Page 12 of Scorched

A smile tugged at Fabrice’s lips. He slid his hand up Kirkland’s thigh. “Looks like it was worth it. Of course, Alonge wouldn’t have it any other way. His reputation is on the line with every outfit.”

“I like him. It was obvious he’s earned every ounce of fame he’s found.”

Fabrice nodded. “He’s also extremely beautiful. Talent and looks will get you very far in this world.”

“He doesn’t hold a candle to you.”

Fabrice snorted. “Blatant flatterer.”

Kirkland twisted so he could hold Fabrice’s stare. “I’m serious. The first time I saw you, I was stunned into silence. I’ve never been this drawn to anyone.”

His heart. He was a goner. Fabrice didn’t look away. “You don’t know. There are still so many ways I could disappoint. We haven’t even kissed.”

It was an open challenge, and—for once—Kirkland didn’t freeze. “We should remedy that.” Kirkland dipped his head and touched his lips to Fabrice’s. The moment Fabrice opened for him, Kirkland wiped his mind clean. As thoroughly as Kirkland had played hard to get, Fabrice expected a shy, sweet kiss. He got fire. Pure, unadulterated passion. So much so, Kirkland shifted positions and straddled him. Fabrice could barely breathe in the face of finally having Kirkland in his arms. He had no intention of letting him go. Fabrice locked his arms around Kirkland and held on. If he didn’t, Kirkland might disappear and Fabrice would die.

Chapter Five

The sun shone brighter. Fabrice caught himself smiling like a fool for the hundredth time. Even though Kirkland and he never moved past kissing, Fabrice had the time of his life. His lips still tingled, and Kirkland had gone back to his room hours ago. There were no words to describe how much he wanted whatever grew between them. He just genuinely liked Kirkland. Fabrice wanted more.

“Don’t you check your messages any longer? Or are you angry with me?”

Tidy’s sudden appearance startled Fabrice out of daydreaming. “Oh.” He felt a bit ridiculous about his jealousy now. Fabrice knew Tidy would never hurt him like that. He should have checked his texts. Tidy knew how much Fabrice liked Kirkland. They were friends. “Sorry about that. I guess my head has been a bit in the clouds.” He chuckled. “You know, I even forgot my phone existed. You’re here, though. Tell me what I missed.”

Tidy wore a shit-eating grin. “Dude, I sent you so many pictures. Kirkland was so uncomfortable at Alonge. All for you, of course. I’ve been dying to hear what happened. I mean, like, wow. Before yesterday, I’m pretty sure he hated my guts, but he came to me because he likes you that much. You have to tell me everything.”

Fabrice was so moved, he could have cried. “We kissed.”

“Shut up.” Tidy grabbed a stool and pulled it close, giving Fabrice his full attention. “Go on.”

Heat rushed to Fabrice’s cheeks.

Tidy slapped his hands together and laughed. “Yes! Let’s hear it.”

Fabrice couldn’t stop blushing, and he didn’t know why. “That’s it, really. We talked for a while and kissed for even longer. His hands stayed respectful, unfortunately.”

“Still, that’s progress. He didn’t leave you guessing his feelings. That’s a good sign.”

Fabrice still wasn’t one hundred percent certain how Kirkland felt. He knew something was budding, but Kirkland was damn good at turning cold in a heartbeat.

Foster, Crisp, Jay, and Kirkland poured into the room. All Fabrice saw was Kirkland. He couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face. Kirkland was smiling too. That seemed like a good sign.

Foster carried a notepad and kept his eyes locked on the bright yellow pages as he spoke. “Okay. Now that we have the most important pieces of this party together, let’s get to planning.”

Kirkland moved to stand behind Fabrice. He rested his hands on Fabrice’s shoulders and squeezed.

Fabrice drew a steady breath through his nose and released it. He fought the urge to close his eyes and focus everything he had on the sensation of Kirkland’s touch.

Crisp kissed Tidy’s cheek.

Jay did the same. “Good morning, gorgeous,” they chanted in unison.

Tidy smiled like an idiot. Crisp and Tidy had spent their lives glued at the hip. They were adorable.

Thankfully, Tidy paid attention to the situation since Fabrice hadn’t. “What party?”

Kirkland spoke up behind him, startling him a bit. He had been too focused on those hands. “Atticus’ surprise birthday party.”

Foster laughed. “He hates having birthday parties.”