have to repeat it?
We haven't really talked about that yet. I said lamely. As much as I wanted to have this conversation with Caleb, at my work on a Friday night with his friend present wasn't the time or the place.
Shit, sorry. Lizzie looked between us.
How about we start over. You must be Lizzie. I spelled out her name since I didn't know her name sign.
And you must be Rhys. Lizzie also had to spell my name. It would seem Caleb hadn't told her the name sign Violet had given me.
It's nice to meet you.
We shook hands over the table, and I felt Caleb relax beside me.
How long of a break do you have? Caleb asked.
About ten minutes. Did you want me to get you guys menus or something?
We can't stay. We were hanging out, and Caleb mentioned you were working, so I pestered him until he agreed to bring me here to meet you. Lizzie grinned as Caleb blushed.
Why do I feel you had to offer something in return. Something tells me pestering alone wouldn't have been enough. I grinned at Caleb, making him blush an even deeper shade of red.
There may or may not have been a promise of this being the only time I pester him about you from here on out.
Even though we both know she's lying through her teeth. Caleb cut in. I gave in so she'd leave me alone.
What can I say? I can be the sweetest or the most annoying person you'll ever meet. Lizzie blew Caleb a kiss, and I laughed as he pretended to brush it aside.
Really? I haven't met this alleged sweet side of you before.
This time Lizzie rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him, causing Caleb to roll his eyes back.
A perfect example of what I was talking about. All sass in this one. Caleb gave me a solemn look and slowly shook his head. I've given up hope of ever seeing this sweetness she keeps going on about.
I chuckled and looked between the two of them. It was so nice to see Cal
eb relaxed and joking around with a friend. It was obvious they had a great relationship, and I couldn't help wondering if Lizzie was the girl Caleb had slept with when he was younger.
The thought didn't bother me at all. It was more I was curious about his life and the experiences that had shaped him into who he was.
See what I have to deal with? Can you blame me for not showing him my sweet side?
Pretty sure my boyfriend is supposed to side with me, so yeah, I win.
Caleb's eyes suddenly widened as what he'd said seemed to sink in. It looked like I had my answer to whether or not he wanted more, like I did.
He's right. I always have to side with my boyfriend. It's an unwritten code.
I shrugged apologetically and rested my hand on Caleb's thigh for a moment, trying to tell him with my touch that it was okay and I was happy about everything.
We fell into an easy conversation, most of it involving Lizzie asking me questions and Caleb trying to steer the subject away. It wasn't until I saw Layla waving me over that I knew my break was over.
“I have to get back to work. It was a pleasure to meet you,” I said to Lizzie as I turned away from the bar and my impeding adulting.
“You too.” Lizzie offered her hand, and I shook it.
We all stood, and Caleb turned to look at me. I'll see you tomorrow?
Definitely.
Caleb stepped into my embrace before I could fully raise my arms and gave me a sweet but lingering kiss. When he pulled back, he waved, his face flushing adorably.
I waved back and watched him and Lizzie walk out of the bar, my eyes on his ass until the door closed behind him. I couldn't help it; Caleb had an amazing ass.
“He's cute.” Layla handed me a bottle opener and stepped back from the bar so I could take her place.
“Yes, he is.”
“Nice ass.” Cody winked as he looked up from the beer he was pouring.
“He does have a nice ass, but don't you have two asses at home you should be thinking about?” I raised my eyebrow at him as Layla giggled.
“Isaac and Jonah don't care what gets my motor revving as long as I wait until I get home to do anything about it.” Cody waggled his eyebrows at me teasingly, and I had a hard time deciding if I wanted to laugh or tell him to keep his eyes of my man's ass.