Page 66 of Love Potion

“Thanks,” he says softly. “I’m happy too. I figured it was time to tell you guys about me because I’m not ashamed.” He smiles. “Anymore.”

“Anymore?” Indy asks.

“When I didn’t understand, it just felt like something was wrong with me and that I’d never make a good partner, but now I know that’s not true.”

“I’m glad you figured that out,” I say.

“I hope you didn’t think we’d judge you,” Indy says. “We’re your friends. We would have supported you.”

“I know. It wasn’t that. I didn’t have the words. Telling you guys never crossed my mind.”

“I’m glad you found your answer,” Kit says. “Everyone deserves that.”

Jerryn clears his throat. “I am too. It’s been a long time coming, but I finally know who I am and where I belong.” He smiles. “I belong in Willow Bay, surrounded by friends, and with an amazing relationship.”

“We need to celebrate,” Kit says. “Sunday. We’ll do it up big.”

“We don’t need to make a big deal of it, guys,” Jerryn says.

I slide my arm around him. “Actually, yeah, we do. I think you’ve earned a little time in the spotlight.”

He offers me a shy smile. “We’ll celebrate everyone. How’s that?”

“Works for me,” Kit says. “Stewart’s gonna love this. He says from the moment he met you guys, he knew there were sparks.”

Jerryn smiles and reaches down to hold my hand. Now those sparks can grow into a big flame, and I am so here for it.

We make it back to the house and all go our separate ways. Jerryn follows me up the stairs to my room, and I can tell he’s still thinking about something, even after his epic announcement to our friends. Whatever is on his mind, I hope he’s willing to tell me about it. It can’t be as wild as suggesting we go non-monogamous.

Once inside my room, Jerryn seems to freeze in place. I put my hands on his shoulders from behind, leaning in to kiss the side of his neck.

“What do you want to do tonight?”

He turns around, holding my gaze. His teeth briefly graze his bottom lip, but he stops himself quickly.

I tilt my head, smiling. “Tell me.”

Jerryn huffs out a small laugh, dragging his hand through his hair. “I tried something earlier. In the office.”

I nod, rubbing his arm. “Go on.”

“I wanted to see if maybe something had changed after what you told me in the park.”

“Something?” Where is he going with this?

Jerryn clears his throat, nodding. “I’m pretty sure that being in my head about the sex stuff is what prevents me from feeling things the way I want to.”

“Right.”

“But hearing that you’re in love with me changed…” He shrugs. “Everything. I think I always hoped that could happen for me, but having it happen with you is a dream I didn’t dare to have.”

“Jerr—”

“Let me finish.”

I nod.

“I went and sat in the office, and I closed my eyes and imagined telling you all the things in my heart and knowing I wouldn’t freak you out or make things weird.” He grabs my hand. “Because you already feel those things.”