Page 22 of Finding Their Place

“Same,” I agreed. “I refuse to let a man’s dick near me without protection until the day I’m sure he’s the one I want for the rest of my life.”

“Good girl.”

I gulped, my skin set ablaze by his rumbled words.

“While I’d love to discuss the rest of your preferences when it comes to sex and all the things that turn you on—”

“Kissing,” I blurted and bit my lip to keep from spewing I also had a praise kink.

He chuckled. “I’ve been told I’m pretty great at that too.”

Fuck. Me.

I didn’t bother holding back my groan that time. “Change the subject before I beg you to come over here and end my dick drought.”

“Tell me three must-haves for your forever man or men.”

I let out a sigh over the lighthearted feelings welling up inside me—then I proceeded to repeat to Mr. Hot Stuff all the character traits he’d spelled out about himself.

A man who listened to hear rather than respond.

One who wanted to hold my hand through life and take care of me physically and emotionally.

Someone who had their shit together since I didn’t.

Garrett had that first in spades but lacked the most basic of all requirements for more than a platonic relationship.

But for the first time in a long fucking time, hope sprang to existence in my heart.

Within twenty-four hours, I would know if Wyatt had put on a façade or was a mythical fantasy come true.

8

Garrett

I sat in the living room and pouted, the TV on mute so I could perv on Haley chatting and laughing with Wyatt. While I couldn’t make out distinct words, I knew her tones, the different noises she made while enjoying herself, and she seemed to be having a blast.

No moans or groans hit my ears, thank fuck, and I wondered if she and Wyatt had actually stuck to their agreement to keep things on the lighter side of dating for a few weeks rather than having phone sex.

She seemed pretty gone on him just after their messaging the night before and had told me everything she’d learned about Wyatt. He was confident and seemed to have his shit together—sounded like the type of man who could take care of her.

Compared to Wyatt, I fell short of everything she wanted and needed by about ten miles. I would never be good enough for Haley even if our relationship went beyond friendship. Yes, I knew I met a lot of her emotional needs, but he filled in the gaps where I sorely lacked.

Wyatt seemed like a decent guy from all she’d said, but I wondered how much of a front he’d put on to weasel his way between her thighs.

Because let’s face it—guys did whatever they had to in order to land pussy or ass when they set their mind on getting some.

Alec had been a smooth talker too. Made promises and manipulated me into giving him what he wanted all the damn time—me under him because he lusted after my spectacular backside.

Not once did he let me top, but I’d contented myself with our relationship because of who he was and how much I’d adored him.

Haley barked out a laugh through the wall separating us, deepening my scowl. Whatever I’d thought about my ex in the beginning didn’t compare to my feelings for her. What she and I shared went deeper than sexual experience, a closeness I hadn’t found with anyone before, blood relations included.

My grandparents had raised me and would never accept my sexuality. Strict Baptists, they didn’t approve of my “choice” to like guys but at least they hadn’t disowned me. Family gatherings were awkward as fuck, and I really had no desire to go back to the land of suppression.

And leaving Haley wasn’t an option.

But with how she hated manipulators and liars, I was doomed for constant regret when it came to her.

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