Adam held onto Alec’s hand for a moment as they stood, warmed by the knowledge that Alec wanted him and thought he was worth wanting. He gave him a sweet, shy, tentative smile with just a hint of playfulness. “You’re the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. I’m pretty sure you should be dating some supermodel or movie star. And if you’re going to settle, you ought to settle for someone without a temper.”

He believed that, but he also wanted Alec, and wanted badly to make himself into someone who could be seen with Alec and people would think that they were equal. If he could have Alec, he’d work to be worth him.