Page 20 of Just A Little Love

Gabriel:What about your plans??

Bunny: Cancelled. Boo. I’m gonna google how to make a stick pin doll and put Jerkface McJerkerson’s face on it.

Gabriel: Very productive.

Bunny: I thought so :)

BunnyWhat are you doing?

Gabriel: I’m going through your house paperwork. Do mind if I have a contractor guy come look at the house? It would help to have some estimates in hand when we talk to the permit office.

Bunny: Do it, my guy

Bunny: not*my guy*Sorry! I made it weird.

Gabriel: Since Anders isn’t available. Would you let me be your second option? I will bring food….

Bunny: It’s a date.

Bunny: Not a date date

Bunny: Like a hang-out

Bunny: Never mind. I’ll see you when you get here.

***

The drive from my apartment to Rory’s house only took about 20 minutes. I traded high rises and concrete for large yards and Victorian gingerbread. When I pulled up to Rory’s house, I took a moment to soak in the house's exterior. As Rory had mentioned, his house was on a triple lot. It afforded him an enormous yard by any urban standard. If the dormant flower beds were anything to go by, it would be blanketed with color from spring straight through fall. The house itself was a three-story clapboard with a wraparound porch framed by gingerbread lattice. The porch was big enough for outdoor seating and a dining area. The siding was in decent shape, but the pattern of warped paint had me concerned about potential water damage.Shit.Water damage was the worst.

Rory was such a contradiction. On the one hand, he kept so much of himself private. Anders, and his Uncle Tobias, were the only ones to pierce his shell, but outwardly he was funny and engaging. He’d created this bubbly, light persona that kept people from getting too close or looking too deeply. Rory’s house was his sanctuary, and no one was going to be allowed into the inner sanctum until he was ready for them to be there.

The meeting at The Diner was fate, but how was it only a week ago? The instantaneous connection I had with Rory was like nothing I had experienced with anyone before. I'd been in lust before, but never with the intensity I felt with Rory. Our text messages weren’t earth-shattering, but I loved the silly conversations we had. Rory was down-to-earth, but his mind was quick. His insight into motivations was astounding and had a remarkable way of seeing to the heart of the discussion.

Rory appeared, by whatever lucky quirk of the universe, to have little tendencies. The thought of someone else helping him discover his little side gave me a distinctly unpleasant stab of jealousy. I wanted all those sweet moments for myself, even if I couldn’t offer him anything long-term. As much as I was enjoying spending time with him, it didn’t change my situation. I was still gone for weeks, sometimes months, on end and left no opportunity to make a successful relationship work. My last crash-and-burn relationship hammered the message home.

***

“Bunny, let’s eat before it gets cold.” Rory’s suggestion of a picnic in the living room meant I had an excuse to sit as close as possible to him. I reached into the bag I brought with me and pulled out the gyros wrapped in foil. They were followed by some hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita bread. Bunny made appreciative sounds after he bit into his wrap. With his head thrown back, I could see his jaw working and the cords in his neck stood out. My dick grew harder with each sexy moan. I tried to adjust myself discreetly, but it wasn’t easy to hide the bulge in my track pants.

If he kept moaning, all bets were off.

“So, yeah, I talked to Reed this morning. Jakob thinks you agreed to join his planning committee for the next little party. Do you remember saying yes?”

“I dunno, maybe? Jakob asked me something after dinner when I was being such outstanding company.“ Rory flopped back against the coin cushions and rolled his eyes before he continued. “I don’t specifically remember what it was about. He did a butt wiggle happy dance though, so I probably did agree to something.”

“You did. You are now co-captain of the ‘Cuddle Crew Confab’ and tasked with planning a party with him. I’m pretty sure it’s for V-Day. Congrats on your new position.”

“Oh shit, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to do this to you.”

“Me? Do what to me?” I hadn't the first clue what Rory was talking about.

“Our deal. It was supposed to be over today.” Rory looked genuinely upset.

“Hey, it’s no big deal. And maybe this was better? They might get suspicious if we break up right after New Year's, so we date for a while.” I added air quotes for emphasis. “We break up after V-day, but I hope to stay friends. Easy Peasy.” I looked expectantly at Rory. It was a good plan, but he looked apprehensive.

“Are you sure? I know that’s not what we agreed to do, and I don’t want you stuck with me because I didn’t pay attention to what Jakob asked.”

“Stuck with you?” I reached out from my side of the couch and nudged him with my foot. “I enjoy being stuck with you, and stop rolling your eyes at me!” Rory turned away, but I saw his smile. “You don’thaveto do anything. If you want to end this, it’s done. But if you'd be alright to continue, I’m down for it.” I tried hard to keep my voice nonchalant. “Jakob will be sad, but Reed said he’d handle it if you wanted to back out.”

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