Chapter Eleven | Owen

I took Skylar's coat and put it in the front hall closet. Once he removed his shoes, I tucked those away too. I had things I wanted to discuss tonight. Last week was still playing on my mind. I wanted more time with him. I wasn't sure I had the right to ask him for that.

"Should we sit for a few minutes?" Skylar asked. It seemed he had other plans in addition to conversation. I'd douched in case that's where we went tonight.

"Please. There something I need to run past you."

Skylar sat beside me on the couch. His grey eyes peered out from behind his glasses with rapt attention. I loved the way he focused on me when I spoke. He never interrupted.

"I'd like to see more of you." I waved my hand around. "Aside from this."

"Somewhere without the possibility of intimacy?"

"Yes, I need some of the nonsexual connection we used to share."

Skylar hummed and then nodded his head.

"All right. Would you be able to meet me at the airport every Sunday afternoon? I can leave a little early and we could have lunch together. Would that give you what you need?"

I could breathe again. "Yes. I would love that."

"Is there anything else you'd like to speak about?"

There was one more thing. We hadn't done what I needed last Thursday, and I'd completed the last sketch I'd done of Skylar. "I'd like to draw you again."

Skylar placed his hand on my thigh. "We can do that. "

I licked my lips my nerves nearly getting the better of me. There was a pose I'd had in mind all week since we'd given each other blowjobs. "I'd like to draw you naked … after."

Skylar's eyebrows rose. "After?"

My heart thundered. I knew he liked to guide what we did, but I needed this from him. I wanted to feel him all over and inside me. "I need you, Skylar."

Skylar tipped his head, and studied my face, considering.

"Anal sex?"

"I want you in my bed tonight." I nearly whimpered, "My body is aching for you."

Skylar licked his lips as he continued to watch me.

"Okay, I'll meet you up there once you've undressed and are on the bed for me."

My entire body quivered. I had never responded like this to someone telling me what to do before. It had to be because it was Skylar. I wanted him to dictate my every move.

I rose from the couch and headed upstairs. Not knowing how long Skylar would wait downstairs, I stripped out of my clothes quickly and lay down on the bed on my back.

My cock was already hard and weeping as I positioned myself. Any of my usual and unwelcome self conscious inklings about being naked in front of a lover didn't materialize.

Skylar felt like the one .

Then he was there, standing in my doorway. I'd dreamed of this moment more times than I'd ever imagined anyone entering my space to fuck me. Ethan was right. There was no way Skylar was a bottom. He didn't act anything like one. Quite the opposite.

He caressed his dick, his action hidden by his long black chiffon skirt. Other than that, he stood still, didn't enter the room, and watched me from the doorway.

"Touch yourself," he commanded .

I groaned and gripped my shaft, jacking it slowly. He entered the room and placed his glasses on my dresser then stood at the end of my bed, his gaze fixed on my cock.

"You have a beautiful dick," he said as he stroked his length faster. "Where's your lube?"

I pointed at the bedside table. "In there."

Skylar wandered over to it and retrieved my lube and a couple of condoms. Then he did something unexpected. He didn't undress before he climbed onto the bed. "Lift your legs for me."

I did as he asked and pulled my legs up by my knees until they nearly touched my chest.

Skylar shook his head slowly. "Fuck, you look gorgeous like that. Don't move." He lay chest down on the bed between my legs, his hot breath on my ass, the delicate material of his skirt spread out behind him. He kissed the base of each of my thighs then licked my balls.

I made guttural sounds, my pulse surging, as Skylar sucked each one into his mouth. He released the second one and then zeroed in on his next target. He thrust his tongue at my hole, seeking, then used the flat of it to lave my puckered ring. Swiping and piercing, sucking and humming with pleasure. I'd never had my ass eaten so voraciously.

He drew back and replaced his tongue with one finger, easing it into me. Skylar Mullen was preparing me for his cock. I'd longed for him to take me for weeks.

I exhaled and stared down at him. I was in heaven. And he'd placed me there.

Skylar squirted some lube onto his fingers. The addition of each one had me squirming. My thighs began to quiver uncontrollably. The gorgeous man playing with my ass retreated.

"Skirt on or off?" he asked .

I didn't realize that would be a choice I'd have to make. I wanted to see him naked, but I also liked the idea of his skirt brushing against my skin as he fucked me.

"I don't know."

Skylar lifted the front of his skirt, giving me a look at his fiercely stiff cock. Sometime before entering my bedroom, he'd discarded his underwear. He tucked a section of material into the waistband of his skirt to hold it, then tore open a condom wrapper, rolled it into place, and covered his shaft in lube with long steady strokes. His cock was glistening in his lithe hand.

"I'm keeping it on, so you know who's fucking you." Skylar sat back on his haunches and unbuttoned his gauzy pink shirt. He removed it, slowly exposing his pale skin.

I wanted to touch him. His body was slender and willowy in a way someone could only achieve while still in their 20s. It didn't take away from the strength he exuded. If anything, his leanness reminded me how much his power lay in the way he connected with my mind.

How my obedience came from admiring his intelligence.

He carefully laid his shirt on the corner of the bed and found his way up my body until we were chest to chest. I moaned into his mouth as he took mine.

I could detect my scent on his lips.

I angled my head up wanting more of that, struggling to capture everything his mouth had to offer. He pulled away and reached down, shifting his skirt. He rolled to one thigh and bent his other leg. His cockhead circled my hole then he plunged into it, plundering me in an instant.

The swiftness of the depth caught me off guard and I cried out. Not in a bad way. In a way so good, I thought I was going to pass out .

His hips snapped back and then forward, drilling into me. I should have expected he'd be forceful. Everything about Skylar spoke of a man who took what he wanted.

And right now, he wanted me.

Each thrust sent me flying until I was so wrung out, I would've agreed to anything. I clung to his shoulders, digging my fingers into his flesh.

"Yes, please … yes."

Skylar growled in my ear and then sucked on my earlobe. He bit and released it then moved his arms and took over keeping my legs up by putting them over his shoulders. The new depth made me gasp and tip my head back. Skylar hammered into me, the material of his skirt tickling my thighs, belly, and ass. He was right. I had no doubt who was fucking me.

I moved my hands from his shoulders to his thrusting hips.

My cock bordered on painful it was so tight.

"Can you cum like this?" he asked, panting against my throat. "Without touching yourself?"

I wasn't sure, it happened so rarely. Skylar changed his angle and prodded my prostate with each pass. I tossed my head back further. I had no doubt. "Fuck … yes."

I groaned and clung tightly to Skylar as he sucked on the side of my neck. It pinched so much; I knew he'd leave a mark. I didn't even entertain stopping him. He could mark my entire body, and I would wear the bruises proudly. A coil formed in my gut prepared to spring.

Oh, my god, yes .

My balls lifted and I shot all over my belly.

Skylar grunted, unhooked my legs, and landed on my chest; his hips furious .

He jerked and thrust up hard. I knew he was filling the condom. Once his body slowed, he pulled away and looked down at me. He smiled. "You were so beautiful, bunny."

A swell of something unfamiliar bloomed in my chest. A strange mix of pleasure and pride. I stroked my fingers through his damp blond strands. My stomach tightened as I looked at him.

His calm grey eyes were mapping mine, radiating so much affection my stomach tumbled, and my pulse surged. My entire body warmed as my skin tingled, and my mind turned dreamy.

Was that love I was feeling or simply the euphoria after awesome sex?

Skylar stroked my cheek and then kissed me. So tender and gentle.

Love.

That was definitely love. Tears gathered and rolled down my cheeks. Was it possible to die from love? I felt as though I might cease to exist, my heart too full to beat any longer.

Skylar relinquished my lips and pulled away. His eyes registered concern as his gaze fell on my tears. He brushed one away from my cheek with his thumb.

"Please tell me I didn't hurt you."

I shook my head. "No, not at all."

"Give me a second." Skylar climbed off me, stood at the side of the bed, and shed his skirt and the condom, finding the garbage pail I kept by my bed, then climbed back onto the bed with me. He beckoned for me to nestle in his arms.

I was quick to find my place in them.

"What's going on?" he asked after kissing my head. "Be honest with me."

I shut my eyes tight as though that might lessen the blow. There was no way he felt as strongly as I did about him. "I have intense feelings for you." I couldn't form the three words .

"Do those emotions scare you? Is that why you wept?"

"No, they don't scare me." Amazingly. "They feel so good, they brought me to tears."

Skylar squeezed my arm. "I'm not there yet , but I'd like you to express yourself around me if that's something you feel would bring you pleasure. I'd love to hear you say it."

I licked my lips and kissed his neck. I could do this.

"I love you."

Skylar hugged me tighter. "That fills me with so much joy, Owen."

I traced my finger from the centre of his chest to the groomed hair above his cock. Telling him I loved him had come out easily. I needed to see all of him. "Can I sketch you now?"

Skylar turned my face and kissed my lips. "I'm yours for the next hour."

Those words made me feel special. Skylar would be late returning to Chad tonight. He wanted to spend time with me. I'd soak up every moment he was able to dedicate to me.

I reluctantly untangled myself from his arms and left the room. I returned with my sketchpad and my set of charcoals. I stopped short inside the bedroom door. Skylar was sprawled on my bed, one hand behind his head. One knee bent. His spent cock nestled on his smooth balls.

So beautiful.

"You can keep reclining like that." I pulled the overstuffed chair to the edge of the bed and took a seat, the fabric rough against my bare skin. I crossed my legs and started to sketch.

There was no way I'd be able to capture every quality Skylar possessed.

Every line and sultry contour I sketched was filled with my love for him. My fingers were dirty from getting the shading perfect by the time I finished. I'm not sure how much time passed. Maybe more than an hour. He hadn't fidgeted, anxious to get back to Chad.

"Can I see it?" Skylar asked and sat up.

I set the sketch pad on the bed and pushed it toward him.

"That's what you see when you look at me?" He lightly traced the charcoal curve of his jaw, careful to not smudge it. He looked up at me. "You are so special. I hope you believe that."

I hadn't believed that until I met Skylar. Every word he spoke to me, built me up. Encouraged me to believe in myself. "You've helped me soar and I can't thank you enough for that."

"You deserve every happiness, Owen."

I felt numb. I needed more of these moments with him. He scooted off my bed, came around to me, and kissed me with so much emotion that tears began to trail down my cheeks again.

"I love you," I whispered against his lips, dampened by my tears.

"My precious bunny." He cupped my face and captured my attention, his grey eyes so incredible they embodied parting clouds on a day that promised to bathe me in eternal sunshine.

His nickname for me stirred an emotional response. One of feeling protected.

I dragged my hand down his arm. "You need to go."

"It'll be nice to see you on Sunday. I'll text you where we should meet." He turned from me, gathered up his clothes, and redressed. It hit me that he'd never stay overnight with me.

Chad had thrown that in my face that day in the breakroom, that Skylar would always come home to him. It hurt that he'd never be mine, but his love for Chad made me love him even more.

Skylar's capacity for love was vast, I knew that about him.

"Hey." He touched my chin, easing me from my obsessing. "See me out? "

"Right … yes." I bounced out of my chair and went in search of my underwear. Once I hopped around like an idiot, yanking them on, I joined Skylar in the front entry. He was tucking a pair of sexy pink underwear into the black leather satchel he'd worn today.

Leaned against the wall was a paper bag. Skylar lifted it and handed it to me. I removed a coffee table book from the bag and grinned. I chuckled as I flipped through the pages.

Skylar looked puzzled when I met his gaze. I turned the book toward him and pointed at a photo in it. "This guy here, with his hard cock on display, is my best friend, Ethan."

He coughed out a choking laugh. "Oh, my god … I had no idea."

"Not your fault. I never told you."

"Should I take it back?"

"No, I don't have this one. There are lots of other guys in it." I'd tell Skylar about the book focused solely on Ethan some other time. I kissed his cheek. "Thank you. I love your gifts."

He took two slow steps back and reached for the door handle.

"I'll see you on Sunday."

I shut my eyes, weak, as the door closed behind Skylar. I'd told a man I was in love with him tonight. In another universe that would have led us to waking up together.

But not in this one.

"Tell me everything," Ethan said as I walked into his house for movie night. I had told him I had news but that I wanted to tell him in person. I was surprised he let me sit down before pressing me harder to spill everything. "Come on, Owen. This is big, I can tell."

"Oh, my god … okay. Skylar and I had sex."

Ethan practically leapt off the couch. "Sweet! How was it? "

"That's not the important bit."

"What's more important than hot sex?"

"Sometimes, I worry about you."

Ethan shoved me. "I'm a fan of healthy sex lives. Now spill."

I sighed. "I told Skylar I'm in love with him."

Ethan frowned. "Why the hell would you do that?"

I opened my eyes wide and shook my head. "Duh, Ethan. Because I am."

"You're in love with him?"

"First time in my life I've felt like this. Now, I get why you're all so wrapped up in your guys. He manages to drift into every thought I have. My heart is skittering around like it's possessed. My fingers and toes go numb when I remember his hands on me."

Ethan laughed. "You should have that looked at by a doctor."

I nudged him with my shoulder. "Fuck off." I steadied my breathing. Ethan deserved the entire truth. He'd always been open with me. "Chad and I kissed."

Ethan grabbed my arm. "Wait? What? While Skylar was there in the room?"

"Of course, your mind would go there. Jeezus, Ethan. No. It happened at the office."

"Who initiated the kiss?"

"Chad. He pushed me up against the blinds in his office."

"And you definitely kissed him back?"

"No doubt surrounding that fact. When he started rubbing his hard cock on me, I got a hold of myself. Escaped his office. Spent the afternoon wondering what the hell happened."

"But you're in love with Skylar. How does that work?"

"I don't know. Maybe that's why I'm attracted to Chad. Because he's with Skylar. "

"I call bullshit. You've had your eye on Chad since the day he joined your office."

"Then, I don't honestly know. I just know … I think I want it to happen again."

"Honestly bordering on fucked up, Owen."

"Why? Why can't I be attracted to two men?"

"I'm sorry. Who are you and what have you done with my uptight best friend?" Ethan furrowed his brow at me. "Can we start with the fact you're in love with one of them?"

"Skylar said the idea of Chad and me together pleases him."

"Pleases him?" He shifted closer to me. "Tell me more about Skylar. I'm not too sure how comfortable I am with his phrasing. Pleases him? Is he some kind of Dominant?"

"Not in the typical kink sense, no, but I trust him to know what might be best for me."

"Isn't that your decision?"

"Of course. Skylar doesn't tell me what to do. He encourages me to explore ideas and emotions. Examine my past. Figure out what drives me. He doesn't control me."

"Are you sure he isn't manipulating you?"

I groaned. There was no way to explain what Skylar and I had to Ethan. Skylar's commands were suggestions. I didn't need to obey him. It was my choice as a grown-ass adult. He would never think less of me if I stood up against anything he demanded I consider or do.

"It works for us." That was my final answer on that.

"And Chad?"

"I've told Skylar I want to wait on seeing where that leads."

"And that didn't upset him?"

I clenched my fists. "Ethan. You don't get it. Let's leave it at that. "

Ethan shook his head and then turned toward the television. "Your choice tonight."

I didn't regret telling Ethan everything. It just made me feel sad that my best friend couldn't see how happy I was. Maybe I wasn't projecting my happiness. I flicked through the lists of movies. I wasn't. It's like someone had stuck my happiness under a bushel. It was muted.

To be honest, my supposed joy made me feel a little melancholy.

I wanted it all. I wanted what my friends had found with their guys. Instead, I'd fallen in love with a man who wasn't entirely available. I shut my eyes. What the hell had I done?

It was late by the time I arrived home. But I couldn't stop myself. I felt needy and hopeless and guilty, but I couldn't keep my finger from pressing the little green circle on my phone.

"Owen?" His voice was rough. I'd pulled him from a deep sleep. "Is everything okay?"

"I'm so confused."

I heard the rustle of sheets. He'd sat up. "About us?"

"What are we going to look like?"

"Owen, we can frame our relationship however works best for us." I waited for more details. "Bunny, I've been thinking." I held my breath. "I want to spend more time with you."

"How?"

"How about I fly in on Wednesday night and stay overnight at your place then spend all day Thursday and overnight Thursday with you. We could have a full two nights together. The rest of the weekend, I can dedicate to Chad. We can still meet for Sunday lunch too if you'd like."

My heart beat so increasingly fast, I thought I might crumple.

"You'd do that for me? Won't you lose your job?"

"They're not going to fire me. "

"Is that Owen?" Chad's voice. Of course, Skylar would be in bed with his husband. It was the weekend. I hadn't been thinking. Now, I'd woken them both.

"Just running my idea past him," Skylar said to Chad.

"They won't fire him," Chad called into the phone at me. "Say yes."

It didn't feel strange to have Chad in on the conversation. He was involved in what Skylar and I were creating too. "I'd love to have more time with you, Skylar," I answered.

"Then that's settled. I'll rearrange my schedule."

"Thank god," Chad said in the background. "My husband has been moping."

I smiled. I couldn't imagine Skylar looking anything but confident. There were more sides to him that I would soon be given the opportunity to uncover. "I'll let you get back to sleep."

"Goodnight, bunny."

"Goodnight, bunny," Chad echoed and snickered.

"Chad." Skylar's voice was firm.

"What? It's cute," he replied.

Skylar grunted. "Goodnight, Owen."

I caught sight of Skylar in the distance, sipping on a glass of wine in a restaurant that bordered the concourse. He looked different. Out of context in the busy expanse of the airport.

I wasn't sure how familiar to be with him in public as I approached. We'd never been out anywhere together before. Everything we shared had been in private.

He rose to his feet, smiling at me, and set a brief but exuberant kiss on my lips.

"So good to see you, Owen."

"Sorry about the late call last night. "

"I was going to discuss the idea with you today. Simply had my answer sooner." He reached for my hand as I sat across the table from him. I clasped it tight in mine.

"What's good here?" I asked.

"Not much I can eat but they have salads I'm sure they can modify."

"Allergies?"

"I'm vegan."

"Oh." I'd never met a vegan before. Wasn't even sure what it meant. I must have looked sufficiently confused because Skylar smiled at me.

"I believe all sentient creatures have a right to life and freedom."

"You like animals."

"I love animals."

That didn't surprise me. "Do you have pets?"

"That would be holding animals captive."

Oh, wow … right, okay.

"Don't ever go to Noah and Brody's house. They have a zoo over there."

"Don't get me started on zoos."

Hold on a second.

"How do you reconcile that with creating pharmaceuticals? Don't you use animals?"

Skylar sighed. "One of the many reasons I'm vegan. Plus, I make sure our animals are treated well."

I sat back and crossed my arms. Not sure why I was feeling pissed off suddenly. "Pretty sure they haven't agreed to take drugs that could make them sick or kill them."

His eyes softened, the outer corners drooping, his brow slightly furrowed.

Damn it.

Tears gathered in his eyes.

I retook his hand. "I'm sorry. I'm being an asshole. "

He shook his head. "No, you're right. Working in this field is what led me to become a vegan. Contrition of sorts. My career isn't following the path I want it to anymore."

"Then why do you still do it?"

Skylar shrugged. "Habit? I feel safe there. I can keep to myself and just work."

The server came over and I ordered the same as Skylar. I didn't want him to feel any more uncomfortable than I'd made him already. My go-to would have been a juicy hamburger.

"Is there anything else you can do with your degree?"

"I've been thinking about it. Especially something that would keep me close to home."

"You consider Victoria home?"

"I consider Chad home."

That didn't even hurt. Of course, Skylar would feel that way. He loved his husband. Hearing those words from him made me love him even more. He had a romantic and sentimental heart.

"My friends feel more like home than my family does," I said.

"You love those men." Skylar brushed his thumb back and forth across the top of my hand. My eyes were drawn to his silver wedding band. "Tell me more about them, your friends."

I smiled, refusing to let the presence of that ring disrupt our time together.

"Well, Ethan … as you now know, is a bit of an exhibitionist. That's not the only book he's bared all in. His friend Carlos is quite taken with him."

"They're lovers?"

"No." I shook my head. "Ethan is madly in love with his partner, Daniel. They're not open. Daniel suggested it earlier in their relationship. There's quite an age difference between them. Daniel is almost twenty years older. He thought Ethan would become bored with him."

"And he hasn't?"

"Those two … not the definition of boring. They keep things spicy."

"And Noah?"

"He's kind of the patriarch of the group. Always watching out for us. He and his husband, Brody, are going to be adopting a couple of kids they've been fostering."

"Big change."

"They'll do great. They're designed for parenting. An incredibly solid couple."

"And Liam? You two still grating on one another?"

I sighed. "He's all right. Most of our conflict is based on misunderstanding. Ever since he turned himself into a hot male model, he's been fucking his way through the gay population. I assumed that's all he was capable of. Any time he got up in his feelings, I didn't believe him."

"But he's changed."

"He has Jamal now. They do seem good together. Jamal has helped Liam believe he's more than his body. That likes don't equate to worth."

"He's grown with Jamal."

"Immensely."

"And you?"

I dipped my brow. "What about me?"

"Have you grown?"

I squeezed Skylar's hand. "You've helped me with that."

"I just gave you the tools."

I smiled at him. "I didn't even know the toolbelt existed."

We both sat back as our salads were delivered. Skylar stabbed at his lettuce without eating any of it. He set his fork down. "I have a question for you. "

"Sure." I speared a stack of lettuce and looked at it. Without a layer of chicken breast, it looked a little sad. Not even any blue cheese. Skylar touched my hand, garnering my full attention.

"I'd like to call you my boyfriend," he said.

The salad was no longer interesting. "Boyfriends? Us?"

"Yes, would you like that? Or am I overstepping?" He pushed his glasses up his nose.

"Skylar." I moved my foot to touch his beneath the table. I stroked my toe up and down his boot. "I love you. Of course, I want to be your boyfriend."

The smile he bestowed on me was brilliant. But there was also a shimmer of relief. He had been nervous about asking me to be his boyfriend. Between that, his love for his husband, and his uncertainty about his job, Skylar seemed to have a vulnerable side. Which fascinated me.

We hadn't finished our salads by the time Skylar had to go. I walked him to the security line and let everyone know he was my boyfriend by giving him a startling farewell kiss.

After recovering, Skylar winked at me and headed out of sight.

I was already seated for the Salish Sea Society meeting by the time the other three arrived. I was a full pint in. I was missing Skylar. Pathetic, because I'd only seen him a few hours ago.

Love was complex. The effects unexpected.

I longed to be anywhere near him. Wednesday night. He'd be coming in on Wednesday night and staying all night with me. We would be waking up and spending the day together. And then I'd be in his arms again for a second night. It was a dream I'd never thought would come true.

Noah patted my shoulder. "Deep in thought?"

I smiled at him. "Lots to think about."

"Lots to share," Ethan interjected, grinning at me .

I shook my head at him. "No. I won't be sharing anything today."

Ethan nodded and sat in his seat. He would respect my need for privacy. I wasn't ready for the entire group to know how far I had strayed from what had been a lifelong ideal. A husband. A family. The dream of an unwavering monogamous relationship. That's not where I was anymore.

"We're getting a home visit soon," Noah said, starting us off. "It's a formality but Brody is beside himself. If adoptions are decided by quality home repairs, we're in."

"He has nothing to worry about," Liam said. "You're both great dads."

"You say that because you weren't around your noodles this week. It was wild."

"Yeah, Liam, you were away," Ethan said. "How was skiing?"

"Fabulous. Jamal can move faster than me in the snow with the skiing contraption of his. He beat me every time down the slopes. I owed him a lot of blowjobs. Most of them out in the hot tub under the stars. It was the most romantic three days we've ever had."

"It was freezing up at Mount Washington last week," I said. "You were naked outside?"

"You have no sense of adventure, Owen," Liam replied.

I rolled my eyes.

He has no idea how untrue that is.

"Remember, we're moving on Wednesday," Liam said. "Everyone will be there, right?"

"I'm good as long as it doesn't run too late in the day." I wasn't sure what time Skylar would be coming to my place. He hadn't booked his flight home yet.

"You have somewhere you need to be?" Noah teased.

"Someone I need to be with." That's all they were getting .

"We'll be there bright and early, Liam," Ethan said, redirecting everyone away from my comment. "I'll bring the coffee and an assortment of pastries."

"Perfect," Liam said. "We'll start at my place at eight. Jamal will be at the new apartment. We're expecting deliveries for all our new furniture plus the internet installation."

"It'll be nice to have your own place with him," Noah said. "Privacy finally. We don't have any of that anymore. Brody and I have to be intimate on the sly."

"Do you ever just put your head on Jamal's lap?" Ethan asked Liam.

Liam's brow creased. "What? No. Why?"

"Daniel and I have started doing that. It feels nice to rest there and have my hair stroked."

My spine tingled, remembering how I had enjoyed that experience with Skylar. I'd allowed myself to be in the moment. The scent of him surrounding me. His fingers in my hair.

"I kneel at his feet while we're watching television," Ethan continued. "I like it." He pointed at Liam. "You should try it. It helps calm me down."

"I'm not as high-strung as you," Liam responded. "We're fine the way we are."

Ethan shrugged. "Okay. Don't try new things."

I managed to keep my friends at bay, refusing to talk about Skylar and where our relationship was taking us. I needed time to think and for things to unfold further. I wanted a firm grasp on where I stood with Skylar … and Chad before I was ready to talk about it with the group.

I'd know more when I saw him on Wednesday night.