Page 7

What the fuck was that?

I rip off my headphones, heart pounding. The room’s insulated and soundproofed, so for a sound to break through, it had to be loud. Really loud. Like someone just knocked over a bookshelf in my living room, loud. But I don’t hear anything else, and not being able to see out of a window only makes it worse.

As much as I want to ignore it, I know I need to check around my house. My pulse kicks up as I open the door and step out of my office, but everything looks untouched from where I’m standing. The front door’s still locked, and nothing’s out of place as I make my way through the house.

I let out a breath and rub my hand over my scruff, trying to compose myself. I wait a few more minutes before deciding it was probably something outside, and head back to the booth. I take a few deep breaths and focus on getting back into character before pulling my headphones back on and pressing record.

“Show me how much. Be a good boy and take out my cock,”I say, slipping back into the scene.

4

LOGAN

This week sucked big time, so thank god it’s Friday.

Ryder came over on Tuesday and brought homemade cookies that his mom had mailed to us. Well, technically mailed tohim, but we both know she expects him to share. That woman loves to bake, and even though we live three hours away, she still sends us care packages like we’re college kids and not twenty-eight-year-olds.

She remembers everyone’s favorite treat, and while there’s typically a variety in her packages, there’s always an extra batch of peanut butter blossoms because she knows they’re my favorite. Ryder likes to joke that she does it to bribe me into looking after him, but I know it’s because she enjoys making people feel loved. Not that I’d ever need to be bribed to take care of Ryder.

Unlike Ryder, I grew up only twenty minutes from where we live now. This is the only place I’ve ever known. People always talk about how important it is to get out of your hometown, and I get it, I do. My older brother, Michael, always talks about how great life is in Baltimore and how I shouldvisit more often. I always thought I’d leave after college, but once Ryder said he wanted to stay, any plans I had to leave just...evaporated.

And I don’t feel bad about it. Nor do I feel like a failure.

I know it probably sounds co-dependent, but all I’ve ever wanted since I met him is to be where he is. He’s my person, and when you find that, you don’t just walk away from the thing most people spend their whole lives searching for.

It’s the reason I buried my crush all those years ago, because Ryder’s friendship means more to me than getting caught up in any romantic feelings I know won’t be returned. Whatever this is between us, it isn’t about romance. It’s about knowing someone inside and out. He’s home, and I’m okay with our relationship staying exactly as it is, because having him in my life at all is enough.

Sure, staying limited my job options, but I like my job, even if I complain about it frequently. It’s the only marketing agency in town, and I got hired right out of college after a successful internship with them, and I’m proud of that. Maybe someday I’ll apply for a job at a larger company, or go all-in on freelancing—the thought crosses my mind every now and then when I see old classmates posting their fancy promotions online. But the truth is, I’m not in any rush to trade the life I have for a longer commute or a pile of new stress.

Right now, I’m happy with what I have: Ryder and our Friday night rituals, a steady job that lets me live a comfortable life, and my parents living close by.

This week, though, has been a grind with multiple last-minute call requests and too many emails marked ‘urgent’ that weren’t even close to it.

Usually, I’d head to the bar and start decompressing solo until Ryder eventually showed up. But tonight, I’m not in themood to drink or socialize without him. I just want to see him—let him help me loosen up just by being around before I have to deal with anyone else, even if I do pretty much like everyone in there.

Plus, I’ve missed him this week. It feels like we’ve barely had a chance to catch up, aside from the few hours I saw him on Tuesday.

When I finally make it home from work, I drop my bag on the floor and decide to hop in the shower. Knowing Ryder, he’ll probably still be another twenty minutes or so, but I send him a quick text anyway to let him know I’ll wait for him.

Logan:

Waiting for you tonight instead of heading to the bar. Just come in when you get here.

He replies instantly.

Ryder:

Cool, heading over soon.

I bring my phone into the bathroom, put on my favorite playlist, and turn on the shower. Undressing as I wait for it to heat up, I light the candle on my vanity. As soon as I step under the water, it feels like some of the tension from the week starts to melt away.God, I needed this.

I grab the bar of soap and run it over my chest, working my way down. When I reach my dick, my hand lingers a little longer than necessary. I wasn’t planning to jerk off, but after the week I’ve had—and the fact it’s been months since anyone else has touched me—it’s hard not to think about it. Just the thought of someone else’s hand on me and a body pressed up against mine is enough to get me hard.

Ever since last weekend, my thoughts have continued todrift back to Ryder, no matter how much I try to remind myself to keep him in the friend zone. I can’t shake how protective I felt. Or how jealous.

Fuck it.He’s probably still at least fifteen minutes away, and my dick’s fully hard now from thinking about him.

I wrap my hand around myself and start stroking—andfuck, it feels good. I let my head tip back and try to focus on the sensation, but my mind keeps drifting back to Ryder.