Page 66 of Tongue-Tied

26

AUSTIN

“Why are you so quiet today?” Kael asks, and I look up from my book. “And don’t tell me it’s because you’re reading. This is more than usual. As if you’re using your books as a distraction.”

He’s right, of course. Ever since that last date night, I’ve been inside my head way too much, trying to understand what is happening between Dex and me. And okay, reliving seeing him with my cock in his mouth. And vice versa. The visual was enough for me to bring out the dildo and imagine plenty of other things.

Dildo Baggins.

I snort. “Wow, all this from being my roommate for a few months?”

“Hey, you called me out after my argument with Angelica, so I’m just repaying the favor.” The morning after Dex spent the night, Kael had shown up looking worse for wear. He’d tried to hide it, but I saw right through it.

He seemed lighter after hashing out their fight with me, so maybe I would be too. I take a bite of a Twizzler, then offer him one from the pack.

“Thanks.” He lies on his bed, facing me.

“I told you that my date with Dex didn’t go as planned…”

“Uh-huh.”

“I mean, if my parents had shown up like that, I would’ve canceled too.”

He nods as he reaches for another red rope. “Yep, agreed.”

“So later that night, he showed up holding the flowers he’d meant to give me.”

“Swoon!” Kael pretends to faint, and I laugh. “That man knows how to appeal to your romantic side.”

“Right?” My skin feels all tingly just remembering it. “He was all tense and frustrated after having to deal with his mom. Not that he doesn’t like spending time with her. It was mostly bad timing.”

“I’ll say.” Kael throws me a pointed look.

“So…” I gulp. “I tried to comfort him.”

Kael huffs out a laugh. “Oh, did you now? And?”

My face feels hot as I admit the obvious. “And one thing led to another.”

Kael springs to a sitting position. “Holy shit! Does this mean?—”

“Nope, doesn’t mean anything.” I frown, wondering if I actually want it to. “Still a virgin, but I definitely enjoyed myself.”

“That’s all that matters, though, right? Two consenting adults?”

“Yeah.” I rub a hand across my eyes. “Except it’s all muddled now.”

“What is?”

“Our friendship and dates.” I make a frustrated noise. “It’s hard to separate them the more we play pretend.”

He watches me closely. “Are you sure he’s still pretending?”

I think about that for a long moment. “I don’t know. He’s got such a good heart and probably thinks he’s helping me.”

“Well, is he?”

“Yes and no. He’s helping me get more experience, and I love that.” More than love it. “But he’s not helping when it comes to having a solid view of the boundaries of our friendship.”

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