Page 54 of In Step

I frowned. “You don’t have to say stuff like that.

He looked genuinely puzzled. “Like what?”

“You don’t have to win me over, make me feel special.”

“You don’t think you’re special?” he asked, wide-eyed.

I scrubbed my hand down my face. “I’m making a mess of this. I just meant that I get what this is. You’re here, I’m here, it’s... convenient for both of us.” I quickly added, “Which is fine. Absolutely fine.”

“Convenient?” He fell back in his chair. “Kind of a harsh term, but yes, I get where you’re coming from. I prefer the idea of us being a temporary but mutually beneficial relationship, myself. And that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate you.”

What?“I don’t follow.”

His eyes flashed in irritation. “You think I say shit just for the hell of it? That everything I’ve said about how much you interest me, how much I like you, was just blowing smoke up your arse to get you in bed?”

I stared, knowing I’d fucked up. “Maybe? Don’t shoot me. I’m sorry, okay? But it’s not like I’ve had much experience in any of this.”

Abe’s sharp eyes held mine, his expression softening. He left his chair and sat beside me, taking my hands. “I’m not that guy. I’m not a machine who just wants to fuck you and walk away every day for six weeks. Jesus. It’s notonlyabout sex. Ilikeyou, and I meant everything I said. I don’t typically spend all day thinking aboutanyguy, that’s for sure, and I do just fine with my right hand. So today was... different. And you, Kane, are special regardless of my opinion. You don’t need me for that.”

I took a breath and digested his words. “Thank you. I’m sorry if it came out wrong, but you have to understand that in my world at the moment, you’re a bit of a unicorn. I still can’t believe you’re here.”

“So...” He leaned in and kissed me softly. “I believe we agreed yesterday to think about it. I have, and I’ve given you my answer—I’m here for as much or as little as you want.” He kissed my nose. “Say nothing, and we’ll just dance.” He kissed my forehead. “If you wanna make out, I’m completely down with that—you taste delicious.” He nipped at my lips. “But if you want more...” He gave me a shining look. “I’m up for anything.”

And there it was. The ball was in my court.

We locked gazes and I thought about what Abe had said, what my doctor had said on the phone, and what the voice in my head had said to me for the last twenty-four hours in one form or another.

It’s time. You deserve this.

I leaned forward and snagged Abe’s lower lip between my teeth, tugging it gently before letting it go. “My answer is yes. But no anal, not tonight. And no unprotected oral. And we take it slow. Agreed?”

He stood and pulled me into his arms, the blanket puddling on the couch. “You know oral is safe unless there’s broken skin—”

I hushed him with a hand over his mouth. “I know, but I’m not ready for that.”

He nodded. “Whatever you want, baby.” Then he kissed both my eyelids and ran his nose up the side of my face. “You are so fucking sexy.”

I dropped my chin to my chest and blushed like a motherfucker. “I willneverget used to you saying shit like thaaaaa— What are you doing?” I flung my arms around his neck as he scooped me into his arms and started walking me to the bed.

“In that case,” he said, lowering me to the mattress. “I’m gonna sayshitlike that, as often as I can until yougetused to it, because it’s true. Don’t test me on this, Kane. You are a gorgeous guy in every way. Complicated? Yes. A little unusual? Also true, although I prefer the termspecial.”

I rolled my eyes.

“But I happen to like complicated, and I especially like unusual, so deal with it. Now, are we done with the negotiation part?” His eyes danced over my face.

I nodded solemnly.

“Excellent news, because I have a few stipulations of my own.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes.” He grabbed both legs of my sleep pants by the hems and they slid off without a whisper of protest. “Number one.” He threw the pants to the floor. “No fucking cartoon dogs watching while I take you apart.”

Oh fuck. I swallowed hard, palming my rocketing cock.

He grinned and batted my hand aside. “Two. You’re mine tonight.I’min charge.”

Holy Mother of God.

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