Page 61 of Beautifully Complicated

“You didn’t have to. I feel it all the time, but especially when you make a gesture like this. Just like I know you feel how much I love you.”

“I do, Leanbh.” I sift my fingers through his hair, cupping the back of his neck so I can bring his mouth to mine.

When our lips brush together for the first time in months, I feel both grounded and weightless. Safe and free. This man… There’s no logical explanation for how quickly or deeply I fell for him, I only know I’m incomplete without him.

Though we’re both desperate for more, talk of the future—and our mutual confessions—seem to keep some of our baser urges at bay. I’m oddly grateful for that, because while my body craves his with increasing urgency, the fact we can kiss without expecting anything more is a powerful confession in and of itself. Our lust is strong, but our love is stronger.

Later, when I’m in my own bed as the clock strikes midnight, the memory of Aiden’s soft lips pressed against mine is so vivid it feels real, and I drift off with a goofy smile.

Chapter eighteen

Aiden

JANUARY

The mid-morning sun fills my room with light, which seems appropriate given the fact I’m waking up from the most perfect night of my life.

Well, maybe it’s a tie.

That first night with Kier was the previous title holder, and since I’ve yet to have better sex than I did in his hotel room, there’s a solid argument it should still be number one. But last night he told me he loved me, something I’ve never heard outside of my family, and that might take the cake.

Holy shit! Kier loves me. And he wants to start a business with me.

I feel like the princess in that Disney movie my niece watches, the one where the obscure commoner is plucked from the crowd by the handsome prince, minus the glow up from a fairy godmother.

My life is literally the stuff of movies right now. I mean, I’m the guy who’s always the friend, never the boyfriend, yet the AI community’s hottest gay bachelor wants to share his business and his bed withme?

Who am I and what happened to the gay nerd that no one wanted to date?

Lifting my arms over my head I try to stretch out the morning stiffness only to realize I’m not stiff in the least. I’m not sure whether that’s a being in love thing or a no homework hanging over my head thing, but either way, I feel great.

I’d feel greater if there was a tall, dark and handsome man in bed next to me, but knowing he loves me makes up for being alone. For now.

The grumbling in my stomach tells me it’s probably closer to lunch than breakfast, so I put on some sweats and make my way downstairs for food. That’s where my good mood evaporates. Instead of an empty kitchen, I find Bennet sitting at the island, staring at me with the same frown he used to give Damien before they became boyfriends.

In their case it was a precursor to some love/hate chemistry, but I’m pretty sure in my case it’s closer to just hate. Or pent-up anger.

“Hey,” I say lamely.

“Where were you?”

“Happy New Year to you too.”

“Cut the cute shit, Aiden. That’s not like you. Where were you last night?”

“Why?”

Bennet ticks his jaw. “Why? Because you’re my best friend and I haven’t seen you in ages since all you do is work. Because last night was a holiday and there was a party at the frat we both belong to but you weren’t there. Because you don’t talk to me any more.”

He’s not pissed, he’s…worried?

“I was with a friend.” I open the fridge to grab some juice.

“What friend?”

“You don’t know him.”

“Now would be a good time to fix that. Who is it?”

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