Page 37 of Celestial Bodies

Souzie couldn’t stand speaking about it. Julen had tried to apologize, but she never let him. She always stopped any conversation about that night.

She cleared her throat and closed her eyes, visibly pushing the thoughts from her mind.

She plastered on that Souzie smile and said, “But enough about that.You’re seeing Kitty Cat again today, right?”

Julen huffed a laugh.Kitty Cat. This was Souzie’s way of telling him to change the topic. “Yes, I’m seeingDaciasagain today.”

“What’s on the schedule? Heading to that little blue house?”

Julen looked down. “No. But… I did say something.” He turned to look at her, a little smile on his face. “I said I wanted more.” He gave her a knowing look.

Souzie gasped. “JULEN! Are you ready?”

Julen shrugged. “Yes. I mean…” He thought for a moment.Yes.He was sure. “I want him to be the one.”

Souzie shook her head. “No, no, I mean, are youready?”

She walked to her vanity, reached into a drawer, and tossed Julen a necklace.

Julen looked at the blue bulb on the chain. “What’s this?”

“Oil. Take it with you.” She strolled back to the bed and laid down, resting her legs over Julen’s lap. “You know…just in case.” She winked.

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Chapter 13

Dacias

Dacias leaned against the lamppost, facing the tunnel entrance.This boy is always late. He crossed his arms in a desperate attempt to stop biting his fingernails.

I told him he was like the moon, and he practically attacked my lips. More compliments like that.What else is he like? A flower? A bird? That’s weird.

He needed to calm down.Just let it flow. Don’t plan one-liners, that’s when it all goes to shit.

He’d be lying if he claimed he hadn’t planned the evening in Rugiria. He had been aching to kiss Arlo and wanted the perfect setting. He wanted their first kiss to be one for the books and the crescent moon with its alabaster glow falling as the golden sun began its ascent—it didn’t get better than that.

And he had something even better planned for today.

He thought the kiss would be slow and perhaps a little awkward. In no way had he expected Arlo to be the one to initiate it.

I want more.The words echoed in Dacias’s mind like a love song. Never were more beautiful words uttered.

Nerves tickled his belly.Am I nervous?

He looked up to see Arlo’s sweet face emerging from the tunnel. His green eyes sparkled as he looked up at Dacias.

“I’m so sorry. It took me a minute to sneak away. Were you waiting long?”

I’d wait an eternity.“No, not at all. Besides, your perpetual tardiness just adds to the enigma that is Arlo.”

Arlo’s expression was a mixture of longing and trepidation, and Dacias decided it was time for him to be the bold one. He caressed Arlo’s cheeks and pulled the boy in for a sweet kiss.

Arlo fell into him, his arms wrapping around Dacias’s neck. They parted, and Arlo’s face was the most adorable mix of awe and lust as his eyes fluttered open and stared at Dacias.I could kiss this boy forever.

Dacias ran his fingers along Arlo’s back, brushing them over the lean muscle that gave way to the soft curves of Arlo’s ass.Calm down, boy.“Missed you.”

Arlo smiled, his eyes drooping even more. “Missed you, too.”

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