“I didn’t know what I was saying just then,” Zack bleated. “Can we forget about it? I was caught up in the moment.” The lie was sour on his tongue.

If John was disappointed or relieved, it didn’t show on his face.

“Okay,” he said simply. Then he held the base of the condom and pulled out of Zack. Zack squirmed but didn’t complain.

“Trash can’s in the kitchen,” he said. He reached for his jeans and started dressing. He felt acutely vulnerable, and nakedness was not helping. John got up and went into the kitchen. Zack avoided looking at him.

He was aware of John hovering near him, still naked. He steeled himself and looked up. John was eyeing him with a neutral expression. Later, when things were less awkward, Zack was going to have to ask him if he’d ever considered playing poker.

“Do you want me to leave?” John asked.

Zack’s heart felt like something with claws had grabbed it and started ripping. He almost said yes, but he thought better of it. This wasn’t John’s fault.

“No, please stay. You haven’t seen the rest of my beautiful apartment.”

John laughed, and some of the tension eased. Zack took his hand and led him down the hallway to the bedroom. Ziggy was asleep on the comforter, but when Zack turned on the light, he perked up.

“Is this Ziggy?” John asked.

“No, this is his secretary,” Zack said. “You have to make an appointment if you want to see the Big Dog.”

John laughed again, and Ziggy cocked his head. He barked in greeting, but John looked uncertain.

“Oh right,” Zack said, “you probably don’t speak dog. He said hello.”

“Ah, I see. Do you speak all dogs or just this dog?”

“This dog,” Zack said, “but I dabble in some bird and cat as well.”

John held out an open palm. Ziggy sniffed it curiously and then gave it an enthusiastic lick.

“That means ‘Pet me now,’” Zack said.

John did, and Ziggy wagged his tail so hard, Zack thought it might injure someone. Ziggy rolled over onto his back. John didn’t need Zack to translate that not-so-subtle maneuver. He scratched Ziggy’s belly until the dog was liquid with happiness.

“He’s adorable,” John said.

“Well, he takes after his father.” Zack flashed a cheeky grin and then moved to his bureau. “Want to borrow something to sleep in?”

“I’ll be fine in just boxers, if it’s cool with you.”

Zack snickered. “No, that would be improper. I want you fully clothed. Also, you have to sleep on the floor.”