Page 11 of Luka

Spencer nodded, trying to catch his breath. “Yeah, just a bit winded. You’re in better shape than I am.”

Luka laughed. “Don’t worry about it. You did great for your first hike.”

“How do you know that was my first hike?” Spencer felt a sense of pride at the compliment. He leaned back against the couch, and Luka followed suit, their bodies nearly touching.

“I can spot a newbie a mile away,” Luka replied. “Like I said, you did great.”

They sat there in silence for a few moments, both lost in their own thoughts. Spencer couldn’t help but wonder if Luka felt the same intense attraction that he did.

Finally, unable to take the silence any longer, Spencer turned to Luka. “There’s something I want to tell you.”

Luka turned to him, his piercing green eyes sparking with curiosity. Spencer hesitated for just a moment before closing the small gap between them and pressing his lips to Luka’s. To hell with it. Why tell the guy how attracted he was when he could show him?

The kiss was electric, igniting a fire within Spencer that he had never experienced before. He felt Luka’s arms wrap around him, pulling him closer as they deepened the kiss. It was hot, passionate, and oh so sweet.

“I’ve been wanting to do that since the moment I met you,” Luka whispered.

Spencer grinned, relief washing over him. “Me too. You have no idea how hard it’s been to hold back.”

Luka chuckled, pulling Spencer in for another kiss. “I think I have a pretty good idea, but I did say no strings attached.”

“What if…” Spencer bit his lip. “What if I want strings? Not a relationship. I don’t mean that. But…we could do more.”

Luka sighed and stood, looking agitated, and Spencer had no idea why. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Spencer. I have a past.”

“We all do.” Spencer got up, feeling slightly rejected. “Coffee?”

Luka nodded. “I’m going to step outside for some fresh air.”

Spencer helplessly watched him walk out and wished he hadn’t pushed things. They’d had such a great day, and that kiss had ruined it.

* * * *

Luka took a seat on the porch, cursing himself for kissing Spencer. Not that he regretted what they’d shared, but Spencer was innocent, and Luka was as jaded as they came. He had blood on his hands, and he didn’t want to taint Spencer.

For the first time in his life, Luka had found someone he connected with, and he felt ashamed of his past. Would Spencer look at him as a monster if Luka told him what he’d done for a living?

“What if he’s your mate?” Luka murmured to himself. “Then what?”

But Luka had retired. He wasn’t going to fulfill any more contracts or agree to any other arrangements. He loved Ridgeway, but Luka could live out his life at this cabin and be content.

“I’m sorry.”

Luka looked up to see Spencer standing there with two cups of coffee. Luka took one, and then Spencer sat next to him. “Sorry for what?”

“My hormones.” Spencer sighed. “I’m wildly attracted to you, have been since I first saw you, and after today…” He shrugged as he toyed with the mug in his hands.

“I felt it too,” Luka admitted. “You have nothing to apologize for, Spencer.”

“But now things are awkward.”

“No, they’re not.” Luka set his mug aside. “We’re still enjoying our time here. I’m going to fire up the grill and make us dinner. We’re going to enjoy the night sky. Nothing has changed.”

Spencer hid his smile behind the rim of his cup. “It was an amazing kiss.”

God, Spencer was good for his retched soul. “It was.”

“I, uh…” Spencer took a sip of his coffee. “I want to tell you what’s going on with me.”

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