Page 117 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

Not that I mind his brand of mischief one bit.

“Fine,” he says in an exasperated tone. “Idecided. It was me. Happy? Of course, we don’t have to call it a coming-out party if you’re not—in fact—out, sweets. Your comfort comes first.”

He’s also incredibly bighearted.

“Pretty sure I’m out,” I tell him. “Not that I made an announcement or anything. Wait… Do people do that? Should I send out cards?”

Joey looks ridiculously fond, an expression that has me smiling back at him on autopilot.

Alex titters a laugh. “Please do,” he says, sliding off my back. “The party?”

“I’m in,” I agree. “Oh my God, wait. Can we get those candy penis necklaces again? The ones you passed out at Cas’s going-away party? Those tiny dicks were delicious.”

“Honey, I’ll get you all the dicks you could ever eat,” Alex says solemnly.

“I mean…I can fit a lot in my mouth, dude. So careful with your promises.”

He grins, and Joey threads his fingers through mine. My heart skips a beat.

“I’ll send you the details,” Alex says, throwing his arms around me in a final hug I readily return. He plants a smooch on my cheek before speaking low, for my ears only. “I hope he’s your one. You deserve it, Brad.”

My throat feels tight as he pulls back, and I give him a smile and a nod. Alex shoots me a little wave, bouncing over to his boyfriends.

Joey squeezes my hand. “Ready?”

“Yeah,” I sigh. “Let’s go home.”

I say a quick goodbye to the guys on our way out of the ballroom. Jason catches my eye, his hand held near his ear as he mouthscall me. I give him a nod, and then Joey and I head out the door.

It’s fully dark outside the hotel, apart from the streetlamps and neon lights. The ever-present bustle of the city is a constant noise in my ears as Joey and I wait for his truck to be brought around. When we get to his place, he suggests eating our hot dogs in the dining room so we don’t drop ketchup or pickle relish on our tuxes. Apparently, we’re too fancy to eat commando on the couch, which isfine.

The wainscoting gleams white in the low light of the room. Looking at it reminds me of the weekend we spent refurbishing it, which in turn brings a smile to my face. Thoughts of Joey tend to do that.

“What’s next on the project list?” I ask, tugging a hot dog free from my bag.

Joey raises a single eyebrow. “Bub, as I already told you, I’m not doing renovations naked. Wearing only a tool belt simply isn’t safe.”

“No,” I say around a laugh, although I can’t blame his mind for going there, considering how many times I’ve brought up that very thing. “I’m just wondering what we can work on next.”

His lips hitch up at the corner. “You want to help again?”

“If you’ll let me,” I tell him seriously. “I’m pretty handy with a tape measure, if you haven’t noticed.”

“Greg and I are both well aware.”

I snort.

After a second of consideration, Joey says, “We could replace the porch skirting next weekend if you want.”

I grin. “It’s a date.”

By the time Joey and I make it upstairs, I’m beat. I watch him undress, taking in the view as any kangaroo-watcher would. The appearance of his brief-clad backside has me letting out a soft sigh.That’s the stuff.

Joey is first to sink into bed, patting his chest in clear invitation. I hop up next to him, my muscles melting as I settle my head on his cozy pec. Joey’s skin is warm beneath my cheek, and I idly run my hand over his stomach. His fingers thread through my hair, sifting rhythmically, the only light in the room the lamp on Joey’s nightstand.

“You doing okay?” he asks, voice quiet.

“Yeah,” I breathe. “Fine. Just tired.”

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