The Final Line by Kendall McKenna

eyes held so much heat they nearly glowed. He seemed able to look right into Corey and see all the secrets he tried to keep hidden. Corey had never experienced anything like this.
    Uncurling his fists from his side, Corey brought one hand up to rest against the side of Sean’s waist. The other he used to run over the defined muscles in Sean’s arm. Something brushed, feather-light, across Corey’s lower lip. He licked at it gently, tasting the dry saltiness of Sean’s thumb. As Sean skimmed the pad of this thumb over Corey’s lip, Corey kissed it, lapped at it with his tongue, considered drawing it into his mouth to suckle at it.
    Sean’s breathing was ragged. Corey wanted to look down at Sean’s mouth, lean in and kiss him. He was trapped by Sean’s eyes though, they wouldn’t allow him to look away. Finally, with agonizing slowness, Sean tilted his face. He left their foreheads pressed together, even as his mouth settled over Corey’s, soft and warm and gentle.
    Corey closed his eyes and tightened his fingers on Sean’s arm and waist, ready for him to deepen the kiss. It didn’t happen. Sean pressed soft kisses to Corey’s mouth. They were gentle, nipping kisses that made Corey’s lips tingle. He returned Sean’s kisses, biting at him playfully. Their lips grew moister and Corey thought Sean made a low sound of pleasure, but he might just have felt it through his hands, he wasn’t sure.
    Sean cradled Corey’s head and pressed firmer kisses to his mouth. At the soft, warm feel of Sean’s tongue gliding across his lower lip, Corey gasped quietly. Sean flicked his tongue teasingly over Corey’s mouth, lapping at him but never pushing inward or seeking entrance. It was fucking maddening. Corey licked at Sean’s tongue, trying to urge him to push in, take things further, but Sean only flicked the tip of his tongue against Corey’s before he darted away.
    Sean’s fingers tightened slightly on Corey’s head and he changed the angle once more. Corey sighed when Sean’s mouth pressed hard against his, tongue finally seeking entrance past his lips. Corey opened eagerly, licking at Sean’s mouth and finally getting his first, heady taste.
    His blood was fire in his veins. Corey fisted his hand in Sean’s shirt and gripped his arm tight enough he thought he’d leave bruises. He let Sean hold him steady as their tongues tasted and tested one another. Corey dragged harsh breaths in through his nose and heard Sean do the same. He wanted to pull Sean into his arms and flush against his body.
    Except he couldn’t ignore the fact that his dick wasn’t getting hard. He had the most beautiful man he’d ever known kissing him stupid and Corey’s cock wasn’t showing the least signs of stirring. He wanted Sean, badly, so it had to be the alcohol. That, and he was tired and drained. Corey hoped Sean didn’t step in closer because he’d get the wrong idea.
    He was vaguely aware of the sound of an engine behind him. Sean pulled back from the kiss with a soft, wet sound. Corey opened his eyes slowly to find Sean watching him closely, pupils blown wide and lids heavy.
    “Your taxi is here,” Sean said just above a whisper, inclining his head toward the window.
    “Guess that means I have to go,” Corey replied, reluctantly untangling himself from Sean.
    “If you have trouble sleeping this week, or wake up from a nightmare, call me,” said Sean as he covered Corey’s hand on the door handle. “Let’s see if a friendly voice to talk to might work better than a lot of alcohol.”
    Corey doubted it, but he’d known after his talk with Jonah that he had to get his drinking back under control. “I’ll give it a try, as long as you’re sure.”
    Again, Sean lifted a hand to cradle the back of Corey’s neck. He skimmed his thumb along Corey’s lower lip. “I am.”
    Corey kissed the pad of Sean’s thumb, pushed the door open and crossed the street to the waiting taxi.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Corey slept fitfully and