“So, this is your idea of fun, hmm? You’re lucky you at least told me to dress down. Prada must never be worn for this.” Gabe looked down at the dark lake, trying to imagine it was a hot tub, and instead of a fishing pole, he held a glass of wine. How the hell did he manage to get himself into this one? He shifted his eyes to the sexy, rugged man sitting next to him on the dock.
Right, that’s how.
“I used to do this all the time when I lived here and back in Needham. I haven’t had a chance to since I moved back.” Nate gave Gabe a side glance, obviously trying to keep a straight face. “How ya holding up there, pretty boy?”
Nate thought he couldn’t handle it? Well, Gabe D’Angelo didn’t give up…on anything. Sure, this wasn’t his idea of fun, but they couldn’t possibly sit here too much longer, right? He’d stick it out, show Nate how much willpower he actually had. “Oh, I’m peachy. Actually, I find it quite relaxing out here”—he swatted a hand in front of his face—“minus the incessant flies.”
Nate barked out a short laugh. “Yeah, even I can admit they’re annoying. Okay, enough stalling, Gabe. I believe you owe me a story.”
“Didn’t forget about that, huh?”
“Nope.”
Gabe sighed and turned his eyes back to the murky water. “My sad story… It’s really rather boring.”
“I’ll take my chances.” Nate snickered.
Gabe shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “Suit yourself.” He waited a beat, figuring out where to start and decided he’d be predictable and start at the beginning. “I met Charlie when I was twenty-one. He was a friend of a friend, and I was taken with him immediately. You think I’m aggressive? Well, I was definitely the calm to Charlie’s storm. That man was a whirlwind of energy and life. Just like you were swept up in all things Eric, I let myself be whisked away by this man…ten years my senior.
“I was naïve and, of course, I had a bit of a wild streak.” He bumped his shoulder against Nate’s and smiled. “So, when I found out my parents hated him that sealed the deal for me. I was in love. It was bad enough that my parents were stuck with the embarrassment of a gay son, but to openly be involved with someone beneath me―their words, not mine―was forbidden. Well, I’m sure you can guess how I felt about something forbidden.”
“Let me guess…you ate the apple?”
“Hmm…and he was delicious.”
“So, what happened?” Nate asked, seeming to be incredibly interested in the story.
“He asked me to marry him, and I, of course, said yes. By this time, we had been together for a year and gay marriage had been legalized in Massachusetts around the time we met. Naturally, I had to make a big announcement during dinner, my father and mother sitting there, mouths agape, steam coming out of my father’s ears.” Gabe tilted his head back and laughed then leaned toward Nate. “It was a sight to see.”
Nate chuckled. “I bet it was.”
“Now, don’t get me wrong. Infuriating my parents was a bonus, but I truly loved Charlie. He could do no wrong in my eyes, and the fact that he didn’t have two pennies to rub together never fazed me.” Gabe took a deep breath and said, “But it apparently fazed him.”
Gabe stopped for a minute and looked down at the fishing pole he held. God, that world seemed so far away at that very moment. The tranquility he felt because of it was immense. “My father and I fought constantly, and my mother, as usual, threw herself into her charity work ignoring everything and everyone around her…especially me. Charlie kept telling me things were going to be okay, and that once we were married my parents would have to accept him. I believed him because, well, isn’t that what you do? You believe the person you’re in love with. You trust them heart and soul.” He looked away from Nate’s questioning gaze. “At least, that’s what I thought.” He released a long sigh. “So, I began to plan for the big day while Charlie bounced from job to job hoping to find his ‘passion’, as he called it. He was looking for his big break, his strike-it-rich-quick opportunity, then he would be able to take care of us…so he said.”
Gabe pulled on the pole and asked, “Is anything supposed to happen here, or is this really all there is to it? Sit and wait?”
“That’s pretty much it.” Nate chuckled. “Relaxing, right?”
“Oh, yes. It’s just like a day at the spa.” Gabe rolled his eyes. “Well then, where was I?”
“His big break,” Nate reminded him.
“Right, his big break. Lucky for him, he didn’t have to wait too long. Charlie found his big break and ran with it. Only problem was, he didn’t take me with him.” Gabe tried not to cringe at the memory, at his sheer stupidity and how easily he fell for it all.
“He actually found some get-rich-quick job?” Nate asked incredulously and huffed out a short laugh of disbelief.
“I believe I said he was looking for an opportunity, not a job, and he found it all right. Or should I say…my father gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse.” Gabe sighed and added, “Not even for me.”
“Are you serious?”
Gabe tried to smile at Nate, but hated how incredibly gullible and pathetic this story made him sound. “How else could my father prove he was right and I was wrong than by buying out the man I was going to spend the rest of my shameful gay life with? For two hundred thousand dollars, Charlie took off, and I never heard from him again.”
“Shit, Gabe…”
The sympathy in Nate’s eyes was hard to see. Gabe almost preferred the anger he used to have in his eyes as opposed to Nate feeling sorry for him. “Look, the past is the―”
The fishing rod in Gabe’s hand was tugged down by something unknown in the water. Gabe jumped in surprise, his eyes going wide as he held onto the pole tighter. “Oh my God, what do I do?”
“Jerk the rod back quickly.” Nate put his hand on Gabe’s arm to try and show him.
“No, you take it. Take the fishing rod, Nate,” he said, pushing the pole toward Nate.
The terror in Gabe’s eyes and the tremor in his voice were priceless. Nate couldn’t hold in the laughter and pushed the rod back at Gabe. “You’re doing just fine. Just, quick before the fish gets scared off. Give it a quick yank upwards.” Gabe did as instructed, and the line in the water moved as the fish fought back. “Holy shit, you did it! See, the line is moving with the fish.”
Gabe’s eyes were blinking in surprise, a death grip on the fishing rod. “I should be pissed that you’re shocked I did it, but quite frankly, I’m shocked myself. Now what?”
“Okay, now pull the rod toward you, and when you get some slack in the line, start reeling it in,” Nate instructed.
“Seriously, wouldn’t it be easier if you just did it?”
“Nope, but I’ll help you.” Nate leaned over and put his hands on Gabe’s, helping him pull back on the fishing rod. When there was some slack in the line, Nate moved his hand over Gabe’s, reeling in the excess. He shifted his eyes and realized Gabe was watching him instead of the line. Nate swallowed hard and kept up the lifting and reeling until the fish almost broke through the surface attached to the hook. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Okay, can you get the net while I hold this?”
“Net? Oh, right…net.” Gabe got up and picked up the net, brought it over, and waited for instruction.
“Now, when I pull the fish out, you lean over with the net and catch it. Got it?”
“Really, Nate, how hard can it be?” Gabe rolled his eyes and leaned with the net in hand.
“Just make sure you watch where you’re”—SPLASH—“stepping.” Nate cringed as he watched Gabe disappear beneath the dark water. “Shit!” He jumped up, pulling the fishing rod on the dock, the fish flopping around on the wood at his feet.
Gabe broke though the surface of the water; much like the fish had just done, gasping for air. “Son of a bitch!” he cried out, flailing his arms and splashing water.
“Can you swim?” Nate asked concerned.
As Gabe waded in the water he snapped, “Yes, I can swim, for fuck’s sake.”
“Okay then,” Nate said, trying to hold back his laughter as Gabe swam to the shore of the lake. Nate quickly unhooked the fish and threw it back in the water then ran down the dock and over to the shore. He watched as a soaking wet Gabe trudged his way out of the water, his hair plastered to his face and a furious look in his eyes.
He started to wring the water out of his drenched shirt, but then abruptly pulled it over his head in disgust. Now that he knew Gabe was okay, Nate couldn’t hold it in any longer and completely lost it.
“Oh, yes. Sooo funny. The pretty boy got a dirty bath. Hysterical!” Gabe clearly did not find it as funny as Nate did. He walked toward Nate, pushing his hand through his dark, wet hair.
“I’m sorry, you just…” Nate was laughing so hard, bent at the waist with his hands propped on his thighs. He could barely get the words out. Taking a deep breath, he straightened back up and tried to swallow his laughter. “Hey, look at it this way. It’s almost like one of those expensive spa services, except free.” Laughter bubbled up again as Nate took in the sight of Gabe shivering in disgust.
“Clearly, you have never been to a spa,” Gabe growled, stopping right in front of Nate.
Gabe wrung out the shirt in his hands, his muscles flexing with the movement. Nate was quickly oblivious to the water falling from the shirt, his laughter dying down…his mouth running dry. Gabe was flustered, soaking wet, droplets of water running down his chest. He wasn’t perfectly put together.
No, he was a mess and he was…sexy as fuck.
Gabe glanced up and caught Nate’s eye, understanding coursing between them. Shaking his head Gabe walked backward around Nate, never taking his eyes off him as he moved further onto dry land. Nate followed, stalking toward him, only one thing on his mind now.
Gabe put his hands up in defense and argued, “Oh no. No way. You don’t get to choose this moment, when I look like a drowned rat from that disgusting abyss, to make a move.” He continued to back up shaking his head stubbornly.
Nate pursued him, ignoring the glare in Gabe’s honey-brown eyes as he purposefully backed him toward a tree. “What’s the problem, pretty boy? You said it was my move.”
“Yes, but―” Gabe bounced off the tree behind him, looking rattled—and didn’t that just kick Nate’s desire up a notch.
Nate closed in and whispered, “Gabe?”
“Hmm?” Gabe’s voice was weak.
“Shut up.” Nate closed the distance, his mouth scorching as it connected with Gabe’s. A small high-pitched noise came from Gabe before he sighed and melted against Nate, dropping his shirt to the ground. His wet skin was cool against Nate’s body as they wrapped their arms around each other.
Even drenched in lake water, Gabe tasted like heaven. Nate pushed closer, pinning Gabe to the tree behind him, nibbling on that plump bottom lip. As he pushed his hardening cock against Gabe’s, making the man sigh, Nate deepened the kiss, sweeping his tongue inside the delicious haven of Gabe’s mouth. Nate wasn’t sure who moaned, his mind completely clouded with lust. Gabe grabbed Nate’s hips, brushing the tips of his fingers against the skin just under the hem of Nate’s shirt. That one touch vibrated throughout Nate’s body, sending a shiver down his spine. Gabe’s tongue caressed his in a hurried bout of uncontrollable desire.
In the back of Nate’s jeans, Gabe hooked his fingers in the waistband and slid them around to the front by the button. He pulled him even closer, their erections creating a heated friction as they moved against each other. Holy shit, how Nate wanted this right now―wanted Gabe.
Gabe seemed to hesitate for a fraction of a second, but then undid the button on Nate’s jeans, brushing a finger across the tip of Nate’s cloth-covered cock. The only barrier between his finger and Nate’s throbbing dick was the thin layer of his boxer briefs. Nate sucked in a breath when Gabe lowered the zipper and pressed the palm of his hand over the bulging material. Nate faltered at the feel of it, his breath hitching.
Somewhere in the back of Nate’s mind, he knew they shouldn’t be doing this here—maybe not at all—but for the life of him, he couldn’t get the words out. Gabe’s hand felt too good. It had been so long―too fucking long—since someone touched him like that. He claimed Gabe’s mouth again just as Gabe pulled the waistband away from Nate’s body and stuck his hand inside Nate’s underwear.
Nate hissed, feeling Gabe’s warm, soft hand wrap around him and begin that slow, pleasurable stroking. Nate gasped, and he broke the kiss, leaning his forehead on Gabe’s bare shoulder. Oh God, he wasn’t going to last long. His hips were moving of their own accord, thrusting up into Gabe’s hand as he stroked him. Nate pressed a kiss to Gabe’s neck, but was unable to keep the contact, gasping again, his release on the brink.
“Shit, Gabe…I’m gonna…” His orgasm was building too fast, the words lost on his tongue.
“I’ve got you,” Gabe whispered, continuing his movement, peppering Nate’s neck with soft kisses.
Nate squeezed his eyes shut and put his forehead back on Gabe’s shoulder, his body trembling as his cock pulsed in Gabe’s hand. “Fuck. Oh, God.” He knew he’d just covered Gabe’s hand, could feel it as Gabe continued his firm pulls on Nate until his body calmed. They remained quiet, both breathing heavy. Nate’s forehead was still on Gabe’s shoulder as Gabe slowly released his softening cock.
Screeching laughter and voices startled them both, reminding them where they were. “Shit.” Nate’s head shot up looking around the area. Down the way, some teenagers ran and jumped off another dock into the water, seemingly unaware of what had just happened against the tree not far away. Quickly, Nate tucked himself back in, zipping and buttoning his jeans. He’d forgotten the schools had a half day, being that it was only the second day, and his mom was getting Lily.
Gabe shifted around him and walked to the water’s edge, rinsing away the evidence of their indecent—and incredibly erotic—moment. As Gabe turned around and started back toward him, the gravity of what just happened hit Nate. His face burned with embarrassment, thinking about where Gabe’s hand had just been and the fact that he’d wanted it there. Hell, he still wanted it there. They were in plain view for anyone to see, and he’d let it happen. Fuck, he’d wanted to kiss Gabe, but he didn’t plan on the rest at all.
“I’m not going to let you do that,” Gabe said, stopping right in front of him and placed his hands on Nate’s chest.
“Do what?”
“Be embarrassed about what just happened, because it was amazing, even if you insisted on it happening while I’m a mess.” Gabe smirked and leaned in, placing a soft, quick kiss on Nate’s mouth.
Nate hung his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I never intended any of that to happen like that. I just―fuck, you looked so goddamn sexy all flustered and wet.” Shit, he could feel his damn cheeks heating up again.
Gabe slid his hands down onto Nate’s hips, stepping even closer. “That was just a taste―correction, the next step is a taste, because as much as I loved your cock in my hand, I’m craving it in my mouth.”
Nate shivered from the thought. “Do you even have a filter?” Nate asked closing the remaining distance between them and wrapping his arms around Gabe. He felt right in his arms, which was…well… I don’t know what the fuck it is.
“Not when I want something, and I think I’ve already made myself clear on what, or should I say whom, I want. It’s about time you stopped playing hard to get.” Gabe kissed him again, nipping at his bottom lip.
When they broke away, Nate leaned his forehead on Gabe’s. “I’m not playing hard to get. You overwhelm me. This whole thing scares the shit out of me, and I can’t help that.”
Gabe moved a hand back up to Nate’s chest and lightly circled a finger against the center of it. “I know, but I can’t tell you what it does to me to know that you’re giving me a chance.” Gabe pulled his head back quickly to look at Nate. “You are giving me a chance, right? After all that?” There was doubt in Gabe’s eyes that Nate wasn’t used to seeing, and somehow it calmed him. Gabe wasn’t as confident as he appeared after all. He was just as shaken up with this whole thing.
“Yeah, I’m giving us a chance.” Nate stressed the word “us” because if they were going to try this, they had to be in it together. He wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t only Gabe he was worried about. He could just as easily screw this whole thing up. He had to be honest with himself about that.
Gabe cupped Nate’s face with his right hand then smacked his cheek lightly. “Good, now, take me home because even I can’t stand how I smell.”
Nate brushed a hand over Gabe’s erection, cupping him and drawing a hiss out of the man. “What about this?”
“I’ll take care of it…as I think about you…while I’m in the shower.” Gabe pushed on Nate’s hand and ordered, “Now, kindly remove your hand before you make me add to the already uncomfortable wetness in my pants. There is no way you’re coming near this body until I have properly washed away the remnants of that dark, murky abyss.”
“Who’s playing hard to get now?” Nate said jokingly.
“Trust me, this is no game. If you want me, I’m all yours”—Gabe put his hand on Nate’s chest and playfully pushed him away—“after I shower.”
Nate smiled and immediately tried to think of an excuse to see Gabe again. “Maybe I’ll have a barbecue this weekend, take advantage of the weather while it’s still nice. Nothing big, just my parents, Owen and Brody, Jonah, maybe a few neighbors…” Nate paused there, watching Gabe impatiently wait for him to continue.
Finally Gabe said, “You’re forgetting someone.”
“Oh, and of course, Lily will be there. I should tell my parents to bring over the dog. Lily would love that.”
Gabe began to push Nate away with a huff, but Nate held him tighter. “Gabe, will you come to my house for a barbecue this weekend?”
Gabe was sulking now and wouldn’t meet Nate’s eyes. “I don’t know. I’ll have to see if I’m available.”
Very gently, Nate brushed his fingers back over the length of Gabe’s hard cock and whispered, “Let me try that again. Gabe, will you come this weekend?”
Gabe sighed. “Fuck, yes, you evil man. I will gladly…come.”
Nate chuckled, removing his hand. “Good. Now, let’s get you home. You stink.”
Gabe’s eyes widened, and he smacked Nate’s arm. “Nathan Francis Black, as much as I am thrilled about the huge stride we’ve taken today, I can say, without a doubt, I am never going fishing again.” He pulled away and walked back over to the tree to pick up his shirt. Then sashayed right past Nate and headed straight for the truck saying over his shoulder, “I think I paid my dues for the day. Time to take me home. My shower awaits.”
“You got it, pretty boy,” Nate said to behind him, laughing.