“A…boomer?” he says in some concern, the both of us heading toward the parking garage.

“Yeah, like a daddy kangaroo?”

“Brad.” He huffs a laugh. “Are you telling me I should get a Daddy?”

I frown over at him. “I mean, I guess it doesn’t have to be a dad specifically. I just mean a guy, you know? Don’t worry,” I say, waving a hand through the air. “Leave everything up to me. I guarantee you’ll be giving me the green light before the night is over.”

Joey’s laugh feels like warm caramel on a cool vanilla sundae.Oh. I should definitely add that to his profile.

Yeah.

We’ve got this in the bag.

Chapter 10

Joey

When I contemplated hitting a gay bar with Brad, countless scenarios entered my head. Having to watch Brad bend over a pool table. Having to watch him swallow down a hands-free blowjob shot in an attempt to be inclusive or some such nonsense. Having to explain to countless men, even, that the handsy guy I was with was, in fact, only my friend. And straight to boot.

Not once did I consider the fact that I’d have to watch Brad be hit on. Over and over again. And that he’d have no clue.

“No, man, my hammies are all right, but check out Joey,” Brad says, slapping my leg hard enough for my cock to kick. “Can you imagine having these things around your neck?”

Oh, good grief.

“I don’t know,” the cute twink says, giving Brad a flirty smile. “You look like just the right size for me.”

The blatant come-on flies right over Brad’s head. He just smiles politely and says, “What a nice thing to say. Thanks.”

“You guys together?” the twink asks, raising an eyebrow my way that seems to indicate he certainly wouldn’t mind that.

“Not like that,” Brad says, leaning closer and wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “Joey’s just my dude. My bosom buddy. My baby kangaroo-roo.”

“Your…baby kangaroo?” the guy asks, sounding appropriately confused.

Brad winces. “Yeah… Maybe don’t call him that. It’s mine.”

My heart thumps, the traitor.

“Hey,” Brad says at a whisper, his lips near my ear. “What are we thinking here? Green, yellow, red?”

The twink looks between the two of us before his eyes settle on Brad. “Are…you his Dom? Because I’d totally be into that.”

Oh, Jesus.

“We’re going to grab drinks,” I say loudly, hooking my hand around Brad’s arm and standing. He scrambles to keep up.

“Dude,” Brad says on our way to the bar, “he didn’t even appreciate your legs. I think that’s a hard pass, don’t you? I mean, what’s his problem? You’ve got great legs.”

I’m about to ask Brad to please stop bringing up my legs—not to mention scenarios in which he’s between them—but I pause at the last second. When we arrive at the bar, I turn to him, my pulse feathering.

Don’t do it. Don’t you dare ask.

“Yeah?” I say, despite knowing better. “What else?”

Brad cocks his head, not looking remotely put off by me asking what else about my person he appreciates. “I mean, your everything, man. You give good hugs, and your eyes are warm and always nice. You’re strong, so you could probably carry someone out of danger if need be. And, as I’ve heard from many,manyguys tonight, you have a great ass. Which,dude, you do. Even I can admit that.”

Am I having a heart attack?