Page 42 of Fire Me Up
“That’s great! Isn’t it?” Aiden’s smile faltered as he read my expression. “Oh. The distance thing.”
Cash crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly. He looked from me to Aiden, then back again.
“I know it’s only been a few weeks,” I said, leaning back against my truck. “Fuck, I’m being ridiculous.”
Aiden shrugged. “No you’re not. You like him. And Dylan is being Dylan about the whole thing.”
I nodded, surprised by how easily Aiden cut to the heart of it. “He keeps saying it’s just casual.” I ran a hand through my hair, embarrassed by how pathetic I sounded. “But it doesn’t feel casual to me anymore. Hasn’t for a while.”
“Because it’s not.” Aiden spoke with such conviction that I stared at him. “Gael, I’ve known Dylan for years. I’ve seen him with his hookups. This thing with you? It’s different.”
“Different how?”
“Well, for one thing, you don’t go dancing with your casual fucks every night of the week. And that cat condo in the shop?And he modified his motorcycle for your cat. That’s like, permanent. His casual fucks are usually around for a few days at most.”
My heart gave a hopeful lurch. “Then why does he keep insisting that’s all it is?”
Cash made a small noise—not quite a word, just a sound in the back of his throat. Aiden turned to him immediately, nodding as if Cash had delivered a lengthy explanation.
“Cash is right,” Aiden said. “Dylan’s protecting himself.”
I looked between them, confused. “From what?”
“Who knows.” Aiden’s voice softened. “He seems to be afraid of getting too attached to people.”
Cash nodded, his expression somber.
“So what am I supposed to do?” I asked. “I can’t force him to admit he has feelings.”
“We need to get him out of jackass playboy mode.” Aiden tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Break through that emotional constipation.”
“How exactly do we do that?”
“A grand gesture!” Aiden’s eyes lit up. “Something romantic and dramatic that forces him to confront his feelings!”
Cash shook his head emphatically, a slight grimace on his face.
“No?” Aiden turned to his boyfriend. “You don’t think a grand gesture would work?”
Cash just raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t think declarations of love are the right move,” I said. “It feels too soon for that.”
“You’re right. Too direct.” Aiden paced in front of us, thinking. “We need something subtler. Something that will make him realize what he stands to lose.”
Cash watched him with fond exasperation, then caught my eye and gave me a tiny smile.
Suddenly, Aiden squealed and clapped his hands. “I’ve got it! The perfect plan!”
“Should I be worried?” I asked Cash, who responded with a slight shrug that somehow perfectly conveyed “probably.”
“Underwear night!” Aiden announced triumphantly. “At Under Colfax. Tonight.”
I blinked at him. “Underwear night?”
“It’s exactly what it sounds like. Everyone strips down to their underwear at the door. It’s hot, it’s fun, and—” Aiden’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “—it’s the perfect opportunity to make Dylan jealous.”
“Jealous?” I felt my eyebrows shoot up. “I don’t think that’s—”
