Page 29 of Under The Twilight Rainfall
“Food’ll be here when you’re done.”
And that’s it. I hear him open the fridge, and I stare after him like I expect… something. Anything but this domesticity between us that feels almost natural.
It’s ridiculous.
The quick shower does absolutely nothing to calm my growing nerves. Valen is into me. I saw it in his eyes on the beach. And again at the resort. When my lips were almost on top of his.
Why the hell Valen Olaño wants anything to do with me is a goddamn mystery, but I can’t deny the feeling is fucking mutual.
It’s not just sexual tension, because even after tugging one out, when I see him sitting on the floor with a bowl of stew in his hands and another beside him, it’s like my ribs have my heart in a vice grip.
Before he notices me, I back up into the hall and pull out my phone. What time is it even back home?
Fuck it. Either Zeke answers or doesn’t.
Me:Remind me that I like your dick
Surprisingly, the reply is almost instantaneous.
Zeke:Well, hello to you too, princess. Is this a ‘your dick is nice but you’re a dick’ text or a virtual booty call? I’d be up for that.
Me:No virtual booty call. Though I’d kill for a good dick down right now. And fuck you for making me laugh when I’m trying to be sneaky, you ass.
Zeke:I aim to serve. If this isn’t about sex, is everything ok? Haven’t gotten into any trouble, have you?
Me:I didn’t say it wasn’t sex related. And I’m fine. Everything is fine. But I need your opinion.
Zeke:Yes
Me:You don’t even know what I’m going to ask.
Zeke:Yes. Whoever it is, let them fuck you. And send me pictures. You. Them. Together. ;)
Me:I’m not doing any of that. Can you be serious for a second, Zeke?
Zeke:Uh oh. Go ahead, shoot.
Me:I think I’ve caught… feelings. Ew, that feels gross.
Zeke:First off, no it doesn’t. You feel warm and fuzzy, don’t you? Second, it’s not me, right? Because you’re a great bud and a fantastic lay, but I’m not into you like that, man.
Me:Oh double fuck you. No.
Zeke:Guy must be pretty special if you’re at the feelings stage already. Sure it’s not just your dick talking?
Me:I just drained my damn balls and I already want to crawl in his lap and kiss his mouth raw.
Zeke:*whistles* Oh wow. You’ve got it bad, man. What did this guy do to you?
I plan to make a joke, something about Valen’s body being fucking incredible, but instead I scrub a hand through my hair, sigh out my frustration, and type:
Me:He makes me feel safe.
There’s a metaphorical silence, dots popping up on screen and disappearing. I swear to god it takes him a solid two minutes to text back, in which time I’m seriously contemplating sneaking out the back door and trying to ease this pressure in my chest.
Zeke:Tell me what you need.
No humor, no pity, just Zeke supporting me. There’s a reason our friendship grew outside of the sex.
