Oz’s lips were exactly as soft as they looked, and he smelled of toothpaste and expensive cologne and clean skin, and his mouth was so warm. Seth let his eyes fall closed, savoring the moment.
Normally, he didn’t kiss at all. Oz was a special case. Oz would let him, even though they weren’t dating, even though they didn’t really mean anything to each other. He was the kind of man who kissed, and Seth was going to take advantage of that.
“Just reminding you what you’re waiting for,” Seth said, needing to give himself an excuse. The truth, that he just wanted to kiss Oz, made him feel too vulnerable to admit out loud.
In another life, if they were different people, Oz would have been the man of Seth’s dreams. Sweet and wholesome and comforting, the kind of person who was worth coming home to, who’d hold him and kiss his forehead and curl up on the couch with him to watch mindless TV every single night if he wanted. Sometimes, they’d go on ridiculously quaint dates and hold hands in public and all the rest of the normal, simple things couples did.
But Seth wasn’t stupid enough to let himself believe that he was anything more than a fun distraction for Oz. He could do better, and he would. He’d find someone worth his time.
So there was no point in even entertaining the idea.
“That does make it a little harder to wait,” Oz said, smiling a soft, fond smile at Seth that he didn’t deserve, but fully intended to bask in.
“You’ll just have to be strong.” Seth grinned. “I’ve been waiting all week for you.”
Oz frowned at him, one eyebrow raised. “Really?”
Seth swallowed. Had he said too much? He hadn’t meant to sound… clingy, or anything.
It was true that normally he wouldn’t have gone an entire week without picking someone up or calling someone reliable, but it hadn’t seemed right this week. He had a sure thing booked for the weekend. He didn’t want anyone else.
Apparently, Oz realized that was unusual for him.
“Really,” he said. “I’ve jerked off a lot, but you’ve ruined me for other men.”
Hopefully, Oz would take that as a joke.
Seth wasn’t entirely sure it was one, though. Seth really hadn’t wanted anyone else. All he’d thought about was Oz. It was kind of embarrassing.
It was also just a stupid crush, and one he’d get over once Oz went away again. Maybe they’d catch up at Thanksgiving, if the whole family decided to get together for some reason, and they could go another round then.
He’d definitely get over it quickly, though. He always did.
“Huh,” Oz said, his tone thoughtful. “I guess I’ll have to show you a real good time tonight, then.”
“Your number-one spot depends on it,” Seth reminded him. Pretending this was about an imaginary competition seemed like the best strategy right now.
He wasn’t sure how else to cope with the fact that he liked it when Oz smiled at him.
This was going to be a long day.
Chapter Nine
“Oz!”
Before he could do anything to react, Oz found himself with an armful of Ashley, dressed in something a little less over-the-top than her wedding gown had been for the reception. He wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight for a moment.
She looked exactly the way he remembered her when they’d gone to prom together, her hair piled up on her head, her makeup perfect, grinning the entire time. They’d been the envy of the whole school once upon a time, and Oz looked back on those days fondly, even if he hadn’t been free to be himself back then.
He might not ever have been in love with her, but she’d been one of his closest friends in high school. It was good to see her now, happy and glowing.
“My favorite ex,” Oz said, picking her up to twirl her around once. She was still tiny as ever, easy to lift off the ground.
If they’d both been straight, Oz would have married Ashley. He was glad she’d found someone to be happy with instead.
Maybe one day, he’d manage to find someone for himself.
