Page 20 of Fire Me Up (Front Range Motorcycle Collective #2)

Dylan

T he music hit me like a physical force as we stepped into Under Colfax, the bass vibrating through my chest in a way that usually centered me.

Underwear night had the place packed with guys in various states of undress, bodies glistening under strobing lights.

Gael stood beside me in nothing but black boxer briefs that hugged his thick thighs and perfect ass, looking simultaneously nervous and exhilarated.

I kept my eyes on his face, fighting the urge to stare at his body, to drag him back home and show him exactly how fucking beautiful he was, to claim him.

But I’d been doing too much of that lately—touching him, tasting him, memorizing every inch of his skin like I had some right to it. Like he was mine to keep.

“You sure I don’t look ridiculous?” Gael leaned close to be heard over the music, his breath tickling my ear and sending a shiver down my spine.

“Trust me, you look hot as fuck,” I said, allowing myself one quick glance at his chest, at the scar that marked where he’d nearly died.

That scar did things to me—made me want to protect him, which was fucking stupid because Gael was built like a superhero and ran into burning buildings for a living.

And he wasn’t mine. I didn’t want him to be mine. I couldn’t possibly let him see the reality of who I was. That’s when everything always went to shit.

He grinned down at me, oblivious to my turmoil. “I still can’t believe I let Aiden and Cash talk me into this.”

“It’ll be a fully educational experience.” I winked, forcing lightness into my tone, keeping it casual.

We pushed through the crowd toward the bar where Cash and Aiden had grabbed a high-top table. Cash wore simple black boxer briefs that showed off his tattooed body, while Aiden rocked purple briefs with little cartoon eggplants all over them. They looked ridiculous and perfect together.

“There you guys are!” Aiden waved us over, practically bouncing with excitement. “Isn’t this fun? Cash was nervous but I told him his body is way too hot to hide.” He slid his arm around Cash’s waist, looking up at him with naked adoration.

Cash just rolled his eyes, but his lips quirked in that smile he reserved solely for Aiden. He’d opened up a lot since Aiden had crashed into his life, and seeing the change in my friend made me ache for something I didn’t want to think too hard about.

“Drinks?” I asked.

“Let me,” Gael said, squeezing my shoulder. “What’s everyone having?”

After taking our orders, he headed to the bar, and I tried not to watch the way every guy’s head turned to follow him.

Gael wasn’t mine. He was oblivious to it, to how fucking magnificent he looked, all broad shoulders and narrow waist, muscles shifting under golden skin.

“So, you and Gael.” Aiden wiggled his eyebrows at me. “Things seem to be heating up.”

I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “We’re just having fun. He’s figuring himself out.”

Cash gave me a look.

“What? We are.” I crossed my arms over my chest, suddenly feeling exposed. “It’s not serious.” And he wouldn’t like the real me, anyway.

“Right.” Aiden rolled his eyes. “Well, I think Gael really likes you. And that man is adorable. Don’t you dare hurt him.”

I looked away, unable to handle the knowing look in Aiden’s eyes. My gaze drifted to Gael at the bar, where he was laughing with the bartender. His whole face transformed when he laughed, crinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes, joy radiating from him like heat.

Something twisted in my gut, want and fear tangled together so tightly I couldn’t separate them.

Fuck, I was in trouble. I needed to remember that people always left. Even a level-headed guy like Gael wouldn’t be able to handle me.

Gael returned with our drinks, his fingers brushing mine as he handed me my whiskey. Even that small touch sent electricity racing up my arm.

“So, um, I need to tell you guys something,” he said, his expression shifting to something more serious. “I got a call from my captain today. I’m cleared for active duty again. I have to head home. “

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, stealing the air from my lungs. I took a swig of whiskey to hide my reaction, letting the burn distract me from the sudden hollow feeling in my chest.

“When?” I asked.

“Tomorrow,” Gael said, his eyes finding mine. “I mean, I won’t be that far away. We can still meet up, go dancing every now and then. But I guess the vacation is over.” Every now and then? Clearly, he had no idea how obsessed I was with dancing with him.

In a casual way.

“That’s...great.” I forced a smile, ignoring the voice screaming in my head. Two more weeks. That was all the time I had left with him before he moved back permanently. “I know you missed your job.”

“Yeah, they’re short-staffed, and they want be back on my shift as soon as possible...” Gael trailed off, still watching me carefully. “Anyway, I figured since this is one of my last nights in Denver for a bit, we should make it count.”

“Hell yeah. We should!” I raised my glass, my voice coming out too bright, too enthusiastic.

Something like confusion flashed across Gael’s face. Had he expected me to be upset? To beg him to stay? That wasn’t who I was. I didn’t cling. I didn’t need. I was Dylan fucking Kim—king of casual, master of moving on.

Even if the thought of him leaving made my insides feel like they were being shredded.

“To Gael’s last night out!” Aiden raised his glass, oblivious to the tension.

“Last night for now. I can come back to visit,” Gael said quickly, eyes darting to me.

“Okay, last night for a while, anyway!” Aiden added. But I knew the truth: he wouldn’t be back. I’d known Liv for years, and this was my first time meeting Gael. He didn’t come to Denver often.

We clinked glasses, and I downed half my whiskey in one gulp, welcoming the burn. The music shifted to something with a heavier beat, bodies on the dance floor pressing closer together, skin gleaming with sweat under the pulsing lights.

“We should dance,” I said, grabbing Gael’s hand. I needed to move, to lose myself in the music before I said something stupid, something revealing.

Cash and Aiden followed us to the dance floor, immediately melting into each other like they’d forgotten anyone else existed.

I watched them for a moment—the way Cash’s hands settled possessively on Aiden’s hips, how Aiden smiled up at Cash, laughing at something.

They moved together perfectly, like they’d been dancing with each other forever.

Gael stepped into my space, his hands finding my waist, heat radiating from his bare skin. I should’ve kept it light, kept it fun. Instead, I pulled him closer, pressing our bodies together from chest to thigh. His breath hitched, pupils dilating as he looked down at me.

“You okay?” he asked, his thumb tracing circles on my hip.

“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing another smile. “Just thinking you should branch out tonight. Dance with other guys. See what’s out there. This is your last lesson, and it should finish strong.”

Gael frowned. “I don’t want to dance with other guys.”

“Come on.” I stepped back, creating space between us that felt like a chasm. “That’s what you’re here to learn, right? How to navigate the scene. How to flirt. How to find what you like.”

“Dylan

“Trust me,” I cut him off, my chest tightening painfully. “This is all part of the education. You need to experience everything before you decide what you want.”

Gael studied my face, confusion giving way to hurt. “If you don’t want to dance with me anymore, just say so.”

“No, that’s not I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “I just don’t want you to feel tied down. You’re only just figuring yourself out.”

“I know what I want,” he said, his voice dropping lower, intent clear in his eyes. “I want you.”

“You don’t even know me.” Panic clawed up my throat. He couldn’t mean that. He couldn’t want me—not really, not fully. He was just caught up in the newness, the excitement of discovery.

“Look who it is!” A familiar voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.

I turned to see Niko from the food truck, looking unfairly hot in tight black briefs that showcased his muscular thighs.

His olive skin gleamed under the lights, his dark hair artfully tousled, stubble perfectly trimmed along his jaw.

He had a fucking eight-pack. Who even had an eight-pack? Other than Gael.

“Niko!” Gael’s face lit up with genuine pleasure. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“First time,” Niko admitted, his accent thickening slightly as his eyes swept appreciatively over Gael’s body.

“Aiden and Cash dragged me out. A few other people from the FRMC are here, too.” He pointed at a group that included Lennox, and my brother, which was odd.

“They claim it’ll help me get over my divorce and be less grumpy.

Don’t know why they couldn’t just eat their gyros in silence. ”

“They like to meddle,” I said, forcing a laugh.

“Right, well, I didn’t like gay bars even when I was single,” Niko said. “And they’re worse with a bunch of straight assholes.”

“Well, it’s you’re lucky night. I was just telling Gael he should explore his options tonight,” I heard myself saying, the words tasting like poison on my tongue. “Dance with different guys, see what he likes.”

Niko raised an eyebrow, looking between us. “I would be happy to dance with him, if he wants.”

Gael stared at me. “Dylan

“Go on,” I said, shoving playfulness into my voice. “Have fun. I need another drink anyway.”

I didn’t wait for his response, just turned and pushed my way through the crowd, not stopping until I reached the bar. I ordered another whiskey, downing it in one burning gulp and immediately signaling for another.

“You’re an idiot,” I muttered to myself, pressing the cool glass against my forehead.

From my position at the bar, I had a perfect view of the dance floor. I spotted Gael easily—he stood head and shoulders above most of the crowd, his body illuminated in flashes of blue and purple light. Niko moved close to him, saying something that made Gael laugh.

I tore my gaze away, staring into my whiskey like it held answers. This was what I wanted, right? For Gael to see that he had options, that he didn’t need to settle for me just because I was the first guy he’d been with. This was me being a good friend, a good mentor.

So why did it feel like someone was carving out my insides with a dull spoon?

I risked another glance at the dance floor.

Niko had pulled Gael closer, their bodies pressing together as they moved to the music.

Gael’s expression was unreadable from this distance.

Were they talking about food? About the motorcycle classes?

Was Niko telling him how gorgeous he was, how much he wanted to take him home?

Bile rose in my throat. As much as this needed to happen, as much as I needed Gael to realize he could have something with another guy, I couldn’t watch it. It was too much.

I abandoned my half-finished drink and pushed through the crowd toward the exit, not bothering to say goodbye to Cash and Aiden. They’d figure it out. Or they wouldn’t. It didn’t matter.

Outside, the cool night air hit my overheated skin, making me realize I was still in just my underwear. My clothes were in the locker inside. Fuck it. I’d get a rideshare home, pay extra for the driver not to comment on my state of undress. I just needed to be gone.

My phone buzzed in my hand—a text from Gael.

Where are you?

I stared at the message, thumb hovering over the screen. What could I possibly say? Sorry, I couldn’t handle watching you with someone else even though I pushed you toward him? Sorry, I’m falling for you, but I’m too fucking scared that you won’t like me when

Another text came through:

Did you leave?

Dylan, please. Can we talk? It’s just Colorado Springs. I’ll be back, I swear.

I turned off my phone, tugging on my jeans. I couldn’t do this. Couldn’t pretend to be happy for him. Couldn’t face the inevitable moment when he realized I was too much, too intense, too needy.

And I knew without a doubt that I was already in too deep.