A Dirty Drag Collection (Dirty Drag #1, 2, & 3) by Kyle Adams Page B

head to stare at the table. So much for trying to show Rick he was taking getting to know each other seriously. He felt like he’d fucked it up royally and didn’t even know how. Or was it because he dressed too serious for Rick to take him seriously, which seriously made no sense to him. This is who he is, and he thought Rick was seeing that. Finding out how wrong he had been made his chest feel restricted, and he had to remind himself to keep breathing.
    He liked Rick, a lot, and wanted to be honest with him. Rick made him feel safe opening up about himself, and if he didn’t do a better job of putting himself out there and letting Rick see the real him, he knew he might not get another chance. He just hoped he hadn’t already blown this one. “You said you wanted to get to know each other, and I want that too. I wanted to show you I was taking this seriously and wanted to impress you. That’s why I dressed seriously impressive.” Ashley met Rick’s eyes, “That doesn’t mean this isn’t the real me. Yeah, I wear a lot of outfits, but underneath, they’re all a part of me. They all make up who I am.”
    Rick just smiled at him; it was a warm, inviting smile. “I think that’s the most sincere thing you’ve ever told me. I saw you so dressed up and just assumed you were being another character. For that, I’m sorry.” He sounded genuine, and Ashley let out a small sigh of relief, pleased he hadn’t blown his chance with Rick. Well, not yet anyway.
    He opened his mouth to say something sarcastic, to lighten the mood, but decided against it. “It’s okay, with how I’ve acted, it’s no wonder you’d draw that conclusion. But I mean it. I’d like to get to know you.” Ashley swallowed, “For us to know each other.”
    Rick’s smile broadened. “I’d like that.”
    “So, how do we do that?” Ashley asked.
    “With time.” Rick stated simply.
    “You’re a man of few words.” Ashley smiled slyly.
    “And you’re a man of many.” Rick said with a teasing glint in his eyes.
    “Touché. But really, I’m not very good at this, and I already feel like I know you.”
    “Yeah?” Rick spoke softly, “what do you think you know?”
    “I know you’re thoughtful. When you had to meet your family, you still took the time to drive me home. And you’re loyal and keep your word, like how you passed up a day of sex with me to go camping, keeping your prior commitments. You’re a considerate lover, making sure we both get the most pleasure possible. You cook and clean and wouldn’t mind if I didn’t. If I’m being honest, you could probably find a way to bribe me into cleaning up.” Ashley gave him a wink. “Your place is neat and welcoming, which says a lot about you. I know you have a good sense of humor and smile a lot. You have a foot fetish, and it doesn’t bother you that I have one for heels and doing drag. You have a sweet tooth and like Star Wars. I know you like dogs, or at least had one growing up. And that you like cuddling and having me close, even in public. I know you’re really patient,” Ashley smiled, “with me at least.”
    “I think -” Rick started, but Ashley interrupted him.
    “I’m not finished yet. I could probably spend another hour coming up with little things I’ve already noticed about you. We could sit here and talk about your favorite color or your childhood best friend, but that’s not how I get to know people. I know that it’s not as easy to get to know me like that, and that’s my fault for putting up fronts. And, you know what? I like all that stuff about you, and I want you to learn stuff like that about me.” Ashley paused and took a deep breath before adding in a softer voice, “And hopefully you’ll like what you learn.”
    “I was trying to say I think we should leave and finish talking later.”
    “You haven’t finished eating yet.” Ashley pointed out. He hadn’t either, but he didn’t plan to finish his meal since his mind and