When they finally broke apart for air, Bennett could feel Jasper hard against him, could feel his own arousal straining against his zipper. The evidence of their want made his head spin.
Bennett pulled back suddenly, breath uneven.
Jasper did not chase him. He stayed close, eyes half-lidded, breathing steady.
Bennett’s voice came out low. “I have no idea what I am doing.”
Jasper’s mouth curved. “You are doing fine.”
Bennett stared at him. “Don’t make jokes.”
“I’m not,” Jasper said softly. “I mean it.”
Bennett swallowed. His chest rose and fell too fast.
Jasper’s thumb brushed the edge of Bennett’s shirt where his hand still rested at his waist. The touch was small. It made Bennett shiver anyway.
Bennett stepped back because if he did not, he would keep going. He did not know where it would end, and that frightened him.
He cleared his throat. “We should.”
Jasper’s eyes stayed on him. “We should what?”
Bennett’s hands clenched. “Slow down.”
Jasper nodded immediately. No argument. No teasing.
“Okay,” Jasper said again. “We go at your pace.”
Bennett’s stomach twisted with relief and frustration. “You’re too reasonable.”
Jasper smiled faintly. “You say that like it is a flaw.”
Bennett looked away, then back. “It’s a problem.”
Jasper’s expression softened. “We can handle problems.”
Bennett’s heartbeat slowed, just slightly. He nodded once, a small concession.
“Fine,” Bennett said. “We can handle problems.”
Jasper’s smile widened. “That sounded almost optimistic.”
Bennett picked up his phone from the desk and stared at the screen, as if it could save him from how warm his mouth still felt.
“Do not get used to it,” Bennett said.
Jasper’s voice was gentle. “Too late.”
Bennett did not answer.
He did not need to.
His pulse said enough.
CHAPTER SIX
jasper
