I stick to the sidelines, following Lex as he talks to potential donors for the foundation. But I catch Pierce watching me from across the room, his expression changing for a moment, offering a smile that’s just for me before someone grabs his attention.
The lights dim slightly as the mayor takes the stage, his voice carrying easily through the elegant ballroom. “Tonight, we celebrate those who have made extraordinary contributions to our community,” he begins, his tone warm with genuine admiration. “This year’s Community Impact Award goes to two remarkable individuals who have transformed the lives of countless young people.”
The room erupts in applause as Drew and West make their way to the stage, both looking slightly overwhelmed by the attention. Drew’s hand finds West’s as they approach the podium, a gesture so natural and loving that it makes my chest tight.
“The Starfinders Foundation,” the mayor continues, “has provided educational support, mentorship, and opportunities to over three hundred underprivileged youth in our city.Their innovative programs have resulted in a ninety-two percent high school graduation rate among participants, with sixty percent going on to higher education.”
West steps forward to the microphone, his voice steady despite the magnitude of the moment. “When we started Starfinders five years ago, we had a simple belief: that every child deserves a chance to reach for the stars, regardless of their circumstances.”
Drew takes over seamlessly. “Tonight, we’re honored not just to receive this recognition, but to share it with the young people who’ve shown us what courage and determination really look like. Some of our earliest participants are now college graduates, others are starting their own businesses, and many have returned as mentors to help the next generation.”
As they conclude their speech to thunderous applause, my eyes once again are drawn to Pierce. A few more minutes and we’ll be sitting together at the same table. I don’t know why, but it feels like I won’t be able to breathe until then.
“He’s different with you, you know,” Noah says quietly, his voice pitched low enough that only I can hear. “He takes a lot of flak from me, partly because I’m immature and need to keep staking my claim to Lior, but also because he takes it so well. Nothing ever rattles him. But you’re different. I have a feeling that if you were to rattle him, you’d break him.”
The observation wraps around my heart like a vice, making it hard to breathe.
“Careful,” Lex whispers from my other side, nudging me gently. “Your eyes keep drifting to a certain silver fox. People will start to notice.”
As the mayor finishes the speech and wishes everyone an enjoyable meal, I spot Pierce slipping away from the main ballroom.
“Excuse me,” I say, letting my feet carry me in his direction. I’m just a concerned assistant. My boss might need help. Or that’s what I tell myself with each step.
Pierce waits in a dark alcove near the restrooms. I can just barely make out his figure.
Before I can speak, his hands find my waist with familiar urgency, pulling me into the shadows. My back hits a wall as his mouth claims mine, the kiss carrying the same need and desperation I’ve been feeling.
“God, I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” he breathes against my lips, fingers gripping my lapels like anchors. The contact sends electricity through my whole body as I pull him closer, desire making us less careful than we should be in a semi-public space.
My hands slide inside his suit jacket, finding warmth through fabric that makes me want to strip away every barrier between us. Pierce’s mouth moves to my neck, drawing a moan from me. The risk should make me stop him, but something about the intimate contact in a forbidden space makes everything more urgent.
“Pierce,” I manage, though my voice has gone breathy as his teeth find the sensitive spot beneath my ear. “We should… Anyone could…”
“Don’t care,” he murmurs, the words vibrating against my skin as his hands move lower with dangerous intent. “Need you. Been watching you all night, wanting to touch, to taste…”
His mouth reclaims mine before I can respond, the kiss deeper and more desperate than our usual contact. My fingers tangle in his hair, disrupting his perfect styling. Everything narrows to points of connection between us, his tongue sliding against mine, his thigh pressing between my legs, his hands gripping my hips with bruising force.
The sound of approaching voices breaks through our passion-induced haze, making us spring apart like teenagers caught by parents. Pierce’s hands shake slightly as he straightens my tie, his own breathing still uneven as footsteps grow closer and then turn toward the restroom. I reach up to fix his hair.
“Can I stay with you tonight?”
The question fills me with hot anticipation. “Yes. But only if you promise to keep your hands to yourself until after the gala. I have an inconvenient erection I can’t get rid of right now.”
Pierce straightens his tie one final time before stepping back into the main ballroom, his mask sliding seamlessly into place. I wait a full minute, counting seconds as I try to will away the effect he has on me before following.
The transition back to the gala is jarring after our stolen moment. Elegant conversations resume around white-clothed tables as servers distribute the main course. I spot my cousins at our designated table, their knowing smiles making heat rise in my cheeks as I approach.
“There you are,” Noah says, standing to pull out my chair with exaggerated courtesy. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d gotten lost.”
Pierce finally takes his seat next to mine, and despite his promise, he puts his hand on my leg under the table.
My brain goes in one direction only. If he knows that everyone knows, does this mean he’s okay with it? Does he want an actual relationship with me?
Neither of us has denied our chemistry or this weird pull we have toward each other. But it’s one thing to give in to attraction and hook up, and another altogether, wanting to build a life.
Am I even the type of man Pierce would want to build a life with?
“Hey, you okay?” Noah asks.
