Page 58 of Stronghold

"Have you done it before?" I ask before I can catch myself. I don't know why I keep thinking he's inexperienced just because I only recently found out that he's gay. "Sorry, of course, you must have—"

"No. I've never bottomed."

"But…why?"

"Why haven't I bottomed? Or why do I want to?"

"The first."

"Lots of reasons. In case you're wondering, I have a type. Smaller guys with killer attitudes and round butts. If they can make me food, make me laugh, and they're covered in sexy tattoos, then I'm a goner."

I chuckle as he describes me perfectly.

He looks into my eyes. "The truth is, the guys I'm attracted to usually expect me to top. I've been with a few who were happy to switch, but when we got to it, they changed their minds."

"Can't blame them. Have you seen your cock?"

He laughs. "I like yours better, and I'd like it inside me."

I turn the water off and step out of the shower. He grabs two fluffy towels from a shelf, wraps one around his waist, and starts drying me off with the other.

"Sky, you should wait."

"Why?"

"Don't give me something you'll regret one day because you won't be able to take it back."

When he decides I'm dry enough—after making sure my ass, cock, and balls are thoroughly moisture-free, of course—he hangs the towel and dries himself before putting his arms around me again.

"I know what you're doing, Jud. You're trying to protect yourself and me, but this is happening. If not today, then another day because I'm not letting you run away again."

I step away from his hold, but he doesn't let me go completely, lacing our hands together. I hate to bring the mood down, but we can't jump into something just because it feels good. And there's something he needs to know.

"What are we doing, Sky? God, I've wanted you for so long, and even after everything that happened, you still insisted on appearing in my dreams, making me feel good and safe. But we need to be sure of what this is."

"What are you worried about?"

Tell him, Jud. No more secrets.

"Sky, before we do this, I need you to know that I'm not staying here."

Those cute creases on his forehead make an appearance, and I get closer to him again to smooth them out with my thumb.

"What do you mean?" he asks, and I hear the hurt in his voice.

"A friend is expanding his restaurant chain in LA, and he asked me to be his partner. I'm just waiting to get the money from Pierre to buy my share of Spencer’s business."

Sky stares into my eyes, and once again, I feel that he sees more than I know is there.

"Is that your dream?" he asks.

"Yes."

"Then why are you doing the show?"

"Because that's your dream, and I want to help you get what you want. If we win, you're bypassing a load of costly steps toward having your own store. You can use the money you saved to hire someone to look after the store for you so you can still help your parents out at the farm until Miles comes back."

Sky lets out a breath.