“Is he?” Scott asked.
Kai lifted a brow. “Isn’t he?”
“I dunno. I mean, with the vibes you two have been throwing, I’ve started to wonder.”
And of course, his suspicions were correct, it just wasn’t Kai’s place to either confirm nor deny. Not that he knew what Breck was thinking anyway. That kid was a hot fucking mess of testosterone and pride.
Kai’s gaze focused back on the watercolor. “Either way, it doesn’t matter. We’re not compatible.”
“Funny,” Scott chuckled humorlessly. “Some would say that about Max and Sean.”
“You think they do?”
“In their own way, absolutely.”
“But they’re not together.”
“No, but they should be.” Scott sighed. “They’re perfect for each other... Max just can’t see the obvious because of his past.”
Kai looked at him, a frown forming at his words. He too had been navigating his present via his past. Especially recently, as he compared a particular prospect to his ex-partner, Ryan. Chest tightening, he peered back at the painting. “Sometimes the past is our greatest teacher.”
“Maybe,” Scott countered. “But then sometimes it’s our greatest hindrance.”
Kai pocketed his hands and contemplated that. Scott stressed a good point, but he’d need some time to integrate it.
Scott didn’t push the envelope any further. Just reverted back to casual conversation. Not long after, he spotted the waitress with those coveted hors d’oeuvres. “Shit,” he blurted. “There she is.” He quickly turned to Kai. “You want some grub?”
“No,” Kai chuckled. “But Tad does. Don’t let her get away.”
“Right?” Scott laughed. “Meet you back at the bar?”
“Actually, I think I’m gonna head out.”
“Alright, man.” Scott clasped his palm. “Appreciate you coming. And despite his ornery front, I know Max does, too.”
Kai smiled and watched Scott bee-line for the waitress, then tentatively slid his gaze in the direction of the bar. One last glimpse, he told himself, then he’d call it a night. Just a quick stride down the corridor toward the entrance of the lounge. It’d take a minute, ninety seconds at most, to steal one last appreciative look at the guy.
Kai pursed his lips. No. No last glimpses. Breck was a temptation he didn’t need, their personalities like oil and water. Scratch that, like gasoline and fire. It didn’t matter that they were attracted to each other. Their fundamental energies just didn’t mix. As long as he kept looking Breck’s way, that fact would never sink in.
Exhaling, he headed for the exit, but just as he pushed through the doors, his feet stopped short. Outside, standing by the curb eyeing his phone, was none other than Breck.
Kai shook his head and nearly smiled. Well played, universe.
So much for avoiding temptation. Breck looked way too good, and was entirely too close, for him to possibly resist.
Besides, he told himself, an impromptu encounter might even prove to be beneficial. A chance to smooth out any lingering hard feelings from last month’s heated exchange.
Donning a smile, he made his way over. “We meet again.”
Breck stilled, then turned around. “Kai.” He glanced at the gallery. “What’re you doing out here?”
Kai pocketed his hands. “Heading home. How ‘bout you?”
Breck frowned down at his phone. “Doing the Uber ride of shame.”
Kai chuckled. “Ah. You didn’t drive.” He peered back at the building. “What happened to your friends?”
Breck shrugged. “They don’t wanna leave yet.”
Kai thought about that, then motioned toward the parking lot. “I’ll give you a ride.”
Breck eyed him apprehensively. The look was adorable.
Kai grinned, unable to help it. “I don’t bite.”
“You sure about that?”
“Alright, fine. I do, but I won’t.”
Breck’s mouth quirked into a smile. He looked back down at his phone. Bit his lip, as if conflicted. As if a part of him was game but needed a valid reason to accept. Which, in his defense, was totally fair. The bulk of their previous encounters were rocky at best.
Kai eyed that lush lip trapped between Breck’s teeth. “Cancel your ride,” he ordered softly. “You’ll like mine better.”
Breck met his gaze. “You sound confident.”
“I am.”
Breck lifted a brow.
“Ever ridden in an Exorcist?”
Breck stilled, then gaped. “Shut the fuck up.”
Kai grinned. “Come see.”
Breck rubbed his skull cut, glancing toward the parking lot. A heartbeat later, a smile escaped him. “Alright. Let’s go.”
———
Breck couldn’t believe his tipsy ass was doing this; engaging with his wet-dream obsession—slash—nemesis, yet again. It was stupid. Things always ended badly. If he’d been smart, he would’ve politely declined. But he wasn’t smart. When it came to Kai, he did dumbass shit. Like just now, when he’d succumbed at the drop of a hat. In his defense, though, the bait had been ridiculous. No way he could’ve turned down that golden carrot. Just the prospect of seeing an Exorcist in person would give any guy in his right mind wood, and he had been offered a ride.
He may be stupid, but he wasn’t that stupid.
He glanced at Kai as they rounded the corner. The gallery’s parking lot was located around back. The glow of streetlights staved back most of the darkness. Kai met his gaze and smiled. Just a little. Then, as if pointing with his eyes, he focused on something straight ahead. Something lurking in the shadows. On second thought, maybe it was the shadow. Some enigmatic blackhole absorbing all surrounding light.