They parted on friendly terms. Olin said he’d call if he came back to town, and Wes and Assa promised to do the same if they were ever in Bellwether Province.
“That was fun,” Assa commented later, once they were in bed.
“It was,” Wes agreed. “Nice that it happened organically. No need to fuss with the apps.”
“But also kind of weird, right?”
“What do you mean?”
Assa’s brow furrowed. “Olin was lovely, and gentlemanly, and interesting…but after he left, it was like…I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.”
Wes rolled over so they lay face-to-face. “Can you try?” Their sex life required clear communication. He wanted to understand what his husband was driving at.
Assa bit his lower lip. “I sensed a connection when we were together, and there was all that delicious anticipation thisafternoon and earlier at the bar, but sometimes I think it’s weird howunattachedI feel to the guys we play with. I mean, those betas last month, I don’t even remember their names.”
Wes laughed. He didn’t remember their names either. “I wouldn’t worry. We go into these situations assuming they’re one-offs. It makes sense that we don’t get attached when that’s not what we’re looking for.”
“I wasn’t looking for love when we met, and I fell for you anyway.”
Wes squeezed his husband’s waist. “You and I are meant to be. These other men are great—fun, like you said—but they’re just frosting. Something extra. You’re not extra. You are essential to my existence. You’re my everything. All the rest of the cake.”
“You really mean that, don’t you?”
Wes saw the anxious flicker in Assa’s eyes. He hated that Assa had these moments of self-doubt, but Wes never tired of reminding him of his love.
“Sweetheart, my life started the day I met you. And it will end whenever and however we part.”
“I’m so happy you love me,” Assa murmured. “And that we want the same things.”
“Like the occasional random man in our bed?”
“Not just that…everything. I never thought I would have this.”
“You deserve the best life. That’s what I plan to give you.”
“I know.”
Wes switched off the lights. Comfortable silence enveloped the darkened room. He wrapped his arms around Assa and drifted into slumber.
Ten minutes later, Assa roused him with a tap on his biceps. “Wes?”
“Hmm?”
“Can I tell you something?” He didn’t sound drowsy at all. “I don’t think I can wait until morning.”
Wes rubbed his eyes. “Okay.”
“The thing is…I feel so lucky for what we have, but I just figured out something else.”
“A midnight epiphany?” Wes rasped.
“I think I finally trust it.”
“Trust it?” Wes repeated. Rolling onto his back, he crooked an elbow over his head.
Assa sat up. “I’ve always known you meant it when you said you loved me, and that you agreed about being with other people. But for the first time, I really believe we can have it. That it will last and it’s not just a dream that’s going to poof away.”
Wes ran a hand along Assa’s thigh. “I’ll say it as often as you need to hear it. I love you, and I’m not going anywhere.”
