Page 76 of Relief Pitcher

The guys shook their heads. Seth’s shoulders shook in silent laughter.

“Honestly, it makes sense. It’s like demisexual, except you don’t feel romance often, right? Instead of sexual attraction? Like, that’s why you’re down to bone but not down to cuddle?” Ethan nodded. “Totally makes sense.”

As a matter of fact, I quite liked cuddling, but admitting that would mean admitting a lot of stuff about Coop I didn’t even want to confess to myself yet. Things that were getting hard to ignore.

Surprisingly, the guys didn’t push me on Coop. They probably sensed I’d shared enough for one day, though a small, reckless part of me wanted them to push me for answers. Maybe if they did, I’d figure some stuff out.

CHAPTER34

COOPER

Danita: What are you up to tonight? I’ve got a date. Here’s his photo and phone number in case I disappear.

Cooper: Thanks. I appreciate you being safe. I’m going to an amateur drag show.

Danita: OMG! That sounds so fun! Where is it?

Cooper: Dahlia Springs.

Danita: Of course [smiley face emoji]. I hope you have a great time, babe!

Cooper: You too. Be safe, and text me if you need me to call with an excuse to get you out of there or come pick you up.

Danita: Love you.

Cooper: Love you too.

* * *

I pulled up to The Lucky Tongue extra early for the drag show to get a table and give Ty the gift I’d bought him after he’d invited me. I’d worried it wouldn’t arrive on time, but fortunately, the package showed up today.

After parking, I pulled out my phone.

Cooper: Do you have a minute to meet me? I’ve got a surprise for you.

Ty: You’re here?

Cooper: Yup. Just pulled up.

Ty: Head inside and to the door near the stage area. I’ll meet you there.

Cooper: See you soon [wink emoji].

I paid my cover charge and went in search of the stage. I’d never been there, but I’d been wanting to check it out. The long bar was positioned against one wall, with lots of short tables and chairs filling the empty space in the middle and tall bistro tables along the edges. A stage that looked temporary sat on the opposite side of the room. There were already at least a dozen people there.

It wasn’t that big of a place, so it didn’t take long to find the door Ty was talking about. It helped that the man himself stood there in a white tank top and gray sweats, smiling through a partially completed face of makeup. I couldn’t wait to see the full look when he got both eyes finished. He spotted the small gift bag in my hand and did a little shimmy with grabby hands.

“What did you bring me?”

I glanced around to ensure we were alone and handed it to him. He opened the sky-blue bag, lifted out the matching piece of tissue paper, and peeked inside.

Ty looked up at me, back at the bag, then leaned in. “Are these what I think they are?”

“Lace-trimmed tucking panties.”

His eyes rolled back as his teeth hooked on his bottom lip. “These are so much better than the skin-toned utilitarian ones I got after last year’s tape fiasco. You really got these for me?”

“They’re sure as hell not Dom’s size.”

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