Page 12 of Except You
“I mean, you don’t have to be gay to like a little prostate stimulation. You should try it sometime. Just stick your finger up there and press against it. See if you like it.”
“Don’t think I will, but thanks for the suggestion.”
Beau chuckles as we continue to walk, his body leaning further into mine. He probably had too much to drink and needs help staying upright. A hiccup escapes his mouth, and he giggles under his breath.
“Well, I’m happy to give you any suggestions. I think people tend to be really closed-minded. I think if you are just willing to try new things, meet new people, have new experiences, you can really learn a lot.”
“About prostates.”
He punches me lightly in the stomach. “I mean, yeah, about those and other things. Just like what you’re doing. Trying to understand someone so different from you. And because of this, I’m happy to answer any questions you have about anything. Gay or otherwise. I am especially knowledgeable about commercial washers and dryers.”
He stumbles slightly, and I pull him into me. He’s warm and solid against my side, his unique floral scent wafting up between us as he presses a hand to my stomach.
Nothing about this is sexual, nothing flirtatious. I think it’s just how he is. He’s friendly and touchy and probably likes to cuddle at home.
Not that I’d ever do that with another man, but I could see Beau doing that.
“You know, I’m gonna have to take you home. You can’t drive like this.”
“Ugh, I know. Those drinks were deceiving. So bright and pretty and toxic. My liver is going to fail me now.”
“No, it’s not,” I say with a small laugh. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
“I don’t wanna go home. I’m having a good time,” he retorts and then stumbles again, and I pull him even closer to me, steadying him.
“How about we continue this where we’re seated so you don’t fall and break your face?”
“Ugh, fine. That’s fine. But let’s go back to my place. I have a slew of sex toys I could show you, if you’re interested. I can tell you how each one works, and if you’re lucky, I can give you a demonstration.”
“I think I’m gonna pass on that. We’ll go back to mine.”
He grins at me and his cheek rubs up against my shoulder, the wavy hair poking out from his beanie tickling my neck.
“Fine. You can show me all your bro stuff, all the manly stuff you no doubt have in your place. Like saws and mufflers.”
My lips pull up at his attempt to belittle me.
“I can do that. Now come on, Bow-tie, let’s get you somewhere safe.”
He smiles widely at me, at the little nickname I gave him, and then he presses a kiss to my cheek. His lips are soft against my skin, the tingle of his mouth against me makes my stomach clench.
“God, sorry. A habit I have. You were just…the nickname. Ugh. I won’t do it again.”
I shake my head, swallowing roughly. “It’s fine. Really. Don’t think anything of it.”
Beau seems to relax and bobs his head. “Alright, then take me home, big guy, and show me what you’ve got.”
A year ago, that statement would have gotten my hackles up, but for some reason, it just rolls right off me, and I manage a smile at how ridiculous he sounds. I might not be perfect, might have made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I’m trying.
When we make it back to my place, Beau’s sobered up slightly. His eyes are wide as I pull into the garage of my condo.
“This is a really nice neighborhood. Like super expensive.”
I realize this, I do. Not many people my age could afford to live here in this small, quiet town, but I manage. “Yeah, I got in at a good time.”
“I can’t wait to own, but in this market, I just don’t know if it will happen.”
“Yeah, but you’re still young.”