Thank you for reminding me what butterflies feel like.

Beau and Lanet stood in the living room talking.

"While you at it, watch my reputation. I cannot lose my business over this," Lanet said.

"Your reputation?" Beau asked, fa little confused. It wasn't like anyone knew Lanet was involved with him.

Lanet bit his lip nervously. "I mean... I thought, you know. At some point, people might see us together. I don't plan on hiding or anything, so..." He trailed off, eyes darting away. "Ugh, am I assuming things?"

Beau blinked, momentarily stunned. He'd never met an Elite who didn't care about being seen with someone from a lower class. It was almost... refreshing. Lanet wasn't just playing games—he was serious about this. About them.

Beau's mind wandered for a brief moment, imagining how far Lanet's seriousness might go. Dating? Maybe. And if Lanet wasn't some uptight, 90-days rule kind of guy, perhaps they could let off some steam real soon. Beau wouldn't complain about that. He thought about how long it had been since he had gotten laid. Too long.

When he looked back at Lanet, the man was still watching him. It tugged at something deep inside Beau. He couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face. "A middle-class guy with an Elite? How scandalous."

Lanet scoffed but didn't shy away. "I don't care about class, Beau. Just be careful. If not for yourself and me, then for your family. Understood?"

Beau mock saluted. "Yes, sir."

Silence settled between them. Then Lanet cleared his throat. "I should head back to my place."

Beau's smile faltered. Right. Lanet didn't live around here.

"Can't you drive back in the morning?" Beau exaggerated a pout, earning a soft chuckle from Lanet.

"I don't know. I miss my bed. That couch is killing my back and neck."

Beau frowned, chewing on the inside of his cheek. He didn't want Lanet to leave. The entire week Lanet had been around, Beau had fought the urge to ask him to sleep in his bed. It wasn't that big of a deal, right? Except... it felt like a big deal.

The realization hit him—he'd enjoyed Lanet's company more than he'd thought.

But how would he say that without sounding ridiculous? Without sounding like a nervous kid who'd just worked up the courage to talk to their crush?

"Stay," Beau wanted to say. "Stay in my bed." But the words tangled on his tongue, refusing to come out.

Would Lanet think he was being too forward? They hadn't even had a proper second date.

Lanet smirked. "When did I start making you nervous?"

Beau felt heat crawl up his neck, but he refused to look away. "Well... I don't want you to leave yet," he admitted honestly.

Lanet's smirk softened into a warm smile. "Okay. How about I stay for an hour?"

An hour wasn't nearly enough. Beau's gaze flickered to Lanet's lips. For days, he'd fought the overwhelming urge to just grab him and kiss him senseless. The thought had consumed him more than he cared to admit.

He was still lost in his thoughts when Lanet's soft hand cupped his cheek, pulling him back to reality. His heart slammed in his chest, a frantic rhythm he couldn't control.

"Where's your mind at?" Lanet asked.

Beau's eyes darted from Lanet's lips to his eyes. Before his courage could slip through his fingers, he reached out, wrapping his arms around Lanet's waist and pulling him into a soft, gentle kiss.

For a heartbeat, Lanet didn't move, and panic surged through Beau's veins. Had he crossed a line? But just as doubt began to creep in, Lanet's hand slid to the back of his neck, pulling him closer.

The kiss deepened, shifting from gentle to passionate. Lanet's lips moved against Beau's with a fiery intensity, and Beau's insides coiled, his breath hitching. Every nerve in his body felt alive, ignited by the heat between them.

But far too soon, Lanet pulled back, leaving Beau breathless. His forehead rested against Beau's, their breaths mingling in the narrow space between them.

"What took you so long?" Lanet murmured in a husky voice.

Before Beau could respond, Lanet's strong arm wrapped around his waist, and in one swift motion, he guided Beau backward until his back met the cool surface of the wall. The cold sent a shiver down Beau's spine, but Lanet's closeness chased it away.

Lanet looked down at him, his gaze heavy-lidded. It was the most intoxicating sight Beau had ever seen.

His mind raced wildly. Was this the moment? Was this where Lanet would take him, right here against the wall? Maybe I am a little perverted. Beau thought.

The thought sent a rush of heat through Beau's veins, but he could only meet Lanet's gaze, lips parted as he waited.

"You haven't answered my question," Lanet murmured, his lips hovering just over Beau's in a maddening tease.

Beau swallowed hard. "I was afraid to make the first move," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lanet's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "What's so different now?" he asked, his tone playful yet probing.

Beau knew the answer, even if it wasn't easy to put into words. "You're leaving," he said quietly, "and I wanted something to remember you by—besides our long walks, chats, and projects with Star."

Lanet smiled as his hand slipped beneath Beau's shirt, the warmth of his touch sending shivers up Beau's spine. Beau's breath caught as Lanet pressed against him firmly.

Beau's mind blanked for a moment, completely aware of every inch of Lanet's body. And wow—he wasn't one to brag about a guy, but this man was packing.

In one smooth motion, Lanet lifted Beau effortlessly, and Beau instinctively wrapped his legs around Lanet's waist. A shuddering mix of panic and pleasure coursed through him as Lanet ground against him with an agonizingly slow rhythm.

Beau parted his lips, a soft sigh escaping as Lanet's tongue darted into his mouth. The kiss was searing, commanding, and all-consuming.

"Lanet," Beau breathed, his name leaving his lips like a prayer.

"Oh!" a startled gasp shattered the moment.

Both men froze as Ariel stood in the doorway, her eyes wide and her mouth agape.

Beau's heart dropped into his stomach. Of course, Ariel had perfect timing.

Lanet, however, didn't seem fazed—or maybe he just didn't care. He continued kissing Beau for a beat longer before Beau gently slowed the kiss, reluctantly sliding back down to stand on his own feet.

"Sorry, Ariel," Lanet said, though he didn't sound so sorry at all.

Beau scrambled to regain some semblance of dignity, trying—unsuccessfully—to adjust the very obvious situation in his pants. His cheeks burned as Ariel raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk creeping across her face.

Lanet looked at Beau with a small smile. "Walk me out?" he reached for Beau's hand.

Beau slipped his hand into Lanet's, letting himself be guided outside to where Lanet's car was parked. The cool night air brushed against Beau's skin, but it did little to calm the nervous energy building inside him.

"Will I see you again this week?" Beau blurted out, the words escaping before he could think twice. He felt a twinge of embarrassment at how eager he sounded, he was hopeless.

"I don't know if I can make it back here," Lanet answered honestly. "After being away from work for an entire week, I might have a lot to catch up on."

"Oh." Beau tried to hide his disappointment, forcing a smile that clearly wasn't convincing.

Lanet sighed and pulled Beau into his arms, holding him close. His hand began tracing gentle circles on Beau's back, the motion soothing but not enough to chase away the sting of his words.

"What if you came to the city instead?" Lanet suggested. He leaned in slightly, brushing a soft kiss against Beau's cheek. "I'd love to spend more time with you. Maybe if you have a day or two to spare?"

Beau hesitated. "If you're going to be busy, it's fine. I don't want to disturb you or your work."

"I will be busy, but I'll make time for you." He smiled, squeezing Beau's hand.

Beau nodded slowly. He knew how far the drive to the city was, and he didn't want to be a burden. Still, the thought of spending more time with Lanet made his heart skip a beat.

"Okay," he said finally. "Let me know which day is less busy for you, and I'll come."

"Great," Lanet smiled brightly. He leaned in, placing a series of soft kisses across Beau's face before pressing one final kiss to his lips.

"Call me when you get home," Beau said, waving as Lanet climbed into his car.

"I will," Lanet promised, his voice carrying over the hum of the engine. With one last smile, he drove away, leaving Beau standing in the driveway with a lingering warmth in his chest.