“Think I want to.”
Jace’s eyebrows shoot upward. “Wow, okay. I thought you were gonna tell me he’s into some kinky shit you’re uncomfortable with, not that you caught feelings.”
“What gave you the idea he’s into kinky shit?” I wrinkle my nose.
“He wears skirts.”
“He looks hot as fuck in them too. Why do you think I suddenly wanted to play for both teams?”
“Repressed curiosity.”
I grab another pillow and throw it at him, but he swats it away before it hits him and leans forward, resting his arms on his knees. “Okay, so you’re into him? I’m not seeing the problem.”
“He’s tied to that town, and I don’t have a permanent address.”
“Do the long-distance thing. Other guys do.” He lifts a shoulder.
“Yeah, but their girls’wantto be with them. I’m not sure Lennon’s interested in that. His friend Blake pretty much confirmed he’s married to his job.”
“He just wanted your dick?” Jace baits me.
“Are you sure you aren’t in love with me? You sort of sound like you are.” I don’t tease Jace like this often, since only a few people know about his sexuality, but I’ve got to keep this light orI’mgoing to freak out.
“Dude, you’re like my brother.” His head sways from side-to-side like he’s annoyed, though I know what he’s really thinking is I could come up with a better retort. “Seriously, you think this was just a fling for him?”
“It was supposed to be just a fling for both of us.” I rub a hand over my face. “We never talked about anything more, hell at first, we didn’t really talk at all, but once we did it was like I’d known him forever. I think he likes me enough, but that doesn’t mean hewantsme, you know.”
“You want him, though.”
That right there is what’s got me so fucked up. I went to Katah Vista looking for a place I could maybe call home, but instead I found a person who could wear that label. If he wanted it.
“I know it came out of nowhere, but yeah. I want him. Is that crazy?” I search Jace’s eyes for some sort of hint that I haven’t lost my mind.
“I’d say yes, but… Given how distracted you’ve been these past few days, I think it’d be crazier for you to pretend you don’t.”
Chewing on my lip, I nod absently. “So, what now?”
Wide-eyed, Jace shrugs. “Tell him?”
“How? I don’t even have his number.”
“You know where he lives, though.”
“Uh yeah. In Colorado. That’s four hours away, in the opposite direction of where I need to be for the first event.”
“Axel, at this rate I’m not even sure you should compete in that event. You’re totally off your game.” Jace stands up and starts pacing, taking a few deep breaths before he stops to face me. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you’ve gotta go back there.”
I shoot up so I’m sitting, elbows propped on my knees to keep my arms from flailing. “And do what? Ask him to be my boyfriend?”
“If that’s what’ll get your head on straight, yes.”
“How do I even do that?”
“Hell if I know.” He throws his arms out to the side. “I’ve never asked anyone to be my boyfriend. Or girlfriend,” he adds before I can do it for him. “All I know is you won’t get your head straight until you know where his is at. Right?”
“Right.” I close my eyes and let my head fall into my hands, wondering how the hell a simple hook up turned into this.
“And no riding until your head is on straight, so… unless you’re ready to retire you better figure out where the two of you stand. Tomorrow,” he adds when I jump up and start throwing shit in my bag.
