Page 70 of Flare

“The best thing is they’re going as part of a large mixed group of kids. Which means Jack gets to hang with some of the associated boys. Boys, who in Jack’s words, at least don’t seem to hate him.”

Rhys laughed. “Well, you have to start somewhere. Anyway, I’d like to dress Jack if that’s okay with both of you. I’ve had an idea at the back of my mind for a while, to get a wardrobe together for Rainbow House. Things the kids can check out for special occasions like balls or job interviews, or even just for trying on different looks in a safe place. Jack could be my trial. I need to sound Greg out first. Maybe you’d like to go with me?”

I leaned in and brushed his mouth with mine. “I’m sure Jack would love that. And yes, I’d love to go with you to Rainbow House.”

“That’s... great.” Rhys ducked his chin and a look of pleasure crossed his face. “It was Drew who made me think of it. He has clothes stashed all over the place, stuff his parents don’t like him wearing at home. He even has some in our back yard. I found them a while back, washed them, and put them back. Anyway, I can whip together something age appropriate for Jack from my samples out back. He let slip that he doesn’t really have anything suitable.”

I slapped my palm on my forehead. “I’m an idiot for not thinking of that. I could’ve offered to take him shopping.”

Rhys looked to bite back a smile. “Well, now you don’t need to. And as much as I care about you, babe—” He patted my hand. “—I hate to think what an afternoon teenage clothes shopping withyoumight result in.”

I snorted and sat back. “Fuck you.”

“Or you, if that’s an offer, Mr Northcott?” He studied me over steepled hands, brown eyes almost black, and with just the street noise below to break the silence.

“Do you want it to be?”

His mouth curved up in a slow, sexy smile. “Very definitely, but tonight, I have other plans.” He dimmed the lights and pulled me to my feet. “Come with me.”

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Rhys

I ledBeck to the oversized couch and made him stand while I unbuttoned his simple white shirt. I’d been fizzing for two frustrating weeks and he wasn’t leaving my flat without something a lot more than kissing going down.

“Not that I’m complaining, but this is kind of a... surprise.” His gaze burned hot on my face as I worked at the infuriatingly small buttons.

“Good surprise or bad surprise?” I finally shoved the shirt off his shoulders and watched it puddle on the floor and... wow. I drank in that wide chest and thick nest of brown curls. Fucking delicious. Then realising he hadn’t answered my question, I finally lifted my eyes to find a deep frown on his face.

“Good,” he said thickly. “I just meant that I didn’t have any expectations for tonight... beyond maybe some more of your addictive kisses.” The usual bright flecks of gold in his eyes had turned a deep amber in the dim light. “I’ve grown rather partial to your lips.”

I cupped his face. “The feeling is very mutual, but here’s the thing...” I hesitated, suddenly nervous.

Beck covered my hand with his own. “Up front and honest, remember?”

“Right.” I blew out a breath, thinking of the appointment I’d made that only Hunter knew about. But Beck and I felt too new, too fragile. I didn’t want to get his hopes up. Or maybe it was me I was protecting. “In that case,honestly,as much as it’s been great doing this whole slow thing, if I don’t get a better and much, much longer peek at what’s underneath those clothes of yours, I’m gonna lose my ever-loving mind. Is slim fit even in your fucking vocab, babe, because the way I see it, you’re stuck on a wash and repeat cycle of relaxed and baggy, and I can’t fucking deal any longer. I want you, Beck. And in some way tonight, I’m gonna have you.”

He stepped in and my palm pressed flat against all those curls. “I want you too, Rhys, even though I’m absolutely sure I was just insulted in there, somewhere.”

I grinned. “Don’t think about it too hard. It’s better that way.” I flattened my other hand next to the first, then rode both up his chest until they framed his throat and I looked in his eyes. “So, I want you, you want me, what are the odds?”

He circled his head in my hold. “It’s a miracle.”

I chuckled. “Right? But here’s the go. There’s stuff I’m not ready for, alotof stuff, but there are things wecando.” I sidled closer until my breath fanned his chest and goosebumps pricked around his nipples. “I haven’t been with a guy in a long time.” I licked a nipple and he shuddered. So fucking responsive. “And I haven’t been with a guy I really liked in years. Also, a dick pic, Beck? Really? You surprised me.”

“I surprised myself. And it’s analmostdick pic. I was aiming for strategic.” A blush crept up his throat. “Or I just suck at using the fucking camera on these things.”

“Ah, the older generation.” I laughed and ran my fingers through that short beard.

“Insolent little shit.” He turned his cheek into my hand and pressed a kiss to my palm. “Mmm, you feel so good.”

“Is that right?” I trailed a finger over his lips, then ran both hands back down his chest, over that soft curve of his stomach—his abs twitching at my touch—until I cupped his thick erection through those annoyingly loose black trousers, weighing the heft of his cock in my hand. “Do you trust me?” The irony of the question wasn’t lost on either of us, but he nodded.

“Jesus, yes, I trust you,” he groaned, dropping his head back.

I tightened my hold and almost fucking purred. “Jesus, Beck. You’ve been keeping secrets from me.”

“Damn, that feels good.” He thrust into my hand.

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