“Okay,” he said softly. “Thanks for telling me.”
That was all. No fireworks. No shock. Just quiet acceptance.
But that moment did something to Eli. Unlocked something.
He started letting himself feel it.
The attraction.
The curiosity.
And especially—the desire for Dominic.
It built slowly.
In glances. In lingering touches when their hands brushed. In the way Dominic looked at him like he was trying not to.
They didn’t kiss right away. That came later.
What came first was tension.
Heat that simmered between them until it became unbearable.
The first kiss happened in the garage.
Eli had just finished cleaning the motorcycle carburetor. Oil smudged on his cheek. His shirt clung to his back from the heat.
Dominic leaned against the workbench, watching him. His gaze heavy. His jaw tight.
“You keep looking at me like that,” Eli said, barely above a whisper, “and I’m gonna do something stupid.”
Dominic didn’t move. “Maybe I want you to.”
Silence.
Then Eli stepped forward, breath shallow.
“Yo
