It had been a week since the life changing call with my dad, and I was finally beginning to settle in at the apartment. I had helped Clif find the airy space all those months ago, and since I stayed over often, it felt natural to be living there officially.

Clif was shocked when I explained everything to him, and the more he processed what I told him, the angrier he became. While I appreciated the concern, I made it clear that I didn't need him to fight on my behalf since I was perfectly capable of dealing with my parents on my own. I was surprised when he agreed to not start any shit, but in exchange, he made me promise to let him be the one to retrieve my belongings. He didn't want me to have any unpleasant run-ins, and I was immensely grateful for that since the possibility had already crossed my mind.

Connor tagged along in his own vehicle to lend a hand, which was convenient given the size of Clif's car. My new room already had a bed and dresser, so I didn't need my old furniture, but there were countless boxes due to the size of my wardrobe. It took a few hours of hard work to load everything up, but in the end, they successfully delivered a lifetime's worth of accumulated stuff to my new home.

My mom stayed silent for a few days, which I took as a sign that she was condoning my father's actions. I almost didn't accept the call when I saw her name flash across my screen one afternoon while I was studying with Connor, but ultimately, I decided to hear her out. My mom and I had always been close, so I had hoped that she would step up and be the voice of reason. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

"Bo, your father acted on impulse, but he was only doing what he thought was right," Mom explained. "You have to believe me when I tell you that he has a good heart, and he really does love you very much."

"Nothing about this situation is right. Dad kicked me out for being gay, which isn't something I can change--I wouldn't change it even if I could! Connor makes me happy, Mom, and I just don't understand why that's so fucking bad," I argued, feeling the rage begin to swirl in my gut. "It's absolutely wild that instead of defending me to Dad, you're trying to defend his bigotry to me. What the fuck is that? I thought you were better than that. Jesus Christ, this whole thing is just so fucking stupid. Did you know that I was only living at home for you guys? Hmm? I felt guilty after Jules and Reid left, so I decided to stick around since the two of you act so damn pathetic when you're forced to be alone with each other. Clif asked me to move in with him a year ago, but I turned him down. For you! I'm such a fucking idiot, right?"

"Sweetie, listen, you say that this man makes you happy, but indulging in pleasures of the flesh won't bring about true fulfillment. Walking with God on the path of righteousness is the only way to achieve the joy that I know you want in life. Bo, your sins might mislead you into thinking that you're happy, but it's fleeting--temporary. You are being manipulated by the dark forces that exist in this world, my sweet boy, but you can still be saved. Your dad and I will help you through this!"

"Holy shit, Mom. You sound absolutely batshit right now," I muttered, stunned at my mother's words. Pinching the bridge of my nose between my fingers, I decided that the conversation was over. "When did you guys become so zealous? Seriously, we went to church and prayed before meals growing up, but I never would have expected you to lose your goddamn minds over this. Addie and I had premarital sex, and I'm pretty sure both of you knew. Why didn't you kick me out for that? Alright, well, I told myself that I'd listen to what you had to say, but I'm cutting you off because I'm honestly embarrassed for you right now. I love you guys, but this is it for us. I'll take your money since you're offering, and because I'm not a proud idiot, but I don't want to have a relationship with either of you going forward. Enjoy your big, empty house, mmkay? Don't call me again."

"Hey man, you okay?" Clif asked, looking concerned. His sandy blonde hair was down for once, and I was taken aback by how long it had gotten. The stubble on his face had grown in a bit, making him look more mature than his 20 years, but he pulled off the scruffy look well. It was Saturday morning, which meant one thing--college football. Even though I didn't know much about sports, I always sat in the room with my enthusiastic friend and silently supported the team he liked the most in any given matchup. I had never really developed an interest in the game myself, but I always enjoyed the vibrant energy it added to social gatherings.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking," I mumbled, shifting to my side on the plush sofa. Things had settled down somewhat, and while that was mostly a good thing, it left me with too much time to think. I knew that my parents were in the wrong, but they were still my family and it hurt to know that they could toss me aside so easily. "Still just trying to process everything, but I'll be alright. Seriously, don't worry about me."

Clif eyed me suspiciously, as if he didn't believe what I was saying. His expression softened and his eyes gleamed as he said, "Why don't you and Connor go on a date? You guys haven't been able to hang out much this week with all the moving and school shit, ya know? Maybe getting laid would lift your spirits."

"We haven't even slept together yet, dumbass," I replied, sternly refuting the implication that we had already fucked. "But you're right, I do miss Connor. I think I'll take your advice and see if he wants to go out tonight."

"There you go! I've got plans with Ethan and I'll probably crash at his place anyway, so you guys can even come back here after your date," Clif proposed, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

I laughed at the ridiculous gesture, but had to admit that it was a solid plan. I pulled out my phone, suddenly feeling lighter than I had just a few moments ago, and sent Connor a short text.

Me: Could I interest you in a date tonight, Mr. Wells?

Three little dots immediately appeared at the bottom of the screen as he promptly responded to my invitation.

Connor Wells: Absolutely. Pick you up at 7?

Me: Perfect. Can't wait.

* * *

"Bo, I'm leaving!" Clif yelled, announcing his departure. "Have a good time fucking!" Uproarious laughter echoed throughout the apartment just before I heard the front door shut. Fucking idiot, I giggled to myself.

Connor was due to arrive at any moment, so I forced myself away from the mirror to avoid yet another outfit change. Since I wasn't sure what we would be doing, I went with simple layers, a vintage black tee under a gray scoop neck sweater, and a pair of faded jeans. My curls were as unruly as ever, so I made the decision to imitate Clif and pulled my hair up in a loose bun. As I was checking to make sure I had everything I needed, I heard a gentle knock on the door.

"Hey there," I flirted, nibbling my bottom lip as I gestured for my boyfriend to enter the apartment. "Let me grab my coat and we can go. Have you decided what we're doing tonight? I mean, dinner, obviously, but after that I'm stumped."

Connor's pale blue orbs wandered up and down my body, taking in all of me, before an affectionate smile settled on his handsome features. "First, let me just say that you look stunning," Connor praised, forcing my cheeks a deep red. "Dinner is a given, yes, but I also wanted to see if you'd be interested in going to a bar tonight--a gay bar, actually."

I had never been to a gay anything before, but my curiosity was definitely piqued. I was enjoying the process of exploring my sexuality, especially when alcohol was involved, so I knew there was a good chance that it would make for a fun time. "A gay bar, hm? Let's do it. Oh, that's on the condition that I don't have to drive, of course. Hey, why don't we leave your car here tonight? We can get an Uber so that both of us can get drunk! We'll have the apartment to ourselves all night, anyway. Oh shit, and Clif left his weed here! Oh my god, we're going to have so much fun, babe!"

"Goddamn, do you always go this hard, Bo?" Connor chuckled, adjusting his gold frames. "An Uber is a great idea, actually. And I don't see the harm in smoking before we leave since neither of us will be driving, but you should know that I haven't gotten high like this in quite a while."

"Don't you worry that pretty little head of yours," I purred, moving closer. I stood in front of my date, wrapping my arms around his thick waist, and tilted my head up to meet his gaze. Connor reciprocated by enveloping me in his warm embrace, and my nostrils flared as his unique scent invaded my nose. It was masculine but soft, notes of sandalwood with lavender undertones, and I felt myself relaxing as I breathed him in. Suddenly, my body started to feel hot, and I noticed a familiar tightness in the front of my skinny jeans. Mesmerized through darkened lashes, I whispered, "I'll take care of you tonight. I promise."

* * *

The ride from the restaurant to the bar Connor suggested took a few extra minutes due to traffic, and I was beyond relieved when we finally reached our destination. I hadn't had a cigarette since before dinner, which had to be some kind of a record for me, so I was desperately craving one. I pulled a stick out of the pouch, placing it delicately between my lips, as I heard Connor ask, "Can I have one, too?"

I arched an eyebrow, confused at what was happening, and mumbled, "You want a cigarette? But you don't smoke."

"Only when I'm sober," Connor said as he flashed me a wink. I smirked and offered him the full box before handing him the lighter. When I was confident that everything was secure in my coat pocket, I glanced up to observe my boyfriend smoking his cigarette. He was a natural, and there was something about his confidence that made watching him inhale feel like I was engaging in some kind of intimate foreplay. Holy shit, this is so hot.

When we were both satisfied with our nicotine fix, the two of us finally made our way into the bar. There was a small cover, which Connor paid, but we managed to get in quickly since there wasn't a line. We checked our coats, leaving our sweaters behind as well. As we advanced in the large space, loud, fast-paced music was blaring, encouraging those with lowered inhibitions to simply let themselves go.

We walked up to the bar and ordered some shots, and before we had even been there half an hour, someone approached us, placing a hand on my boyfriend's shoulder. "Connor! I didn't think you were coming out tonight!"

Flinching at the physical contact, and irritated at the stranger acting so familiar toward my man, I focused on pushing down the bitchy retorts that were clawing like hell to escape my mouth. Decidedly unable to be nice to this person, I shifted my eyes to Connor and asked, "Um, babe, who is this?"

Connor looked down at me with an amused expression before briefly explaining, "Bo, this is my buddy Matt."

"Ah," I muttered, not interested in introducing myself. I didn't like how this interaction was making me feel, and honestly, I just wanted this Matt person to go away. He was a couple of inches shorter than Connor, but still quite tall. He had short hair that appeared black in the dim lighting, and his smooth, tanned skin was glistening from sweat. I had to dig my fingernails into my folded arms to stop myself from rolling my eyes at the skin-tight tank top he was wearing. The man's nipple was clearly visible through the stretched fabric and I found myself seeking a visual chaser to lessen the sting from the assault on my eyes. Stop being such a jealous bitch, I told myself, recognizing the fact that I was beginning to spiral. I hated how good looking this "buddy" was, and I hated how little confidence I had in myself at that moment.

Connor turned to Matt before proudly introducing me, "Matt, this is Bo Collins, my boyfriend."

Matt snapped his wide eyes down to look at me and shouted, "Bo! Hi! Connor has told me so much about you."

"Oh, is that so? Well, I hope it was all positive," I joked flatly, no smile to be seen. Maybe it was shitty, but I really didn't care if this guy thought I was a brat. My high was at its peak and the shots were kicking in, and all I wanted to do was dance with my hot boyfriend. I gestured to the bartender for another round, repeatedly thanking the heavily tattooed man as he promptly poured them in front of us. Connor broke away from chatting with Matt to toss the drinks back with me, and before he could get distracted again, I leaned in and breathed hot into his ear, "Dance with me."

Connor said his goodbyes as I intertwined our fingers and led him to the dark, crowded dance floor. The music was so loud that I could feel the vibrations coursing through my body, stimulating the pleasure center of my brain and forcing my hips to move. My boyfriend towered over me from behind and I relished the feeling of his hard body, the growing bulge in his jeans rubbing eagerly against my ass. Hands began to slide up my shirt, navigating my skin like a map, and I shivered as Connor's lips found my neck. He nipped, kissed, and sucked, and like a lightning bolt to my groin, I felt my cock spring to life. I turned around to face my partner, roughly gripping the hair on his nape with my fingers, before pulling him into a deep, hungry kiss. Connor's hands moved down to squeeze my ass cheeks as he deftly positioned his thigh between my legs. We swayed and gyrated, our excited members grinding against each other, engaging in their own heated dance. The friction between us ignited a fire that neither of us wanted to put out.

"You're cute when you're jealous," Connor teased, leaning in so I could hear him. I could feel the smirk curving up his lips as his face pressed against the base of my neck.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I quipped, feigning ignorance. I let out a sigh before responding with a smirk of my own and shouted, "You're too hot for your own good, alright? This is our night, so just shut up and dance with me!"

Connor chuckled as he kissed me, his eyes crinkling at the corners and gleaming with affection. "Anything for you."