Page 6 of The Boyfriend Gamble

“Oh man, you did not just say that.”

His dark-brown eyes sparkled in the lantern light. “Yeah, I did. Your mom set up the other guest bedroom for me. I’m in one, Tanner’s in the other. Stay out of both.” He pivoted and headed back into the house.

Leaving me a little stunned. Cam’s reputation as a protector of the weaker was well known in our community. He volunteered with at-risk youth and donated dental services to people on the margins who couldn’t access care otherwise. But for him to stand up for Tanner like that? Completely in character and, I told myself, completely inappropriate.

Tanner had kissed me back. He’d been into that kiss. He’d had a boner. Pretty impressive in the chilly water. So I had no doubt he wanted me.

Or that I wanted him back.

But was Cam right? Was this just another fling for me? Another in a long string of guys? I’d had a few relationships last longer than a few dates, but none had been serious. I’d yet to meet someone who made me want monogamy and, gasp, marriage.

Nita was in a serious relationship, often staying over at the guy’s house.

Which meant Tanner was often home alone.

I’d assumed he’d been hooking up as well. Now, Cam’s words had me rethinking that assertion. I sighed. Then set about turning off all the lights and heading to bed.

In said bed, I might’ve jerked off to the memory of Tanner’s ardent kisses. I might’ve fantasized about his body. I might’ve wondered why the fuck tonight and not any of the other times I’d seen him in the past seven years since I’d heard he’d come out…

Morning dawned bright and early. Canada Day had been on a Thursday, and my boss, Marcus Brannigan, had decided to keep the clinic closed today and Saturday. We were always closed on Sunday, so this made a nice long weekend for us.

I happened to know my boss was sneaking down to Seattle with his boyfriend, Cadence. The boyfriend no one knew anything about. Well, except me. I’d forgotten my watch one day and had gone back to the clinic to get it. And had found my boss, uh, going down on Cadence.

We’d never spoken of it again. If Marcus wanted to stay in the closet, that was his business. He knew I was gay. Hell, just about everyone in Mission City knew I was gay. Just another thing about myself that I didn’t hide.

Deciding a run was the way to burn off steam, I grabbed my running shorts, a tight T-shirt, and I headed downstairs to grab my running shoes. I lived in a condo in downtown Mission City, but my mother liked having her chickadees as close as possible as frequently as possible. Holidays, or, hell, most weekends, were an excuse for long family gatherings.

Tanner usually joined us, seeing as his family didn’t want anything to do with him.

Cam’s dad was in a nursing home with dementia. He didn’t recognize the son he’d been so proud of just a few years ago.

Cam visited, but he never stayed long.

My mother, the wonderful woman she was, had basically adopted Cam along with Tanner.

How would my parents feel if I started dating Tanner?If Cam’s reaction was anything to go by, getting approval might be an uphill climb. The question for me was, obviously, was this worth it? Was I scratching an itch, or did I have genuine feelings for Tanner? I’d sort of seen him as a younger brother. Well, as Nita’s best friend.

Following the voices to the kitchen, I found Mom and Nita sitting at the kitchen table while Tanner puttered by the stove.

He caught sight of me in my running gear.

His cheeks pinkened in that endearing way I’d seen so often.

Holy hell? Had those blushes been for me? I’d just assumed… Well, I wasn’t certain what I’d assumed, but I’d certainly never thought they were because of me.

“Pancakes will be ready when you come back. I bought tofurkey.”

I managed not to gag. “Uh, great.”

His mouth broke into a wide grin. “Don’t worry, I’ll fry it up first and then the flat of bacon for you.”

“Oh my God, I think I love you. Later.” I waved and headed to the front hall to grab my running shoes.

Did you just tell Tanner that you loved him?

Because of the bacon. Just because of the bacon.

Or so you tell yourself.

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