Page 32 of Tameron

I rarely worried about my appearance when I was going in for a hookup. A shower, some product to tame my hair, a tight shirt, and my best clubbing jeans usually did the trick. I normally went commando with a condom in my pocket and a little packet of travel lube in case things took a different turn than I was expecting.

It was simple.

It was easy.

So I had no idea why I didn’t this time. Or why I spent forty-five minutes fussing with myself. By the time I was done, Tameron was already in my living room having a conversation with Dax, and I felt a little bit like a tool because I was the one who’d asked him to show up at nine, and now it was nine-thirty.

I was not the late guy. Ever. I expected a sour expression when I finally came out, but instead, his eyes went wide as he looked me up and down. He had Knives on his lap and she squirmed away from him when he gripped her a little too hard.

I ran my hand down my shirt. It was black and silky with a little embroidery. ‘Bad?’

“No,” Tameron said aloud, then glanced sideways at Dax before lifting his hand and pinching his first two fingers to his thumb. ‘No.’

‘Hot,’ Dax assured me.

‘True?’

Dax rolled his eyes and repeated the sign with a pointed expression. ‘Yes.Trust.You’ll do fine. Just don’t bring a hearie home. I don’t want to hear awkward conversation in the morning.’

Tameron waved his hand in the air and repeated Dax’s sign for listen—thumb at his eyes, first two fingers up and bent. ‘What is that?’

‘Deaf listen,’ Dax told him quickly. ‘Hear with our eyes.’

Tameron’s brows flew up, and I could see him mentally filing that one away. After a beat, he slapped his palms on his thighs and pushed to his feet, turning to Dax. ‘Text me later?’

Dax nodded and offered him a fist bump, which Tameron gave before turning toward me. I had about a thousand questions all at once, but the feeling in my chest was a good one. Were they becoming friends?

I knew Tameron would never fully embrace a Deaf identity, but I knew he would feel less alone if he had other friends who lived an experience closer to his own. It was obvious his military buddies would always be family. They would have a closeness most people would never experience, and I loved that for him.

But I also knew he felt isolated, even in his own home.

I made a mental note to invite Tameron over to one of my dad’s block parties the next time he threw one. But I’d give him that invite on a less awkward night. Shooting a wave to my brother, I turned away and grabbed my keys before following Tameron to the door to grab our shoes.

“Want me to follow you?” Tameron asked.

I shook my head. “Nah. I mean, unless you want to stay sober for the night.”

“Oh. Uh…” He bit his lip for a second. “I kind of thought I’d be your DD.”

“No, honey. I don’t drink and fuck. Not at a club, and not at my age.”

He rolled his eyes. “You and Nash both act like you’re two steps from the grave. But I’m not going to peer pressure you. Today was kind of a weird day, so I could use a beer or two.”

I ushered him out, burning to ask what happened but afraid he’d shut down again if I tried. We climbed into the car and I set the GPS for the parking garage near the club I liked. The silence between us when we hit the road was gentle and comfortable.

It was unexpected.

I glanced over at him a few times to find him relaxed with his gaze on the buildings ahead of us.

“Do you ever—” He stopped abruptly. “Never mind.”

Reaching up, I flipped on the low light that sat just under my sunglasses holder. It was dim enough that it didn’t reflect on the windshield, but it was bright enough that he’d be able to see my hands and lips. ‘Tell me,’ I signed.

He shot me a grateful smile, but it didn’t last. “I don’t want to offend you or make assumptions.”

“How about you try me?” I suggested.

He bit his lip, then nodded. “You’re really close with your family, right? You all have a really good relationship.”

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