Page 46 of His Choice

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I had gone into the pool house to change into a swimsuit. Mikey had informed me that he had worn one under his shorts. I was amazed the guy had run around the court so well without overheating.

When I came back out to the patio, Mikey’s eyes zeroed in on my body, and I could tell he appreciated what he saw. Then he glanced away, embarrassed that he had been caught staring. That gave me a chance to check him out unnoticed. For someone who wasn’t my typical type, he was growing on me fast. Some might have preferred a taller guy, but height never mattered to me. I didn’t see how being short made a man less attractive. In Mikey’s case, it reinforced my opinion that he was rather adorable.

“Whatcha looking at over there?” I asked him when he remained staring off toward the house.

“Huh?” he asked, returning his gaze. His eyes dropped again to my chest before rising back up. He blushed. “Nothing. I… Aaron warned me that I’d act weird once I saw you with fewer clothes. I thought I should look away so I don’t embarrass myself.” He looked down at his feet. “Like I just did, admitting something so cringe.”

I sat on the poolside chair opposite his. “Hey.” He looked back to my face. “If admiring someone’s body is behaving bizarrely, then call the white coats to come and get me. Because I’m appreciating what I see sitting across from me.”

Mikey’s eyes widened. “But compared to you…”

“Remember, you said you’d try to stop comparing yourself to everyone else,” I cut in. “Mikey, you’re going to be some people’s type more than me, or Aaron, or Brighton, or Ted. My point is, there’s a reason that the saying ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ became a cliché. It’s because it’s true. Some of my mother’s friends toured my house and told her that they didn’t care for it—that it’s too formal, too stodgy, too museum-like. To them I say, I’m not looking for housemates. I don’t care about their opinions. What matters is what I think, which is that it’s an amazing place. And, Mikey, I don’t know what others have told you, but I think you’re beautiful, too.”

He grinned. “I think both you and your house are.”

“Thank you. Come on. Let’s get in that pool before the camera crew comes out and captures my face still perspiring.”

“Nobody will be looking at your face,” he said, rising from the chair.

“Not when they have that cute bottom of yours to focus on,” I joked.

Mikey turned, surprised. “Aaron said I should have worn a suit that shows it off better. Since this one doesn’t, he told me I should moon you.”

I stopped short. “Moon me?”

Mikey turned red again. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t. He just likes to tease me.”

“And you’re sure he’s straight? None of the straight guys I know check out my ass,” I pointed out.

“You had to be there,” Mikey said dismissively. “Aaron saw me in my underwear and it led to him joking that I needed to work it for you.” He grimaced. “Sorry. That was so wince-worthy to share that. He was right when he said that I’d get nervous around you and start talking like a moron.”

The fact that Aaron was trying to help Mikey score with me erased the suspicion I had that Aaron might be attracted to his roommate. Aaron’s actions weren’t aligning to someone in love with his friend.

“You haven’t said anything dumb. Your candor is refreshing,” I assured him, as we walked across the patio to the pool. “There are so few people who say what they’re really feeling or thinking. And you’re wrong, you know. I wouldn’t object to you mooning me.”

Mikey appeared shocked, then grinned before dipping down into the low end of the pool where the water rose to his waist.

Just as I descended the pool stairs, the camera crew and Marv came waltzing out of the house to make their way to Mikey and me. I submerged myself, wishing I could hold my breath until sunset and avoid putting on an act. I had just gotten Mikey more comfortable being himself.

When I resurfaced, the men were standing around the edge of the pool. Mikey had become quiet. I beckoned him to approach me.

He dog paddled my way, and I took hold of his arms. He shivered.

“It will be fine.”

“What are we supposed to do?” he whispered.

“Just stay close. I’ll rush them along,” I promised him.

“Okay, boys, we’re going to start filming,” Marv announced. “This works nicely. Mikey, put your hands on Cliff, too. Then start talking to each other. Try to make it look romantic. Cliff, at some point, lean in and kiss Mikey.”

“Oh,” Mikey muttered, not expecting that.

“Isn’t it a bit soon for that?” I asked the director.

“What do you think this is? A documentary about John the Baptist converting a follower in the Sea of Galilee?” Marv snapped. “You’re supposed to be excited, horny gay men half-naked in a pool together, for God’s sake. Now when I yell action, start talking about the earlier contest, but move it quickly into sexy talk about how you’re into each other.”