Page 31 of Lustful Nights

“Jensen.”

“Jensen?” I watch as his mind plays through every person we know. “H-h-ho-ly shit. Jensen?Nick’sJensen?”

I scoff loudly, rolling my eyes. “He’s not Nick’s Jensen.”

“Well, not romantically, of course. But he’s Nick’s Jensen like I’m Lennox’s Declan.”

“Oh, goodness.” I shove his shoulder, laughing at his antics. “You’re ridiculous.”

“That I am. But tell me, how did it happen?”

“I don’t know. He kissed me one day and then we started hanging out, I guess? We’re seeing where things go. No one knows.No one. So keep it to yourself.” I push my finger into his chest to drive my point home. “Promise me.”

“I promise, but damn. What I wouldn’t give to ride that hunk of a man. God, I can only imagine the things he can do. I definitely see why you’re asking about prep now. I would 100% be the same way if it was me.” Declan fans himself, smiling. “Be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I will. Nick and I are hanging out later today. I’m scared it’s going to be awkward as hell.”

“Do you want me to go with you? Ease whatever tension you’re feeling?”

“Would you?” I ask, hoping he’ll say yes. Things have never been uncomfortable between Nick and me before, but that was before I started secretly seeing his best friend.

“Duh, what time?”

“5.”

“Sounds good.”

Declan orders another beer from the server and I’m beyond thankful he tagged along. He’s filled in every short, awkward gap that might have popped up. I hate keeping secrets from Nick besides working at Peaches. That secret is much needed. The only other last time I did was when I was a teen and I didn’t tell him I was gay right away. Of course, he already knew once I came out to him, but that was the only time until now.

“How’s school going?” Nick asks, taking a bite of his chicken wing.

“Hard as hell. But so damn rewarding. The classes are starting to pick up and the content is getting more strenuous, but it’ll be worth it.”

“Glad to hear it. What about you Declan? Are you still working at the library?”

“Huh? The library?”

I widen my eyes, hoping he’ll get the hint, but at the same time, trying not to draw attention to myself. When Declan and I started working at Peaches, neither of us wanted to tell him we were employed there, so I made up the lie of me at the coffee shop and him at the library.

Declan tilts his head before his eyes find mine. His own widen when he remembers. “Oh! The library. It’s good. Slow but good. I need a new job, that’s for sure.”

“You’ll find something. Maybe even go back to school like Lennox.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“So, what’s new with you?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation off Declan, me, and where we don’t work.

“Nothing really. I’ve been thinking of getting a motorcycle. Jensen always lets me ride his when I get the itch, but I’m debating whether it’d be worth it to get my own.”

Of course, I’m not trying to talk about where I work, so my other secret pops up. Jensen.

“Ah, those are dangerous. Make sure you’re careful.”

Nick rolls his eyes playfully. “I thought I was the overprotective one.”

“You are,” I mumble, taking a sip of my water. The table gets silent, and when I glance up, there are two sets of eyes on me. “What?”

“I’m overprotective because I care. If I didn’t worry about you, then I would let you do whatever you want. I just hate seeing you get hurt.”

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