Page 20 of Beautifully Complicated

“Can you feel mine?”

Going still, I’m able to hear the rhythmic thumping. “Yes.”

“I feel like I’ve run a marathon.”

“Do you do that? I know you said you’re a runner.” Pulling out, I shift to the side, so Kier isn’t bearing my full weight, but leave my head pressed against the crook of his shoulder. It’s not easy to get rid of the condom that way, but I’m afraid it won’t feel natural to lay next to him if I get up, so I don’t.

“The most I’ve ever done is a half, a long time ago.”

I toss the knotted rubber to the floor and give his nipple a playful pinch. “No more age talk.”

“That wasn’t about age, just time.” He rubs the spot I tweaked. “I haven’t run that far in years.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever run that far.”

“You look like a runner.” He drags a soothing fingertip over my arm.

“I get that a lot, but really I’m just twenty-two.”

“Now who’s talking about age?”

“That wasn’t about age, just genetics. Or metabolism. I’m still burning more calories than I can consume, same as most every twenty-two-year-old man.”

“Okay, I’ll allow it.” His fingers continue their path over my arm, a sensitive touch I could get lost in.

The whole evening is something I could get lost in, and I’m doing my damnedest not to. My heart is in a raw state right now, more susceptible to any displays of affection than it otherwise would be, so as much as I want to indulge in the fantasy that this is more than a fun night, I can’t.

“The wholeno agething is my rule.” I kiss the side of his pec since it’s so close to my lips.

“And I’m trying to honor it. But in my defense, it’s not that easy to ignore.”

“How so?”

“Well, for starters, your semi-hard cock is resting on my thigh, meanwhile my soft one is going to need at least another thirty minutes before round two.”

“We’re still doing that?” I prop myself on an elbow to look at him, stunned.

“Do you not want to?” A flicker of doubt flashes across his eyes.

“I do. I just didn’t want to assume.”

“While we’re on the subject—” Kier tenderly brushes a lock of hair off my forehead “—I don’t want to make any assumptions, but I am curious why you’re willing to let me be your first?”

Oh, God. If I have to admit he wasn’t a stranger to me he’ll remember this night for all the wrong reasons. True, it’s the fact I’m familiar with his work that inspired me to approach him, but everything since then has been about how he makes me feel, not who he is.

“Does it matter?” I ask.

He studies me thoughtfully. “I suppose not. Maybe I’m just looking for a way to explain why this is happening.”

Fuck! The man’s words could stitch my heart. It’d break all over again in the morning, but still… It’s a thoughtful question that deserves an answer. I guess I can give him a partial truth.

“I feel comfortable with you. More comfortable than I would’ve expected in such a short time. Almost like we’re old friends or something. Don’t laugh.” I bury my nose in the mattress. “I swear I’m not crazy and I’m not going to become infatuated with you or anything, I just feel like you’ll treat me with respect.”

“Aiden.” Kier’s fingertips under my chin bring my eyes to meet his. “I feel the same way.”

His soft lips meet mine, and this time I get so lost, I’m not sure I’ll find my way back to reality.

Chapter six

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