All Chapters of Every Shade Of Desire (short story collection): Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Dorian arrived for his annual appointment right on time. The studio door was already unlocked. River stood behind the counter, wiping down his tools with slow, careful movements. The north light came through the big windows and fell across the wooden floor in long, steady beams. Dorian closed the door behind him. The bell above it gave a soft ring.River looked up. Their eyes met. Dorian felt the familiar pull low in his stomach. Four years of this. Four years of sitting in that chair while River’s hands worked on his arm, turning skin into stories. Four years of pretending the way River touched him was only professional.“Same chair?” Dorian asked.River nodded. “Same chair.”Dorian took off his jacket and hung it on the hook by the door. He rolled up his sleeve as he walked over. River watched every movement. Dorian sat down. The leather was cool against his back. River pulled up his stool and sat close. Their knees almost touched.River picked up his sketchbook. “Something I’ve bee

The night River designed the wrist piece.Dorian sat across from him at the work table, watching every movement of River’s hand. The pencil moved steadily across the paper. River’s fingers adjusted their grip, then kept going. Dorian leaned forward slightly, elbows on the table. The studio light fell across River’s face, catching the way his brow furrowed in concentration.“You’re focused tonight,” Dorian said.River looked up. “This one matters more.”Dorian reached across the table. His fingers brushed River’s wrist. River paused. Their eyes met. Dorian didn’t pull away. River turned his hand, letting Dorian’s fingers slide along his palm.“Watching you create on my skin always made me hard,” Dorian said quietly. “Now I get to touch back.”River’s breath caught. He set the pencil down. Dorian stood first. River rose to meet him. Their mouths came together in a deep kiss. Dorian’s hands cupped River’s face. River gripped Dorian’s shirt, pulling him closer. The kiss grew hungrier. Ton

Week three. The kitchen was absolute chaos—exposed beams, plastic sheeting fluttering like ghosts in the draft, the sharp scent of sawdust and fresh paint hanging thick in the air. Tools lay scattered across every surface, but the hours had started overlapping longer and longer, pulling Nadia and Iris into the same space again and again.Nadia wiped the dust from her hands onto the worn denim of her jeans, the fabric clinging to her thighs from the heat of the day. Iris stood close—too close—reviewing the plans spread out on a makeshift plywood table. Their shoulders brushed. Iris leaned in to trace a line on the blueprint, and the warmth of her body pressed lightly against Nadia’s side. Neither of them pulled away. The touch lingered, electric.“You always stand this close,” Nadia said, her voice low, rough from hours of shouting over saws.Iris looked up, dark eyes locking onto hers. “You always let me.”Nadia’s hand rested on the table near Iris’s. Their fingers were inches apart,

Eleven Thursdays. Vivienne arrived at 8:07pm, sat in her usual seat.Sable already had her drink ready. She set the glass down in front of Vivienne. Their hands brushed as the glass changed hands. The touch lingered a second longer than necessary. Sable’s fingers grazed Vivienne’s, sending a small spark through both of them. Vivienne looked up. Sable met her eyes.“Same as always,” Sable said.Vivienne smiled a little. “Perfect every time.”Sable stayed behind the bar for a moment. She wiped the counter even though it was already clean. Vivienne took a sip of her drink. The bar was busy but not crowded. People talked in low voices. Glasses clinked. Sable moved to serve another customer, but her eyes kept drifting back to Vivienne.Vivienne opened her book. She read a few pages, but her attention kept pulling toward the bar. Sable’s hands moved with easy confidence as she mixed drinks. The way her sleeves were rolled up. The way she smiled at customers but saved something softer for Vi

Saturday morning in the empty bar. Vivienne told Sable about her past relationship with a woman. The honesty ignited them.Vivienne sat on the edge of the bar, legs swinging slightly. Sable stood between them, hands resting on Vivienne’s thighs. The bar was quiet. Chairs still stacked on tables. Morning light came through the front windows in soft beams.“It ended badly,” Vivienne said. “She left. Didn’t even say goodbye. I didn’t let anyone close after that.”Sable’s thumbs stroked slow circles on Vivienne’s thighs. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”Vivienne looked at her. “I haven’t told anyone that in years.”Sable leaned in. Their foreheads touched. “Thank you for telling me.”Vivienne’s hands came up to Sable’s face. She kissed her slowly. Sable kissed her back, hands sliding higher on Vivienne’s thighs. The kiss deepened. Vivienne moaned softly into Sable’s mouth. Sable pulled her closer, bodies pressing together.Vivienne broke the kiss, breathing hard. “I want you.”Sable pull