Page 104 of Touch Me

He leans over and whispers in my ear, “Something about me going deeper.”

“Jesus, Jace. You’re killing me here.”

“Well the good news is, apparently my cock getting hard counteracts anxiety. Let’s get this dinner over with and we’ll see how deep I can get then.”

“Wow. Okay, then.” I take a step back and motion to continue our walk.

“Do me a favor, will ya?”

“What’s that?”

“Walk in front of me for a minute.”

We both burst out laughing and with his hand still in my pocket, we walk.

* * *

We comeup to a brick building with huge windows filled with neon beer signs and a help wanted notice, then enter through a large wooden door set back in a small alcove. The place is all exposed brick and ductwork and, though I would have thought it would feel sterile, it’s actually modern and homey.

Booths flow along two of the walls with a bar covering the back left wall. Mirrors and glass shelving lined with bottles and signs span the whole length of the bar. There are two bartenders serving the few patrons at the counter and, with just a few tables occupied, the place is mellow and inviting. Just what I was hoping for, for Jace’s sake.

I spot Jess and Ella at a table near the window, and by the look on Jess’s face and the weight of Jace’s hand still in my pocket, it suddenly hits me that I haven’t told her about the evolution of my relationship with Jace.

Shit.

How could I be so careless? It isn’t that I was intentionally keeping it from her. We just haven’t really had an actual conversation. It’s always texts and chitchat. We canceled our plans for drinks when Jace said he just wanted a quiet dinner, and she and Ella had finals to study for.

What if she thinks this is some sort of betrayal? Best friend and older brother? Did I break some kind of girl code?

Her eyes bounce from my face to Jace’s hand in my pocket, then to Jace’s face and back to mine. But her expression is blank. Her eyes settle on me as we walk up. Is that anger or confusion? I’m afraid to look her in the face and see her hurt or upset.

I take my jacket off and hang it on the back of my chair. Jace and I sit across from her and Ella and, when I finally muster up the courage to look her in the eye, I can see them shining with unshed tears.

No, no, no.Fuck.

She brings her hands up to cover her face and hangs her head.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Jace asks, eyes bouncing between me and Jess.

“I, uh, I never got around to telling her anything about,” I motion between the us, “any of this.”

“And just how long were you planning on keeping it a secret? Why wouldn't you just tell me?”

Then her face spreads into a huge grin.

“Seriously, it took you guys long enough,” Ella raises her hand and Jess meets her in the middle with a high five. They dissolve into giggles.

“Wait, what?” I look between the two of them, shocked and confused. Jace just stares at his sister.

“Oh please, you guys have had it bad for each other since high school.” Jess rolls her eyes and picks up the drink menu.

Jace and I look at each other, mouth hanging open.

“Wait a fucking minute. Was this all planned?” I ask Jess and she raises her menu to block her face. I reach over and snatch the menu away and she just smiles. “Are you fucking kidding me? You pack up my shit and drop me off in the lion’s den without so much as a warning—”

“Lion’s den?” Jace asks, whipping his head to look at me.

“Not now, babe.” I wave my hand and shush him.

---