The Final Line by Kendall McKenna Page B

and his hazel eyes were so pale they were luminous. Sean’s damned upturned nose that drove Corey fucking mad, was even more pronounced in the soft light. Corey’s eyes locked on Sean’s full, shapely mouth. The bow shape of his upper lip and the poutiness of his lower lip were enticing. They looked so soft and warm and Corey ached to just lean in and kiss Sean.
    “So, I realized that I don’t even have your number,” Sean said, just above a whisper. He held his cell phone in his hand, thumb hovering.
    Corey thought about it and realized Sean was right. Because he’d known where to find Sean this weekend, it hadn’t occurred to Corey to get his number.
    “Unless you don’t want to exchange numbers?” Sean spoke softly but Corey could hear his disappointment like a forty-mike-mike.
    “No! I mean, yes. Shit.” Corey hastily pulled his phone from his pocket. “I was just trying to figure out how that had happened at all,” he muttered. “I’d have been really pissed when I got home.”
    Sean chuckled as he keyed in the numbers Corey rattled off. Corey thumbed in Sean’s number and paused when he went to type his name. “How do you spell Sean?” Realizing what he’d asked, Corey added hastily, “I mean, I know how to spell Sean but how do you spell it?”
    When Sean laughed, his eyes crinkled and his wide smile made Corey feel like he’d been punched in the gut. His laughter was low and husky, both delighted and mischievous. Sean gave the traditional spelling of his name, the one Corey had always liked because it was simple and uncomplicated.
    “C-o-r-e-y?” Sean asked.
    “Yep. Simple and no frills,” Corey replied.
    “To the point, with no extraneous bullshit,” said Sean.
    Corey couldn’t help but smile.
    They stood, shoulders against the door, staring at one another in silence. Sean’s eyes grew wide and his expression serious. He took one slow step forward until he was right in front of Corey.
    Corey stood frozen, his eyes roaming over Sean’s handsome face, taking in his smooth, tan skin and the heat just beginning to smolder in his eyes. He caught the scent of Sean’s cologne and had to bite back a moan, it smelled so good.
    Slowly, Sean lifted both hands, palms out. He stood, letting Corey understand his intentions. Corey shifted to lean back against the door, silently consenting for Sean to touch him. Sean stepped close enough that Corey could feel the heat of his body all along the length of his own. Gently, he placed his palms on Corey’s chest. He stood patiently, as if awaiting Corey’s reaction.
    With his back to the door, Corey stood unmoving, feeling scalded by the heat of Sean’s hands through his shirt. He was trapped by Sean’s eyes, staring directly into his, unblinking. He was sharply aware of Sean’s hands running slowly down his chest and over his stomach. Sean’s lips parted as he held Corey’s gaze steadily.
    Corey’s own lips parted as he breathed heavily, wondering where Sean’s hands were going to wander to next. His heart was pounding and he knew Sean had to be able to feel it as he slid his palms over Corey’s chest again. A quiet sound escaped Corey as Sean’s hands curled up over his shoulders and skimmed down his arms. He hadn’t been touched like this in so long.
    One of Sean’s hands dropped down to Corey’s hip and panic flared in his chest. As much as he wanted to press himself against Sean’s firm, muscular body, he knew Sean would feel his lack of reaction and take it the wrong way. To Corey’s relief, Sean didn’t bring them in closer. He slid his other hand behind Corey’s neck and cradled his head.
    Corey glanced down at Sean’s wet, red lips. He felt the urge to push forward and taste Sean’s mouth, but he held back. Sean was driving this between them so Corey waited to see where he would take them.
    When he finally did lean in, Sean didn’t press their mouths together. Instead, he rested his forehead against Corey’s. Sean’s hazel