Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“You’re demisexual?”
“Maybe. Seems to fit. I don’t really think about it that deeply, but one-night stands aren’t my thing. And I guess because my relationships always seemed to happen with girls, I assumed that meant I was straight.”
“But you have reasons to doubt that now?”
I recall that moment in the equipment room, Ty’s hot breath against my throat as he gripped my ass. The desire that pulsed through me. How desperately I wanted him.
“Yeah,” I confess. “What was it like for you?”
“Eh, I knew early on. I was a flirt, even in middle school. Had two boyfriends at the same time.”
“Holy shit. Are you serious?”
“Obviously, we like, held hands and had closed-mouth kisses, but I definitely worked out early on that I was attracted to dudes and they were attracted to me.”
“Sounds nice to have gotten your head around it that early.”
“We’re all different, and I’ve been with enough guys to know that it happens in whatever way it happens. There’s no right or wrong in any of it. Or really, I guess the only wrong is if you don’t trust yourself and that gut impulse when you realize that maybe you don’t fit into that neat little box everyone else has put you into.”
It’s no surprise that Dax would say some wise shit like that. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I am right. But it’s okay if it takes you a while to sort it all out. There’s no rush to any of this, and anyone who tells you otherwise is full of shit, okay?”
“Okay,” I say, smiling.
“Now how about we grab something to eat? Maybe head over to Crave after and dance some?”
“I’d be down for that.”
“Down for that? You’re basically my hostage for tonight, and don’t you forget it.” He winks. “And let’s invite some of the gang out and make tonight epic.”
A jolt of excitement races through me.
Because I know what would really make tonight epic.
Dax stops by the restroom before we head out, and I text Ty.
ME: What are you up to after work?
I’m not expecting a reply right away, but it’s like he’s been waiting for a text because he responds quickly.
TY: No plans yet. Why?
ME: You should meet Dax and me at Crave.
20
Ty
There’s so much heat in my chest, I can barely stand it.
I was so distracted throughout my shift, constantly checking my phone before Lance’s text came through: You should meet Dax and me at Crave.
As soon as my shift was over, I rushed back to the frat and changed, then got my ass over to the bar.
I shouldn’t be so worked up. If Dax and Lance were vibing, surely he wouldn’t have invited me. But even the thought that they’re still hanging when I want Lance all to myself again has me hurrying in, nearly getting tackled by the guy checking IDs at the door. Once I get that out of the way, I go right for the dance floor. I know how Lance and Ash are at parties, and my intuition is proven right when I catch him dancing with Dax.
Lance has a smile stretched across his face, and Dax leans close and whispers something. As Lance’s smile expands into a grin, my cheeks get as hot as my chest.
I want to be the reason he’s smiling like that.
And there’s a fear in the back of my mind—one I considered on the way over. That Lance invited me out because they clicked so much, he felt bad about what he promised me. Maybe he wanted to tell me right away that our deal about giving me his ass is off. I could see Lance wanting to tell me something like that in person.
No, it’s mine. I’m the one who showed him how good he could feel. I deserve it, not Dax.
It’s a selfish thought I hate myself for having.
Lance owes me jack shit.
Intellectually, I know that, but what’s happening to me right now is visceral, primal. I swallow, bracing myself as I work up the courage to not act like a total creep, before approaching the guys.
Dax notices me first, and he offers that familiar smile. He’s always a fun-loving guy, but I can tell he’s having an even better time tonight…because of Lance? Because he knows what they might do later?
When Lance turns to me, he’s still smiling, and his eyes light up in a way that’s enough to make me question all my wild, intrusive thoughts.
“Hey, man, what’s up?” Dax asks.
“He’s mine,” I blurt out. Like at the auction, the words spit right out, as though I don’t have a fucking filter.
This…is all Lance’s fault.
Dax’s expression twists up. “What’d you say? It’s hard to hear you because of the music.”
I’m fucking relieved he gave me an out, so I say, “I said hi, fine. Sorry, I thought you said how are you…” It’s the closest I can think of, but he’s looking at me strangely, like he knows that doesn’t fit.