He huffs a laugh. “Maybe start with something other than creaming his abs.”

“Holy fuck,” I whisper. “Why does that sound so hot?”

Cas laughs again. “Hey, if you have questions about any of this, you can always ask, okay? I’m not telling you you’re one of us now. That’s for you to decide. But if you do join the rainbow, it might be a lot to figure out. Jason and I will be here if you need it.”

My throat feels stupidly tight. “Thanks. You’re a good dad.”

Cas sighs, but it’s an amused sound. “Good luck, okay? You’re pretty fearless, Brad. I don’t know if you know that. But you are. You can do this.”

I want to believe him, but it feelsbig. Not just maybe being into a guy for the first time in my life, but being intoJoey. He’s my baby kangaroo-roo. My gym-bro. My friend.

What if he doesn’t feel the same?

Holy shit. What if hedoes?

“I, uh, should probably head back inside,” I tell Cas. “Thanks for answering the phone.”

“Of course. Let me know if you need anything?”

“I will. Later, dude.”

“Bye, Brad.”

I hang up and slip my phone back in my pocket.

So I like Joey’s abs. And the way he feels pressed against me. Not to mention his pretty brown eyes and his smile. Such a nice smile.

Maybe I likehim. Maybe I should…explore that.

Oh God.

I let myself back into Joey’s house and close the front door quietly behind me. I don’t hear him moving about, so I make a quick detour into the kitchen and fill up a glass with ice water, gulping a few mouthfuls down.

I can do this.

As I head back upstairs, I construct possible conversation starters in my head.

Hey, Joey. Turns out I might be a dab queer.

Joseph-broseph. Question. Do you like cum play? Asking for a friend.

Joey Kangaroo. Can I hop on you?

Jesus Christ, I’m screwed.

When I get to the top of the stairs, the bedroom door is closed. “Joey?” I call out.

“I’m in here,” he yells back.

I nod, taking a breath and bracing myself. Then, I push open the door.

“Holy—”

Joey is facing his dresser, wearing abso-fucking-lutely nothing except for a teeny tiny jockstrap. His ass is just…right there. It’s right fucking there. All naked and smooth and—

Joey spins upon hearing my voice, his eyes widening in alarm. I’m already stumbling backwards, mumbling a, “Sorry, sorry,” when my heel gets caught on a floorboard. Before I know what’s happening, I’m going down, the glass of ice water in my hand spilling all over me like an expertly timed cold shower. I’m so stunned by the turn of events I don’t move a single muscle.

“Shit,” Joey hisses, rushing over. He drops down beside me. “God, bub. Are you all right? Did you hit your head?”