Page 38 of The Prodigal Son

“Too much?” he asks.

“Too much clothing?” I ask with a smirk. “I’d say so, but I happen to think you always have too much on.”

He smiles, and it’s so fucking cute it has me beaming.

“Wow, we’re really going for it today, aren’t we?” he asks.

“Well, you’re the one who answered in nothing but a towel.”

He starts to blush, and I love it. It’s true that Theo and I have kept our conversations pretty tame since Thursday. Those kisses and light rutting were about as hot and heavy as we’d been.

But I quite like that we aren’t rushing it. We’re taking our time with each other. I don’t want this fire to burn out.

“I just got out of the shower.”

“You look good,” I say in a low tone.

“You look good, too,” he replies. “Where are you?”

I glance around at the wall behind me. “In my office,” I say. “We had…a meeting today.”

“Cool,” he replies.

Part of me thinks that Theo doesn’t pry about my job because he doesn’t truly want to know. Either that, or he doesn’t care. He’s young. Twelve years younger than me. He’s less interested in careers and meetings than I am.

I keep telling myself that when we see each other in person, I’ll come clean. It’s a big deal, and I never felt the desire to tell him before because I didn’t see this going as far as it has already.

He leans back on his bed, and I can tell that it’s his room on the tour bus. It’s not huge, but the bed is at least a queen. It has a dark-brown comforter and white pillows. He reclines and holds the phone up so I can see his face and bare chest.

“You sure you can afford all these flights and hotels? I can help, you know.” He says it so innocently, as if he’s not bothered by talking about money, and he’s not afraid to discuss just how much he has now.

Reassuring him with a warm smile and soft nod, I reply, “Yes, I can handle it. My job pays well.”

“Good.” He doesn’t push the subject and I’m grateful for that.

It’s sweet of him to offer and be concerned. Aside from the money, these trips I’m making are easy for me. My team is well delegated, although I’m getting the sense they find my frequent trips odd. As long as the work is getting done and I don’t slack on my duties, it’s really none of their business.

“I wish I were there with you right now,” I say, which feels a little like crossing a line.

Theo’s smile turns into desire. “I wish you were too.”

“Imagine me lying right next to you. I’d like to hold you to my chest and let you relax there before your show.”

“That sounds amazing,” he murmurs softly. Then, with a contemplative look, he says, “Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.” I swallow down a sense of unease as I wait for him to ask it. I think in the back of my mind, I know what he’s curious about.

“Have you been with a man before?”

My jaw clenches, and I force myself to swallow. Although Theo has spoken about his dating life and coming out to his family, I’ve skirted over the issue.

“Yes, I have,” I reply plainly, and I can tell that he’s waiting for more from me.

“Sorry to pry,” he says, burying his hands in his hair. “You’re just…such a mystery to me.”

“I can be an open book if you want. Ask me anything.” Reclining back in my chair, I smile at him as I wait.

“Are you gay or bi?”

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