Chapter 4

Any plans tonight?”

“I have to work,” Conner reminded him. His

stomach clenched like a fist and he closed his eyes until it

loosened again. Softly, he admitted, “I’m not feeling real well at

the moment.”

Rand turned towards him, then stepped closer,

his hip pressing against Conner’s hand on the rail. Gentle fingers

touched his face to trace his jawline. “I’m sorry,” Rand whispered.

Before Conner could say it wasn’t his fault, nothing to be sorry

about, Rand added, “It’s always bad the first time, I know. But it

gets better. I promise.”

“What are you talking about?” Conner

asked.

With one finger, Rand traced a path down

Conner’s neck, over his Adam’s apple and into the hollow of his

throat, to pick at the medical tape holding down his bandage.

Lowering his voice, Rand leaned in closer, until his breath stirred

the hair at Conner’s temple. He tapped the bandage lightly. “This

isn’t a tattoo.”

Conner watched Rand with wide eyes, not