Page 119 of Awakened Desires

I open my eyes and stroke my hand over Rory’s thigh. The thick fabric of his jeans is coarse against my fingertips. “I’m not sure I am. I don’t have a job or a permanent place to live.”

“You can stay here.”

“For now,” I say carefully. “I doubt your housemates are going to want me here forever. I’ll pay my share of the rent when I start earning money. But if I have Aidan, who’ll look after him so I can work? Both you and Quinn think I should start my own business, but I’m not sure I have the time and energy for that as well as looking after Aidan full-time.”

Rory kisses my hair. “We’ll help—all of us. There’s always someone here during the day. Stefan and I work nights. Theo works long shifts but has days off to match. Hendrix works out of his bedroom, and Quinn is almost always around. He’s not always awake, but he’s in the house more often than not.”

“Aye, I’d noticed that. But neither Stefan nor Theo will want to spend all their free time babysitting. They’d both like to catch up on at least some sleep. Hendrix and Quinn need to work.”

“Between us, we’ll manage. And if you were working for yourself, you could limit your hours.”

“And my income.”

“We’ll manage,” Rory says in a more defiant tone. “You’re not alone, Cal. You’re surrounded by a house full of guys willing to help.” He hugs me tight. “You’ve got me.”

My heart skips.

“I’ll help support you and Aidan.”

I want to question his resolve, but I don’t. Instead, I hold him and press my face to his chest. “You’re amazing. You’re more than I deserve.”

“No, I’m not. I’ve always been yours, Cal. Always. I love you.”

I sniff and hold him tighter. “I don’t want to let you go.”

“You don’t have to.”

I let my eyes drift shut again as he strokes my hair softly. It would be easy to fall asleep. God knows I need an hour or two. Instead of letting myself drift off, I push upright, cup Rory’s cheek, and stare into his eyes.

“Could we try something?”

“Anything.”

“I was doing some reading about stuff gay couples can do that doesn’t involve anal.”

Rory holds my gaze.

“I read about something called intercrural sex.”

His eyebrow quirks up.

“Do you know what that is?” I stammer.

“Yes.”

I swallow hard. “I thought that…maybe…” My face blazes with heat. “I…we…”

“I’d like that.” He captures my lips with his. “But only if you want to.”

“I want to try at least,” I manage. “No promises. I think it would need to be my dick and your thighs.”

He nods. “That’s fine.”

“You’re sure?”

“Of course.”

“When?”