Chapter 22

I couldn’t help but feel shocked and wondered if Jeff had seen it.One look at my best friend’s face told me he had.He looked furious as he moved through the water toward me.

“What was that about?”he whispered when he got close enough.“Was he hittingon you?”

“I think so.Wild,right?”I laughed.

“He shouldn’t be touching you.I mean,he doesn’t even know if you are into guys.”He glared daggers at Jon’s back.

I laughed again.“Maybe he could just tell,”I answered before I thought about what I was saying.It wasn’t until I saw his shocked expression that it dawned on me I had just outed myself.

I must have blushed ten shades of red,as I felt the heat creep across my skin.To hide my embarrassment,I dove and grabbed his knees,pulling him under,too.

Jeff fell with me and we wrestled around for a moment before resurfacing.

“You are in somuch trouble,”he threatened.

“Oh,yeah?What are you going to do?”I teased.My eyes fell on his mouth and I instinctively licked my lips.

His eyes darkened and he stared at me with something I couldn’t describe.But a delicious shiver ran through my body.

He moved toward me and I backed up until I hit the tiled edge.He grinned,knowing I was trapped.I started sliding along the wall until I was into the five-foot area.He followed,and in seconds,I nervously bit my lower lip as he zeroed in on me.He braced his arms on the concrete walkway behind me and leaned in until he was inches from my face.Water droplets fell from his hair to his shoulders and rolled down his chest.

“Did I hear you right?”His hot breath against my wet skin made me tremble.

I swallowed nervously and nodded,holding his gaze.

“Say the words,Aaron,”he said gruffly.

My heart raced.My breathing was ragged,and my mind swirled with emotions I wasn’t sure I was ready to deal with.My gaze fell to his lips and I almost groaned when I saw their wetness.And so rosy.Water dripped down his face and another droplet fell to his chest.For a moment,I found myself wishing I could lick that small bead of water.

“Say the words,Aaron.”His voice sounded thick.

My eyes flicked back to his,and the intensity I saw in them stunned me.My heart pounded in my ears.I licked my lips.My voice quivered as I whispered,“I’m gay,Jeff.”

He looked like he was about to say something when Kevin came up behind him.

“Hey,guys,quit messing around!”

Jeff pulled away,but still didn’t say anything.I couldn’t move and I gazed at all that silky hair plastered to his chest.

“Sorry about Jon.He’s gay and he’s a big flirt.”Kevin held up his hands,palms out,as he shook his head.“Wait,that didn’t come out right.I don’t mean to apologize for that—I don’t have a problem with him being gay.I mean,he likes to flirt and I should have warned you guys.But give him a chance,he’s a really nice guy.”

“No problem.I liked him,”I said.

Jeff swiveled his head toward me,his eyebrows raised.

“I don’t mean like that,”I clarified.“I mean,he’s a nice guy.Funny,too.”

We spent the next couple of hours in the pool.Once I got over my initial fear of Jeff’s reaction to my revelation,I was able to relax and have a good time.Kevin was right,though,Jon didlike to flirt.And I was his target.I didn’t mind;it was kind of flattering.But Jeff and I never got a chance to be alone again so I was anxious to talk with him.

Around dinner time,we all decided to head home.

Jon walked next to me,chattering the whole time.“Are you coming to Kevin’s party?”

I shrugged.“I’d planned on it,but with everything going on with my mom…I’m not sure now.”

He swung his arm around my shoulders,pulling me close.“I get that,but I really hope you come.I could even pick you up if you need a ride.”

“He’s gota ride,”Jeff said from behind.

I turned to look at him,surprised to see the redness in his face.

Jon pulled away his arm,chuckling.“Good to know.”He shot Jeff a smug grin.

We walked together,now quiet for a while,until Kevin and Jon turned down another street,leaving Jeff and me on the sidewalk.Now we could finally discuss my big reveal.

I took a breath.“Jeff,I know I shocked you,”I began,searching for the words to explain why I’d kept my secret for so long.

“Let’s talk tonight,okay?”His voice was tight.Rough.He wouldn’t look at me,and an overwhelming sadness filled me.After the way he’d acted all afternoon,I had allowed myself to believe he was fine with my earlier revelation.I was clearly wrong.

“Sure.If that’s what you want,”I murmured