Page 18 of Say It Again
Then he’d make it tremble some more.
Not to say that Daniel was the type of person to sleep with him and disappear, but usually, when guys said, Do you want to come back to my place? Keep the fun going? they meant, Do you mind if I try you out? Come on, I’ve never been with someone like you. It’s just sex. You’re used to it. He was a novelty—a piece of equipment that didn’t serve much purpose outside the bedroom. He wasn’t the guy someone like Daniel typically settled down with.
“Or—and hear me out—the back seat of your car.” Daniel waggled his eyebrows, then blinked hard like he was orienting himself. “Huh. Yeah, I wonder if I’m not a little tipsy. I’m not usually that forward. Unless you’re into it. Then I meant to say that.”
He swallowed. “I’d like to take things a little slower than that.”
Daniel nodded in understanding. “Like we leisurely walk to the back seat of your car.”
“Okay, so I’m glad we’re having this conversation. Here, sit. Uh.” While Aaron was twisting around in search of a chair, Daniel hopped onto the counter and sat with his legs crossed, somehow without spilling his drink. Nimble little fellow. “That’ll do. I’m going to start by saying I haven’t had the best luck with relationships in the past. I think my issues are because I’ve not been upfront with my needs.”
“Oh?” Daniel arched an eyebrow, swinging his legs in kicks. “He says with an air of mystery. Well, do tell. What are your needs, sir?”
Here went nothing. “I don’t want a hookup, or a friend with benefits, or a one-night anything. I want way more than that. I want a genuine connection with someone, so I’d like to take the intimacy part a lot slower. I’d like to get to know you first.”
Daniel’s legs stilled as his head slowly cocked to the side. “But you… in the bathroom at the party?”
“I know. I know I came on strong, but in my defense, I had to do something. You were being stubborn about giving me your number.”
“Stubborn? You know it took less than five minutes for me to decide to break up with a whole-ass person and make out with you.” Daniel circled a hand over Aaron’s face. “I wonder in what other ways looking like this has misshaped your worldview.”
“Lots of guys play hard to get. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Five minutes. Maybe four.”
“But anyway, I’m telling you this because I don’t want to pressure you.” He captured Daniel’s hand and held it. “If you’re looking for something more casual, that’s fine, but you should tell me. Because I know what I want, and I want long-term. I want a real relationship.”
Daniel blinked. “Did you just use the words long-term and relationship in the same sentence?”
“I did.”
“Oh my God, stop. Just stop.” Daniel huffed an exhale as he employed Aaron’s hand to fan himself. “This is too much. I don’t think I’m going to make it.”
Aaron rolled his eyes but couldn’t stifle his smile as he fanned Daniel with both hands.
“I’m a bit dizzy, but keep going. What else? Do you want to go to the farmer’s market together?”
Aaron pursed his lips. “I’m afraid to say it, but yeah, that’d be nice. That’s where I buy soap, and stuff to make quiches. It’d be great to have a companion.”
Daniel moaned as he slung an arm across his forehead. “Long-term relationship and he makes quiches. I swear to everything holy, if you mention anything about browsing paint swatches for a DIY home project, I might implode.”
Aaron chuckled as he swabbed a hand over his face, but when he met Daniel’s gaze, it was sincere. Smirking, likely because he knew how over-the-top he was, but sincere.
“I’m looking for the same things.” Daniel nodded, his half-smile kind and present. “I want more. I want long-term and a real relationship. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.”
Aaron’s heart had the nerve to wave at him from the sidelines as if to say, Is this me? Is it my turn? Can you put me in, Coach? While it was way too soon to put his most irrational organ on the playing field, his smile still shaped all on its own. This was maybe… hopeful. “That’s refreshing. You’re refreshing. You’re, I don’t know, secure in yourself. Secure and confident.”
Daniel’s eyes widened. “Secure and confident?”
“Yeah, you don’t think so?”
“Oh, Aaron.” Daniel stroked his hand. “I’ve been called a lot of things—dramatic, ridiculous, dazzling—but never secure and confident. You go ahead and think that. Sounds better than neurotic and riddled with daddy issues.”
Aaron’s chuckle transformed into a hum as he nodded.
“We can take it slowly. Then, whenever you decide you’re ready, we can go to the farmer’s market, if you know what I mean.” He winked as he whispered loudly, “Go to the farmer’s market.”
“Yeah, I got it. Come on, sweetheart.” He held Daniel’s hand as he hopped from the counter. “I take it you’re not a big drinker. Let’s get your tipsy ass home.”