Page 64 of Ethan

"And you want to see him outside the bedroom?" Owen teased. "That's unusual."

"He was fun. I said I'd go." Liam looked at me. "I could try to add to my reservation."

What better way to introduce Daniel to the queer community than a drag show. I started typing on my phone as I clarified the details. "Saturday or Sunday?"

"Saturday at 11 am."

"Try to add two more to your reservation. I'll see if I can convince Daniel to go."

Me: Want to go to a drag show?

Daniel: Not sure. I've never been to one.

Me: That's why you need to experience it. Liam is going to try to get us seats.

Daniel: Is it all right if the idea of watching drag makes me apprehensive?

Me: You'll be with me. I'll protect you from the tall scary drag queens.

Daniel: When?

Me: This Saturday. Brunch. 11 am. You can pick me up from the shop at 10:15. Or I can drive myself. Your choice. I can meet you outside.

Daniel: No, I'll pick you up.

Me: You're going to love it. Have you ever been in a gay bar before?

Daniel: Never.

Me: Yay. Gay bar virgin. You'll have a blast.

Daniel: I'll see you before that?

Me: Obviously. Let's go for dinner on Wednesday.

Daniel: Perfect. Talk tonight.

We talked on the phone every night while lying in bed. Talked each other to sleep usually. It wasn't unusual to wake up and realize the call was still open. Sometimes Daniel was awake.

We'd wish each other good morning.

Me: Can't wait.

Daniel:

He'd been texting explicit hearts recently. Sometimes more than one. I wondered if he was trying to tell me something. Something incredibly important.

I stroked the screen over the symbol.

Every time I saw one, my thrill-filled heart thudded hard in my chest. After our spanking session the other night, we'd grown even closer. I'd never had a man I was in a relationship with hold me while I cried. I'd never trusted anyone enough to release my stress around them.

Owen had been the only person I'd ever fully trusted until Daniel came along.

"Hey," Owen said, nudging me. "Are you all right? You drifted off."

I looked around the table at three expectant faces. I must have truly zoned out. Everyone had noticed. Truth time. "I think I might be falling for him—hard."

"It looks like that scares you," Noah said.

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