Page 13 of Sapphire Sunset

“If it means I get to hear you talk about it some more withthat twinkle in your eye, count me in.”

“I think you’re a little obsessed with my eyes, LethalWeapon.”

“The way you blush is a close second.”

Something flashed in Connor’s eyes, but it wasn’t shock. Itlooked like a hunger, a sudden intensity that suggested he might grab Logan bythe back of the neck and bring their mouths together. “Your turn. What aboutyou?”

“My turn for what?” Logan asked.

“Your family. Do they know?”

“Oh, that I’m gay? Yeah, totally.” Logan thought of laptops andfake football players with porno-perfect bodies and his dad wheezing like he’dbeen throttled.

Connor scooted in closer. “I sense the presence of a story.”

“Well, it didn’t involve foam core boards and fabric swatches.”

“Makes sense. You seem like you were more of aG.I. Joeguy.”

“Assassin’s Creed, actually,” Logan said. “Butthanks, I guess?”

“I was close. Spill it. Tell me the story.”

“My dad walked in on me jerking off to gay porn when I wassixteen,” Logan said.

“Ouch. Did he tell your mom?”

“My mom wasn’t around. She died when I was really young.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, no, I’m sorry. Don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer.”Logan turned from the balustrade, resting one elbow against it, lookingdirectly at Connor now, which made the guy raise his head a little.

Connor looked like he was seconds away from emulatingLogan’s pose but needed to work up a little more nerve first. “You’re not beinga Debbie Downer. It’s your life. And I asked.”

“That you did. And I appreciate that. A lot.”

“Okay,” Connor said, “if you want me to change the subject,give me your pinky.”

“My pinky?” Logan asked.

Connor extended his, and Logan took the hint, wrapping hisaround Connor’s. “I solemnly swear… Repeat after me. I’m serious.”

“Okay. I solemnly swear,” Logan repeated.

“I will never repeat to Connor’s friends the shitty thingshe said about their gift bag items.”

Logan tried saying it back word for word, but he waslaughing too hard.

“Seriously,” Connor said, “like, never. Ever.”

“No worries. I don’t really hang out with UCI kids anyway.”

Connor straightened, hands on hips, tongue making a lumpunder his upper lip. “Oh, excuse me? We’re not your style, huh? What kind ofkidsdo you hang out with?”

“No offense. I just meant I didn’t really do the collegething.”

“What thing did you do?” Connor asked.

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