Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 95019 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95019 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Where is this coming from? I’ve never been the type to get horny like this over someone.
“Should start with a protein shake, though,” he says.
“Don’t you have to eat the sausage first to get that?”
I can’t believe I said that, but I couldn’t help myself, and Ryan grins. “That’s true.”
“Ryan, will you leave Marty the hell alone?” Ty says, sounding annoyed on my behalf.
“We’re getting along fine.”
If only Ty knew just how fine.
“I have a hard time believing that.” Ty drags Ryan away, which is probably for the best, but now that he’s not beside me, I’m trying to work out if this heat is from the range or from the way he was talking to me.
“Okay,” Ryan says. “I gotta get some hours in at work. Then hitting the gym before I have dinner with my parents.”
I hate that I’m in the middle of making omelets since I really want to pull Ryan aside and work out when we’re gonna meet up again. But that’s not something I can do in front of the guys.
I watch as Ryan heads out of the kitchen, noticing that decent rump he’s got. Wondering what it’d feel like to get a good grip on those cheeks.
My face flushes with heat again, though this time I know it’s not from the stove.
13
Ryan
After work, I hit the gym, and during a break between deadlifts, I pull up Insta and see that Marty’s not only followed me, but sent a DM.
Maybe don’t make such a production in front of the guys about what we did.
They could have overheard something.
I can imagine the exact expression of annoyance he’s making.
Me: Relax. I’m not as stupid as you seem to think. I didn’t say anything that would have clued anyone in.
Me: Think you just wanted an excuse to hit me up on socials.
I’m about to put my phone back in my pocket, but a reply comes right through.
Marty: Trust me, this morning reminded me why this might’ve been a terrible idea.
Me: Dude, how did you reply so fast?
Me: Just sitting around waiting on a notification from me?
Marty: I don’t even know why I feel like this is some kind of insult.
Me: Not an insult. Kind of adorable.
Me: But a terrible idea? Nah.
Marty: For a guy who said kissing guys wasn’t a big deal, you suddenly seem eager to explore your options.
I’m totally thrown.
Me: ?
Marty: Didn’t seem shy about hitting on Dax right in front of me.
Now that one’s really got me laughing.
Me: Dax?
He’s a hot guy, sure. But I’ve never thought about him like that. Although, I never thought about Marty like that either until he showed me how he could work that mouth.
Marty: Oh, you loving on his abs for some other reason?
A warm sensation radiates in my chest. So that’s what his attitude is really about. And for whatever reason, it’s got blood pumping through my veins like when we were messing around last night.
Me: Kind of loving that we made out once and you’re already jealous of other guys.
Me: Hot.
Ellipses appear, showing he’s typing, then disappear, returning just as I hear, “Look who’s slacking off now.”
I tuck my phone away as Keegan approaches with Jaxon. We came to the gym together, since Keegan and Jaxon are regulars here too. Jaxon’s put on a lot of muscle thanks to Keeg’s mentoring.
“Chatting up a girl, I imagine,” Keegan says.
“Something like that.” I don’t want to lie to my buddies, but also, none of their business what’s going on with Marty and me…not that either of us really understands that anyway.
We get to chatting, and while they’re doing bench presses, I figure it’s a good chance for us to spot each other. I’m curious what Marty replied, so while Jaxon spots Keegan, I check my phone.
Marty: I may be a lot of things, but jealous isn’t one of them.
Marty: Know what, it doesn’t matter. If you’re around tonight, I could show you some more tango moves.
Me: Needy for it all of a sudden, huh? I must be that good.
I imagine how that’ll get under his skin, but I’d rather be doing that in person.
He doesn’t reply right away—I assume he’s busy at Activate Kindness now—so I hit the locker room and change before heading out to meet up with my parents.
When I get there, about an hour from Peachtree Springs, I park in front of the picturesque two-story house. The place where I was raised.
Where Dad and I used to spend time out back throwing the ball around.
Where we would open Christmas presents in the living room, by the bay window.
Where I used to have to time things just right, like a spy, to sneak girls up into my room in high school.
Spending so much time at school and work these days, it’s nice to come back every once in a while. My home—my family—always grounds me, no matter what else may be going on in my life. Plus, it’s been a minute since I’ve seen Mom and Dad at the same time. Feels like she’s been really busy with friends recently.