He studies me cautiously, and I feel like even more of a dumbass. “I don’t know. I don’t plan to just fuck the first guy I meet who’s into it. I’d like a little connection.”

Oh fuck, he wants a connection with these fuckers? Like talking and maybe dates? Not just fucking, but a real, solid connection. Maybe even love?

That really doesn’t sit right inside me. I feel like I’m going to hurl but manage to keep the smile on my face. “Ah, so no one-night stands for you then?”

God, shut up, Kingston. He looks uncomfortable as he shifts on the bed, staring at me. “I don’t think so. I’d want to get to know them first, I think.” He cocks his head to the side. “What about you? You have your confidence back. You have your eye on anyone?”

He sounds like he’s in physical pain when he asks this, and I want to delve more into that. I want to know why it hurts. But I don’t push him. “Nah, not really. I’m ready to start at the landscaping company though.”

Oakley’s dad owns it. It’s the only landscaping company around here, and while it’s mostly just mowing lawns for local business, they also plant trees and flowers and shit. It may sound weird, but I love the idea of making the world more beautiful. Maybe just my part of the world, but still.

No more weeds overtaking the bushes in front of the high school and overgrown lawns on my watch.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I’m going to miss that.” He smirks, the fucker.

“Hey, I’m going to be the best damn landscaper around.” I toss a pencil at him, and he catches it easily.

“I have no doubt. You’ve always been good with your hands.” He looks surprised that actually came out of his mouth, and my eyes widen because is that flirting? Is he flirting with me?

“You miss my hands?” I try. Because again, blue balls. And I’m all-in for using my hands on him and anything else he’ll let me.

He seems to be at war with himself, though, nibbling on his lip with his eyebrows bunched together. He wants to. I can see it, but he won’t let himself have it. Why? I honestly don’t know. School is almost over. It’s not that much of a risk, and I don’t think he should hide who he is for anyone.

Fuck them all if they can’t see how beautiful he is, inside and out. I’ll gladly go to battle with all of them if I need to, but I see the moment he closes off.