Quinn followed Shane down the hall of his building, his stomach in knots because they were deliberately headed to Shane’s condo for sex. There was no subterfuge here.

Despite the confidence he’d tried hard to inject in his speech to Shane, nerves had a hold of him like he was about to take on the final boss in Zelda and he had only one health potion left. Only this was so much worse than a game. This is reality. His anticipation had grown so high, he feared being disappointed again. Of getting into full-on sex with Shane and finding it wasn’t any better than with the others.

But he couldn’t not try. Especially after this morning. In Shane’s mouth. That could very well be his favorite place his cock had ever been. And he wanted his mouth on Shane in return. Badly. Wanted to feel the slide of his dick deep into his throat.

It was all he could do not to shake as they walked into Shane’s condo in Over the Rhine.

But he was momentarily sidetracked when he stepped inside and whistled with pure pleasure. Shane’s place was a cool mix of cozy, warm, and modern. A narrow set of stairs rose to his left and continued over the top of the kitchen—there were no risers, only wooden treads, so he could see the ceiling when he walked underneath them. A dark picnic-style table with benches centered the kitchen—which had most of the small cooking area behind a breakfast bar and then a subzero refrigerator across the kitchen built into a beautiful cabinet. It was a strange layout, but it somehow worked here, giving the place a quirky, unique feel. A black-and-white plaid rug on the wood floors under the table matched the black of the countertops. The far wall was red brick like so many of the renovated homes in the area.

“This is my small corner of the city. It’s just a one bedroom, one bath, but it has a few amenities that make it one of the best investments I’ve made.” Shane walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a couple of bottles of water and handed one to Quinn.

“This is an investment? It looks like a home. Feels like a home.”

Shane’s shrug was sheepish. “I’ve turned it into one. I originally bought it to renovate and flip, but I love the place, so I’m still here.”

“I can see why. Is it cool if I just walk through? I’m hoping to find a place like this one someday.”

“You’re welcome anywhere in my home, Quinn. There are even a few areas I hope to show you for an extended period of time.” Shane nodded at a large metal barn style door on a sliding track. “Especially behind there.”

He saw the bed beyond the open door and his belly fluttered with renewed excitement. He walked to the edge of the kitchen. A long, narrow living room was to the right, and Shane had managed to make it even warmer with an L-shaped beige couch in front of more bricked walls. A large-screen television stretched across the opposite wall and there was more colorful art, like that at his office, on the walls. He’d suspended a couple of bicycles over windows at the end of the room. He pictured Shane on one of those bikes. His imagination supplied him with a pair of tight, black bicycle shorts. Sweat broke out over his lip. He licked it off and turned back to Shane. “This is gorgeous. You did all the work yourself?”

Shane nodded and sipped his water, his gaze locked on Quinn. “I did. With my dad. Want to see why I haven’t been able to leave?”

“Of course!”

Shane waved him over to the stairs, but before Quinn reached the bottom, something screeched and slammed into his shoulders. He twisted in time to see a black and white cat flee around the corner.

“Shit. You okay?” Shane touched the back of his neck. “Did Norma Jean scratch you? She can be a bit of a bitch.” He slid his fingers up into Quinn’s hair.

He wanted to close his eyes and lean into the touch like he was the cat. “I’m fine. I was just startled.”

Shane squeezed his neck, then let go. “Come on. What I have to show you will make up for it.”

The stairs led right to a fenced-in deck on the roof. It held another comfy looking couch—this one built for the outdoors—some chairs, a grill, and…Quinn’s mouth fell open. “An outdoor television?” It wasn’t a big one, but it was the perfect size for the small area. He spun around. “And this is yours? Nobody else in the building shares it?”

“No, it came with the condo and it’s all mine. It’s not very big, but it’s perfect for me and a friend. Or two.” He winked. “It’s surprisingly private, too.”

Quinn felt his cheeks heat at the mention of two friends. He immediately pictured Shane and two men on a blanket here. Sweat-covered bodies in motion. Fuck. His pants grew tighter.

It was definitely private. In three directions, anyway. Which was surprising given that the building hadn’t seemed that tall. But one side didn’t look private at all. Quinn pointed to the rows of windows in a nearby building.

The wickedly sexy grin that should be declared a lethal weapon returned. “That building is still empty and on the market. It hasn’t had any renovations, so it’s still just a massive, open warehouse. Those windows are all too high for people to see out of, but that will change once someone like Lucas Vallois spots its potential.”

Quinn nodded as he spoke of the well-known land developer who was currently busy sprucing up Cincinnati and all its neighboring townships.

Shane continued. “Eventually, I’ll have to put up a short wall when that place sells. But for now, I can sit up here and catch a game and a breeze at the same time. The condo is small, and I love its peculiar personality, but this has kept me from selling the place.”

“I don’t blame you.” Quinn sat on the couch. “I don’t think I could leave either. You’re also within walking distance of so many cool restaurants and bars.” He stretched his arm across the back of the sofa. “Of course, I’d have to find a way to get a game system up here and figure out how to keep it protected from the elements.” He leaned his head back and looked at the waning moon. “Your own rooftop deck. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.”

Shane sat next to him and put his feet on the small wicker coffee table. He rested the back of his head on the couch and looked at the sky, too. “It’s a beautiful night.”

It was. Stars twinkled like gold and white glitter in the clear sky and it was still warm enough to be comfortable out—though he wouldn’t mind snuggling under a blanket out here. With Shane. His nerves had left. Shane might excite the hell out of him, but he had a welcoming, easy-going nature that put Quinn at ease, too. He rolled his head to look at the man and found him watching him.

And like that, the nerves zapped back to life. The man might talk of no-strings fun, but his dark eyes probed constantly, making him feel like Shane wanted to know everything about him—down to his deepest secrets.

Not that he had that many. He was just an ordinary guy whose life mostly consisted of a great job and caring for his mother in a ridiculously expensive home.

Shane chuckled, breaking into his thoughts. “I’ve developed a strange fetish over your glasses.”

Quinn lifted his eyebrows. “My glasses?”

“Yeah.” He leaned closer, his breath ghosting over Quinn’s lips. “They complement your face perfectly, and I like the way they match your hair. But you know what?” He sat up, plucked them off, and gently placed them on the table. Then he grabbed two fistfuls of Quinn’s shirt and pulled him down on top of him on the couch. “You’re just as gorgeous without them. Your eyes are so blue.”

But Shane was the gorgeous one. With his long, lean and tight body and his dark hair. A hint of scruff had grown on his cheeks and chin, and it looked so good on him. Quinn could never grow any facial hair. He buffed his cheek on Shane’s chin, loving the hint of burn.

They had to shuffle around to fit and finally, Shane opened his legs so Quinn could lie between them. He held his breath as every nerve in his body jumped into a higher state of excitement. “You feel good. Shit, Shane.” He rubbed his rapidly filling dick against the man underneath him, feeling the softness of his balls behind the jeans.

“Yeah,” Shane breathed. “Move on me.” He gripped both globes of Quinn’s ass and squeezed, grinding up into him. One of his hands slid up Quinn’s back to his neck. “Kiss me.”

Quinn didn’t hesitate to slash his lips across Shane’s. Again, he marveled over the way they fit together like perfect puzzle pieces. No matter how he moved his head, Shane followed in sync. Long, drugging kisses followed, one after another, and the whole time Quinn rocked his hips, loving the hard grip of Shane’s long fingers on his ass. He wedged his hand down until he could run it down the side of Shane’s chest, feeling tight muscles and a hint of ribs. Shane’s tongue twined with his and he sucked on it, then remembered what he’d wanted in his mouth earlier.

He pulled back from Shane, loving how the man followed him up, not ready to let go of his lips. He could guess what he looked like, lips swollen, eyes glazed, but however he looked, Shane seemed to like it, because his breath caught as he stared. It stopped Quinn a moment as he looked back, something low in his body growing warm.

It flustered him enough to get him moving again. As much as he didn’t want to remove his dick from the cradle of warmth holding it now, he wanted his mouth on Shane. Quinn kissed his chin, his neck, showing it the same attention his had received earlier. He nuzzled under his jaw and smiled at the way Shane writhed against him. Seemed he’d found a sensitive spot. He opened his mouth and sucked lightly, and Shane let out a low groan.

Feeling bold, Quinn backed down the sofa. It wasn’t very big and he realized what he wanted to do wouldn’t work like this. He pushed off reluctantly and knelt on the deck beside the couch. Shane watched him through slitted eyes, his breaths coming in harsh pants that increased as he realized what Quinn was about to do.

He unbuttoned Shane’s jeans, sliding his fingers in behind the next button, groaning at the cotton covered hard cock against his knuckles. He slowly opened his pants, making sure to rub his fingers over Shane’s dick as much as possible.

When he finally pulled the jeans and underwear down, Shane’s hiss sent even more excitement buzzing through him. He couldn’t wait any longer. He took one long look at the beautiful, hard cock in front of him and swallowed it down, his tongue sliding over veins and silky-soft skin. Shane cried out and lifted his hips off the cushions, his hands slipping onto the back of Quinn’s head.

“Fuck, yeah. Oh, that’s good. Fuck!”

Quinn loved the way his fingers tightened, loved the way Shane thrust up into his throat.

Quinn groaned, loving the hot glide of Shane’s cock on his tongue, the sharp tang of pre-come teasing his taste buds, another Shane flavor he could grow addicted to fast. He reached between Shane’s legs and groaned again when his fingers met the hair-covered silky skin of his balls. He cupped them, learning their shape and weight before pressing his finger on that strip of sensitive skin underneath.

Seemed he’d found another of Shane’s hot spots, because he released a sharp gasp and a shout.

Oh, yeah. Quinn moved up and down Shane’s dick with his tongue. He rubbed that spot with his fingers and changed his tempo—firm pressure going down, tight suction coming up. The sound of Shane’s breaths over his head got faster, more ragged.

“Quinn, I’m…fuck, Quinn. Coming!” Hands tried to pull him off in warning, but Quinn wanted everything Shane had to give. Warm ejaculate hit his throat. Quinn kept moving his head as Shane bucked and came. And came. It was so fucking hot, Quinn groaned around it all, his fingers moving to hold tight to Shane’s hips. Then he couldn’t wait. He reached down and opened his jeans and grabbed his dick.

“Let me,” Shane breathed, his words broken and clipped. He leaned over, his face going into Quinn’s neck as he reached out his hand.

“No time,” Quinn panted.

But Shane wrapped those long fingers around him and squeezed, and Quinn’s yell bounced off the rooftops as he came all over Shane’s hand, his jeans, and the deck beneath his knees. Shudders wracked his body and he wrapped his arms around Shane and held on as he rode out another fantastic orgasm. Shane rested his lips on Quinn’s neck, sliding his now wet hand one more time over Quinn’s dick. He jerked, sensitive, and the raspy chuckle against his throat made him do the oddest thing.

He grasped Shane’s head and pulled him back gently so he could press a long, close-mouthed kiss on his lips. Shane kissed him back, his legs on either side of Quinn before he stopped the kiss and rested his forehead on Quinn’s.

“Damn, Lake. Damn.”

Shane couldn’t take his eyes off the sleepy Quinn. He’d been ready to leave, and they’d ended up talking in his living room for hours. He’d learned that Quinn had grown up in the area with just his mother after his father died and now Quinn was telling him about getting into trouble in his teens when he’d hacked into the Federal Reserve.

“Seriously?” His shock was like a punch to the gut.

Quinn opened both eyes to peer hard at him. “I didn’t know anyone could thread so much derision into one word.”

“It’s not derision, it’s surprise. For several reasons.” He held up a finger. “One, you were just a kid and that’s pretty impressive—even if it is criminal. And two,” he held up another. “I’m surprised Rowe didn’t have an issue with it.”

“Rowe? Have an issue with something illegal?” Quinn snorted and closed his eyes again, then grunted when Norma Jean landed on his chest. She settled in and tucked her nose into his throat. It didn’t seem to be bothering Quinn, so Shane didn’t shoo her away. Quinn stroked a hand down her back and she stretched and preened, then passed out, causing Quinn to chuckle softly. Apparently, he had a magic touch when it came to Shane’s fickle cat.

She usually stayed hidden when he had guests, but she’d ventured out and spent the last hour inching closer to Quinn little by little until he’d given her a smile that made Shane’s belly flip-flop. Now, she was letting out tiny snores while she slept.

Quinn wasn’t far behind her. He slowly ran his hand down her back and Shane could hear her purring from his place near Quinn’s feet. He placed his hand on Quinn’s bare ankle where his jeans had ridden up. Pretty blue eyes focused on him from behind black-rimmed glasses, and he smiled from his spot in the corner of the L-shaped couch, his head rolling on the cushion.

“Rowe is aboveboard, if you’re worried. He wouldn’t have hired me if he thought I’d abuse my position there.”

He snorted. “Rowe is anything but aboveboard, so don’t try to spin that web of lies.”

“Yeah, but he’s like Robin Hood, breaking the law to help those in need.” The slow grin on Quinn’s face made Shane’s dick stir. “Just so you know…I don’t do anything like that anymore,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t have to worry.”

“I’m not.” Shane tightened his fingers on Quinn’s ankle and let his own fatigue pull him in a little. It felt good to just lie there with Quinn and that surprised him. He didn’t feel the urge to talk or get up. Didn’t feel like he should be blowing his mind with sex—though Quinn had already done that to him earlier. Warmth buzzed in his chest at the memory, and he kind of wished he wasn’t so tired so they could go for round two. He didn’t know how much time passed when the leg under his hand moved.

“I should go,” Quinn whispered. “Let you get some sleep.”

“Or you could stay here tonight.” The offer surprised him, but he meant it. He didn’t want the man to leave. “Where do you live?”

“In a tiny apartment on the west side. But I sleep at the Ward office a lot.” He blinked. “I must be more tired than I realized, because I don’t usually share that.”

Shane stroked his fingers over warm skin and soft hair. “Why?”

Quinn shrugged, then winced when Norma Jean dug her claws into his shirt and probably his chest. He petted her head and she closed her eyes and settled back down against him. “I have two roommates who act like they’re still in college, so a lot of people come and go. It’s noisy. And I like it at Ward.”

“Because it’s quiet.”

“Partly. And partly because there’s a good feel to the place, you know?” He smiled when Norma Jean rubbed her head on his hand, asking for more petting. He obliged. “Sweet cat you have.”

“I think maybe she’s been drugged. Or switched out with a pod cat. She isn’t normally that good with anyone other than me.” He wrapped his fingers around Quinn’s ankle again and closed his eyes. “I meant it, though. Stay the night. There are only a few hours before we have to be up and back at work anyway.” He yawned. “I’ll even make you breakfast.”

When Quinn didn’t answer, he lifted his heavy eyelids to find the man had lost his battle to sleep. Shane stared at him, couldn’t seem to make himself look away. Quinn’s black hair, thick and long on top, had fallen back off his forehead and his glasses sat askew. Lips that drew Shane even now, rested open. He looked strangely vulnerable when asleep. And cute as hell.

Shane blinked, slightly rattled by the warmth spreading through him.

He wasn’t after forever with the guy, but he definitely wanted to take this thing between them further. There was a spark he’d only felt a couple of times before in his life and both those times, he hadn’t pushed for anything more. He wanted to with Quinn, to see what kind of sex could come from a more intimate knowledge of another’s body. Nothing permanent, of course. He’d never had an interest in being completely monogamous, in settling down. But he’d like to have some fun with Quinn. He found him interesting. And sexy as hell.

And Quinn had been right about their chemistry. It was off the fucking charts.

He couldn’t wait to explore all of that slim, sexy body, to see how explosive they could be together.

Shane quietly got up and grabbed a throw blanket off his reading chair in the corner. Norma Jean, recognizing bedtime, walked off Quinn and jumped to the floor. She’d slept with Shane every night since he’d brought her home from a shelter as a kitten.

Quinn didn’t stir at all as Shane covered him up with the blanket and slipped off his glasses. He had no idea what prompted him into sliding his fingers into Quinn’s hair and kissing his forehead. He also didn’t understand the weird tug he felt in his chest. He carried his frown of confusion to bed.

He was obviously more exhausted than he’d realized.