Page 67 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

“Man, I might look like a pit bull, but you know I’m nothing but a Shih Tzu on the inside, all fluffy and soft.”

“You forgot yappy,” I put in.

Iggy punches me on the shoulder. “Am not, you dick. You know what? I take it back. I hope Brad crushes you.”

“You do not,” I say, motioning for another piece of trim.

Iggy hands one over. “No, I don’t. But I’m notyappy. I enjoy conversation. There’s a difference.”

As Iggy and I finish installing the baseboard on the main floor of the house, my cousin rambling all the while about the difference between talkingtosomeone and talking with them, I can’t help but smile. It’s not that this life is all that much different than the one I had in New Hampshire. I’m still doing the same sort of work, still filling my days with sawdust and the smell of varnish. Still working out in the evenings and watching TV or playing the occasional video game to relax.

But it’s all the in-between that’s so much richer than it was before. My family has grown. The work I’m doing is more fulfilling now that I’m working for people I know and care about.

And, of course, there’s Brad.

Maybe we are just bros. For now.

And maybe being the explorational plaything for a bi-curious man I’m half in love with has the potential to backfire horribly. In theory.

But he asked to kiss me.Heasked.

That means something.

So I’m not holding back. Brad wants to confirm his attraction to me?

I’ll give him all the proof he could ever need.

Chapter 17

Brad

“You absolute asshole!”

I pop off my couch, looking over in alarm as Jason storms into my apartment like the place is on fire. Before I can open my mouth to ask what’s wrong, he tackles me onto the couch cushions.

“The fuck,” I squeak.

“Youdick,” he says, grabbing a pillow and shoving it on my face. “I can’t believe you told Cas about your big gay revelation before me!”

“Are…are you trying to smother me with a pillow?” I mumble into the fabric.

“We’re supposed to befriends.”

“We are,” I groan.

“Ugh.You’re not even struggling,” he complains, pressing the pillow against me harder before tossing it away. “It’s no fun if you don’t struggle.”

“Whoa,” I breathe. “Birdie, that was grim.”

He swats my chest before flopping onto the cushion next to me and crossing his arms. “So? Was it okay?”

“Wait, what?” I ask, sitting upright.

“Did he treat you with respect?” he practically huffs. “Was itgood?”

Slowly, it sinks in what he’s asking. “Oh my God,” I whisper. “You precious baby bird, youcare.”

Jason scowls at me.

---