“You still play and sing?” Grymington asked.

“Every day. Music is me, and I love composing words, writing melodies, and crafting beautiful songs. But trust me…I don’t deserve to be standing on a stage to cheers while I belt out a tune. My decision to leave my career wasn’t fair, and I hurt people, including someone I loved. It ruined everything she worked for, and I still lack the courage to do anything about it. That’s probably not the best thing to tell the person you’re hoping to build a matebond with, but I’ve learned the value of honesty, and I won’t lie to you about the kind of person I was or am.”

“I wasn’t resurrected yet in 1998 when you left, but I’m going to download your music after I get home.”

“You’ll have to let me know what you think.”

“I will. I guess you don’t miss it,” Grymington said. His dog ventured over to lie across his sneakered feet.

“Who wouldn’t miss having fans? I enjoyed that part, but I’m good without having any of the rest of it in my life.”

“If you’re not a rock star, what are you going to do now that you don’t have to hide?” Grymington asked.

Devlin shrugged. “I haven’t figured that out yet. I haven’t been a D’Vaire that long, and now I have a matebond to focus on. I’m in no rush to decide anything. Taking things a day at a time is far less intimidating than trying to structure my entire life.”

“I do that too,” Grymington confided softly. “It is definitely easier if I focus on a single day at a time.”

“I hope it’s one of many things we find we have in common.”

They fell silent again, and Devlin studied the sexy man sitting several feet away. There was something about Grymington’s pert nose and his perfect heart-shaped mouth that brought out a visceral reaction from Devlin. Cute men had always been his downfall, and Grymington had no match. The desire to taste Grymington was so intense, Devlin went with instinct, though he acknowledged he was probably being led by his dick.

“I’d love to kiss you,” Devlin murmured.

Grymington’s pale citrine-colored gaze widened for a second, then a rush of euphoria rushed through Devlin as the reaper scooted closer to him.

“I haven’t been kissed before,” Grymington offered apologetically.

The grin Devlin gave him was wolfish. “I know.”

Because he had to touch those messy curls, Devlin lifted a hand and tangled his fingers in the soft blond twists. Grymington titled his head so their eyes met fully, and Devlin swore the faint smell of lilies bewitched him.

Since he was worried that the spell could break at any moment, Devlin leaned forward and pressed his lips to Grymington’s. The reaper lacked experience, but Grymington had initiative. Grymington’s mouth parted, and Devlin wasn’t foolish enough to ignore the invitation. Their tongues touched, and Devlin nearly moaned.

His scent was elusive, but Grymington’s taste was intoxicating. The way Grymington copied each thing Devlin did was a lovely reminder of his innocence. It brought out a tender side of Devlin he hadn’t known existed as he carefully explored Grymington. Devlin rested his free hand on Grymington’s waist and stifled the urge to crush the reaper in his arms.

Ever so gently, Devlin coaxed Grymington into tipping his head slightly, and it took their kiss to an entirely new level. With nothing but the simplest of touches, Devlin grew hard, yet he was in no rush to devour Grymington. It would be an insult not to savor him, and Devlin refused to squander such an opportunity.

Instead, Devlin used his many years of practice to please Grymington. Devlin teased, tormented, and nibbled Grymington’s lips. When he finally lifted his head, Devlin was outrageously pleased by the desire swimming in Grymington’s gaze.

“You’re a beautiful kisser, Grym,” Devlin murmured.

“Thank you, so are you,” Grymington replied. “I’d like to kiss you again.”

Since only a fool would tell Grymington no, Devlin smiled at him and dove in for another taste.