Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Dev’s face flushed. Ewan knew his own cheeks must be bright pink too—his fair skin always gave him away. With his brain still lodged somewhere in his groin, Ewan tried to think of an appropriate response because Dev was clearly lost for words.
Thankfully, Rupert broke the excruciating silence. “Oh, stop teasing them, Josh. Now, who wants some coffee or tea?”
“Yes, please,” Ewan said. He was feeling light-headed—a combination of too much wine and the tumbling realisation of his feelings for Dev. Josh’s words echoed in his head.
You’re such a cute couple.
Ewan’s heart ached with how much he wanted Josh’s assumption to be true. He sneaked a sidelong glance at Dev, whose cheeks were still painted with a blush.
Dev met his gaze and gave him a shy smile before looking away quickly. Hope flared in Ewan’s chest.
This has to mean something. I’m not imagining it.
Josh took their orders for tea and coffee, and when he came back with steaming mugs, they sat and looked at the view again.
“It’s stunning,” Dev said wistfully.
The sun was just disappearing over the horizon and the sky was darkening fast. Josh had pulled his chair next to Rupert’s to watch the sunset, and Rupert had his arm around him while Josh snuggled close. Opposite Ewan, Dev pulled up his hood and curled both hands around his cup of tea.
“Are you cold?” Rupert asked him. “We can go inside if you want?”
Dev shook his head. “No. I’m fine.” There was a faint smile on his face as he looked out over the inky water, but he shivered slightly, and Ewan wished he could move closer and keep him warm.
When they’d finished their drinks, Josh picked up their mugs and stacked his and Rupert’s empty ice cream bowls. “I’ll take these in. I’m going to get another layer to put on if we’re staying out for a bit.”
“Let me help.” Ewan picked up the final couple of bowls. Indoors, he put them down on the kitchen counter before asking, “Can I use your toilet?”
“Of course,” Josh replied. “It’s back out in the hallway, the door next to the front door.”
Ewan relieved himself and took his time washing his hands. The light was bright in here, and he stared at his reflection, jaw set.
You need to man up and tell Dev how you feel. If there’s a chance he feels the same way, then it’s got to be worth it.
He turned off the tap and stood, hands dripping, lost in thought. Their arrangement would be coming to an end soon enough, anyway. He had nothing to lose. If Dev didn’t feel the same, the only thing hurt would be his pride. It was time to be honest.
Reaching for the towel, Ewan straightened up and squared his jaw. He was going to do this. He’d say something tonight, when they got back. He’d invite Dev in and tell him he wanted more; he’d ask him out, ask him to be his boyfriend. They were already doing everything boyfriends did together; it wasn’t such a big leap. They were good together. Surely Dev could see that too?
Josh was still in the kitchen, stacking things in the dishwasher, as Ewan passed back through the living area. Approaching the doors leading to the balcony, Ewan heard Dev’s voice filter through.
“He’s not my boyfriend, Rupert. It’s not like that.”
Ewan stopped in his tracks.
Dev sounded very certain. Too certain. As though it wasn’t something he’d even consider. All Ewan’s optimism vanished and his heart sank like a stone. He was surprised as well as hurt, because after their kiss earlier, he’d really started to believe that Dev wanted the same things he did.
Not wanting to hear any more, Ewan turned away from the doors.
“Let me give you a hand,” he said to Josh, who was still tidying things in the kitchen. “I’ll wash up the pans.”
“There’s no need. I’ll do them tomorrow,” Josh protested.
But Ewan had already started running water. “It’s no trouble, honestly.” He needed something to do, a distraction while he tried to squash down his disappointment, ready to face Dev again.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“He’s not my boyfriend, Rupert. It’s not like that.”
Even as Dev said the words, disappointment weighed heavy in his chest. He picked unhappily at his fingernails, not wanting to see the kind expression on Rupert’s face. Rupert wouldn’t understand. How could he? He and Josh were the perfect couple, obviously both on the same page, all settled and happy together.
Dev sighed.
There was a pause before Rupert asked gently, “Do you want him to be your boyfriend?”
Dev shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what I want. That’s not what this is.”
“It could be. Come on, Dev. Josh caught you kissing earlier, and I can tell by the way you look at each other it’s more than casual sex.”
“It’s not that simple.” Dev’s voice came out tight and snappy; his heart twisted uncomfortably.