24. Callum

24

CALLUM

“ N ow you both drive safe and let me know when you get there. Also I expect better updates from y'all than to only let me know you're still suckin' down oxygen. I want details and quality, you hear me? Just nothin' about your hanky panky. I'm too old for that,” Gran chided as we walked our stuff out to the car.

The week had flown by and I was surprised to find I was sad about leaving Oklahoma. I enjoyed all the time I got to spend with Rhys and his Gran, who had been enthusiastic about us being together to say the least. She'd whooped and hollered the next morning when she'd come home to find us creeping out of my bedroom in search of breakfast. It was mortifying to be caught in our combined walk of shame, but her joy had been contagious. She hugged us and kissed our cheeks before pulling me to the side and giving me a warning I should have expected.

You treat him right or else I'll skin your butt alive and feed ya to the pigs. They'll never find you.

I had laughed when she said it, but the terrifying glint in her eye had me shutting that shit down real fast. If I had any doubts she meant it, they withered under her glare. Gran might appear meek and sweet, but I bet she could do some damage if pushed. Lucky for her, I was pretty obsessed with her grandson and the only intentions I had were to worship him from dawn 'til dusk.

Annoyingly, I hadn't had time to worship at the altar of Rhys' body since that first night a few days ago. He'd been paranoid about doing anything while Gran was in the house. I fucking hated it, but I understood. The woman liked to joke about being old, but she had the hearing of a damn bat, always catching us when we'd kiss or even get too close. She'd laugh like it entertained her to break up our intimate moments, but it had me on edge like nothing else. I'd had blue balls for Rhys for way too long, and even now when he was mine to claim and kiss and ravage, I couldn't do a damn thing about it. I couldn't wait to get him back home.

“We promise to call when we reach Austin,” Rhys promised her, hugging her hard. “Thank you for having us this week. I love you.”

“Oh honeybun, it was my pleasure. Thank you for coming up here, and for bringing that cutie with you. He survived a week with me, so I guess he's got my seal of approval,” she teased, shooting me a wink.

I walked over to give her a hug, something that still made me a tad uncomfortable, but I sucked it up for her. After all, her talk that morning had been the last push I needed to pull my head out of my ass and go after what I wanted.

“You remember what I told you about my second theory,” Gran murmured in my ear before she pulled back.

I looked at her confusedly, but then it clicked. All I could do was smile at her and say “yes ma'am”, promising her and myself that I would do whatever it took to be the best person for Rhys.

The car ride back seemed to fly by with Rhys splayed out in the passenger seat and DJing the best of the 80's the whole way home in honor of my mom. I still couldn't wrap my head around the idea that we were together. Like a couple. And not just a couple of people, but in a you're-mine-now-please-fuck-me-into-oblivion-all-night kind of way. At least, I assumed that's how couples functioned. I hadn't ever been in a…togethership thing before.

Fuck, I was bad at this, but Rhys didn't seem to mind that we hadn't labeled anything. We just simply were and it was everything. Being together lifted the weight that had hung over us for the last few weeks and all the old tension burned away under this new flame we had kindled. Well, there was definitely still tension, but now we had much better ways to work that out.

Pressure built behind my zipper as I thought of all the ways that was possible now I didn't have to keep my hands to myself. By the time we reached Austin, my cock was so hard it could have jackhammered through concrete.

He agreed to come over to hang out at my place when we got back, and by the greedy spark in his eyes I had an excellent feeling that we'd be stripped down and horizontal in record time. The elevator ride up to my floor was maddening, especially since Rhys was being a damn tease and not letting me kiss him.

“You need to learn some patience,” he quipped, pinning me with a faux stern look.

“Sweetness, it's been five days since my dick has been anywhere near your vicinity. Trust me, I have the patience of a goddamn saint right now.” I adjusted my hard-on conspicuously to prove my point. The only sign he'd been affected by it was the tempting color that bled into his cheeks.

“And the mouth of a drunken dockworker. What a winning combo,” he said sardonically.

“Just wait until we get inside, Evans. I'll show you exactly what this drunken dockworker can do with his mouth,” I winked at him, and his eyes widened in anticipation.

Why aren't we there yet? I swear to fuck, this elevator is slowing down or going in reverse. The universe loves conspiring against me and my suffering cock.

With a willpower I didn't know I possessed, I avoided racing to the door and towing Rhys behind me. Once the door was unlocked and we unceremoniously shoved inside, our bags fell to the floor and I was on him.

I grabbed his face, slamming my lips down on his, tasting his moan on my tongue. His fingers clawed at my jacket, raking down toward my ass as he yanked me into him. I loved how his reserved shell cracked and shattered when we were together, showing me the hedonistic animal underneath. I sensed it on him the first day in that classroom. Even as he had shaken with nerves and fear, I could tell he had suppressed urges that were as sinful as they were delectable. I couldn't wait to uncover each one and break them loose.

I buried my fingers in his thick waves, tugging just enough to have him whining into our kiss. I swallowed his sounds and got lost in the desperation of them before trailing my hands down to the button of his jeans.

“I was wondering if you were getting back to— whoa. ”

The intrusive voice snapped us both out of our bubble, and Rhys hands shoved me back out of his space, his face flushed with embarrassment. Annoyance hit me that we were interrupted and I spun to face Griffin, hiding Rhys behind me until he got himself together. Unfortunately, there was no hiding the erection tenting my own pants, especially since I elected to wear sweats on the drive home.

Universe, you heartless bastard, what did I ever do to deserve this? Okay, rephrase. What did I ever do to you personally to warrant this shit?

Griffin's eyes were wide as he warily took me in, gaze sweeping down to the evidence of my arousal. He looked back up with a hardness in his features that wasn't there before.

“Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. I didn't realize you were bringing company over,” he intoned, holding my gaze and ignoring Rhys behind me. I could feel him shifting at my back, clearly feeling the awkward vibe settling over us.

“No man, that was my fault. I should have texted to see if you were home,” I apologized, trying to curb my frustration so I didn't snap at my friend. It was my dumb ass that hadn't thought to check if he was back.

“S'all good,” Griffin said tightly. “You gonna introduce us or just stand there giving me the one gun salute?” He arched a brow at my slowly deflating dick and irritation pricked at me at his blatant perusal in front of Rhys. I snatched up my duffle, using it to shield myself from Griff as I grabbed Rhys' hand and pulled him next to me.

“Griffin, this is Rhys. Rhys, my roommate Griffin,” I said. I noticed Rhys' hand tighten around mine, and I squeezed it reassuringly.

Griffin's eyes flashed with an emotion I couldn't quite peg, but it was gone too fast to decipher. He stuck his hand out, his usual charming smirk firmly in place as Rhys shook his hand.

“Nice to officially meet you, Rhys. Hawk's told me all about you,” Griff replied, but something in his tone had my hackles rising, especially when I felt Rhys stiffen beside me.

“You too,” Rhys mumbled and I could feel the unease rolling off him. I wanted to fuck every ounce of tension out of his body until he was loose and languid for me again. I hated how uncomfortable he was in my place, but I knew that was as much my fault as it was Griffin's.

“We'll catch up later, Griff. Rhys and I are gonna hang out in my room tonight and take it easy.” I started toward my room, pulling Rhys behind me.

“Wait, what about my birthday party tonight, man? You can't miss it,” Griffin complained. I cursed under my breath since I forgot all about it being Griffin's birthday today. It wasn't an easy date to forget being New Year's Eve and all, and our group went out each year to The Oasis on the lake to celebrate with him. It was like a two for one party deal to ring in the New Year and another year of Griffin.

“Fuck dude, I completely forgot. Being gone for the break kind of threw me off. I'm sorry,” I lamented, genuinely feeling bad but not willing to ditch Rhys for a party, even one for my friend. Apparently he didn't feel the same.

“Cal, you should go. We can hang out anytime,” Rhys offered, aiming a small smile my way. I was about to protest when Griff spoke up.

“Come on, Hawk. You've never missed it,” Griff urged, brows drawn down in worry. “You can come too, Rhys, if you want.” It sounded like he'd extended the invite begrudgingly, but I wasn't going to turn down the chance to bring Rhys with me.

I threw a questioning glance at Rhys and he nodded once in response. “No worries, we'll be there,” I assured him.

“Good deal,” he replied, but the harsh lines on his face told me he was holding something back. I wanted to talk to him and make sure he was okay, but I couldn't worry about it just then, so I steered Rhys to my room instead.

Once I closed the door, Rhys plopped down on my bed with a sigh, giving me a tired look. “Guess we're going to a party tonight.”

“I'm sorry, Sweetness. If it were any other occasion, I swear I'd blow it off, but Griff's a good friend and I've kind of neglected him recently. It's important I go.”

“No no, I get it. Really,” Rhys said, grasping my hand in both of his. “Don't feel like you have to bring me along. I know he just invited me to not seem rude, and I don't want to crash his birthday.”

I sunk down onto the mattress beside him, gripping his thigh and swinging it over mine until he straddled me. The action took him by surprise and he grasped at my shoulders, gasping softly. God, I was a sucker for every little noise I pulled from him. I wanted to catalog them all until I knew exactly which stroke or touch elicited which specific sound.

“I am not going without you tonight,” I told him, firmly kneading his thighs on either side of mine. The deft strokes slowly relaxed him, the muscles giving under my persistent fingers. “I want you by my side so I can show off how a worthless asshole like me was lucky enough to get you.”

Rhys breathed out a skeptical chuckle, but I could see the pink tinting his cheeks. “You going soft on me, Hawkins?” he joked, lips curving up in a teasing smile.

I cocked a brow up at him, dragging his hand down to my half-hard cock. “I don't know, you tell me. Does it feel like I'm going soft for you?”

Rhys' pupils dilated, need dousing his irises in black. “I certainly hope not,” he rasped, his fingers curling around my dick as much as he could through the fabric.

I whipped him around, his back hitting the mattress as I ground my hips into his. Rhys threw his head back, arching up to meet my lazy thrusts. His breathing sped up and I licked a slow trail up his neck to his ear.

“I have been dying to sink back inside your sexy little ass for days,” I whispered, continuing my sensual assault with my hips as I nipped at his jaw. “I fucked my fist every night thinking about how you sucked me into your body and took my cock like you were made for it. And you were, weren't you? This ass knows who fucking owns it, huh?”

“Cal, Jesus…” Rhys shuddered, my dirty words taunting his dick to harden under me rapidly. “I need you. Touch me, please.”

I ghosted my lips over his, pulling back each time he tried to seal us together. He let out a frustrated whimper that had precum leaking from my tip. I finally ran my hand down to his jeans, undoing them quickly and pulling out his swollen length. I circled the bulbous head with my thumb before dipping it into his slit and forcing out the milky fluid. Rhys let out a guttural moan that had me slamming my lips back over his to muffle the noise.

“Uh uh, sweet boy. We have company unfortunately, so you'll need to be quiet while I get us there,” I whispered into his panting mouth, licking at his full lips playfully.

“Uhh, that may not be as possible as you think,” Rhys snickered, biting off another moan when I swiped at his pearly slit again.

“In that case, let's make it a game.” Worry and curiosity warred in his eyes as I smirked down at him. “If you can stay silent while I jack us off, you'll win your orgasm. But if you make any sound, I'll leave you hanging on the edge while I paint your chest with my cum.”

Rhys started to protest so I shut him up with a firm pump to his leaking cock. “And if you're a sore loser, then you won't get to come tonight when we get home either, and I'll make you watch with your hands tied as I jack myself off over your gorgeous face.”

His mouth snapped shut and he pouted adorably, but there was no mistaking the raw lust in his hooded gaze. He liked being pushed to his limits and at my mercy. The twisted side of me partly hoped he lost so I could have an excuse to tie him up and drive him insane. I quickly lowered my sweats and released my rigid length. Grabbing the lube out of my nightstand, I slicked up both our cocks and lowered myself over him.

“Ready, Sweetness?” I taunted, but I took us together in my hot grip before he could answer. My eyes instantly rolled back at the velvety feel of his cock against mine. I worked us in a steady rhythm that had us both trembling. Rhys' teeth were clamped on his bottom lip, eyes riveted on the sight of us together in my fist.

I had trouble focusing on just one thing, gaze flitting between the erotic image between our stomachs and Rhys' stunning face, his mouth open and brows creased in pleasure. I never got fucking sick of seeing him get lost in my touch, giving himself over to me freely. I twisted our heads together and Rhys sucked in a harsh breath, eyes slamming shut as he fought to stay silent.

Like the mean fucker I was, I shoved his shirt up his chest and captured his nipple with my teeth, flicking the taut peak with my tongue. Rhys convulsed under me, hand slapping over his mouth to stifle the cry I sensed was right under the surface. I laved the bud with the flat of my tongue, circling and teasing it as he writhed under me, thrusting up into my fist helplessly. Rhys let out nothing but loud, broken panting that made my shaft throb.

I nearly let out a growl at the sensations flooding my body. My piercing kept sliding against his dripping tip and it was goddamn decadent, building my release fast. I switched to his other nipple, relishing in how wrecked Rhys looked, head thrown back and sweat glistening across his collarbone. I raised up on my elbow to watch him, mercilessly pumping my hand to bring us closer to that glorious finish.

Rhys' muscles tightened under me and his hands scrabbled at my shoulders, his nails sinking into my skin with desperate need. I stifled the stream of curses that worked their way up my throat, my arousal flaring from the delicious pain. He yanked me down over him, his heated body vibrating and I knew he was seconds away from detonating. I twisted over our joined heads one last time, sending a flash of heat down my spine as I erupted between us. But I didn't want to come alone.

“Come for me. Fucking do it,” I gasped out, waves of pleasure drowning me and making my vision darken around the edges. In the next second, Rhys silently shouted out his climax as ropes of cum jetted from his cock, mixing with mine until we were soaked. He sank his teeth into my shoulder, his bite a mark I wanted permanently etched into my skin like a tattoo. The sharp pain had more cum pulsing from my length as I fought for breath.

I continued to pump us slowly, drawing out our orgasms until they melded, pulling us under as we clung to one another. Rhys was wrapped around me, limbs tangled with mine and I wished I could fuse us together. I wanted to wear him like a second skin, have his being merged with mine so I'd never be without him.

It was toxic as fuck, but I didn't give a shit. I had never before felt as whole and complete as I did when I was with Rhys, stripped down and laid bare for him in every sense of the word. It was fucking terrifying to be faced with something that I could see holding onto forever, but I didn't want to be a coward anymore. It scared me to want him so much, but it would end me to lose him again.

I pulled back just enough to peer down at his sweet face, a lazy smile gracing his luscious mouth.

“I win,” he said breathlessly, and I laughed under my breath at his smug delight. His violet gaze shone with adoration and joy and it squeezed my chest painfully. This was how he should always look.

Happy, sated, and entirely mine.

Lights and music assailed us as we made our way up to the third deck of The Oasis. The massive restaurant was part club and situated right next to Lake Travis, the deck extending out toward the incredible vista. Given it was New Year's Eve, the four levels were overflowing with people dancing and laughing, making it a feat unto itself just to move three feet in any direction.

Rhys clung to my hand as we headed toward the bar, his anxiety spiking at the boisterous crowd surrounding us. I drew him to my side, slipping my arm around his waist to relax him and he melted into me. My stomach flipped as he sank into my embrace and it was crazy to think there was a time where I couldn't touch him like this. Crazier still to remember a time where I was convinced I hated him. Now, I hated just the thought of being without him and I intended to keep him as obsessed with me as I was him.

“What can I get you, handsome?” the bartender shouted, a flirty gleam in his eyes. I felt Rhys prickle beside me and I squeezed him tighter to me.

“Can I get a Jack and Coke, and a club soda with lime?” I yelled back, flashing him my charming smile.

“Coming right up.” He sauntered off with a salacious wink, and Rhys' little growl that was even audible over the noise had me reveling in his jealousy.

“Aww, what's the matter, cutie? Someone threatening your territory?” I ribbed him sweetly, turning to bring Rhys against my chest. He simply glared at me, digging his nails into my pecs in retaliation and it sparked my laughter. “Damn, you're adorable when you're jealous.”

“I'm not jealous. That's a baseless accusation. Being jealous means I'd have to like you and we both know I clearly don't. Obviously I hate you,” he sniffed, looking around the room haughtily.

“Oh, clearly. If you feel the need to heave being this close to me, just aim at the bartender. Might make you feel better,” I grinned down at him and I could see his lips twitching.

“It's something to consider,” he mumbled, peeking at me from the corner of his eye. I gripped the back of his neck and drew him in for a quick kiss, but as I pulled away Rhys chased my lips and deepened it. I groaned as his tongue dove into my mouth, sliding against mine in a sensual dance that made me want to bend him over the bar and claim him in front of everyone. Too soon he ended the kiss, shooting me a smug smile.

“What's that look for?”

“The bartender was walking over,” Rhys said simply, his eyes wide and innocent. Sure enough, our drinks were on the bar top in front of us and the flirty bartender was taking another order, looking decidedly less happy.

“Such a possessive little minx,” I teased, “I've got to say I'm shocked to see this side of you, Evans. I probably shouldn't encourage your unhealthy infatuation with me, but I'm willing to be the bigger person and allow it. I mean, I can hardly blame you, can I?”

“Keep talking and the next drink I order you will be Jack and Arsenic,” Rhys threatened.

“Why so grumpy? I'd think you'd be happier. You've got me and the bartender doesn't. You're living his dream right now,” I retorted, earning me a gut check from Rhys' elbow.

“Would you look at that? I think that tall, dark dream over there needs a dance partner. If you'll excuse me…” Rhys attempted to skirt around me, but I hauled him back to me forcefully.

“Don't you fucking think about it, Sweetness,” I grunted. “You take one more step and I'll drag you to a dark corner and put you on your knees for me. See if your new dance partner likes it when you're gagging on my cock.”

Rhys' pupils blew wide and I could feel the harsh intake of his breath as his chest expanded. I leaned down to his ear, licking the outer shell gently.

“Is my sweet nerd turned on by that thought? You like the idea of someone seeing you being my dirty little cockslut, or is it just that you want my dick in that perfect mouth of yours?” I whispered lewdly in his ear. He trembled in my arms and I barely heard his whimper over the music.

“B-both…” Rhys admitted softly, and a deep groan escaped me. Rhys never failed to surprise me. His innocence and reserve that the world saw hid the debauched, greedy side that lay beneath. I always had a feeling that my Sweetness wasn't quite so vanilla as he appeared on the outside. I would take great pleasure in testing that theory over and over until he was a writhing, cum soaked mess.

My filthy mind was causing a problem in my jeans, so I shoved those thoughts aside until we were back home. “Okay, we need to dance before I fucking snap. Let's go.” Rhys' laughter trailed behind me as I pulled him out to the dance floor.

A few minutes later, Kenji and Griffin found us and they were well on their way to being wasted.

“There's our fearless leader,” Griffin drunkenly yelled, throwing his arm over my shoulder despite Rhys' close proximity. “Oh wait, that's not true anymore because your cute boy toy here got you in trouble. Oops!” Griffin snorted out a laugh, his drink sloshing over the sides of his cup a bit .

“Griffin, cut that shit out. You're being an asshole,” Kenji slurred in our defense.

“What? It's just the truth. But Rhysie boy here must have a golden ass or something because Hawk just forgave it all. Pfft! Like it was nothing,” Griffin spouted, his caramel eyes glazed over from the liquor that was fueling his words.

Rhys tried to dislodge himself from the circle of my arms, but I wasn't having it. “Don't fucking talk about him like that. Griff, seriously. What is your problem?”

He just laughed and shot us a dopey grin, taking another long pull from his cocktail. “S'not a problem! I'm just saying that his ass must be something hella special for you to get over everything, even other tail. I mean, we're not fucking anymore, so you must have all you need right here. Good for you on locking that down, Rhyser.”

Dread snaked down my spine at his comment. I had to stifle the panic that threatened to choke me as Rhys detached from me with a jerky movement. He wouldn't meet my eyes as he looked around like he was searching for an escape.

“Rhys, wait. It's not what it sounds like,” I rushed to explain, but his arms folded over his chest as though to block himself from me.

“Not fucking cool, Griff. The hell, man?” Kenji scolded our trashed friend, shoving him in the shoulder.

“It's not my fault Hawk hadn't told him,” he said indignantly.

“I'm a little overheated. I'm gonna go cool off downstairs,” Rhys muttered and made a break for it before I could stop him. I started after him, but a strong hand clamped down on my bicep, holding me in place.

“Hawk, wait,” Griffin pleaded with me. I whirled around on him, fire in my gaze as I shoved down the urge to plow my fist into his cheek.

“The fuck was that? Why would you say that shit to him? We've never fucked. It was a few blowjobs and it didn't even mean anything,” I snapped.

Hurt streaked his face. “The hell it didn't. I always felt something when we were together and you can't tell me you didn't either.”

Shock rooted me to the spot. It had never occurred to me that Griffin felt anything for me other than friendship. We'd fucked around with other people for two years, sometimes in front of each other, and he never gave any clue that he might have been jealous or wanted more from me. I always thought I was just a convenient option for him when he was horny and hard up.

“Griff, what the hell are you talking about?”

“You're the only guy I've ever done shit with, Hawk. You're the only one I've wanted…that stuff with and I thought you'd…I guess… fuck. ” Griff struggled to finish, and my stomach sank. I never realized I'd been the only man Griffin had ever hooked up with, and I felt like shit that I hadn't noticed how it affected him before.

“G, I'm…really sorry, man. I didn't know. But it doesn't change anything. I'm with Rhys and I only want him,” I told him. The wounded look in his eyes had guilt flooding me.

“Why him?” he rasped out. “Why not me?”

How the fuck did I explain it in a way that got my point across and preserved our friendship? Griffin might have been a lot sometimes, but he was my friend and I didn't have many of those.

“Because there can't be anyone else for me when I was only meant for him. Every bit of me fits with every part of him. He's just…it for me.”

His auburn brows crumpled together, processing what I had said. I was jumping out of my skin to rush off after Rhys, praying that he'd let me explain, but needing to make sure Griffin understood.

“I get it,” he said finally, the breath leaving him in one big rush. “I'm—I hope I didn't screw things up for you. I really do care about you, Hawk. This thing with you and him just took me by surprise and…I don’t know how to handle it.”

I gave him a small nod, gripping his shoulder firmly. “I care about you too, man. I'm sorry if I hurt you. It wasn't my intention,” I apologized.

“It's all good. Guess you better go talk to him,” he replied, lips rolling inward in a contrite, awkward look. I gave him a quick smile before darting off, eager to find my man and fix whatever mess Griff had made.

After almost ten minutes of searching the second and lower levels, I was out of my mind. My calls went unanswered and I was frantic in my need to find him. Each minute that passed seemed like another chip off our relationship, decaying and breaking off without me there to repair it. As I pushed past the crowd occupying the lower deck, I spotted that familiar head of hair and slender frame leaning against the railing. I approached him gingerly, not knowing quite what I was walking into and preparing myself for the worst.

“Hey Sweetness,” I mumbled cautiously. Rhys turned his head toward me and the sweet smile I saw there had my lungs inflating with relief. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, grateful that he didn't seem angry or on the verge of a meltdown.

“Hey you,” he said shyly, and I couldn't hold back from touching him anymore. I wrapped around him, clutching him to me as I buried my face in his neck. His incredible coconut summer scent invaded my senses and everything in me relaxed.

“Sweetheart, I am so sorry about that,” I said roughly. “I swear to you, nothing has happened between us since we started talking. It's not like it sounded.”

Rhys pushed on my chest, creating just enough space to look me in the eyes. “It's okay, Cal. I'm not upset. I mean, it wasn't super awesome to hear it spit out like that, but I know you had a life before I came along.”

“Then why did you run off? I thought you wanted to get away from me to plot my imminent demise or make good on that arsenic cocktail,” I awkwardly chuckled, still feeling nervous despite his assurance.

“I needed a minute to get some space and process. Honestly, I suspected something had happened between you two before, I just didn't know what exactly,” he replied sheepishly.

“Why did you suspect anything? You only met Griff today and I've barely talked about him to you.”

“Umm, see that's the thing. I've met Griffin before,” Rhys started. I raised my brows at him, confused. “He cornered me after the haunted house. He had caught me eavesdropping on the three of you and he tried to strong arm me into dropping the complaint too. From a couple things he said, I got the vibe that there were some feelings on his end.”

Things clicked into place about why it had been so uncomfortable between them back at my apartment, and my anger flared again briefly at the thought of Griffin trying to screw with Rhys.

“I genuinely had no idea,” I told him honestly. “We only fooled around a few times over the years when we were bored, and we never fucked. You were my first with that and I meant it.”

Rhys peeked up at me, long lashes framing those mesmerizing eyes. “You never had any feelings for him, not even a little? ”

“None. You have been the only person I have felt anything for. I don't think it would have been possible for anyone else to make me feel what you do, and I told Griff as much.”

He nodded, his fingers playing with the hem of my neckline, electricity sparking from his gentle touches. I drew him closer, our foreheads resting together as I let myself bask in the simple intimacy of holding him.

“I feel bad for him,” Rhys whispered, fingers traveling down to my chest slowly. “You're a hard one to get over, Hawkins.”

“Glad you think so.” My lips curved in a soft smile as I sifted my hand through his silky waves at the back of his head. “How are you so cool about this? I half expected a scene worthy of the Kardashians, with a drink thrown in my face and you screaming about my no-good, cheatin' ass.”

“What can I say? I'm just wildly above all that. It's a maturity thing, you wouldn't understand,” he scoffed sarcastically.

“Oh yes. You just reek of patience and sophistication. I'm sorry I doubted you,” I responded woodenly.

“I suppose forgiving you would be the polite thing to do,” Rhys mumbled slowly. “As long as you make it worth my while.”

“I've got some solid ideas on how to make that happen,” I beamed at him, tugging playfully on his hair. “No matter what, it's you and me now. I am yours, without question. You have all of me for as long as you wish.”

His answering smile robbed me of breath, my gut swirling with so many emotions I couldn't name them.

“Hard to believe you're the same guy who groped me in the gym shower and cooked up a psycho revenge plan to get back at me,” he quipped, giggling sweetly at my exaggerated eye roll.

“Unbelievable. What's a psychopath got to do to live that shit down? If I recall, I barely tortured you and you got a few good orgasms out of it, so I think you made out just fine.”

Rhys jabbed his fingers into my sides, laughing at the snort that escaped me from the unexpected move. I targeted his ribs, tickling him as his laughter lit up all the dark parts of me that lingered. Behind us, shouts of excitement rang out that coalesced into a countdown, warning of the remaining fifteen seconds of the year.

Rhys slipped his arms around my neck, his body pressing close to mine as our gazes locked .

“How about it, hot stuff? Want to be my first kiss of the year or should I find a worthy alternate?”

I growled possessively and ground my hips into his, his eyes fluttering at the feel of my hardening cock against his leg. “Fuck that. I'll be your only kiss of the year. You are mine .”

I crashed my lips on his, nipping at his bottom lip until he fed me his moan. He molded his body to mine, angling his head to let me in deeper and I devoured him as fireworks exploded in the sky above us. I chased his taste with my tongue, stealing his breath as everything around us fell away. Nothing outside of that moment mattered. The world existed only in the space between us, hanging in the balance that we brought to each other.

His kisses were Heaven to a sinner like me. They had the power to destroy and resurrect me in a single heartbeat. He took my broken fragments and reformed me into someone new, someone better than I was before.

And that someone had lost his entire heart and soul to Rhys Evans.