Page 13 of Until We Fall

Is he… looking at my dick?

My pulse starts to beat thickly, resounding in my throat.

“It’s fine. I’ll…” He stands, still clutching the sunblock. “I’ll go use the bathroom and when I come back, we can forget all about this.”

“Rory,” I start, but he’s already hurrying off, nearly scurrying, the door closing behind him.

I stare after him.

Was helookingat me?

I don’t know.

But he’s in there for a while.

I don’t stare at the door. Not the entire time, at least.

Maybe like seventy-five percent of the time.

The other twenty-five percent I’m resolutelynotstaring at the door.

Itfinallyclicks open, and he steps out, his face fresh like he just washed it, reddened so that his freckles blend in.

Half the lights are on, and earlier I opened the sliding door to get fresh air, a soft breeze blowing in that smells of plumeria.

I rub at my neck. “Rory?—”

“Do you want to sleep?” He starts flipping off the lights.

Should I push him to talk? What would I even say?Washe looking at me?

I nod toward the couch-thing. “I can sleep on the donut hole. I don’t mind at all. I don’t need lumbar support.”

“Everyone needs lumbar support,” he says matter-of-factly. He folds the comforter down then glances up at me. “Look, it’s fine. Sleep here.”

“Are you sure?”

He nods.

I hesitate. What should I do?

He slides into bed, seeming sure, so I turn off the lamp on my bedside table, and then I get in too, keeping on my side of the bed. I settle on my back, adjusting my lounge pants so they aren’t twisted.

I stare at the ceiling. I’m so aware of him. How his toes tent the covers, how he smells toothpasty and slightly floral. He tosses one of his two pillows to the floor before wiggling his ass deeper into the mattress.

Moonlight spills in silver across the floor, but it doesn’t reach the bed.

I concentrate on my breathing. In and out. In and out. Breathing should be natural. I don’t know why it feels like such a mind-fuck right now.

Just get back to being friends. Forget about docking. Forget about the shower. Forget wondering if he checked out yourdick. You just need to reset things. Talk about normal friend stuff.

He’s quiet.

I’m quiet.

My toes curl under the comforter. I should saysomething, right?

“Uhhh…” My voice sounds graveled in the dark. “How are you getting on with your plans for after graduation?”

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