“Yeah.” So far, Jasper’s crowd seemed far cooler than mine. Kellan was kind of a big teddy bear of a guy, Jasmine was sweet, and Conrad and Alden were nice if a little protective of Jasper. And the two professors were like the sort of grandpas everyone would love to have—lots of food, funny stories, and genuine support. They made me miss my dad, or rather the dad I wished he’d been more often.

“You’re so good at this.” For a second, Jasper rested his hand on my back, head falling to my shoulder, but then he seemed to remember himself and straightened. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” I said softly.

“Anyway, it’s late.” His voice was too bright and too fast. “And I’m going to take the chair bed thing because of your leg—”

“Which is fine. Not hurting,” I lied.

“I’m also shorter than you and it’s kind of narrow. Like a kindergarten nap mat, really.”

“Then—”

“I insist.” He steered me toward the bed, then dropped his hands all fast again.

“Jasper?” I turned to face him. This weirdness had to end.

“Yeah?”

“Do you want the chair bed?”

“Yeah, of course. I’ve slept there before.” More of that fake cheer, and I wasn’t ruling out the possibility of needing to shake him.

“Sure. But do you want that? Because I’d be cool with sharing.” My gaze was stapled to his mouth and cool was a vast, vast understatement.

“Oh. Uh. I’m trying really hard here to be a good guy.” Swallowing audibly, he glanced away.

“You are a good guy.” I rested my hands lightly on his shoulders. “And I get that you’re working overtime on the whole consent-is-sexy thing and to make sure I don’t feel pressured just because I need a place to crash, but…” Licking my lips, I let my voice trail off as my courage started to ebb.

“But?” The hopeful curiosity in his voice functioned like a shot of bravery to my soul, made me pull him closer.

“But.” Dipping my head, I brushed my lips over his. “You promised me more kissing practice. And I waited twenty-two years to kiss you the first time. I’d rather not miss another opportunity.”

“You make it hard to do the right thing,” he whispered, face still close enough for me to feel his breath.

“Maybe stop trying. Maybe do what you want instead of what you think you should.”

“I’m more concerned about you and what you truly want. And need. But this…” He ghosted a kiss across my mouth. “This is what you want?”