Page 21 of The Key Holder

“Would it be wrong if I was wearing a butt plug?”

“I can’t believe you.” He rolled his eyes, but continued. “Of course it wouldn’t be wrong. It would be a little…odd. That’s all.”

“Why is that?”

“I…it’s just not the first place I’d think of to wear one.”

“So you do have experience using one?”

Instead of answering me, Ford dove under water. I watched as he threw himself out of the water. With the force of his movement, his suit fell down a little, giving me another peek of the top of his curvy ass. If I were an ass man, the struggle to not claim his hole would’ve been epic.

“Whoo! The water’s chilly,” he said, resurfacing.

I had to agree. My cock was certainly not straining anymore. It was practically inverted. “You didn’t answer my question.”

Ford smiled as he swam closer to me. “I’m bi, Dylan, not celibate. I’ve used a butt plug on others…but not myself.” That answer made my hole almost quiver. “Wait”—Ford paused before turning to me—“is that what you’re doing out here? Going celibate?”

“What?” How the fuck did he come up with that?

“I don’t have a problem with it. I’m just surprised we’re talking about anal toys if you’re trying to have a sexless summer.”

Of course he fucking remembered that.

“Talking about sex and having sex are two completely different things,” I said, debating whether or not to swim away from him. I decided it was futile.

“Did something happen?” He stepped closer, the concern on his face was clear. “Did someone hurt you?” We were only a few feet apart now, staring at each other.

How much should I say? Was this really the time? I swallowed and answered, “Not like you’re thinking. It wasn’t any one guy. I just had a string of shitty luck.”

“Shitty guys, you mean?”

I smirked. “Pretty much.”

“So you’re out here for a reset?” he asked.

“More or less. I needed time and less distractions. I don’t always make the best decisions when I…”

“Have too many options?” Ford suggested.

“Something like that.”

As a hundred images—memories really—flashed through my mind, the stillness of the lake kept me in the moment, as did the thoughtful look on Ford’s face.

“I respect that.”

“You do?”

“You needed a change so you did something about it. Can’t expect different results with the same process.”

“And what a process it was.”

Ford chuckled, then asked, “Apps, bars, or the gym?”

“You speak from experience?”

“Maybe, but now you’re the one not answering the question.”

I took a moment to absorb that this was our first real conversation in years. He still cared about me—that much was obvious. It was unexpected but sweet. “All of the above.”