Page 34 of Gin & Sin

“Straights.” He shakes his head. “I suppose it’s the man’s job to send the texts in straight relationships?”

“Generally speaking, yes. Don’t forget, I was married forever, but before that, none of my relationships or whatever this is were like that. They were more…constrained.”

“Constrained?” He looks horrified. “Well, thank fuck for Kit then. Sounds like you need this.”

“Is it…normal? I mean, between men. Is it normal?”

“Normal?” He taps his chin as if he’s lost in thought. “For a fuck buddy situation, not so much, but Kit could just be an affectionate kind of guy.”

“It doesn’t read as affection. Mind you, I’m not the best at picking up social cues, but he just seems like he’s being nice. That’s all.” I chew on my lip for a second. “Maybe he feels sorry for me.”

“Why would he?”

“Because I’m new at all this.”

“Let me see your phone.”

“No.”

“Oh come on, Hanley. There’s nothing on there I haven’t seen or done myself. Let me see his message.”

I’m reluctant, but a part of me could use some insight since I’m generally clueless unless someone very directly tells me what they mean. I hand over the phone, squirming in my chair.

Theo reads them over, scrolling slightly to read the previous ones. When he hands it back, he smiles.

“Definitely doesn’t feel sorry for you. He’s into you. Casually, but into you.”

“What does that mean?”

“He’s having fun. He likes you, and I think he cares. At least a little. He wants to make sure you’re okay, which makes him a solid dude in my book.”

“I can handle that.”

“Gonna have a quickie before he has to go work?”

“Shut up, Theo.”

“Scandalous. You could invite him to see your office, close the door, and?—”

“Theo.” My tone is scolding even as my cheeks heat and my cock twitches in my pants. “I would never. Please tell me you wouldn’t. Not here.”

Theo raises his hands in mock surrender. “I can neither confirm nor deny.”

“Oh god.”

He cackles as he stands, then leans forward, his hands planted on my desk. “Have fun with it, Stewart. Kit sounds like he’s up for the adventure.”

I wave him off, acting annoyed, but I’m secretly so thankful for him and his perspective. Kit is probably going to make it that much harder to find a guy when this is over since he’s obviously raised the bar, but I won’t complain about my good fortune. I’ll just enjoy it while it lasts.

THIRTEEN

KIT

At three forty-fiveI leave the house and walk the few blocks over to the university. As soon as I turn onto the street where the common is, nearly twenty-year-old memories rush back. How many times did I wake up in the grass after passing out the night before? How many nights did I meet the guys here, ready to head out to the city for shenanigans? How much ass did I pull during those years? Too many faces and names to remember, but it was the best time.

There was a time when I thought I’d go the traditional route and find someone to marry. I figured my wild streak would eventually die out, but even though I’m a little more chill these days, the desire to stick with just one person for the rest of my life has never kicked in. I honestly can’t even imagine it.

I guess that’s why this thing with Stewart works so well. He doesn’t want picket fences and happily ever after. He wants to get dicked down and it just so happens that I want to be the one to do it. It’s a perfect situation.

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