I’m not one to pry. Butboy,am I curious. I mean, I had a suspicion Liam was attracted to more than just women. His flirtations showed no preference back in high school.
But I didn’t hear of any rumors circulating about his sexuality during his time with Atonement. Other than Hail commenting on Liam’s insatiable appetite in the bedroom, he’s managed to keep his personal life mostly out of the media.
Then again, I’m learning people can shock you at any turn. I hadn’t expected my twin to date a man…
Liam grabs Beau’s backpack off the floor and saunters by me, stopping momentarily to tuck a missed lock of hair behind my ear. “Ignore him. He’s just a stray.”
Hot blood pumps through my veins. Why does he get to have this effect on me? This intense, rapid melting of my insides?
I’ve thought about sex with Liam. Alot. More than I’m willing to admit. It’s a secret I’m prepared to take to my grave because I know for a fact it’ll never happen.
Unable to stop myself from watching Liam stride away—a powerful, dangerous mass of muscle and confidence—a twinge of jealousy hits me. Is Beau here to stay? How long have they known each other? How come Hail and I are just now getting to see Liam’s house, and this cute stranger waltzes in out of nowhere with that heart-stopping smile and gets to hang out?
Awareness of curious eyes on me has me looking back at the stranger. I forget my jealousy as my heart trips up.
Okay, so he’sreallycute.
He’s not as tall as Liam, but I still have to tilt my head up to meet his gaze. And his energy is so different from Liam’s intensity. A lighter, more buoyant thing that has anticipation, or maybe excitement, thrumming under my skin.
I get stuck on his hands. The prominent veins snaking up under the sleeves of his white hoodie. The long fingers and tan skin. Would they be rough like Liam’s or soft as they glide over my skin?
Okay. I’mbeyondstarved for touch.
Beau rocks up on his toes, breaking me from my daze. “So how do you know Liam?”
“Oh, um. My brother’s in Atonement.”
“Oh,shit. You’re Hail Koval’s sister, aren’t you? Yeah, I can’t unsee it now.”
With a playful roll of my eyes, I reply, “Nothing I love more than being compared to my brother.”
His soft, melodic laugh flutters around in my chest. “Well, for what it’s worth, I find both of you distracting.”
He gives me a coy little wink, and warmth floods my face. All I can manage in response is a brainless “oh”.
Does that mean Beau’s bi? I don’t know that I should make assumptions. I find women attractive, but I’ve never been with one outside of a hazy, alcohol-induced threesome in college. An appreciation for someone doesn’t necessarily mean you want to connect with them romantically or sexually.
My brain whirs into overdrive, taunting me with visuals of Liam dragging his inked hands through Beau’s hair and ordering him to his knees, dark eyes burning like hellfire as blue eyes glitter up in worship. I imagine Beau pressing his mouth to the bloody angel above Liam’s knee and Liam tightening his grip on Beau’s hair enough to make the muscles pop in his arm.
Alert. I’ve stepped too close to the sun. My body ignites, and my heart hammers in my chest, threatening to punch free from its cage.
Why did I come over so early? Now I feel like I’m interrupting something. A third wheel—a label I’m acutely and painfully familiar with as I grew up an outsider to Hail and Liam’s bromance.
“Sorry in advance. I tend to say whatever pops into my head,” Beau comments.
Flustered, I shake my head. “No, it’s fine.”
“You baking for an army?”
“Ah, yeah. An army of hungry musicians. They requested a home-cooked meal, craft beers, and time with friends tonight.”
“Sounds about right for a band in their thirties.” He assesses my progress in the kitchen. “Need help?”
I consider him with wide eyes. “Don’t you like… have plans or something?”
“Plans with you, yeah.” His smile trips up my pulse as he tugs off his hoodie, revealing more of those delicious veins that make my knees weak.
“Have you ever made chocolate chip cookies?”
