Frost tried hiding his triumph over Zep letting him stay. “Oh, yeah. We should definitely get that squared away.” Frost couldn’t help but smile as Zep turned away. Zep was as good as in his bed. He just didn’t know it yet.
Frost was way too free with his compliments. While Zep absolutely knew his worth, he also knew he didn’t attract men like Frost. Personally, Zep didn’t have a type. Whoever caught his eye, caught his eye. But men who were fitness nuts weren’t the ones who came looking for Zep. Zep wasn’t massively out of shape. He went to the gym. Zep just had too much else to do to focus all his attention on his body. Plus, life was too short to skip dessert. Zep was thick. Some might call him bear-like. He was fine with that, but still. Guys like Frost were not into guys like Zep.
Since Frost seemed to genuinely want to help and he jumped right in there, unpacking boxes alongside Zep, Zep let it go on. The longer Frost stayed; the more Zep’s guard slipped. Frost was nice, funny, and smart. The guy seemed to be the total package. That was terrifying because Zep knew too much. He hadn’t forgotten the massive lies Frost had told to keep Damon as only a fuck buddy. The thing was, Zep already knew more about Frost than Damon had. Zep found himself making excuses for Frost. Damon obviously hadn’t wanted to be more than friends with benefits, or he would have asked more questions, right?
Zep couldn’t stop asking questions. The more Frost revealed, the more stories Zep wanted to hear. By the time they cleared out enough boxes for Zep to get his truck in the garage, Zep knew a ton about Frost. He knew Frost’s mom was a nurse named Helena. Frost had a younger sister, Lori. His sister worked at some country club. Her husband, Joe, worked at the DMV. Frost’s dad had passed away last year after a battle with colon cancer. Damon should have known those things. Why didn’t he ask? That was such a dangerous thought. Zep was smart enough to see the truth. He liked Frost, and he wanted to believe Frost genuinely liked him. That didn’t mean Zep wouldn’t guard his heart.
Side by side, they leaned against Zep’s kitchen island and drank a bottle of water. Frost finished his first. His gaze skirted the kitchen. “I know damn well a guy like you has a recycling bin.”
A laugh burst from Zep. “Yeah. It’s behind that door.”
As Frost moved to throw his bottle in with the plastics, Zep couldn’t take his eyes off him. He was so incredibly gorgeous, and he was like an actual adult. Zep didn’t get to spend time with many people his age who acted their age. That was his fault. He had a choice in the matter, but this was nice. It was more than nice. Frost made Zep’s longing for a husband twice as powerful. He wanted this life. Zep craved having a helpmate and friend. A partner. Frost made him hope. Zep hadn’t hoped in a long time.
“Now that I’ve worn you out, I guess you probably have to go.”
Frost turned a laughing gaze Zep’s way. He closed the distance between them, making Zep’s heart beat a little faster. “If you think this little work wore me out, you don’t know me at all.” Only a few inches remained between them. “You’ll have to work much harder to exhaust me.”
Zep was a good six inches taller than Frost, but Frost still managed to make Zep feel stalked. He was Frost’s prey. Zep wanted to be caught, so he stood still. He didn’t blow off the desire in Frost’s eyes. Zep made a conscious decision to let Frost start whatever he started with a clean slate. He wouldn’t think about Frost’s past with Damon. Zep would give Frost a real chance. He saw the moment Frost realized Zep didn’t plan to shoot him down. Frost’s expression shifted. There was no triumph in his eyes. Zep swore he saw... relief—as if Frost was every bit as tired as Zep was with games. That one hint of vulnerability was all it took. Zep made the first move.
Zep lowered his head. Frost met him halfway. With no thought whatsoever, Zep’s hands found their way beneath Frost’s shirt as their tongues stroked. He dragged the material higher. His pants loosened at the waist, making Zep realize Frost had been working at stripping him. Zep’s body ached to be touched. He felt Frost’s pocket buzz. Frost immediately jumped backward out of Zep’s hold and pulled his phone from his pocket.
“Crap. I lost track of time. I need to go. It must seem like I’m running out, but it’s an emergency.”
Zep couldn’t stop staring. He heard the words, but all he could see was the flush on Frost’s cheeks. They really would have fucked in Zep’s new kitchen if Frost hadn’t gotten that text. Wow. Zep couldn’t wrap his mind around that.
Frost reclaimed Zep’s lips before Zep could gather a single coherent thought. This kiss was every bit as hot, doing nothing to cool Zep’s lust. Frost pulled away again. “We’ll talk. This isn’t over.”
Zep stood in a wrecked daze as Frost headed for the door. For a solid ten minutes after Frost left, Zep stood there, staring at nothing. He had no idea what just happened. All Zep knew was, he could never, ever tell Kit.
Three
Zep: I need to talk to someone about something. It’s something you probably don’t want to hear, and I know you’re on your trip, but I need a friend. I definitely can’t talk to Kit.
Lucky: Don’t worry about my trip. You can always talk to me about anything.
Zep: I kissed Frost.
Lucky: WOW! How was it?
Zep: I feel really awkward and guilty. I know he caused problems with Damon and you. Plus, he used to be with Damon or whatever.
Lucky: Stop. You’re overthinking things. We are friends. Frost doesn’t seem like a bad guy and he would be lucky to have you, so I ask again. How was it?
Zep: Amazing, but now I don’t know what to do. Like, I know he did some major lying to Damon and Kit would freaking die.
Lucky: Oh yeah. You one hundred percent can’t talk to Kit about this. If you like him and you keep your guard up until you know you can trust him, then you should go for it. I’m sure he knows you know about the lies he told Damon. I can’t imagine he’ll try that same thing with you. Who knows? He might have learned his lesson. People do grow and change.
Zep: Thank you. I know it’s crazy, but I really like him. I haven’t liked anyone in a long time.
Lucky: You’re an amazing guy. I’m sure he can’t resist you. Anytime you need to talk, I’m here for it.
Zep: Okay. Thanks for listening and have fun on your trip. Love you.
Lucky: Love you too.
Frost: I just got off work and I was thinking about our kiss. If you’re not busy, I’d love to come by and pick up where we left off.
Zep: I don’t know who you’re used to dealing with, but I don’t answer two a.m. booty call texts.
Frost: I’m sorry. I had just gotten off work when I texted you last night, and I didn’t think about the time. Sometimes I forget that not everyone has my crazy schedule. I also didn’t mean to make you feel like I was after a booty call. It won’t happen again.
Zep: I guess we’ll see.
“Yoga time.”
Zep blinked at not only Kit’s overly bright mood, but also his extra as hell outfit. He looked like he planned to do yoga, but on a fashion runway. His brown hair was flawless, and he wore a hint of makeup. He had on shorts that left very little to the imagination and a tiny tank top. Kit was always beautiful, but some days he made Zep feel like a cross between a Sasquatch and a swamp monster.