Chapter Four #3
Fabrice never knew when he pushed too hard with Kirkland. But Fabrice wanted this thing between them. They would never get there if Kirkland never opened up. “If I ask you a question, will you tell me the truth?”
Even though Kirkland looked worried, he nodded.
Fabrice took a breath and begged the universe that Kirkland wouldn’t run. “How old are you? No more games.”
“Forty-nine.”
Fabrice fought hard not to be completely sent reeling.
“Why the act? I know you wanted to be unnoticeable, but why did you go to such extremes?” He knew he should shelve this discussion.
Fabrice had gotten his answer. He should push Kirkland to discuss what they were together.
Fabrice just couldn’t stop trying to learn his every secret.
For a moment, Kirkland stared at nothing and chewed his bottom lip.
Fabrice didn’t think he would answer. When he did, every word came out as if measured.
“You’re in the same basic industry as I was.
The biggest difference is, you’re seen as a son.
” Kirkland’s gaze slid his way. He went back to intensely holding Fabrice’s stare. “I wasn’t.”
Oh no. He hoped he wasn’t about to learn something terrible about Atticus.
When Fabrice didn’t respond, Kirkland pushed him a little more in the direction he wanted Fabrice to go. “You should probably do some math on that one.”
Fabrice had never been more confused. Do the math? What in the hell did that even mean? “At the risk of looking like a complete idiot, I have no idea what you’re getting at.”
Kirkland swiped his hand across his face. A sad smile touched his lips. “It’s okay. Can we talk about something else? This discussion is way too heavy for my mental health.”
“Of course.” Fabrice didn’t hesitate to drop the subject. He didn’t want to dig into some secret wound. Fabrice simply wanted to be with Kirkland. He scooted closer and set his hand on Kirkland’s thigh.
Kirkland took the hint and draped his arm across Fabrice’s shoulders.
It felt nice to be held. A few seconds passed, and Fabrice couldn’t let it go. “Just tell me one thing. This has nothing bad to do with Atticus, does it? He’s married to my friend.”
When Kirkland responded, he sounded a little happier. “No. Atticus has very much been my saving grace.”
Fabrice released a relieved breath. “Oh, good. Now, let’s talk about us.”
A sexy rumble of laughter caressed his ears. “You’re unique.”
“I hope that’s a good thing.”
Kirkland kissed his temple.
Fabrice’s eyes closed in pleasure at the sensation.
“It’s a very good thing. I’m not sure I can find the words to elaborate, but you’re calming in a lot of ways and the exact opposite of calming in other ways.”
Fabrice fought for his life. He wanted to squeal like a little kid. Instead, he called himself under control. “I get what you’re saying. That’s the way I feel about you. I’m at peace when you’re around, but I also want to do a lot of really bad things to you.”
A loud bark of laughter burst from Kirkland. “See? Most people wouldn’t have said that.”
Fabrice couldn’t stop smiling. “Tell me about your day. I love the sound of your voice.”
The tips of Kirkland’s fingers trailed up and down the back of Fabrice’s arm. “Tidy took me shopping. It was an interesting and exhausting experience.”
Fabrice laughed. “Yeah, I could’ve told you to never go shopping with Tidy. I once got dragged around for six hours for him to find the perfect shoes. By hour three, I was lying my ass off about how great every pair was. I just wanted the suffering to end.”
Another sexy laugh rumbled from Kirkland.
Fabrice tried to snuggle closer to the sound.
“Unfortunately, I was the project for the day. There was no escape.”
A smile tugged at Fabrice’s lips. He slid his hand up Kirkland’s thigh. “Looks like it was worth it. Of course, Alonge wouldn’t have it any other way. His reputation is on the line with every outfit.”
“I like him. It was obvious he’s earned every ounce of fame he’s found.”
Fabrice nodded. “He’s also extremely beautiful. Talent and looks will get you very far in this world.”
“He doesn’t hold a candle to you.”
Fabrice snorted. “Blatant flatterer.”
Kirkland twisted so he could hold Fabrice’s stare. “I’m serious. The first time I saw you, I was stunned into silence. I’ve never been this drawn to anyone.”
His heart. He was a goner. Fabrice didn’t look away. “You don’t know. There are still so many ways I could disappoint. We haven’t even kissed.”
It was an open challenge, and—for once—Kirkland didn’t freeze.
“We should remedy that.” Kirkland dipped his head and touched his lips to Fabrice’s.
The moment Fabrice opened for him, Kirkland wiped his mind clean.
As thoroughly as Kirkland had played hard to get, Fabrice expected a shy, sweet kiss.
He got fire. Pure, unadulterated passion.
So much so, Kirkland shifted positions and straddled him.
Fabrice could barely breathe in the face of finally having Kirkland in his arms. He had no intention of letting him go.
Fabrice locked his arms around Kirkland and held on.
If he didn’t, Kirkland might disappear and Fabrice would die.