It was like the air between them ignited. Arousal bloomed in Zack’s belly so suddenly it left him panting. One second he was having a pleasant conversation, and the next he wanted to grab the beautiful man across the table and kiss him senseless. He could tell John felt it too, because his eyes were dark with arousal and he couldn’t take them off Zack’s face.

“Let me see your hands,” John said in a hypnotically quiet way.

Zack didn’t even bother protesting. He could feel the need for John bubbling just under his skin, threatening to break the surface with every passing second. He placed his hand palm-up on the table and slid it toward John. John took it carefully in both of his. His skin was warm and smooth, and when he took the tip of his index finger and ran it down the length of Zack’s palm, it left a trail of fire behind it. Zack couldn’t begin to understand how such a light, feathery touch could make him feel so hot. He could only imagine what it would feel like to have that same touch applied to his cock.

“Your hands are beautiful,” John murmured. He brushed his thumb over the calluses. It was too much and nowhere near enough. Zack fidgeted in his chair. He was unreasonably hard considering they hadn’t done anything. He felt sweaty and nervous and needy and exhilarated all at once.

When John looked up, his pupils had dilated until only a thin ring of blue remained around them. Zack could feel his hands shaking minutely and knew he was as affected by this as Zack was. The knowledge made him even more desperate for it.

“You know,” Zack said, his voice rough, “we could always end the date here.”

John looked confused. “You said you were enjoying yourself.”

“I am, but I think we both know this date was just a formality.”

“A formality,” John repeated.

Zack fought back a smile. John wasn’t picking up what he was putting down. He leaned forward and lowered his voice to a velvety vibration. “We should order dessert. Have them pack it up for us. We can take it back to your place and eat it after.”

“After?”

“Yes.” Zack looked into John’s eyes and smiled in a sinful way. “After.”

Chapter 12

Zack grunted as his back hit the alley wall. He barely had time to collect himself before John was on him, pinning him against the brick. John’s body was hot and solid, and Zack didn’t even attempt to hide how much he loved the feel of it.