His pants hit the floor, and mine followed. I turned on the multi-head shower and set the temperature. It was a huge, glassed-in enclosure with plenty of room for both of us.

“Tonight, after they leave, we’ll take a bath in the whirlpool tub,” I said. “You might be tender. It will feel good.”

I went to get in the shower, but Asher caught my arm. “Atti?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Always.”

“Tonight, will you … fuck me without a condom? We both got tested. I know we haven’t talked about it since we got the results back, but … if I’m gonna do this, I want you to own me completely. I want you inside me with no barriers.”

I bit my lip and nodded. Going bare was never something I’d ever considered with partners before, but Asher was different. This whole thing with him was different. “I’d love that more than you know.”

Asher ducked his head, his cheeks taking on color. “Okay. Good. That’s all.”

Knowing he was feeling self-conscious, I pulled him into the shower behind me. We washed, taking our time and being close and intimate without getting too aroused. It was a silent time of reflection for us both. We leaned on each other, nuzzling and kissing and savoring a few tender touches before Jay and Dean showed up.

When we were done, we decided to wrap towels around our waists instead of dressing. Clothing would just be in the way.

I adjusted the volume on the music and put my phone out of the way, leaving it playing for when we returned to the bedroom. Jay and Dean would be arriving any moment, so we headed to the living area to wait.

Asher paced. He spent some time looking out the window and rubbing his sweaty palms on his towel. I didn’t ask if he was okay because I knew the answer already.

When a rap sounded at the door, he spun on his heels and pinned me with a fierce look. In a flash, all his anxiety was buried deep, and on the surface remained determination. “They’re here.”

“You ready to give them the show of their lives?”

“I don’t give a shit about them. I’m just ready to get my hands on you. Waiting has been hell. I’ve been half-hard since that shower.”

I grinned and went to answer the door.

Jay and Dean had changed since dinner. It was the most dressed-down I’d seen Jay in all the time I’d known him. They both wore designer jeans and nice shirts. I didn’t expect anything less. Jay probably didn’t own a pair of sweatpants. Hell, the guy probably wore designer underwear.

Jay noted my towel and nodded with approval. “Off to a good start. Here. For you, as per your request.” He handed me a brown paper bag.