Page 52 of Liam

"Me thinks doth protest too much," Ethan responded, grinning.

Owen waved his hand at him. "Fuck off."

"Have you met his husband?" Noah asked.

"Briefly. He's a petite nerdy-looking twink. Thick glasses. Very serious. Femme pretty. Big doe eyes and pouty crimson lips. He was wearing a pleated skirt. Can't be more than twenty-four."

"So, you barely noticed him," I teased.

"I admit … I thought he was hot."

"Does that mean you're jealous of Chad as well as hating him?" Ethan asked.

Owen sighed. "Maybe a little."

"Do you think they might be open?" Noah asked.

Owen coughed, spitting out some of his ale onto the table. He glared at Noah. "My entire brain cannot believe you just suggested I fuck Chad's husband."

"He's probably a bottom anyway," Ethan said not helping in the least.

I smirked. "Or maybe he's a blouse … a complete femme power top."

"I'm shutting this down," Owen said and looked at Ethan. "What have you been getting up to? And I'm not talking about the latest place you and Daniel have had sex."

Ethan practically bounced in his seat. "Carlos is doing an entire book featuring me."

That perked me up. "That's amazing. What's the theme?"

"Lace and silk manties and matching corsets." He clapped his hands together. "I can't wait."

"Have you ever worn a corset?" Noah asked. "Sounds uncomfortable."

"Daniel and I have been playing with them recently. That's what gave Carlos the idea."

"You share stuff like that with him?" Owen asked. "I thought you only told us."

Ethan shrugged. "He's become a good friend. He's seen me naked more than most people. Plus, I'm interested in the whole process of photography from an art perspective. We've started spending quite a bit of time together. He's teaching me about cameras."

"Daniel doesn't mind?" Noah asked.

"Why would he?" Ethan replied. "Carlos and I are strictly hands-off."

"You must be in love," I said. "That guy is seriously hot." I had heard Carlos was versatile. I was surprised we hadn't fucked. Ethan and I had substantial overlap in our hookup partners.

Now, not a single fibre of my being wanted to pursue random sex. Jamal and I were thoughtfully cultivating something unique to us. Where we were headed—held meaning.

The talk turned to Noah, Brody, and the kids. I was only half-listening. I loved my noodles. Loved hearing about them, but I knew they were happy. My focus was on Jamal, his life, and his happiness. Together, we were finding joy that I felt neither of us had expected.

He'd promised to come into the pub to see me tomorrow night.

My hands were aching to touch him.

When Jamal rolled into the pub and spotted me, his entire face changed. From one of concentration to one of elation, his stunning eyes opened wide and a smile so devasting it caused my heart to stutter. I leapt out from behind the bar to meet him.

"Busy night in here," he said, looking up at me.

"I'll find you somewhere." I scanned the area near the bar looking for a table for Jamal. He was right, the place was filling up fast. It was going to screw up the hosts until I could go speak to them, but I claimed a table where we would be able to see each other and removed a chair.

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