Page 21 of Rust and Stardust

“Can't what?” he asked innocently, but his eyes were anything but. “I'm just getting my water bottle.”

He picked it up, taking a small swig to transform his lie into truth. I tried to focus on the road ahead, but it was impossible with Lucas so close. The heat of his body seemed to radiate through the cab of the truck, and the scent of his cologne made it difficult to form coherent thoughts. Not that I needed any of those because I knew they’d all be about him, anyway.

“You know damn well what,” I growled, trying to keep my eyes on the road. But it was a losing battle. I couldn't help but watch as a drop of water escaped the corner of his mouth, trailing down his neck. I wanted to lick it off.

Lucas smirked, clearly aware of the effect he was having on me. “I don't know what you mean, Beau. I'm just sitting here, minding my own business.”

“The hell you are.”

He leaned in closer, his breath hot against my ear. “You don’t agree?” he whispered. “If you’ve got something to say cowboy, say it.”

My hands clenched the steering wheel so tight my knuckles turned white. “Lucas, please,” I begged, not sure if I was asking him to stop or to never stop.

He pulled back slightly, a hint of concern in his voice. “Too much?”

I let out a shaky breath. “No... yes... I don't know.” I glanced at him, my resolve crumbling. “You… You don’t want me,” I said at last. “Believe me. I’m not your type.”

“I think I’ll be the judge of that, cowboy.”

Christ, he was driving me crazy with that pet name. “No. I’m telling you that you can’t have me because I can’t be…” I couldn’t bring myself to say the word. “I can’t be like you.”

Lucas's eyes softened, a mix of understanding and determination in his gaze. “Beau,” he said gently, “I know this isn't easy for you. But you can't hide who you are forever. Believe me, I tried.”

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles turning white. “I'm not hiding anything,” I lied, my voice gruff.

“Aren't you?” Lucas challenged, his tone still soft but insistent. “I saw the way you looked at me yesterday. I felt it in that kiss. That wasn't nothing, Beau.”

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “It was a mistake,” I insisted, but the words sounded hollow even to my own ears.

Lucas shook his head, a sad smile on his lips. “A beautiful mistake, maybe. But not one I regret.”

His hand found mine on the gear shift, his touch sending a bolt of pleasure through my body that made my skin feel as if it were on fire.

I jerked my hand away as if I'd been burned, but the tingling sensation lingered. “Lucas,” I warned, my voice low and dangerous. “Don't.”

But he wasn't deterred. His hand found my thigh instead, squeezing gently. “Why not, Beau? Give me one good reason.”

I could think of a hundred reasons, but with his touch setting my body ablaze, I couldn't voice a single one. Instead, I pulled the truck over to the side of the road, kicking up dust as we came to an abrupt stop.

“What are you doing?” Lucas asked, surprise evident in his voice.

I turned to face him, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps. “Ican't... I can't drive like this,” I admitted, my resolve crumbling again with every second I looked into those mesmerizing green eyes.

Lucas's eyes darkened with desire, his hand still resting on my thigh. “Then don't drive,” he murmured, leaning in closer.

My heart pounded in my chest as I fought against every instinct screaming at me to close the distance between us. “Lucas,” I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper. “We can't do this. Not here, not now.”

But even as I spoke, my body betrayed me. My hand found its way to the nape of his neck, fingers tangling in his dark hair. Lucas's breath hitched, and I saw his pupils dilate.

“Why not here?” he challenged, his voice raspy. “Seems like as good a time as any. We’re all alone.”

I glanced nervously at the road ahead, where Pa's truck had disappeared around a bend. “They'll notice we're not behind them,” I argued weakly.

Lucas chuckled, the vibrations going straight to my cock. “Tell them we got a flat then.”

It was a weak excuse, and I knew that, but I was far weaker. The words had barely left his lips before mine crashed against his, sweeping him up in a hungry kiss. Lucas responded with equal fervor, his lips parting to deepen the kiss. His hand slid up my thigh, sending sparks of electricity through my body. I groaned into his mouth, pulling him closer, desperate for more contact.

Our tongues danced as we explored each other, years of pent-up desire finally finding release. Lucas tasted like coffee and mint toothpaste, and I couldn't get enough. My hands roamed his body, feeling the lean muscles beneath his shirt.

---