Page 91 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

Which means I wanted a romantic relationship with Joey before I ever wanted a sexual one.

Holy shit.

No wonder I demanded our bros-with-bennies sitch include exclusivity. I didn’t want Joey falling for anyone else.Don’t. Don’t want that.

“Bub, you okay?” Joey asks, having moved closer. His hand is sun-warmed on the side of my arm, his lashes dark from the water. His eyes are so fucking pretty it hurts.

Just realizing I’m in a hell of a lot deeper than I thought I was.

I let out a chuckle, hoping it sounds far less manic than it feels. “Fine.”

“Does it bother you to be questioning your sexuality?” he asks, entirely serious, like all he wants is to make sure I’m emotionally stable.

Stupid sexy fucking consideration.

“No, it doesn’t,” I admit, clearing my throat. “Whatever I am, I am. It doesn’t matter to me what I was or wasn’t in the past, not really. It’s knowing myself now that matters. It’s just…” I let out a measured breath. “I feel like I should have figured it out sooner.”

I don’t tell Joey that includes the wholeoops, I kinda want to shack up with my gym-bro in a till death do us part sorta wayrealization. At least, maybe I do? But that’s not something one blurts before being absolutely sure. Hell, even then, there’s probably a standard waiting period, right? Like, at least six months before admitting you want joint bank accounts?

Fuck, I don’t know. I never was very good at this relationship stuff, as Jason’s many attempts to cheer me up with espresso ice cream after a breakup attest to.

I don’t want to fuck things up with Joey. I’m not evendatingthe guy. Not really.

Not yet.

Joey’s soothing voice brings me back to the present. To my toes sinking in the sand and the gentle whoosh of the water lapping at shore. “Hey, there’s no one right time or right way when it comes to this stuff. Everyone is different, which means everyone’s experiences are different. Don’t compare yourself to others as a measure ofshould havewhen it comes to figuring out your sexuality. Or anything, really. You’re perfect as you are, bub.”

“Damn,” I mutter. “You’re really good at making me feel good.”

He looks pleased.

“Dunno about perfect, though,” I add, giving Joey’s bare stomach a couple lingering pats as I pass. “But far be it from me to criticize your judgement. Now c’mon, Joey-roo. I need you to bench me into the air and call me Baby.”

Joey blinks at me for several seconds before saying, voice questioning, “Dirty—”

“Dirty Dancing, dude! Yes!”

He shakes his head, but there’s a smile on his face as he joins me in the deeper water. I’m pretty sure I hear him mumble something aboutowe it all to you, and I decide, despite the limitations of my body, I’m going to try very hard to have Joey’s babies.

I bounce on my toes as Joey gets into place a little ways in front of me, the water high enough that I won’t hit the sandy bottom if I fall. When he waves me forward with both hands, I grin and take off at a running start just like in the movie.

Or at least I try to.

“Fuck,” I mutter, my legs moving ridiculously slow through the water. “Joey, I’m stuck.”

He’s laughing.

“No, dude, seriously. I can’t run in this.”

I pump my arms at my sides as the full force of the Atlantic tries to keep me anchored in place.

“Lift your legs,” he calls.

I grunt, getting my knee above the water, and then the other, high-jumping a couple steps as Joey laughs his head off. When I look up, he’s doubled over, his hands on his knees under the water.

“Joey!” I hiss. “Places! I’m getting close.”

He stands upright, his hands poised like he’s ready to catch me, even though I’m still a good five feet away.

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