Page 147 of Beau and the Beast

“Alright well peace out to you too,” Lincoln called after her.

Noah laughed and squeezed around his neck. “Oh my God,stop—leave that poor girl alone.”

“It’s like she’s never seen a grown man carry his friend up six flights of stairs before,” Lincoln said.

“Yeah, imagine that, in this day and age.”

They reached the door to his apartment and stopped, Lincoln kneeling down low enough so that Noah could get down easily. Noah accepted his cane and stepped around, propping himself against the wall next to the door as he waited for Lincoln to unlock it.

“You know, I actuallydidhave a great time tonight,” Noah said. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but your friends were really nice.”

“I had a great time too,” Lincoln said—and suddenly Noah was aware of his proximity. Instead of opening the door to his apartment, Lincoln had stepped closer and put a hand on the wall above Noah’s head.

“I’m really glad you came,” Lincoln said. His face was just inches from Noah’s and then it was happening, Lincoln was kissing him, and the thought hadn’t occurred to Noah that he might like to kiss Lincoln, but in that moment he didn’t resist it, didn’t pull away. Lincoln’s lips were full and soft and a moment later, when Noah opened to him, his mouth was hot and slick. Lincoln bent at the knee and Noah was surprised to feel his hands on his waist, the length of Lincoln’s body pressed against his.

Still half-shocked, Noah moaned into the kiss and the sound seemed to break the moment. Lincoln dropped his hands and took a step back, immediately running a hand through his hair and straightening out.

“Jesus. I’m sorry. Jesus, Noah.”

“You don’t have to, uh,” Noah said, lost for words. “That’s ok. That was ok.”

Lincoln fumbled for his keys and unlocked the door. By the time they stepped inside, Noah was feeling the alcohol differently and the room threatened to spin around him.

“I’m gonna get some water and head to bed,” Noah said, not sure what was supposed to happen next, whether they should talk about what had just happened or ignore it altogether.

“Yeah, sounds… sounds tight, man. Goodnight.”

Lincoln stalked off to the living room and Noah promised himself he’d think about things in the morning.

But in spite of his promise, Noah did everythingbutthink about what had happened the night before. Lincoln was already at work by the time Noah peeled himself out of bed and forced himself into the shower.

He really liked staying with Lincoln. And he’d really enjoyed himself the night before. Noah couldn’t remember a point when he’d gone out with anyone and not felt guarded the entire time, just waiting to slip up and make everyone uncomfortable.

Lincoln had changed so much—gone from barely being able tolookat Noah to being so comfortable with him that he could bring him out with his friends.

Comfortable enough tokisshim.

Well, drunk enough to kiss me, anyway, Noah thought.

He hadn’t been kissed in so long and it had been so good. He’d never had someone who he considered a friend actually be interested in him enough to kiss him and—

He was drunk, Noah reminded himself.He didn’t really want you—he was just drunk and you were there.

Noah pressed the thought away. He’d hadfunthe night before—and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d done anything that he’d actually describe as fun. Why couldn’t he leave it at that?

* * *

“Hey, so, like—can wetalk?”

Noah was happy enough to pretend like nothing out of the ordinary had happened between them, but apparently Lincoln wasn’t. He’d sidled up to Noah at the stove that night, holding him lightly by the upper arm.

“Can it wait until dinner is ready?” Noah asked, looking for any reason to stall the conversation.

“I guess.”

Lincoln settled at the kitchen table, waiting impatiently. Noah drew out his meal prep for as long as he conceivably could, anxiety boiling in him as he finally put together two plates of pasta for them and made his way to the table.

“Last night was—“

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