Page 31 of Whiskey Neat

“Thanks for tonight then.”

Salem nods, swallowing so hard I see it happen. He drags his fingers under my chin, scratching gently like I’m his favorite dog. “See ya, Indy.”

“See ya.”

I watch him gather his shirt and shoes and pad out of my bedroom. I could walk him out, but that would only make things more awkward.

It takes all of five minutes for my bedroom door to open and Kit to enter, a huge shit-eating grin on his face.

“Can I help you?”

He joins me on the bed, lying on his stomach. “What happened?”

“You want details?”

“Not for the main event. I heard it, thanks.” He shoves my arm. “After. He hightailed it out of here like someone was chasing him. It sounded like it went well. What spooked him?”

“He decided we’re not compatible.”

Kit scoffs. “Who the fuck isn’t compatible with you?”

“Apparently Salem. He’s a top.”

Kit’s jaw drops for a second before he cackles and I shush him.

“Stop it,” I hiss.

“Dude. That pretty little twink is a top? We should’ve known. He has top energy.”

“Yeah.”

“Neither of you are willing to be flexible, huh?”

“I bottom for no one. I don’t know what it would take to get me to consider it, but one night with a man I barely know isn’t it.”

“And he’s the same?”

“He didn’t elaborate, but he made it real clear it’s not on the table. He left saying it’s better we end it now before it gets complicated.”

“Pretty smart actually. At least you know he’s not a clinger.”

“Yeah.”

“But you’re bummed out.”

I nod. “The sex tonight was good. Really good. It’s like lighting a firecracker, then finding out it’s a dud and fizzles out too soon.”

“Oof, that’s rough. And you have to see him too.”

“Sure do. Kind of why I wanted the rule.”

“What are you gonna do now?”

I shrug, pulling at a loose thread on my jeans. “What can I do? Chalk it up, enjoy that post-sex mood, and move on.”

A sly smirk spreads across Kit’s face. “I have a feeling this isn’t the last of Indy and Salem.”

“Yeah, well, you’re wrong. We all know I don’t chase. If he’s done, I’m done. No big deal.”

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