I choke back a laugh because that will only encourage them. “Purely because I want to avoid seeing Griff knocked out, can we please get back on topic?”
Three blank faces stare back at me, which makes Keller sigh. “You’re going to need to remind them.”
“Don’t make me say it again.”
“You’d think hearing that our token straight friend crossed swords with Ford would be enough to keep them focused.”
“Apparently, that was too much to ask.”
“Oooh, that’s right.” Art rubs his chin. “Sometimes I forget straight people exist.”
I wave to the other guys in the room. “Go tell them that.”
He cringes. “Have you seen Silas? Unlike Griff, I’d like to not be punched tonight.”
“What about your straight bartender?” Griff teases.
“Damn.” Griff really does want to be carried out of here on a stretcher. Like it always does when the hot bartender is mentioned, Art’s jaw tenses for a second.
“We’re having a nice conversation. No need to bring up that little punk.”
“I wouldn’t call him little,” I say. Sure, the guy is lean, but even I’ve clocked the way his biceps are hugged by those tight bartender T-shirts. “Wait. Is the fact I’ve noticed Joey’s muscles gay?”
“It could be,” Payne says at the same time as Art snaps, “What are you looking at his muscles for?”
A silence sinks in, broken only by Keller trying to hold in his laugh.
Art clears his throat. “S’pose it’s hard to miss when he insists on wearing a shirt two sizes too small.”
None of us have the energy to fight him on it. Art is purposely obtuse when it comes to Joey, which is hilarious to witness when Joey’s flirting is so over-the-top it borders on ridiculous.
“And still my questions are going unanswered,” I say.
“Sorry.” Art claps his hands and points at me. “I’m focused. Go.”
“Obviously, things happened with Ford, and I enjoyed it. I don’t think I’m having any kind of gay panic, and IthinkI want to try again, but I’m worried that I’ll instigate something and then not be into it.”
“If you’re curious, you’ll be into it,” Griff says.
“Not necessarily,” Keller corrects. “It’s like anyone. If the attraction’s there though, there’s a high likelihood that the body parts won’t matter. First time I was with a guy, it didn’t even factor in that it was any different to being with a woman.”
“It was different for me.” Griff rubs a hand over his face. “But I think it would have been different even if it was another woman I slept with after Poppy.”
“If it helps, start out slow,” Payne says. “There’s something really hot about feeling a cock pulse in your hand as it goes off. Especially that first time.”
“I have a cock. I’m familiar with that feeling.”
He shakes his head, grin taking over his face. “Nah, it’s completely different with someone else.”
“I’m up for a handie if you need practice,” Art offers.
I give him a blank look. “Has anyone else told you how generous you are?”
“Frequently. Especially in the bedroom.” He reaches for his fly.
“Fuckno.” I hold up my hand like I’m trying to cover the view. “I mean, uh, no. It’s fine. I think I’ll stick to figuring this thing out with Ford.”
“Have you actually talked to him yet?” Keller asks.