Very Close and All at Once

Noel Vane hates being the center of attention. He'd rather celebrate his fiftieth birthday with a quiet gathering at home, not an overcrowded fancy gala arranged by his clueless but well-meaning best friend. Thank goodness for Jace DaSilva: his best friend's brother and Noel's gallant rescuer for the evening.

Noel would enjoy Jace's company even without a party to avoid. But something is different tonight, and Noel wonders if he's the only one feeling this strange new spark. He and Jace have always been close—but never like this.

The rules have changed, all at once and wholly without warning, and Noel's just trying to keep up.