Chapter 12: Crossing the Line

12

Ethan and I helped the dead-drunk Derek back to the hotel.

He looked at the big bed, frowning hard.

He glanced at Derek, who was snoring away: “He’s straight, right?”

I nodded: “Yeah, why?”

Ethan said, unhurried: “You’re gay. Doesn’t it feel awkward bunking with a straight dude?”

“……”

I’ve known Derek since we were toddlers.

He knows I’m gay, doesn’t care about anything.

We’re like brothers.

But I still played along: “I’ll go get another room.”

Ethan said directly: “Come sleep with me.”

Wait, two gay guys sharing a bed, that’s even less appropriate.

But Ethan didn’t give me time to react, just dragged me into his suite.

I didn’t overthink it—it’s not like we haven’t slept together before.

Since I’m here, might as well wash up and sleep.

I grabbed a bathrobe and headed into the bathroom, but Ethan followed right in.

“Mr. Carter, what are you doing?”

Ethan started unbuttoning his shirt.

I swallowed.

Ethan: “It’s already past midnight. That means it’s Saturday.”

My brain screamed to bail, but my feet wouldn’t move.

I struggled to refuse: “Mr. Carter, I told you last week—we’re done.”

Ethan dropped his pants.

“I never agreed.”

He pulled my hand to his chest.

“If you don’t want to, you can leave now.”

The room was so quiet I could hear the Portland rain tapping the window. My pulse thundered in my ears. I knew I should walk away, but with Ethan standing there—shirt half-off, eyes burning—I wasn’t sure I remembered how.