(THEO) Less than a week had passed since I’d last seen Torren.
We still texted, and he’d reply, but keeping a conversation going was tough.
Every time I edged into flirting, he’d either stop responding or send one-word replies.
Meeting him in person seemed the only way forward.
Henry, ever helpful, set up a lunch with Lex and Remy inviting Torren along.
He didn’t mention I was coming.
As I approached the table, they all looked up, surprised.
“Don’t look so shocked.
Last I checked, we’re still brothers,” I told Lex as a server added a place setting.
“What are you doing here?
I thought you were out,” Lex said.
“Next week.
Flying out Tuesday.” I bent to kiss Remy’s cheek, then turned to Torren.
His blue eyes met mine, a small smile playing on his lips.
I leaned into him.
He didn’t flinch this time.
“Even lovelier to see you,” I whispered, lingering before taking my seat.
Torren looked flustered but tried his best to hide it, lips pressed tight, hand near his face.
“Just floored you’re here,” Henry said, feigning shock.
He shot Torren a look, but Torren shook his head, avoiding eye contact.
A little uncomfortable jolt of something went through me as I witnessed the exchange.
“It’s a welcome surprise,”Remy chimed in.
“We were talking about going to the Hamptons next month.
Lex said your dad and Vivian could make it.
A family weekend before the wedding.” “Sounds great, Charlie.
Let me know the dates, and I’ll try to be there,” I replied.
A weekend with Torren sounded like the best idea.
The server brought me a whiskey, and we ordered.
I kept stealing glances at Torren, but he was seated too far away for casual chat.
I needed to get away from the lovebirds.
Torren was electric when prodded.
That car ride was tense, with his subtle smiles, nervous aura, and sharp wit.
It made him incredibly appealing.
He could’ve been just a pretty face with a great body, but he was so much more.
I should’ve moved on by now and found someone else, but seeing him reminded me how much I wanted him.
I was dying to fuck him.
After we ate, I stepped outside, per Lex’s request, for a cigarette.
Torren joined once more, and I smiled as he sat across from me, vape in hand.
He took a drag, looking away.
His hair was messier than usual.
“Just come from the gym?” He nodded.
“How can you tell?” A curious smile played on his lips.
“Your hair,” I noted.
He ran a hand through it, self-conscious.
“Looks good.
Figured you showered away from home, it’s not styled like usual.” He blinked.
“I’m observant,” I explained.
“I’ve noticed.” “We share that trait.” He looked even more surprised.
“How could you possibly know that?” “The way you look at things, at people.
Focused.
You pause before you talk too,” I told him.
“You’re better at it than me,” he admitted.
“I’ve got a few years on you,” I teased.
He hesitated, as if debating whether to speak.
Finally, he asked, “How can you tell when I’m nervous?” I grinned.
“You have a tell.” “What is it?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.
“I’m not giving that away,” I said, leaning forward, taking a slow drag.
“Why not?” he protested.
“I like having that over you.
Maybe you can offer something in return,” I suggested.
His smile faded a bit.
Perhaps I’d pushed too far.
“Like what?” he challenged, surprising me.
I’d expected him to back off.
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll think of something,” I replied casually.
“I thought you liked calling the shots,” he teased, taking another drag.
My heart skipped.
I licked my lips, and his eyes followed the motion.
“I’ll tell you what.
I’ll give it up if you play my game.” His face clouded, puzzled.
“What game?” He probably didn’t mean to do it, but he lowered his voice too.
With its natural huskiness, it sounded so alluring.
I smiled.
“You’re smart, Torren.
I’m sure you’ve figured it out.” A flush crept up his cheeks as realization set in.
“I’ve told you, I’m not into men,” he said quickly.
“That’s fine.
You don’t have to be into men,” I replied.
He seemed confused.
“Just into me,” I added with a smirk, leaning back.
He glanced away, overwhelmed.
Was that too much?
I studied his face for signs of acceptance or refusal.
He remained neutral.
I counted the seconds.
The longer he hesitated, the more excitement built.
He wasn’t saying no, just needed a nudge.
I was about to speak when the door creaked open, and Torren practically jumped in his seat.
Henry strolled out, oblivious.
“Hand that over,” he said, reaching for Torren’s vape.
“I’ve already gotten you three of these,” Torren replied, his voice slightly unsteady.
He cleared his throat.
Henry shrugged.
“Easier to use yours.
You always have it, and I keep losing mine.” I leaned back, taking a deep breath.
“Keep it,” Torren said abruptly, standing up.
He cast a quick glance my way before heading back inside without a word.
Damn it.
I shot Henry a glare.
“What?
Did I interrupt something?” he asked too innocently.
“Yes.
You did,” I snapped.
“Good,” Henry retorted, expression serious.
“Look, you know I’m usually on board with whatever you’re playing at, but…” He hesitated.
I waved at him to go on.
“Dad called me, Theo.” Of course he did.
“And?” “And you have to be more discreet than this.
Especially with Torren.
Lex is marrying his sister.
It’s too public.
Dad would kill you if it got out.
This isn’t like your other bullshit,” he told me.
I felt the sting of his words but knew he was right.
“Thought you were rooting for me.” “I am.
I want you to win your prize.
But you can’t keep pulling stunts like this out in the open, especially with Lex noticing,” he advised.
I sighed, lighting another cigarette.
He was annoyingly right.
Glancing inside, I watched Torren chatting with his sister, his leg bouncing nervously.
Lex eyed us, expression unreadable.
I knew Lex could see right through me.
They both could.
“Fuck,” I breathed.
Henry relaxed, leaning back on the chair.
“You can still have him, Theo.
Just keep it private,” he insisted.
I shook my head.
“I should drop it.
Dad’s already pissed.
Torren might be the last straw.
Maybe in a couple of years.” “Yeah, or four or five.” I chuckled despite myself.
Looking at Torren, frustration gnawed at me.
“I was so close.” “Why don’t you come by the club tonight?
Fuck some other college guy instead?” Henry suggested.
I huffed a laugh.
“It’s not an age kink, you know.
I’d prefer if he were older.
I want him, and I think he was about to give in.
Makes it harder,” I explained.
“Yeah, but he’s too young, Theo.
You’re almost twice his age.
Have you stopped to think about that?” I shrugged.
“What’s the youngest you’ve gone?” He thought it over, taking a drag.
“Not much, you know, probably three years younger?
I’m not into that.
You know why.
It’s not like I have a type, but it’s usually the…” He waved vaguely.
“Physical attributes?” I offered.
“Yeah, I know,” I said, and Henry chuckled again.
“How would you feel backing off from Marisa just as you were about to win her over?” He grimaced.
“Horrible.
It’s Tara now, by the way.
But yeah, it’d suck.
That’s why I’m offering a sympathy fuck.
It’ll make you feel better.” “Thanks, little brother,” I said appreciatively.
“Anytime,” he said, looking toward the table.
“Do you think this is why Lex never wants to take us anywhere?” I laughed loudly.
Henry laughed along, lifting his hand to order us another round.
Torren was glancing our way, a hint of a smile.
Damn it.
We stayed outside, keeping our distance the rest of the time.
When we left, I barely looked at Torren, avoiding a direct goodbye.
After kissing Remy’s cheek, I gave a general wave to the table.
The confusion in his eyes didn’t escape me.
I hated it.