Chapter 16

“Believe me, now?” Conley asked, brushing his fingertips over Brian’s lips.

Brian nodded. “I don’t know why you wanted to, though.”

“I like you, Bri. I’m not saying I’m going to drag you home and into my bed. That’s a long way down the road, if it happens. But I do like you and if you’re willing, I want to see if there’s anything more than friendship between us.”

Brian smiled. “I have a feeling there is. I mean, you don’t kiss friends. Still, you’re right. We’re not going to rush into something we both might regret later on.”

“Exactly.” Conley put one arm around Brian’s shoulders. “It’s getting, well not late, but…”

“If you’re hungry, I think there’s a couple of steaks in the fridge.”

“Sounds good to me, except…”

“You don’t eat meat. Right. I know that. There are plenty of vegetables, though, and tofu.”

There were steaks, and Brian cooked one for himself. He also made what he called a ‘mish-mash’ of sautéed vegetables from the garden, adding fried tofu to Conley’s half.