Page 19 of Beyond the Summer

"He might.What if I set up a meeting with him?It'll be low-key, nothing to stress over."

He nodded, staring at the ceiling of the tent.

"It's incredible how passionate you are about advocating for these kids.I wish you'd do the same for yourself and your identity."

Sutton sighed, and I could see him tense up beside me."It's… complicated."

"No one here is going to judge your sexuality, Sutton.It's okay to admit you're not straight.I'm queer too.I get it."I watched Sutton's expression shutter and realized I'd been an asshole.Why did I always have to push?

"I didn't say that," he muttered, rolling onto his side, facing away from me.His broad shoulders trembled slightly, and I regretted my words.Maybe that's what he'd been telling me a moment ago.

"Is it okay if we don't talk about this right now?"Sutton asked, his voice cracking.Sometimes you have to know when to be quiet and let other people talk in their own way.His words echoed in my mind, making me feel worse about the turn the conversation had taken.My heart ached, and I reached out to offer comfort.But doubt crept in, and I hesitated, my hand hovering above his arm, never quite making contact.

"Of course," I said softly, retreating to my space."I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable.I didn't mean to do that."

He took a shaky breath."Thanks," he whispered.

"I won't push again, okay?I get it."

"Even if I still insist that I'm straight?"

I laughed."I'm pansexual, man.Crushing on straight guys is my hobby."I blinked."Not that I have a crush on you.We can barely stand each other.Not that I hate you, either.Right, you know what I mean….Anyway."Holy shit, what was I saying?I blew out a breath.

"Got it," he said.

I glanced over at Sutton and decided to take a different approach."I brought a book with me," I said, reaching into my backpack and pulling out the small paperback."Obviously.Never without a book!Would you like me to read it aloud?It helps me sleep.Maybe it'd help you, too?Not that you need help."I willed myself to stop talking before my word vomit made things even worse.

"Sure," Sutton replied."Is it the same book you were reading at the campfire?"

I cleared my throat and opened the book to the first page, ignoring my bookmark."Actually, yes.This is in the Mages of Aleron series.And I don't have book one, but I think this one is better if you start from the beginning."

"Depends on how quickly you get to that sex scene," he muttered.

I grinned, happy that he was already distracted.I thought back to how worked up he'd gotten at the bonfire."It's all the hotter if you know the full story."

"You don't mind rereading it?"

"I was already rereading it, so it's no big deal.I love to read my favorites again and again!Anyway, it's about Prince Nathaniel, who has been kidnapped.The cranky ogre, Farog, is his love interest and was hired for the rescue."

"Shut up and read, Ben."

I bit my lip to hold back a smile, then adjusted my camping lantern and started."Nathaniel was unlike any prince that the kingdom had known, and it wasn't because he preferred the company of men.He was quite dashing, brilliant, and handsome.Far and above superior to all of his siblings, at least in his own eyes.So, you can see why I regretted rescuing him."I read on, my voice growing softer as I became more engrossed in the story.

With each passing word, Sutton's body seemed to relax.By the time I'd reached the part where the irate ogre dangled the obnoxious Nathaniel over a cliff, threatening to shut him up the permanent way, Sutton was snoring softly.I turned off the lamp, plunging our tiny tent into darkness.I felt a sense of accomplishment.For a little while, I'd transported Sutton away from his troubles and into a realm where he could be free to be himself.

I tucked my sweatshirt pillow under my head and settled on my side, facing Sutton, who was still facing away from me.I'd only have to move a foot or so, and I'd be spooning him.Sutton shifted in his sleep, his leg brushing against mine through the fabric of our sleeping bags.Rather than moving away, I allowed my leg to remain pressed against his, basking in the warmth and comfort that the simple touch provided.

"Goodnight, Sutton," I whispered.

Just as I was about to drift off, his soft voice broke the silence."You're good at that.Your voice is nice."He moved a little, shifting even closer, until the lower half of his sleeping bag was against mine.It was probably nothing, perhaps it was the size of the tent forcing our bodies closer, but I didn't mind.

I smiled at him through the dark."It gets spicy in a few chapters.You can finally find out how addicted Nathaniel gets to Farog's cock."

His laugh was soft and relaxed, and after a moment, he reached out a hand, brushing it against mine.I let our hands rest like that, barely touching, and tried not to let my overactive mind fret about what it meant.

Sutton

It'struewhattheysay about eavesdropping; it never ends well, and this situation was no exception.But who could blame me?After the camping trip, I was dying to know if Ben had changed his opinion of me, and I couldn't very well ask outright.

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