Chapter 57

Jason tasted of considerate mint over caramel cream—Colby’d made a few extra tarts for fellow cast and crew, with leftover ingredients—and drank him in with desperate love, physical and glorious. Colby, who likely tasted of cold strawberry basil tea—Will’d had tea, and the crew had been trying as far as flavors he’d like—met each devouring pleading motion of lips and tongue with his own, and let Jason and Stephen collide and mingle and become his whole existence: both himself and Will joined in this moment of truth.

Eventually Jill’s “Cut!” landed clear as rain, and Jason nibbled at Colby’s lower lip, ending the kiss. Colby stayed put, arms around Jason’s neck, spellbound.

Ryan, leaning against the doorframe, applauded.

That broke the ice, and several other people applauded too, some through sniffles or tears; Andy whistled merrily at them, and Jill called over, “You’re fantastic, guys, I think that was it, but—”