Page 87 of The Bro Date
“Wow. I look hot,” he says in disbelief.
“Of course you do,” I grumble.
“You can save the photo if you want,” he offers. “You know. For later.”
I delete it instead, even going to my recently deleted album and clearing that, too.
Toby chuckles. “Well, if you’re just gonna erase all the evidence, then we might as well have some more fun.”
“No,” I grumble, not wanting the camera to see what’s mine, nor do I want the photos uploaded to the cloud by accident or something.
“Pretty please? I wanna see a close-up.”
“Absolutely not.”
Toby laughs and then groans when I grab the base and tug on it. “Oh.Wow.That feels different.”
“You like it? Think you’d like it to vibrate?” I murmur, continuing to tease him with it. I saw a plug with a remote-control app on the same website I got this one from.
“Oh God, yes.”
I smirk, knowing exactly what I’m getting him next.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
TOBY
My mother texted me for the first time in weeks. She unfortunately wants me to come home for dinner this weekend, so I guess it’s my chance to tell them I’m gay, and I’m dating my best friend. I won’t hide who I am any longer, and I certainly won’t hide my boyfriend. Shane and I have come so far this year, and nothing can stand in our way.
He means everything to me.
It’s inevitable that my parents will find out about us, and if I don’t tell them first, I’ll risk a scene at the symphony. They absolutelycannotaffect my performance or my chances at a professional set in an actual New York City orchestra. I’ve worked too hard for this.
Professor Goldblum said it's a secret, but he wanted to give me a heads-up because of my anxiety and let me know that there will be scouts watching. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. These scouts will offer all sorts of opportunities, from orchestra auditions to graduate applications.
“God. I’m already sweaty,” I complain, getting ready for another confrontational dinner with my parents.
And this time I get to tell them I’m gay. Yay.
“It’s going to be okay,” Shane insists, sitting on the end of my bed, waiting for me to finish getting ready.
I smooth out my baby-blue button-down and khaki Bermuda shorts while I stare at myself in the full-length mirror hanging over my closet door. This feels like déjà vu. This feels like exactly what I told myself I wouldn’t worry about. But they’re still my parents, and that little boy inside me still longs for their approval. I close my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath.
“Seriously. Come here,” Shane murmurs, holding his palm out. I place my hand in his, and he tugs me over to where I settle between his spread thighs. “I’ve got your back, baby.Always.”
I’m taller than him in this position, so I stare down at my boyfriend, brushing his dark, messy hair off his forehead. I smile, leaning down to press my lips to his. “I know. Thank you. The only reason I’m not running around freaking out is because you’re going to be by my side the whole evening.”
“Am I your emotional support Shane again tonight?” he deadpans, and I giggle, nodding enthusiastically.
“Yep. And don’t forget, my bodyguard, too. Those stairs are dangerous.”
“And now I’m your boyfriend.” Shane kisses me deeply, pulling back before we get carried away. “Are there any more titles I should strive for?” He raises a dark brow, smirking at me with his sexy, kiss-swollen lips.
Husband.
The intensely intimate word crash lands into my thoughts like a space capsule making impact in the middle of the ocean.
“We’ll see,” I murmur, my adrenaline spiking and heat rushing to my cheeks, as if he can read my mind. “But you’re doing exceptionally well in all of your current positions. Don’t worry.” I lean forward and press my mouth to his, kissing him affectionately.
