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And I silently hoped that this guy wouldn’t write me back.
“Oh, you’ve got to be fucking shitting me,” I muttered as I stared down at Ethan’s letter. He’d written me back. My letter had been intentionally blunt, sort of rude, and short in hopes that thiswouldn’thappen.
Either Ethan was dumb and couldn’t take a hint, or the man was a glutton for punishment.
I set my coffee on the counter and opened the envelope. A picture came out first, and my eyes almost bugged out of my head. Ethan wasripped. He didn’t have a shirt on in this picture, and his abs were perfection. His arms were thick and bulging with muscle, and his shoulders were broad. Sweatpants rode low on his hips, revealing a prominent V that disappeared into his sweats.
I could appreciate that he was attractive, but unlike most other guys, my body didn’t stir at the sight of him. I was beginning to think I was demisexual since I’d gotten hard around Cameron and Jayden before, though I had no romantic feelings toward them at all.
But anyone else? Nope. And believe me, I’d tried.
I pulled Ethan’s letter out next.
Draven,
I’m pretty sure you didn’t want me to write back, but I’m a stubborn asshole, so guess what? Here’s my letter.
Yes, it does suck to be away from home during the holidays. We get served somewhat of a Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, but it’s not the same as being home, kicking back on the couch with a beer in my hand, and watching a football or basketball game.
Your dedication to your friend is something I don’t see too often anymore—not even within the military. It says a lot about your character that you’re willing to sacrifice your own comfort if it means he’s happy. It’s one of the reasons I decided to write you back anyway despite the rudeness you portrayed in your letter.
But that’s okay, baby. I like rude boys. ;)
I included a picture of me in the envelope. Thought you should get a taste of what could be yours if you don’t remain so stubborn.
I look forward to your next letter. Don’t let me down, boy.
I’ll be waiting,
Ethan
I set his letter down, feeling a bit conflicted. Should I write him back, or should I let the cocky asshole wait around on me, only to realize I wasn’t going to ever write?
But fuck, he’d challenged me. And I wasn’t the kind of man who could let a challenge just pass me by, especially when it was a direct one.
Sighing, I called Jayden and Cameron in a group call. “We don’t normally hear from you this early,” Cameron said in confusion. “Everything okay?”
“Uhm…” I frowned at the letter. “I don’t know,” I finally settled on.
“What’s wrong?” Jayden’s voice was soft—tender. Fuck, the things I did for him. Hell, the things I did forbothof them. They needed a protector, and I was just that.
Which meant I also protected them from myself.
And that also meant Icouldn’ttell them I didn’t want to write this guy back. I mean, I could tell Cameron, but it would still go back to how Jayden would feel. And yeah, Jayden would understand; I knew he would. But fuck, he would be disappointed.
“This guy wrote me back,” I finally muttered.
“Well, write him again,” Jayden said in a duh tone. “You know, it’s not the end of the world to form relationships with people outside of us, Draven.”
I sighed. “I know it’s not,” I kind of snapped at him. “But in case you forgot, I have no urge to be with anyone like that.”
Jayden quieted. I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“No, you’re right,” Jayden said. “I’m sorry. I tend to forget that you’re not attracted to people as easily as I am. Just… be his friend, at least?” Jayden asked. I bit back a snort. I wasn’t sure if just being friends with Ethan was possible. Hedefinitelywanted more. “Maybe somethingcouldcome out of it. Just give yourself some time.”
“He’s right,” Cam popped in. What was this—tag team Draven day? “Don’t give up right now, Draven. Just continue writing this guy and see what happens, okay? Who knows—it could be one of the best decisions you ever made.”
I wasn’t too sure about that—I had a feeling Ethan and I would clash heads more often than not. He seemed to be just as stubborn as I was. And he was cocky and arrogant, too.
