Page 29 of Before It's Too Late

For the last fifteen minutes or so, Zach’s thigh had been pressed against Cael’s. The warmth from that connection seeped through his pants and burrowed through him, nestling itself deep in his chest and groin. Zach didn’t wear cologne, but the subtle musk and citrusy scents coming off him intoxicated Cael, driving him crazy.

All Cael could think of was how much he wished this were a real date. He’d give just about anything for it to be real.

Chapter 7

Zach blinked multiple times as his head spun a little.

“You okay there, Zach?” Chloe asked. She took a bite of chicken Caesar salad.

“Uh, yeah.” Zach poked a piece of Cajun grilled shrimp with his fork.

“Hittin’ those mules a little hard, I think.” Chloe raised both eyebrows, wrinkling her forehead.

“I’ve only had three.”

“In less than an hour.”

“I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” Zach scooped a bite of shrimp and broccoli tortellini into his mouth, hoping the food wouldn’t kill off his buzz too early.

Alcohol was good at numbing a lot of the pain he’d been experiencing lately, and with Cael here, Zach felt as though he could let it sweep away the harsh reality of what had become his life, if only for a few hours. Zach could trust Cael to keep him in check, look after Taylor, and make sure they all made it home safe.

Speaking of Cael, why did he have to look so good tonight?

The moment Zach had laid eyes on him back at the house, Zach’s brain had shorted out for a good couple of seconds. The man was gorgeous, dressed in a long sleeve sangria-colored button-down with the top button undone and black Dockers, all of which emphasized the perfect body beneath. Out of nowhere, Zach had imagined walking up to Cael and pressing his lips to his as Cael pulled him close with his free arm and deepened their kiss.

Zach wasn’t supposed to be having that kind of thought about his best friend. Since then, he’d tried to forget what his brain had imagined earlier, but with Cael so close all evening, looking and smelling amazing, being his usual charming, funny self,andhelping with Taylor, forgetting had been next to impossible.

A strong arm came around Zach’s shoulders. Cael pulled him into his side. “Zach will be fine. He needed a night out to let go a bit. That’s what he’s got me for.”

“Aww.” Chloe crooned. “You guys are so adorable.”

“We are not,” Zach retorted, straightening as Cael released him.

Their waiter chose that moment to check on them. Perfect timing. Zach needed the distraction, and another drink.

“Come on, Zach,” Chloe said after the waiter left. “Tell me you haven’t thought about kissing my brother before.”

“Yeah, no,” Zach said, hoping no one would see through the lie.

“Cael has,” she deadpanned.

Zach felt his cheeks heat. Cael didn’t want to kiss him, did he? The crotch of Zach’s jeans suddenly felt tighter, blood rushing downward. Cael wanting to kiss him shouldn’t be turning him on, but it did. Fucking hell, it did a lot. Thank fuck for all the alcohol. He could blame any sort of redness in his face for it.

The waiter returned with another Moscow mule, setting the copper mug in front of Zach and refilling waters for everyone. Zach happily tossed back a welcome sip.

“I have not,” Cael replied. “Now, can we talk about something unrelated to me and Zach hooking up in any sort of way, because it hasn’t happened, and it’s not going to happen.”

“Why not?” Chloe asked.

“Because it won’t.” Cael glared at Chloe. Some unspoken conversation took place between them until she sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Fine. I’ll drop it. Geez. You’re no fun.” Chloe looked at Zach. “You know I’m just messing with you guys, right?”

“Yeah, I know,” Zach said, having to concentrate on his words.

The alcohol fog in his brain had really settled in. Zach tried to pay attention to the conversation, but found himself zoning out more often than not. His gaze traveled around the table as he observed and listened. Chloe talked about school and filled Emma in on things she’d missed over the last year or so. Emma talked more about MoMA and Manhattan. Cael kept Taylor entertained, fed, and mostly quiet as he talked about work and even a little about Abbey.

Something about listening to Cael’s voice soothed Zach.