Page 20 of Scorched

Fabrice tried his best to look professional. Beau shook his head and moved to do as he said. At the last moment, he changed direction. He pulled Fabrice into another hug.

“I love you, Brice. Please relax your shoulders before I have to find you a chiropractor.”

An unexpected laugh slipped past Fabrice’s lips. “I love you too. Don’t worry. I’m okay.”

Beau gave him one final squeeze before leaving him alone.

His shoulders relaxed by force of will, which didn’t last long. He took a breath as people spilled inside. Foster dragged Atticus to the front while people chanted for a toast. A champagne fountain waited. Atticus, who never missed an opportunity to be the center of attention, grabbed a glass while servers moved around the room ensuring everyone got a drink. Fabrice had intended to stand next to the table he worked so hard to achieve, but Atticus shoved the glass in his hand before taking another. With their efficient staff, everyone had champagne in no time.

Foster tapped a spoon against his glass, quieting the room. “I’d planned to toast my amazing husband’s new year of life. It’s important that everyone knows, especially him, how I worship his every breath. Instead of saying those things, I’m giving the floor to the birthday boy.” Everyone laughed at Foster’s speech before quieting again to listen to Atticus.

Atticus raised his glass. “The only true family I’ve had for the majority of my life is Kirkland.”

Kirkland moved to stand at Fabrice’s side.

Atticus turned their way, glass still in the air. “He has stuck with me through every high and low, acting as the father I should’ve had but didn’t. Now that I’ve found the love of my life, and everyone in this room has become my family, I see more than ever how much we take for granted the people who love us the most. So, this toast is for Kirkland. Thank you for raising me into the man I am. I know I made life a bitch for you.”

Everyone cheered and laughed before taking a drink.

Atticus raised his glass again. “This one is for everyone here, for all the love you have shown me, but especially Fabrice.” He took Fabrice’s hand and dragged into what felt like the spotlight. “Fabrice is the one responsible for all the delicious food here tonight and every night,” he added with a chuckle. “He sacrificed his entire day, missing this party, to put together all this beautiful artwork of desserts and amazing food. I don’t deserve his kindness.” Atticus met Fabrice’s gaze, making everyone else disappear. “But I see everything you do, and I love you. Cheers.”

The blush that spread across his face was out of Fabrice’s control. He didn’t like to be the focus point in the room. “You’re very welcome. I love you too.”

Everyone drank, and then the noise level in the room shot through the roof. He hugged Atticus before Kirkland came to his rescue. Hand in hand, they stood on the sidelines and watched all the over-the-top reactions to his centerpiece and the cake, which he was also really proud of.

Kirkland squeezed his hand.

Fabrice looked his way.

Kirkland’s expression screamed affection. “I love you and I’m proud as hell of you.”

It was almost funny how everything else that had been said about him tonight paled in comparison to Kirkland’s words.

“I love you too.”

For the first time in a long time, Fabrice felt seen. He knew that was Kirkland’s doing.

“Move your things into my room.”

At his statement, a huge grin lit Kirkland’s face. He looked a tad shy when he responded, “Okay.”

Gah. He was so enamored with this sexy, kind man. For the first time, Fabrice saw a future with someone. The picture of their life he had in his mind looked beautiful. They should get started. He needed to slow down and embrace this thing they had.

Chapter Nine

Kirkland couldn’t even begin to describe what it felt like to have Fabrice underneath him. He couldn’t stop kissing him and petting him. His brain had completely detached from reality. All he could do was feel and, damn, did he feel everything. Happiness, lust, love, and possessiveness devoured him. Fabrice kissed him back as if he felt all the same things. The entire experience proved how badly they never wanted to be apart. Fabrice had these plump lips Kirkland couldn’t resist. Truthfully, there wasn’t a thing about Fabrice he could resist. He was an addiction. Kirkland wanted to start every day just like this one—the way they had since they started openly dating.

Their fingers linked. Fabrice moaned beneath him. Time had no meaning. Kirkland had no clue how long he had rocked his cock against Fabrice’s. Blowing was more of a back-of-his-mind thought. Kirkland just wanted to be right here with Fabrice for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, Fabrice needed to work today. Kirkland couldn’t keep him.

Fabrice whimpered.

That back-of-the-mind orgasm shot straight to the top of his thoughts. Kirkland moved with purpose. The cries coming from Fabrice turned louder by the second. But when he came, he did so in silence with the exception of ragged-sounding gasps. Kirkland felt how hard Fabrice had jerked with that orgasm. That thought mixed with the friction and Fabrice’s cum sent Kirkland flying. He kissed Fabrice as he came down from the high. Fabrice trembled beneath him. He made Kirkland feel more powerful than he ever had. His chest swelled with pride.

“I love you.”

Fabrice’s sweet, whispered words against Kirkland’s lips made the backs of his eyes burn. They were everything he had silently begged for his entire life and been certain he would never have. Fabrice was amazing in a thousand ways.

“I love you too. Damn, I guess I need to let you get ready for work.”