Page 56 of Forgiven

Dylan snorted and then bit his knuckles, clearly trying not to say whatever comment had popped into his head. Probably a suggestive one, Callum realised, as he thought back on what he’d said.

“I’m still full,” he said, trying again. “That’s not any better, is it?”

“Not even a little bit.” Dylan sat up, making Callum’s shoulder cold. “I made you sit through a rom-com, so you get to choose the next genre.” He grabbed the remote and handed it to Callum.

Callum stared at it but didn’t take it. It was as if choosing a different film would break the spell, even though it had already ended the moment Dylan had moved.

“Is something wrong?” Dylan asked.

“No. This was really nice.”

“Was?”

“Is. It was exactly what I needed.”

“You and me both.” Dylan smiled at him. “Are we going to watch another movie, or…?” Dylan lifted his eyebrows, leaving the question open and hanging between them.

The trouble was Callum didn’t knowwhathe wanted to do. Did he want to watch another movie, or play it safe and play VR? Even safer would be to claim he was tired and leave. But he wasn’t sleepy, and he didn’t want to go.

“Help me out a little here, Tattoo Boy,” Dylan said. “You’re sending out some confusing signals right now.”

Callum blinked. “I am?” His cheeks radiated with heat. “God, I’m sorry.”

Dylan reached for his hand and squeezed it. “Don’t be. Just let me in, okay? Maybe it will help if we talk things through?”

Callum blew out a breath and nodded. “I—I think you’re gorgeous,” he admitted, blurting the words out with a sharp puff of air. “And I—I—”

“What?”

“I liked holding your hand earlier.”

Dylan smiled. “I liked that too.” He twisted his hand so their fingers were intertwined, just as they had been on the walk to the bus station. “Like that?”

Callum swallowed and nodded.

“If it’s too much, tell me, I’ll back off.”

Callum shook his head.

“What else are you thinking, baby?” Dylan asked.

The question felt earnest and completely non-demanding. It really was up to Callum to take another step, or not. His heart hammered in his chest. He was glad of Dylan’s hand in his, grounding him. He felt safe with the beautiful man.

“I’m scared,” he admitted in a whisper.

“What of?”

“Losing you. As a friend,” he stammered. He squeezed his eyes shut. “That came out all wrong. I—”

“It’s okay, baby. I understand.”

“You do?”

Dylan nodded. “Sometimes it’s easier to keep things as they are, rather than risk changing them.” His eyes took on a sad quality. “I’m guessing you’ve been there already.”

“Yes.” Callum’s throat felt tight. “But I don’t want to talk about that now.”

“Whenever you’re ready, baby, I’ll listen.”