Page 57 of Thirsty

“I thought it was an art show.”

“Well, it is,” Lorenzo said. “But...”

“Okay,” Charlie said, starting to smile. “Then come with me.”

Now Lorenzo was at a loss for words. Was Charlie askinghim out? Or was he just using him as a protector, distraction, guide? All of the above?

Why did it have to be a succubus exhibit?

Charlie was chewing on his lip, a nervous tic that belied his easy smile. “Just, y’know,” he said, filling the silence that followed his invitation. “Like we’ve been...doing.”

“Yes,” Lorenzo found himself saying. “Okay. I’ll go with you.”

Charlie eyes lit up. “Great,” he said.

They realized at the same time that they were both still holding the flyer, standing shoulder to shoulder.

Lorenzo let go first, taking a step back. Charlie blinked at him.

“So, uh,” he said. “Do you...want to go now?”

Lorenzo’s car was also on loan from the pack, as compensation for his beloved Ford Focus getting totaled. This one had a beige interior and smelled almost harshly brand new.

Nothing like the burning wreckage they’d turned his last car into. Charlie’s skin had tasted like soot.

Lorenzo could smell him again now, close as he was in the passenger seat. He’d definitely showered, because the scent of last night was gone; now his skin had a distinctive soapy note. He smelled clean and familiar.

It was a shame they’d had sex for the first and probably last time outdoors. It had its appeal, of course, but Lorenzo couldn’t help but feel like he’d missed out on the chance to fuck Charlie under the covers, somewhere warm and small where his scent would gather, and every one of Lorenzo’s senses would be completely smothered by him.

Lorenzo swallowed. No one spoke for a long, long moment.

Then Charlie said, “We should talk about it.”

Lorenzo jerked. “Uh,” he said. “Talk about...”

Charlie quirked a flat eyebrow at him. “Last night?”

Lorenzo had no idea what to say. Thankfully, Charlie kept going. “Thank you for saving my life,” he said quietly.

Lorenzo tried to respond, but hismm-hmmcame out more like a grunt. “And um,” Charlie said. “About the other...stuff...”

Lorenzo bit his tongue again. What was there to say? That he wanted to do it again, and he also thought it’d be a terrible idea? It had been a mistake. A delicious, delirious mistake.

“I—it was fun,” Charlie said. “Really fun. But, I think maybe—”

“Just a one-time thing?” Lorenzo offered.

“Yes,” Charlie said, deflating with relief, while Lorenzo tried not to feel stung. “I mean—it really was fun.”

“Yes,” Lorenzo said, looking out at the road.Fun.

“Yep,” Charlie said. “Just—okay.”

It was the smart thing to do. Lorenzo still felt like he’d been sent to bed without supper.

And he couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Charlie.

The museum was gorgeous, sleek and modern—he’d been to shows here before, and it was just as chic as he remembered. It was after eleven, so the crowd wasn’t overwhelming. Lorenzo handed his keys to the valet and held the front door for Charlie.