Page 99 of Bazooka
“I’ll just close my eyes for a moment,” he said, snuggling against me. “I’m having such a good dream.”
I smiled at the ludicrous sentence as he rested his head on my shoulder, and his breathing slowed down. That was how we remained until the movie finished—with him sleeping in my lap and me suffering through a raging boner thatjust wouldn’t leave. It was what led me to the balcony with a bottle of whatever liquor in my hand, after I left Luz asleep in the armchair. I needed some fresh air, a lot of alcohol in my body, and some time to think.
The first time Lucius Zablonsky gave me an erection I thought it was because he made me so angry that my body got confused. The second time it happened, I thought it was because I needed to get laid. This time, I could have blamed it on the weather or whatever, but what would be the point?
The others figured out I needed some time alone because no one joined me outside, not even Patricia. I could see her glancing at me while she played cards with the guys, but she kept her distance. Everyone was smart enough to keep their distance except for one person.
“Hey,” Luz said, stepping out onto the balcony. “I fell asleep, huh?”
By that point, I was drunk. My mind was a blank, dysfunctional space that refused to cooperate. Alcohol did its thing, and I was pleasantly relaxed for the first time that day.
Luz pointed to the daybed on which I was sprawled.
“Can I sit here?”
“Sure.”
Why not, right? Suddenly, I couldn’t think of one reason that would make it a bad idea.
“Lately, I haven’t been sleeping well,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “My bed here isn’t exactly comfortable.”
“How is Guy?” I asked him, suppressing a smile.
It was naughty of me, but I couldn’t help myself.
He frowned in confusion. “Who’s that?”
“Your guy. Guy.”
He blushed fiercely when I reminded him of his little lie. I did it on purpose because he was the cutest thing when embarrassed.
“Oh, shut up,” he murmured, throwing a cushion at me. “You’re not funny.”
I grinned and took a sip of scotch as two red blotches appeared on his cheeks. A few moments passed, and I could see he wanted to say something, but it took him a while.
“I didn’t mean it, you know?” he said finally, avoiding my eyes. “That… that… word. You know, the word I said way back when. I didn’t mean it.”
I let out a heavy sigh. I didn’t want to talk about that. Not the fucking L word.
“I mean… if that’s why you’re like this,” he continued, keeping his gaze on his lap. “If you’re like this because of what I said, I didn’t mean it. It was just a joke. I don’t want it to stop us from making out.” His eyes widened in alarm as he corrected himself. “No! Hanging out! I mean, hanging out.”
I covered my face with my arm, and then I just… I burst into laughter. He was killing me, and I couldn’t contain the laughter inside me any longer.
“Shut up, you little idiot,” I said, pointing at the spot beside me. “Come here. Lie down next to me and keep your trap shut.”
He did it in an instant, as I raised my arm so he could lay his head in the crook of my shoulder. He snuggled against me as if I were a cushion, his front to my side, his limbs all over me.
“I missed you,” he said, hugging me tight. “I’m sorry I was a pain in the ass.”
“I missed you, too,” I admitted with a sigh. “And I’m sorry I was a pain in the ass, too.”
I was well aware of him hardening against me, and almost instantly, my dick swelled.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” Luz muttered, sounding alarmed. “Um… I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I said, pushing him on his back.
Panic flashed through his eyes, darkening the aquamarine depths.
