Page 14 of Spilled Coffee

Ethan’s heart pounded so loudly that it drowned out every other sound around them—his own breathing included. He couldn’t meet Logan’s gaze anymore and his eyes darted everywhere else, the floor, the faint scuff marks on the wall behind Logan’s shoulder, anywhere but those damn eyes.

“Uh…” he started, then trailed off. He fidgeted nervously before forcing himself to continue. “I don’t know if I gave you… the wrong idea, but…”

Logan cut through Ethan’s rambling with his next statement. “Are you saying you don’t want this?” His tone remained steady, calm and measured in a way that made it clear there would be no avoiding the question this time. “Yes or no, straight answer.”

Ethan’s head snapped up, startled by the directness of the demand. For one agonizing second, their eyes locked in an exchange too raw to hide behind anymore.

“Yes,” he blurted out before he could stop. His chest tightened, a painful knot forming just below his sternum as if his body was rebelling against the admission.

Guilt and shame surged through him and yet beneath it all, desire simmered, refusing to be extinguished by the weight of regret.

“I’m sorry,” he choked out, in a desperate bid to salvage what little dignity he had left. “And I’ll understand if you want me off the?—”

Logan’s loud laugh cut through before he grabbed Ethan’s chin and forced his gaze back. “Look at me.”

Ethan resisted, but Logan’s grip was unyielding. “I said fucking look at me. No one can know about this.” His tone carried an edge that made it clear this wasn’t just advice—it wasa command. “If we do this, it stays between us. No exceptions. Navy rules don’t play favorites. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you’re with. Male or female—it doesn’t matter.” He paused for emphasis, letting his words sink in before continuing. “This can’t happen. You get that?”

Ethan nodded as Logan’s hand anchored him. “I understand.”

“This isn’t me, it’s the rules.” He held Ethan’s gaze, ensuring there would be no room for misinterpretation. “Clear?”

Is he serious? Logan Lockwood wants this? Wants me?

Another nod, Ethan’s heart pounding harder as he fought to steady himself. “I won’t say anything.”

Logan exhaled sharply through his nose and released Ethan’s chin. “Good,” he said simply, stepping back just enough to give them both space to breathe.

He tilted his head and spoke again. “And you need to learn control. No more obvious signals in briefings, no telling glances, no unnecessary contact. When I say control, I meant it. At work, this doesn’t exist. It never happened. Got it?”

Ethan wiped moisture from his brow. “I didn’t… I mean, I didn’t know I was doing that.”

“Kid,” Logan laughed harder. “Short of announcing it in front of the entire team, you couldn’t be more obvious.” His gaze raked over Ethan’s flushed face. “All that has to stop. If you can’t control yourself around me, then this doesn’t happen. I won’t risk my career. Understand?”

Ethan nodded, still processing everything he just said. “I’ll do whatever it takes…” he gasped. “I can control it, I swear.”

Logan looked skeptical as he glanced between Ethan’s legs. “Doesn’t look like you’ve got much control to me.”

“Sorry,” Ethan shut his eyes, struggling for composure. “It’s just… I’ve never—” He swallowed. “I promise, I’ve got this.”

Logan leaned in so close that the heat of his breath brushed against Ethan’s cheek. His thumb then traced the curve of his lips, the touch both possessive and tender, as if memorizing their shape.

The kiss was nothing like Ethan had ever experienced before. The rough scrape of stubble against his chin was an unfamiliar thrill, and so different from the soft and gentle kisses he’d shared with women. There was nothing gentle about this, no tentative exploration—just raw, unrestrained desire.

Logan’s tongue swept against Ethan’s lips, demanding entry in a way that left no doubt.

It was claiming, consuming, and Ethan couldn’t help the groan that escaped him—soft, needy, and entirely involuntary. “Mmm…” the sound vibrated with the intensity of it all.

The sheer masculinity of the kiss was overwhelming in a way that made his head spin.

Ethan wanted to respond, but uncertainty held him back. His mind raced with questions that tangled with his desires.

Can I touch him? Do I wait? He’s my superior… hell, what do I do?

Logan didn’t leave any room for doubt. He reached up, threading his fingers into Ethan’s damp curls and tugging him closer. The pull was firm but not rough. Commanding without being forceful. His stubbled jaw brushing against Ethan’s smooth skin as if branding him.

“Mmmm…” The sound tore from Ethan’s throat as something inside him snapped. It was like a dam breaking and with a surge of courage born from longing, he grabbed Logan’s head with both hands and dragged him down to meet a kiss of his own.

It was a clash of lips and tongues as he poured every ounce of need into it. His arms tightened around Logan’s shoulders, afraid to let go. Strength surged through his body as he matchedLogan’s intensity with a newfound confidence. He tasted salt and heat, a heady combination that left him almost dizzy.

---