Page 14 of Hollis (The Moore Men #2)

Pretty fucking sure we’ve never talked about that. For a moment, I consider asking how he came to that conclusion, but decide against it. This incessant need to know more about him outweighs everything else apparently, so instead, I answer the question.

KnockinBoots: What didn’t happen in high school? *laughing emoji* Puberty happened. Sports happened. Parties happened. Everything’s a little easier to do a few shots deep and under the guise of playing a game. Spin the bottle, truth or dare, you name it.

FireInMyVeins: And you weren’t worried about it getting out? Or about people giving you shit for it?

KnockinBoots: Not really? I guess I never really thought about it. Sure, it was a new part of myself, but I never felt like I needed to hide it or be ashamed of it.

FireInMyVeins: That’s admirable.

KnockinBoots: Living your truth and being proud about it shouldn’t be something that’s seen as admirable.

It should be standard, you know? Like how people aren’t one size fits all…

Sexuality isn’t either, and the sooner society stops treating straight as the standard, the better.

Enough about me! I answered your question, now it’s your turn to answer mine, mystery man.

Spill the deets. *upside down smile emoji*

FireInMyVeins: 1. I’m gay. 2. I have been married. 3. No kids.

FireInMyVeins: And for what it’s worth, I agree with everything you said.

Straight shouldn’t be the standard, but unfortunately, we live in a part of the country where it is seen that way most of the time, whether we like it or not.

Wolf Creek is a pretty progressive town now, compared to other places in Texas, but it hasn’t always been that way here.

KnockinBoots: Does that mean you dealt with hate when you came out?

Nothing sours my mood more than hearing about somebody getting shit for living their truth.

I know it happens every single day, way more often than I’d care to admit, but I hate it.

That’s not how the world should be. Who gives a shit who somebody likes?

Way too many people find issues in situations that don’t concern or affect them in any way.

FireInMyVeins: I didn’t deal with too much hate when I came out, but I did witness a decent amount of it when I was younger, so I think it’s only natural that I felt a little unnerved about exploring my feelings.

The nervousness definitely led to me coming out later than I would have had it been a different, more accepting time.

KnockinBoots: And what did you witness?

FireInMyVeins: It was mostly back in middle and high school.

If kids didn’t fit inside the clean-cut boxes of what a guy or a girl should look or act like according to what society deemed as masculine or feminine, other kids would pick on them and make their life hell.

That, and the way my dad would get extra opinionated after a few beers.

KnockinBoots: He’s a homophobe?

FireInMyVeins: I don’t know that I’d say that. He’s just an old-fashioned, traditional man, who believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

KnockinBoots: Yeah, so actually, that’s exactly what homophobia is.

FireInMyVeins: Alright… Next topic, please.

KnockinBoots: Okay, okay…

KnockinBoots: Did my messages last week turn you on?

FireInMyVeins: THAT’S your topic change question?

I chuckle to myself just as the timer goes off. Hopping off the counter, I grab a potholder from the drawer and pull out the pizza, setting it on the counter before I respond.

KnockinBoots: Yeah, why not? It’s not like you responded, so I’ve been a little curious.

FireInMyVeins: Oh, just a little curious?

KnockinBoots: Answer the question.

FireInMyVeins: Yes, it did. But I’m sure you probably could’ve guessed that.

Fuck, that’s so goddamn hot.

KnockinBoots: Tell me what you did after you read it…

I place the phone face up on the counter as I cut the pizza. Pulse racing, my body’s on fire while I wait for his response. By the time his response comes through, I’m barely even hungry anymore.

At least not for pizza.

FireInMyVeins: I did exactly what you think I did.

KnockinBoots: Fuck, that’s so hot. You’ve got me so turned on just from the thought of it.

FireInMyVeins: Are you hard? Right now?

KnockinBoots: Wanna see for yourself?

FireInMyVeins: How would I do that?

KnockinBoots: You could come over…

I’m not one bit surprised that it takes him a few minutes to respond. What I said would normally be no big deal. It’s the way these apps work… But I’ve long since realized this situation is anything but normal, so the suggestion is bold.

FireInMyVeins: Ah, I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.

KnockinBoots: Kinda figured you’d say that. But what’s the worst that could happen? *smirk emoji*

FireInMyVeins: Well, it is a small town…

KnockinBoots: You think we could know each other?

I’m practically waiting on the edge of my seat for his response to come through. Something about this guy has me absolutely enthralled , and I don’t understand it.

FireInMyVeins: We might.

KnockinBoots: Does that freak you out?

FireInMyVeins: Maybe a little.

My dick throbs at his honesty, and I can’t help but wonder, not for the first time, what this guy looks like. What he smells like. If he’s clean shaven or has a beard. Or what his body would feel like pressed against mine.

I’m dying to know.

Patience isn’t my forte, but the unknown surrounding him has me wanting to practice it a little harder.

KnockinBoots: Okay, let’s start slow then.

FireInMyVeins: What are you suggesting…?

A grin splits my face as my fingers fly over the screen.

KnockinBoots: There’s this little thing called a camera. *wink emoji* I could send you a picture, but I’d want one of you in return… to prove if it turned you on or not. Deal?

I press send and wait. A minute passes, and then another.

No response.

“Goddamn,” I mutter under my breath, shaking my head, a smile still tugging on the corner of my mouth.

Patience.