Page 27 of Love Potion

“Cool name.”

“Thanks.”

“I couldn’t help but notice that you seemed like you weren’t getting much out of the presentation. Sorry if I’m assuming, but I felt the same way.”

“It’s okay. Yeah, it’s all stuff I’ve heard before.”

He nods as he strokes his beard. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you in a relationship?”

“No. Took a break for a while. You?”

“I am.” He chuckles. “Ended up in a triad. Got two younger boyfriends keeping me on my toes.”

“Two? Wow.”

“Just turned fifty-six a couple of weeks ago, and I’m noticing things, you know?”

Fifty-six? He’s got fourteen years on me. “Um, if it’s not personal, is this a new thing for you or did you notice it in your forties?”

“Oh, it’s new. Pretty sure it’s age related.”

“Oh.” I chew on my bottom lip. “I’m only forty-two.”

“It hits at different times, like Tom said.”

“Right.” Except it’s always been this way.

“Once I get going, I’m fine,” Marcus says. “Just takes a little while to get going.”

I nod, still considering his words. “I think I’m different.”

“Yeah?”

“It’s always been like this for me.”

“Oh.” His tone has more understanding than pity in it, which is nice. “Then it’s normal for you. Nothing wrong with that. The important thing is having a partner who understands.”

“Does that exist?”

He smiles. “Course it does. Maybe you have to look a little harder, but you should anyway. A good partner is worth the effort. I was single for years before Clark and Antonio walked into my life. They make me feel different than I have in the past.”

“It’s probably a little easier because they have each other too, right? I guess I shouldn’t assume.”

“No, you’re right, but they want me there too. The focus isn’t always on the intimate part. It’s about companionship. It’s about learning things and discovering new ways to be happy together.”

His explanation immediately makes me think of Bane. “I have an amazing best friend,” I blurt. “He’s exactly the kind of man I would want to date but…” I blow out a breath, unsure why I’m confessing all of this to a stranger.

“But?” Marcus prods.

Eh, why not? I’ll never see Marcus again, and maybe he has some insight. “But he’s always had a very active sex life, and I just think it wouldn’t work if we tried something romantic.”

“He’s your best friend?”

“Yeah, for twenty years.”

“And you don’t think that’s something you can talk to him about?”

“We have in the past. I mean, it’s been a while, but we decided it was better to stay friends.”

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