Page 20 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“Yes.” A double sip pause so he can mentally prepare for spoiling Andrew’s entire perception of him.

“So, this guy Dave, approaches me in the sanctuary.”

Andrew’s eyebrows lift, “Oh?” A sly grin stretches across his face.

“Yes.” Jaime inhales. “The next thing, we were making out behind a tree.” Jamie watches to read the expression on Andrew’s face. “Okay. It went way beyond kissing.” His cheeks burn.

“That old forest is an enchanting place.” Andrew gloats.

“Apparently!” Jamie averts his eyes out the window. “I had no intentions. It just happened. It was a wild experience.”

“I’m happy for you darling.” Andrew sensed he’s squirming uncomfortably. “Sometimes our bodies take the reins when it needs something we’re not giving it.” He sips. “When two men connect at the right moment, sparks fly.”

“I guess.” Jamie takes a long sip. “I never thought I could go through with a random hookup. It was jarring.”

“You hold yourself to such high standards.”

“Well…”

“You don’t need to hide yourself away.” Andrew calls out the truth.

“That too.” Jamie gulps the last of his coffee. “And then he blocked me and disappeared before I even got home!” He rinses his mug and reaches above the fridge for a box of breakfast bars. Calories calm the nerves.

“That’s on him, not you!” Andrew assures.

“He kissed me. Said it was amazing and walked off.” Jamie shrugs, taking a bite from the blueberry oatmeal snack.

Andrew moves to refill his cup.

“I actually tried tracking him down online. The guy doesn’t seem to exist.”

“He doesn’t want to be found.” Andrew blows on the steaming brew, “Don’t waste your time.”

“I just don’t understand.”

“You don’t need to. He has his reasons. Those reasons have nothing to do with you.”

Jamie isn’t so sure, but nods in agreement.

“What was this dream?”

“Oh! Some lady I’ve never seen in my life, was leading me through a forest.” He chews. “That guy Dave was there…” Swallowing. “He seemed to know her. She put his hand in mine and disappeared like a ghost. We were just staring at each other.” Plops the last bite into his cheek, “Then I woke up.” He tosses the empty bar wrapper into the trash can.

“Hmm.” Andrew ponders.

“I know. It’s crazy I’ve let this guy get under my skin.”

“No. That was a new experience for you.”

“I guess.” Jamie shrugs.

“You have a big heart and take sex seriously… maybe too seriously?” He giggles. “Sweet, innocent Jamie.”

“Not anymore!” Jamie laughs. “I’m a common whore now.”

“Welcome to the club.”

They both crack up.

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