Page 19 of Touch In Excess

‘I’m great,’ Skye signed back. ‘Going inside for a nap.’

‘Come over for dinner Wednesday,’ Stone said—on his hands, it looked like more of a demand than an invite, and it was a crapshoot with Stone because he could very well be insisting.

Not that Skye wanted to tell him no, except he was going to. ‘Sorry, I have a date.’

‘D A T E?’ Stone spelled for clarification.

‘Yes.’

His eyes went bright. ‘Tell me?—’

‘Sorry, talk later,’ Skye signed hurriedly, then turned his back to shut him out. He went inside before his friend could chase him down, locking the door behind him, though Stone would never just let himself in. He’d only ever done that once to Jet, and he was quickly reminded that they had their private homes for a reason.

Nerves hit Skye the moment he was alone though, and he collapsed face-first on his couch. He rubbed his nose against the fabric, then turned his head to the side and wriggled until he could dig his phone out of his pocket.

His finger hovered over Rami’s name—text or call? Text or call?

Skye: Any chance you’re free for a FaceTime?

Rami: Right now?

Skye: Yes.

His phone immediately buzzed in his hand, and he answered. Rami began to speak immediately, but Skye’s better ear was too exhausted to process the sounds, so he held up his hands and shook his head.

‘No hearing aids.’

Rami quickly lifted his hand. ‘Sorry. Hi.’

Skye smiled widely, basking in the sight of the man he’d wanted to see for two weeks now. God, why hadn’t he thought of this before when he was missing him? ‘Hi. I have a quick question.’

‘Tell me.’

‘Are you free for a date on Thursday?’

‘With me?’

Skye couldn’t help a laugh. ‘Yes, with you. Only you. A friend of mine gave me an idea.’

Rami’s head cocked to the side. ‘Tell me.’

‘Aquarium,’ Skye spelled out. ‘Aquatic Rehab Center,’ he added, his fingers a little stiff through the letters.

Rami’s brows flew up. ‘Yes!’

‘You sure?’

Rami’s head nodded so hard Skye wondered if his neck hurt. His enthusiasm was catching though. ‘What time will your friend pick me up?’

He grinned. ‘I think I can drive.’

Rami’s brows furrowed. ‘How?’

‘I see my doctor tomorrow to get clearance. If he says yes, I’ll pop by the DMV and get my restriction removed. Then I can pick you up.’

Rami’s hand began to dance, and Skye followed it, thinking for a second he was signing, and then he realized he was stimming. Rami’s cheeks darkened. ‘Sorry. I do that when I get excited.’

‘No sorry. I can’t wait to see you.’

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