Page 24 of Should Our Stars Collide

He’s about to reach out and poke around in Ellis’ mind, but he and Gabe start eating each other’s faces. Aww, would you look at the lovebirds.

Someone should cockblock them.

Ash would happily take on the task, but the customer in front of him beats him to it.

“Get a room!”

Ash’s ears perk up. That nasal voice sounds awfully familiar. And seeing how his dick gives an interested twitch upon hearing it, there’s only one person it can belong to.

He almost doesn’t recognize Kieran. He looks way too good for someone who could barely walk straight just several hours ago. He’s all smiles and amusement, eyes filled with good-natured mischief instead of fury. It’s kind of cute.

Not as cute as when he’s giving Ash the murder glare, but close.

The smile doesn’t last. Kieran’s attention lands on Ellis, and a frown appears between his brows.

Now, that’s more like it.

“Hey. I know you,” Kieran announces, managing to sound accusatory.

Ellis’ confusion is slowly replaced by reluctant realization. “Right. You’re Dawson’s friend. Kevin, is it?”

“Kieran!” Kieran corrects snappily. There’s probably a story there, and Ash struggles to hold back a laugh. “And you’re Dickhead’s brother. Wait.” Kieran’s frown deepens. “Why were you kissing Gabe?” Now that was definitely accusatory.

Gabe sticks his tongue out. “Because I’m irresistible.”

Kieran doesn’t laugh. “Are you two a thing? Seriously?” He points at Ellis. “Him?”

“Hey, cut it out,” Gabe bites out, his usual playfulness gone. It’s not often that someone manages to unleash his dark side. Generally, it’s Ash who has the privilege. “What’s your problem?”

Okay, you had your fun. The show’s over. Time to step in.

Walking up behind Kieran, Ash answers, “He needs a good whooping, would be my guess.” He can both see and feel Kieran tense up. He whirls around, and then Ash is face to face with that lovely, murderous glare. “A bit of a drama queen, aren’t you?”

“You,” Kieran growls. Ash is surprised he doesn’t see foam coming out of his mouth.

A broad, delighted grin spreads across his face. “Miss me?”

“Fuck you,” Kieran spits out, seething. “What are you doing here?” His eyes narrow in suspicion. “Are youstalkingme?”

“Nothing that interesting,” Ash says with a huff. “Just popping by to say hi to my favorite cousin.” He nods towards Gabe, who manages an awkward wave. “Looking a little worn out, huh? Rough night?”

Kieran’s teeth flash. “Fuck. You.”

Ash’s grin widens. It takes all of his self-control not to drape Kieran across his knee and spank him until his ass is as red as his face, public space be damned. “Keep saying that and you might get your wish.”

Visibly vibrating with anger, Kieran turns to Gabe. “Is my drink done yet?”

“Oh!” Gabe jumps, hastily looking around for what Ash assumes is Kieran’s order. “Just a sec.” What feels like five seconds later, he’s putting the finished drink on the counter. “Here it is.”

Kieran stalks forward and grabs the cup roughly, some of the liquid splashing out of the sipper. “Your family sucks.”

Gabe gives a strained laugh. “You’re not wrong.”

Kieran trudges towards the door, stubbornly keeping his gaze on the floor. Well, that simply won’t do.

“See you around, Kieran,” Ash calls after him.

Kieran comes to an abrupt stop, his knuckles turning white around the cup. Ash half expects to be cleaning a coffee stain from his shirt in the near future, but instead receives a very passionate “Fuck you!” before Kieran runs away.