“I was trying to unplug the damn stove and the cord was stuck or something, and when I pulled harder, the fucking thing shocked me. Hurt like a mother.”
Seth spied a dark spot on the side of his palm. “Let’s get some ice.”
“Nah, I’ve been hurt worse than this. It’s fine. I’m more pissed at myself for not being careful.” Chris’s gaze landed on Seth’s lips. “It’s nice to see you worry about me, though.”
Seth’s body reacted to the change in Chris’s voice, and heat spread through him. He took a step back, but Chris followed him. Another step back. Again Chris followed him. When his back hit the wall, he looked into Chris’s eyes and swallowed hard, suddenly feeling a little like prey.
Chris braced his hands on the wall on either side of Seth’s head and leaned down. “Do you have any ideawhat you do to me?” he murmured, his hot breath gliding across Seth’s cheek.
Seth shivered and tried to shake his head, but he was frozen.
“You’re so damn sexy, Seth,” Chris whispered and leaned forward until their foreheads pressed together.
“Me?” Seth squawked.
“Fuck, yes.” Chris pulled back a minute and gazed into his eyes. “You’re like this beautiful soul with so much to give the world that the colors seep out and surround you and everyone nearby.” He twirled a lock of Seth’s hair.
Seth was stunned. That was, hands down, the most beautiful thing anyone had ever said to him. Before he could process it, Chris brushed his lips across his. It was sweet. Chaste. But Seth’s body reacted as if all cylinders had been fired and he couldn’t hold back the quiet moan that slipped from deep in his throat.
Chris grabbed his face and crushed his lips to Seth’s, their bodies sliding together as his tongue urged Seth to open his mouth.
All thought flew from Seth’s mind and he gave in to the sensations, finding his way by touch. His lips parted and he melted into Chris as the man’s tongue darted inside for a taste. Their tongues danced as Seth slid his arms around Chris’s waist and held on tightly.
Seth whimpered as Chris pressed harder against him. His hands began to explore Chris’s back, sliding over the T-shirt, feeling the hard muscles shift and flex under the soft fabric. He moaned when Chris’s hand tangled in his hair, and a wave of passion flooded over him.
Something crashed nearby. Chris abruptly pulled back. They turned to the door and found Karlee, her mouth agape.
She blushed and backed away. “I…I’m so sorry. Shit.”
Seth giggled as she left. He couldn’t help it.
Chris stared at him for a second before he joined in. “Probably not the best place for our first kiss, huh?”
“Hmm, does that imply we’ll be having a second kiss?” Seth asked, grinning.
“God, I hope so.”
Seth leaned against the wall. “Me, too. That was…incredible.”
“Can I take you out?” Chris asked. “Friday night? Dinner and a movie? Or bowling? Or anything, really.”
“I don’t bowl,” Seth told him, “but I could go for a movie.”
Chris laughed again. “I don’t bowl either, but I was willing to do anything you wanted, just to get a little more time with you.”
“Wow. That’s so…sweet. And honest.”
“I don’t play games, Seth. I like you. I want to get closer.”
Seth grinned. “I like you, too. Clearly,” he added with a chuckle. “Friday?”
“Friday.”
6
Seth was a walking train wreck by the time Friday arrived. Chris hadn’t been in since the day of their kiss because he had a couple of catering jobs during the week. Seth had almost convinced himself that the kiss had never happened until he answered the phone at the shop that morning.
“Thank you for calling Karlee’s Kitchen Essentials. This is Seth. How can I help you today?”
“Oh, I think there are a lot of ways you could help me out, Seth.”
He’d know that voice anywhere. “Hi, Chris.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t touched base with you. I picked up another small catering job yesterday and it’s been a little crazy. And I realized I don’t have your cell number. We need to remedy that tonight.”
Seth couldn’t agree more. “We never really talked about the plans. Do you want to meet me somewhere?”
“I’d rather pick you up, unless you don’t feel comfortable with that.”
Normally, Seth didn’t get in a car with someone on a first date. He liked to be on his own turf, or meet somewhere neutral. But he already knew Chris and trusted him. “No, I’m fine with that. Want to pick meup at the store around seven?”
“I’ll be there. And Seth?”
“Yeah?”
“I can’t wait to see you. I’ve been thinking about you all week.”
“Me, too. Well, I mean, I’ve been thinking about you,” he said, feeling like he was tripping all overhimself.