Chad said. “I have to know how old you are. You look like a man. But I have to be sure you’re eighteen or older. I have a rule about that. I’m very strict about dating minors. I don’t do it.” When he called him buddy, Ricky gulped and said, “I’m eighteen. I turned eighteen last January. I can prove it.” Though his hands were on the verge of shaking, he didn’t want Chad to leave. “Cool.” “How old are you?” Ricky asked. Dawn had said he was in his twenties, but he looked younger. “Twenty-two.” “Cool.” Chad smiled. “Then close the door, man.” While Ricky closed the door, Chad crossed into the living room and lowered all the lights. By the time Ricky walked in, Chad was standing in front of a long window seat. His hands were in his pockets and he was smiling. “Come here, Henry.” His tone was low and smooth, with a resonance that caused Ricky’s heart to flutter. Ricky had been worried about how this would work. Did they talk for a while and get to know each other?
