The question hung between us, heavy and daunting. This was the moment where I should make a joke, lighten the mood, steer us back to safer territory. But instead, I found myself nodding.
“I think I do,” I said, surprising myself with my honesty. “But I need to be clear about something, Teddy. I don’t do relationships. I can’t. Iwon’t.”
His smile faded immediately, but his expression told me he understood somehow. “So what are you suggesting then?” Teddy crossed his arms, looking both interested and wary.
I hadn’t planned this conversation, had never imagined having it with anyone. But now that we were here, I knew exactly what I wanted to propose.
“Friends,” I said firmly. “Friends who...fuck.”
“Friends who fuck?” Teddy repeated, his cheeks reddening even as he maintained eye contact.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, exactly. No strings, no expectations, just... fun. When we both want it.”
“Friends with benefits,” he nodded slowly, considering. “I’ve never done that either.”
“Is that a yes or a no?” I asked, suddenly aware of how desperately I wanted it to be a yes.
Teddy studied me for a long moment, those hazel eyes searching mine as if looking for something hidden there. Finally, he uncrossed his arms and held out his hand.
“Yes,” he said, his voice firmer than I’d expected. “I’m in.”
I took his hand, intending just to shake it, but the moment our skin touched, electricity shot up my arm. Before I could think better of it, I pulled him closer, my free hand going to the back of his neck.
“Should we seal the deal?” I murmured, my lips hovering just above his.
“Here?” he whispered, glancing nervously toward the gallery door. “Someone could see.”
“That’s half the fun,” I grinned, feeling reckless and alive. “But we can go somewhere more private if you prefer.”
Teddy hesitated only a moment before his hand fisted in my shirt, pulling me the rest of the way to him. His lips met mine with a hunger that took my breath away. This wasn’t the punch-induced courage of Halloween night. This was pure, undiluted Teddy, making a choice with clear eyes and full awareness.
And gods help me, I couldn’t get enough.
Our moment of bliss felt like it could go on forever and was too short at the same time. Teddy pulled back, his pupils dilated as he looked me over. Reluctantly, he pulled his hands away and stepped back.
“Just so you know,” he said breathlessly. “I need to keep this private. My parents… they can’t find out.”
“They not into the gay thing?” I asked, figuring that was the answer.
Teddy shook his head. “It’s not that. It’s just that… they have a lot ofexpectations. And if they find out I like men or that I’m seeing someone, they’ll force their way in and manage it. And I don’t want my sex lifemanaged.”
“That’s fine with me,” I nodded. “Nobody needs to know.”
“Thank you.” He gave my hand one last squeeze before taking a step back. “Let’s go back inside,” he suggested, smoothing down his shirt where my hands had rumpled it. “I should probably talk to some other people too. I don’t want anyone getting the wrong idea.”
I nodded, trying to ignore the strange tightness in my chest at his words. This was exactly what I wanted, something casual, private, and with no expectations. So why did it sting to hear him say he didn’t want to be seen with me too much?
“Yeah, good call,” I said, forcing a casual tone. “I should mingle anyway. Professor Aurelia expects me to talk to the donors about my work.”
We walked back into the gallery, careful to maintain a respectable distance between us. There were points where I lost track of Teddy completely and found myself searching him out. But I forced myself to stay on task and chat with people who came the little corner where my paintings hung.
After a while, Teddy returned, waiting for the older Beastkin couple of finish their conversation with me. As soon as they were gone, he leaned in, his voice quiet.
“When can I see you again?” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
The question sent a shiver down my spine. “The swimming pool is open again,” I suggested. “Midnight?”
I felt my heart quicken at Teddy’s question, the excitement of our new arrangement already sending heat coursing through my veins.