This is different than most of the one night stands and casual dates Ray's had in recent years, where once the door was closed he could hardly care less what the other person really thought of him, because there'd always (eventually) be another, and Ray doesn't have the dignity to spare on people he'll never see again.

It's different in New York (or in any big city) than it is in small towns, though, where every encounter doesn't just exist in a vacuum. Rather than think about what this era, this town might imply for him or them longer term, Ray instead thinks back to Bible belt upbringing, how best to navigate an affair such as this without calling further attention to themselves.

He kisses Huaisang back, cupping his face with his good hand and shifting his hips slightly, making more room.

"Should we take this to another room?" He asks, the next time either of them comes up for air. "Or is out here good?"