Chapter 44
Halley
After that jaw-dropping declaration, Eot leans forward and catches my hand in one of his. “It’s late,” he whispers, and then kisses the back of my hand, the embodiment of every Prince Charming in every human romance novel he’s never read. “Go get some sleep.”
I’m still reeling, lightheaded with how much I want everything Eot’s offering. I open my mouth to reply…but what can I say when Keelo hasn’t yet agreed?
What I end up saying is, “Good night, Eot.”
Keelo doesn’t say anything when I nudge his back or when I drag Eot’s bedroll closer and snuggle under both their blankets.
It’s cold—that’s my excuse if he tries pushing me away.
Instead, Keelo lies stiff as a board, his back pressed to my front, and I loop an arm over his waist, relishing the heat radiating off him.
He burns hotter than Eot. I like it though.
And I like even more the idea of him getting off on watching Eot and me make out.
I’m pretty sure he’s not wearing pants, and for a moment I wonder what’d happen if I were to slide my hand lower, down his defined pecs and across his muscled stomach to his dick.
Would I find it thickening again already, the tip still moist from masturbation?
Would his cum be honey-colored, as Eot’s is?
And what would happen if I were to kiss Keelo?
Would he taste Eot on me? Would it drive him even wilder?
I don’t go seeking answers, as much as I’d love to. Instead, I whisper his name as softly as I can, hoping Eot can’t hear.
“I won’t stay, if you don’t want me to.” I can’t imagine a life on board their spaceship where Eot and I are dating and Keelo is miserable. I won’t do that to him—making him a virtual stranger in his own home—not even if it means staying behind on Lyd when they pack up and leave.
Still…I’m hopeful, more hopeful than I’ve been all day, that maybe Keelo has feelings for me. He wouldn’t have touched himself to the heavy breathing of Eot and I having sex if he didn’t fancy me at least a bit. Right?
And he still hasn’t pushed me away.
His heart’s racing a mile a minute, thumping against my palm. His breathing is coming fast too, like he’s run a race—or ejaculated into his fist.
He rolls over then, wrapping both his arms around me and pulling me against his chest. I freeze, half believing that if I move, he’ll spook and run away. But when the only thing that happens is Keelo holds me tighter, I finally start to relax, a smile turning up the corners of my mouth.
Maybe Eot was right after all. Maybe everything really is going to work out for the best.
I swear I can almost smell Keelo’s pheromones through his neckerchief.