Page 28 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

“First, it’s notmyunderwear,” I note, even though I know that’s far beside the point. “But,dude, like I told you before, there’s literally nothing you could do that would make me uncomfortable. So no, it wouldn’t bother me. Why would it? You’re my…my Joey-roo.”

He seems to come to some sort of conclusion because he nods and licks his lips. “Yeah, all right. Let’s do it.”

“Yesss,” I hiss, holding up my hand. Joey gives my palm a quiet slap.

“You boys ready?” Gianna asks.

“Yep,” I say happily. “Let’s take some classy-ass sexy photos.”

Joey huffs a laugh beside me, and I can’t help but beam.

This will be a first for me. I’ve never been professionally photographed, but who better to do it with than my new bro? It’s good to try new things. How can you know whether or not you’ll end up loving something unless you try?

I think, maybe, that should be a focus on this journey of mine. Self-discovery starts with, well,discovery, after all.

I don’t have my notepad, but I make a mental note.

Step three in Brad’s Guide to Finding Himself and Falling in Love:

Try something unexpected.

Yeah. This is going to be great. I can feel it.

Chapter 8

Joey

I’m not in the habit of trying to seduce straight men.

There’s a difference between helping someone who’s curious to explore their sexuality and outright disrespecting a person’s spoken truth.

But Brad has given me the green light to touch him during a goddamn boudoir photoshoot while we’re in our underwear, and I’m not going to pass up that chance. If nothing comes of it, that’ll be that, and I’ll find a way to get rid of this kernel of hope I’ve held on to when it comes to Brad.

But while I have the opportunity, I’m going to do everything in my power to make him see me in a different light.

It might be fruitless. It might not lead to anything changing.

But what if?

I have to try.

Brad has a grin on his face as Gianna positions him atop the chaise. He looks…stunning. Drop-dead gorgeous. Likeeverything I want and thought, however briefly, I might be able to have.

It doesn’t escape my notice that, in the beginning, when I thought Brad was flirting and being overly forward, I wished he would slow down enough that I could get to know him before intimacy came into play.

Now? It’s all I can do not to kiss my way up that bare stomach of his.Fuck, he has an outie. The cutest little outie belly button I’ve ever seen on the most wickedly beautiful man.

I’m doomed.

“All right,” Gianna says, giving me a little tug. “Right here, sweetie.”

I go where our photographer tells me, sitting beside Brad’s legs. He’s on his back on the chaise, an arm behind his head, his other along the low back of the chair. One leg is out straight, the second bent. Gianna brings my hand to his bent knee, and everything in my core draws tight.

“You’ll stay here,” she tells me. “And look at your companion as if you want to eat him. Which shouldn’t be hard.”

Not in the least.

“Perfect,” she says, stepping back. “Stay there, gentlemen. Smaller smile, please, Mr. Bradley.”

---