Page 26 of Love Potion

We walk up the stairs together then split up to go to our rooms. While he’s gone, I grab the dessert from the fridge, following the directions Wren gave me to heat it up in the microwave and then pour the caramel sauce over it. It’s Jerryn’s favorite dessert, but he’ll only have it once or twice a month.

I set the plate on the coffee table then head to my bedroom to change into sweats. I hear my front door click and my stomach flutters. When I step into the living room, I find him already on the couch, wearing a t-shirt and yellow pajama pants, and dragging a finger through the caramel sauce.

Smiling, I join him and grab the remote to find the movie. Before I can start it, Jerryn puts his hand on my thigh, drawing my attention to him. He doesn’t say anything, so I jump in.

“Something on your mind?”

He exhales softly. “No. Yes, but not really.”

“Huh?”

Jerryn chuckles. “Nothing. Thanks for tonight.”

“My pleasure. We should do more stuff. We spend too much time in the house.”

His teeth graze his bottom lip. “That sounds fun.”

I could kiss him right now, just lean in and taste his lips, but I’d never do something like that without a conversation first. I would need to know without a doubt that he wanted that kiss as much as I do.

In this moment, the two of us simply gazing into each other’s eyes, I can see the future I’ve pined for. I want this life with him, and I’m willing to do whatever I have to to convince him we have what it takes to be a real couple.

“Titanic?”

He nods slowly, dragging his tongue over his bottom lip. “Yes.”

I click the remote and settle back as Jerryn puts the dessert plate on his lap and we both dig in. In a little while, he’ll get sleepy and I’ll suggest we cuddle, and then he’ll fall asleep in my arms, exactly where he belongs.

ELEVEN

JERRYN

Standingon the sidewalk in front of the community center where the seminar is being held fills me with nerves. I’m not the best at engaging with people I don’t know, especially if Bane isn’t with me, but this isn’t a happy hour, it’s a learning experience.

The other people I’ve seen go in are all men, which makes sense, but I didn’t notice that in the description. With a deep breath for courage, I walk through the door, following the signs down the tiled hallway to the room.

An instructor stands at the front, arranging different stacks of papers while others take seats around the room. I find a spot towards the middle of an unoccupied row and sit down, pulling my phone out to text Bane and let him know I’m here.

I knew he’d offer to come once I told him, but I feel like this is a thing I have to do on my own. Especially after the evening out we had a few nights ago. It felt weirdly like a date at times, but Bane was just being Bane. Maybe I wanted it to be a date. All these years we’ve been best friends, and except for a brief talk when we were twenty, there’s never been a move on his part. His affection towards me feels good though, it always has, and it’s been enough for me. So much that it’s kept me out of the datingpool for the last however many years. Four? Has it been that long?

“Welcome, everyone. I’m Tom, your presenter for tonight.”

I tuck my phone away and direct my attention to Tom.

“Tonight we’re going to talk about the male sex drive, how it ebbs and flows, and some natural therapies that may help. My caveat is that this is not medical or psychological advice or any kind of diagnosis, so if you have concerns in those areas, I recommend seeking out a professional.”

I already know there’s nothing physically wrong with me, and as far as I can tell, I’m not dealing with any emotional issues getting in the way. My dick works when I want it to, I just don’t want it to very often.

Tom starts off a slide presentation about male hormones, then launches into all the advice I’ve read or heard a thousand times: diet, exercise, supplements. I find myself getting frustrated as the talk goes on. I’ve tried all those things.

A man two seats over huffs in what sounds like frustration, crossing his arms over his chest. He looks to be in his fifties, and in good shape with only a slight belly pooch. He glances at me, offers a half smile, then returns his attention to Tom.

Maybe he’s tried all those recommendations too. It is kind of nice to know I’m not alone. There must be twenty guys here, maybe more.

An hour passes, and as we reach the end, Tom points out all the flyers on the table with more information. Well, that’s time I’ll never get back. Oh well. At least I was brave enough to try. Maybe the talk on sexuality will be more enlightening.

The man who was sitting a few seats down stands and walks over to me, offering his hand. “Marcus.”

I stand and shake his offered hand. “Hi. Jerryn.”

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