Page 66 of Gin & Sin

“I really appreciate being able to stay here while my water heater is out.”

Lowen smiles. “It’s not an issue. Each of us has our space, so we can do what we want with it without imposing on anyone else. Besides, I’ve always felt the more the merrier.”

“Same.” Ridley puts his fork down for a second. “When I inherited this house, I was so overwhelmed, I figured I would just sell it, but as usual, the guys showed up for me and we turned it into a dream. Someday I hope that double the amount of people live here when we’re all coupled up.”

Lowen rolls his eyes. “Well then there might need to be a throuple or two brewing between us because I’m never coupling up again.”

Ridley grins. “Dude. You’re so asking for it with that kind of attitude.”

“Agreed,” Bane says. “Speaking of, how’s our favorite contractor doing these days? Has he managed to assess you?”

Now Lowen looks absolutely disgusted. “As if I would say. A lady doesn’t kiss and tell.”

“Oooh, so he did?” Bane teases.

“You guys are such asses,” Indy says. “Leave him alone.”

Lowen’s expression softens as he looks at Indy, mouthing ‘thank you’ before flipping Bane off.

“Is that your ultimate goal, Professor?” Salem asks.

“Please call me Stewart.”

Salem nods.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I continue. “What goal?”

“You know, coupledom. Marriage, long-term commitment, or is this just a fling?”

“None of your fucking business,” Kit says. “Jeez.”

It seems like time freezes as everyone stops what they’re doing and focuses on Kit. He looks annoyed, with his brow deeply creased and lips tight.

“Sorry,” he mumbles. “I don’t want Stewart to feel put on the spot, is all.”

I rub Kit’s back, smiling. “These are your best friends and they obviously care about you. They want to make sure I’m a decent person. I get it.”

Kit’s expression softens as he nods. “You’re right. Sorry for being a dick, Salem.”

“It’s okay. I wasn’t trying to pry. Just making conversation.”

We all go back to eating for a minute, until I choose to answer the question.

“Honestly, I don’t know yet.”

Salem smiles, nodding. “That’s okay.”

“I’m having an amazing time with Kit, and it’s been…” I shrug. “At the risk of sounding dramatic, this experience has been life-changing. I don’t know if any of you have struggled with your sexuality, but accepting and affirming it is the most incredible thing I’ve ever done.”

“That’s beautiful,” Jerryn says.

I feel Kit’s gaze, but I resist looking at him. I’m not sure why. Maybe I’m afraid of what I’ll see. Or maybe I’m afraid of what he’ll see in my eyes.

“We’re gonna watch holiday movies after this,” Indy says. “You guys in?”

Kit squeezes my knee under the table. “We’ll catch up later. We’ve got some unfinished business to handle upstairs.”

My stomach does a whole-ass somersault, and even as I blush, I grin from the knowledge of what he’s going to do to me. I’m finally going to experience a man’s cock inside me, and if I’m lucky, I’ll get to return the favor. I can hardly sit still just thinking about it.

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