His dark, wavy hair was matted to his brow, skin glistening with a sheen of sweat. Exertion made his whole body tremble as his hard shaft was worked. He looked above him, seeing the rugged blond staring down at him, his baby blue eyes piercing, need pouring out of them. The man’s tanned, muscular chest was broad, sprinkled with dark blond hair to match the messy mop on top of his head and scruff of his close-cut beard.
Gabe gazed at the blond, felt the strong hand on his cock, stroking deliciously slow. He closed his eyes, feeling the hot breath of the gorgeous man on his neck. Everything about him entranced Gabe: his rough exterior, those huge, strong hands, his stubborn and mysterious nature. Gabe’s body responded as if he was high; that strong body above him was the most powerful drug, and his addiction was spiraling out of control.
His muscles tensed, warmth spreading throughout him like wildfire, aching with the need to come. That skilled hand moved faster, bringing Gabe even higher, the thumb brushing over the tip of his swollen head. Another hand slid up Gabe’s chest, pinching his nipple hard, making him arch his back in arousal. Gabe didn’t want it to end, could stay in this moment for the rest of his life. The friction was getting harder to resist, his skin feeling like it was on fire. Too fast, a powerful orgasm slammed into him, tremors pulsing through his body, hot fluid exploding out of his cock and dripping down that hard working hand.
His own damn hand.
Licking his lips, Gabe slowly opened his eyes and looked down at the sticky mess he’d made. His chest heaved with the force of his release, and he tried to steady his breathing. He looked around the room, disappointed that, in fact, he was alone. The sinfully delicious man, with his gorgeous body and mysterious ways, only played the role of jerking off material in Gabe’s mind.
Was there anything that turned Gabe on more than rejection?
Nate Black had been playing more than hard to get for the last two months. He’d been playing impossible to even get to know―refused all of Gabe’s moves to even have a slight conversation. And it revved Gabe’s libido into overdrive. He hadn’t planned on staying in Haven’s Cove after Brody’s mother passed away, but the pull to that sexy, brooding man was stronger than even Gabe’s will to leave.
It was time to vacate the B&B and find a place to stay indefinitely. That’d show Mr. Black that he wasn’t going anywhere, because no matter how much Nate liked to pretend he didn’t notice Gabe—he did.
Oh, he did.
No doubt, Nate’s refusal to get anywhere near Gabe was because of his need to keep up the role of straight man, happily married to Mrs. Domesticated Housewife—otherwise known as, Mrs. Beard. Gabe hadn’t met the woman yet, but Nate wore the wedding ring to prove it. Nothing irked Gabe more than a gay man hiding who he really was behind the façade of some hetero marriage. Nate was gay; Gabe had absolutely no doubt. Nate tried to act like Gabe didn’t affect him, but he was full of shit.
Now that the guy had taken a job with Gabe’s best friend, Brody, Gabe had even more access to him. It was already working in his favor since that’s how he’d gotten to feast his eyes on the man without a shirt. Thank God for outdoor jobs in the summer.
Gabe finally dragged his ass out of bed and into the shower to wash away his fantasies. They wouldn’t be fantasies for long if he had anything to say about it. If there was one thing that Gabe had learned from his ruthless parents, it was that you didn’t give up until you got what you wanted.
Nate Black didn’t stand a chance.
“Where do you want to get lunch today?” Nate asked, wiping his sweaty brow with the handkerchief he kept in his back pocket. The sun was brutal, and it was only getting hotter as the day went on. They still had another five hours before they would pack it in.
Brody pulled two bottles of water out of the cooler and tossed one to Nate. “Max’s, I guess. I could use a burger since we had pizza yesterday.” Brody looked just as bad as Nate felt in this heat. His brown hair was slicked with sweat and long enough to brush his neck. Nate didn’t know how he could stand it; just looking at the guy made Nate wipe his own neck again with his handkerchief.
“Sounds good,” Nate replied, opening the bottle of water and drinking down more than half in three huge gulps.
“So, uh, listen man, I want to have some people over for Owen’s birthday tomorrow night. Why don’t you come?” Brody asked. “Nothing big, just a few of our friends, his family, and employees.”
Brody Walker had hired Nate about two months ago to help him with his contracting business. They’d gotten along great from the start, and he really liked working with the guy. Only problem was, Brody’s best friend was a goddamn pain in the ass, and a party at Brody’s didn’t come without Gabe D’Angelo.
“Thanks, man, but I think I’m gonna pass.” Nate ran a hand through his sweaty hair, making a mental note to get a haircut before it got as long as Brody’s.
Brody stopped what he was doing, crossing his arms, and looked at Nate. “Okay, look, I gotta ask…” Brody paused, staring at Nate. “Do you have a problem that Owen and I are together? That I’m with a man? ‘Cause I like you, but―”
“What? No, not at all,” Nate rushed to answer. Heat flushed his face, making it even hotter than the hot summer day already had. He never intended to give Brody that impression and didn’t realize that’s what Brody thought.
Brody eyed Nate skeptically. “So then it’s really just Gabe you have a problem with?”
Oh—so that’s where it was coming from.
“Yup.” Nate walked over, picking up one of the boards for the deck, and brought it to the table, laying it down to measure it. He wanted to get a few more boards down before they took a lunch break. He could still feel Brody watching him.
“I gotta say, I don’t get it. You’ve never even spoken to the guy.” Brody shook his head and picked up another board. He walked over next to Nate, waiting to measure the board he held next.
“Don’t need to. I know his type.” Nate drew a line on the wood where he needed to cut then stuck the pencil back behind his ear.
Brody pointed a finger at Nate. “See, that right there is why I thought you had a problem. What the hell do you mean by type?” Brody was pissed, like he still didn’t believe Nate didn’t have a problem with him being gay.
Nate sighed and stopped mid-step. “I mean, spoiled rich boy. Everything handed to him on a fucking silver platter. Never had to work hard a day in his life and thinks he can have everything he wants. Never taking responsibility for anyone or anything and wouldn’t even remotely think of putting someone before himself.”
Brody laughed and shook his head, leaning a hand against the house. “You know, you’re right. Gabe’s family is loaded. His parents own one of the most successful ad agencies in Boston. You name it, he’s got it or could get it. There is no telling Gabe he can’t have something, because he will find a way.”
Nate felt a chill run down his spine with that last statement, considering he seemed to be what Gabe was after. He carried the piece of wood over to the saw and cut it to size.
As soon as the saw stopped, Brody said, “But here’s where you’re wrong. I’ve known Gabe for almost ten years, and in that time, he’s been there for me whenever I’ve needed him. No questions asked. As for never putting anyone before himself, do you really think he wanted to move to, as he calls it, Small Town, America? He did it for me, to be here for me when my mom passed away.” There was a distant sadness in Brody’s eyes. It seemed to dim while he kept himself busy during the day, but the guy only lost his mom a week ago. The sincerity in the guy’s voice had Nate practically crumbling. Oh, for fuck’s sake. Then Brody flashed a sly grin at Nate and added, “But I’m guessing I’m not the reason he’s staying.”
Yeah, Nate figured that too, and it made no goddamn sense. He’d barely even talked to Gabe. He sure as hell made it perfectly clear that he had no desire to. Yet, every time he turned around, it seemed like Gabe was there. Nate could only assume it was because he wasn’t used to being told no. Little did the man know, Nate wasn’t someone Gabe could fuck around with.
Nate picked the board back up and brought it over to lay down on the deck frame. “Look, I know he’s your best friend and all, but…”
“Just come over.” Brody marked the next board that needed to be cut then turned back to Nate. “I’ll tell him to lay off, and if he’s annoying the shit out of you, you can bail. I’ll understand. You gonna stay home instead of coming at least for the free beer and food? Time to get out and have some fun. Besides, I know Gabe better than anyone and nothing fuels him more than a challenge.” Brody pointed at Nate. “You, my friend, are fueling the fire by avoiding him.”
Shit, Brody had a point. As long as Nate tried to ignore Gabe, he’d continue his pursuit. So why not go and show Gabe that he wasn’t some grand prize for him to win, and then throw out when a better offer came along. “Fine. I’ll come.” Nate pointed a finger back at Brody and promised, “But I’m telling you now, if he pisses me off, I’m not above knocking him down a peg or two.”
“Got it.” Brody smirked. “Just don’t mess the hair. He hates that.”
Nate hung his head and laughed, not entirely sure what he’d just gotten himself into. He might as well get it over with though. Brody was right, Nate could use a few friends in this town. His parents lived in the next town over, Maple Grove, where he grew up. He didn’t have any friends there anymore. Even though one of the reasons he moved back was to be near his parents, they weren’t exactly the type to grab a beer with after work.
“And I’m sure if you bring your wife, he’ll back off,” Brody said, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.
“My―” Nate’s phone rang, and he looked at the screen and smiled. Nate held up a finger to Brody, telling him to hang on a second while he answered. “Hey, honey.”
“Can you get some ice cream on the way home?”
“Ice cream, huh? I thought we had some in the freezer?” Nate smiled because just hearing her voice brightened his whole day.
“Just vanilla, but I want chocolate.” She laughed.
“You’re lucky I love you. All right, I’ll pick up some chocolate. I’m gonna stop for some fried chicken too.”
“Okay, love you.”
Before Nate hung up he said, “Love you too, Lily.”
As Nate turned back around, Brody said, “Speak of the devil, huh? Why don’t you bring Lily to the party?”
“Why would I bring…?” Oh. Well, shit. Nate looked up at the blue sky, choosing his next words carefully. “That kind of party really isn’t Lily’s scene.” There. Not a total lie. “Besides, the people in my life are none of Gabe’s business.”
“You’re right. Your life, your business. You know it won’t last in this small town, right? Hell, I’m surprised Gabe hasn’t already heard about her.”
“Really? Because that falls right into the only-cares-about-himself category,” Nate said with disgust and scoffed.
“Hey, I didn’t know either, and I’ve worked with you for a couple months,” Brody said defensively. “Look, Gabe’s going to meet her eventually. Sooner, rather than later, may save you a shitload of headache.” Nate opened his mouth to argue, but Brody threw his hands up in defense. “That’s all I’m saying.”
“Then why don’t I feel like that’s all you’re saying?” Nate smirked.
Brody bent down and grabbed two more bottles of water out of the cooler. “You’re a good guy, Nate.” He tossed a cold bottle in Nate’s direction, and Nate snatched it out of the air. “But I still say you’re being too harsh about Gabe. Underneath his playboy façade and expensive trust fund exterior beats the heart of a really great man.”
“I’ve heard that before,” Nate muttered and went back to work. He’d be damned if he believed it for a second.