Page 34 of Hot Zone

Me:What’s up?

Steven:Nothing much. Just thought I’d see how things were going.

I really hoped that Mars hadn’t called him about the kiss. Not that I cared if Steven knew. I just didn’t want him to find out I was bisexual second-hand. I took a deep breath. I also didn’t want Mars to think he had to keep secrets from his best friend, which meant there was only one thing for me to do.

Me:Do you have time to take a break and meet me for coffee?

Steven:Yeah, I can meet you at the coffee shop down the block. Is everything okay?

Me:Everything’s fine. I’ll meet you there in twenty.

Chapter 11

Samuel

I let the shift captain know I was leaving and headed over to meet Steven. He was already there waiting for me when I arrived, so I waved at him, letting him know I saw him, and went up to the counter and ordered a cup of coffee.

I wasn’t worried about telling Steven I was bi. Danni had known for years, and I was sure that he would be fine with it. I’d just never had a reason to tell him before now since play partnersat clubs were the closest I’d come to a relationship with another man.

I took my coffee from the barista and then joined Steven at his table.

“So, how are the security cameras working out?” I asked.

“Great, actually. Thor sets them off every time he goes out in the backyard, but it’s kind of cool to be able to check in on him during the day. Is that what you wanted to talk to me about? Has something happened with the arsonist?”

“No, there’s nothing new on that front.”

“Okay.” He took a drink of his coffee and watched me, waiting for me to tell him why I was there.

“Steven, there’s something I need to tell you.” I took a deep breath and had a fleeting thought that I could use a little bit of that calm that Mars swore he got from meditation right about now. He was looking at me, and I knew there was no best way to say this, so I might as well just spit it out. “I’m bisexual.”

He slow-blinked at me, and his brows furrowed. “Since when?”

“Since always.”

“Since always? Really? Does Mom know?”

“She does. I told her years ago.”

He looked at me, suspicion evident on his face. “Okay, and why are you telling me now?”

“Mars—”

“No, absolutely not,” he said firmly.

“Excuse me?” I raised one eyebrow.

“You heard me.”

I hadn’t expected him to be all excited about the idea of something going on between me and his bestie, but I hadn’t really expected him to react like this either.

“Steven, if you would let me finish—”

“No, there’s nothing for you to finish. Mars has had the worst luck with men, and he deserves better. He needs someone sweet, and kind, and gentle. Someone who will give him room to grow and figure out who he is. That someone is not you.”

Ouch. Nice to know what he really thought about me.

“There’s nothing going on between me and Mars, Steven.”

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