Page 65 of Gin & Sin

“Forecast says all day today,” Salem replies. “Supposed to stop overnight.”

“Guess none of us are going anywhere for a while,” Indy says, nuzzling his lover’s neck.

Salem smiles warmly, carding his fingers through Indy’s hair. “Hope PDA doesn’t bother you, Professor. We’re still in the honeymoon phase.”

“You’re married?” I ask. Laughter erupts around the table. “What?”

“Ignore them.” Lowen waves his hand dismissively. “Indy’s not exactly the marrying type, but if we’ve learned anything, it’s that the right person can make all the difference.”

Indy’s eyes are trained on Salem, and as the two close the space between them and kiss, my stomach does a little flip. When I turn my head, Kit is also watching them. Does he want what they have, or does he want one of them?

My answer comes quickly when his hand moves to my thigh under the table and he rubs it, shifting his gaze to me.

“I have a feeling Salem and Indy will always be in the honeymoon phase,” Jerryn says. “It’s… inspirational.”

“Aww, are you getting bitten by the love bug too, Jerr?” Ridley asks. His tone is teasing, but I can hear the clear affection in it.

Jerryn turns his gaze to his plate, stealing a brief glance at Bane beside him. “It’s not like that. It’s just…” He pauses, exhaling slowly before lifting his head. “Relationships aren’t easy. It’s hard to find your person, so when you do, it’s almost like a miracle. Seeing someone you love like a brother find his gives hope to the rest of us.”

Bane squeezes the back of his friend’s neck, and if I was a betting man, I’d think there’s a lot more going on there than just friendship. Lowen stares off into the distance while Ridley chomps on a piece of bacon and Indy and Salem finally stop kissing.

“What about you?” Lowen asks, directing his gaze to me. “What’s your story?”

“Um, like, in general?”

“You’re intriguing to us. You’re not Kit’s usual type.”

“And he doesn’t have to answer any of your questions,” Kit grumbles, squeezing my knee.

“I know I’m not. I’ve never been called a twink in my life.”

Ridley chuckles. “Same.”

I glance at Kit, who’s nervously watching me.

“I’m in the midst of a sexual awakening, aided by this handsome man next to me.”

Kit grins, nodding.

“I didn’t know I was bi.” I turn my attention back to Lowen, only to find everyone listening. “I was married most of my adult life, to a woman, but it stopped being a healthy relationship years ago.”

“Another divorcée.” Lowen smiles.

“You too?”

He nods. “Yes, but I’ve been gay since the womb.”

I laugh softly. “I used to wish I knew sooner, but I kinda don’t now. Experiencing all my firsts with Kit isn’t exactly a hardship.”

I notice Lowen’s gaze turn to Kit, and the way he shifts in his chair. Maybe I’m going too far. I don’t want to freak Kit out.

“It’s just casual with us, but it’s been great. I appreciate that he took a chance on me.”

Kit scoffs. “Like it was hard. Don’t demean yourself or downplay the catch that you are. You’re not a charity fuck, babe.”

I’m aware of my cheeks blazing red so I focus on my food, digging into the perfectly grilled hash browns. “This looks so good.”

“Thanks,” Bane says. “Me and Jerryn liked to make elaborate meals on the weekend back in Seattle. The snowstorm gave us the downtime we needed to do it up.”

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