Текст книги "Reckless"

Автор книги: Nicole Edwards

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“Where’d you go?”

“USC. Full academic scholarship,” Gannon told him. “And I’d always had a knack for business, so I figured what the hell.”

Cam’s smile started slowly and took over his entire face. “I’d say ‘what the hell’ looks good on you.”

“Thanks.”

Cam lowered his fork to his plate. “I went to community college. I’ve spent my entire life on the water. For a while, I considered competing in water sports professionally, but when I was seventeen, I started workin’ at a small marina on Inks Lake. Fell in love with it but knew I needed something a little more…”

“Ostentatious?” Gannon offered.

“Somethin’ like that.”

While they continued to eat, Gannon eyed Cam speculatively. As much as he was attracted to the guy, he was beginning to wonder whether or not they had anything in common. From the looks of it, that wasn’t likely.

Then again, in theory, opposites did attract.

So that was certainly one thing they had going for them at this point.

Gannon only hoped it wasn’t the only thing.

After dinner, Cam helped him clear the table before they went back out onto the deck with what was left of the bottle of wine.

The small talk continued until Gannon couldn’t stifle a yawn. It had been a long day, and tomorrow would come early for him since he had a conference call with one of his teams in Singapore. Due to the time difference, in order for them to meet up, Gannon had to schedule calls for the early hours, three or four a.m., in order to catch them before they left for the evening.

“I guess we should call it a night,” Cam said, getting to his feet. “Thanks for dinner.”

Gannon placed his wineglass on the table beside him and forced his weary body up from the chair. “Thanks for coming.”

“Didn’t think I would, did you?” Cam asked as Gannon took a step closer.

Watching him for a moment, Gannon considered his words carefully. “Truth?”

“Yeah. Truth.”

“No, I didn’t.” Stepping closer still, he added, “But I’m glad you did.”

Cam’s blue gaze met his. “Me, too.”

Thinking back on that kiss they’d shared earlier, Gannon lifted his hand and touched Cam’s cheek, the rasp of beard growth lightly abrading his palm as he watched Cam’s face for any signs that he was being too forward. When Cam’s Adam’s apple bobbed slowly, Gannon knew this unruly attraction wasn’t just one-sided.

Brushing his thumb over Cam’s cheek, he leaned in, trapping Cam between his body and the railing. “I think maybe we should get this part outta the way.”

That sexy smile tipped the corners of Cam’s mouth, and Gannon leaned in, closing the gap between them as he reached around to cup the back of Cam’s neck.

When their lips touched, it was a hesitant mating, but that lasted all of a few seconds before Gannon couldn’t contain the driving urge to claim Cam’s mouth with his own. With a ragged groan rumbling from his chest, Gannon crushed his mouth to Cam’s, driving his tongue inside as he licked and teased. He could taste the wine on Cam’s tongue, and he wanted to get drunk on it.

His hand still cupping Cam’s jaw, he tightened his grip slightly, tilting his head as he explored the inside of Cam’s mouth, licking against his tongue. The sweet gentleness of it all was driving him mad, but he refused to take too much too soon.

But when Cam gripped Gannon’s hips, jerking him forward, their chests colliding, lower bodies grinding against one another, he knew it was futile to resist. He needed this more than he needed his next breath, so he settled on plundering Cam’s mouth, making love to him with his tongue until they were both breathless. Long minutes passed while they made out like teenagers. Hands groping, lips sliding together, grunts and groans escaping as they devoured one another.

As much as Gannon didn’t want to, he finally managed to pull his mouth from Cam’s.

“Not bad,” Cam whispered, his breath labored, eyes glazed, and Gannon knew Cam was holding back as much as he was.

Although it would probably be fairly easy to progress this to the next level, Gannon wasn’t ready for that. Well, he was and he wasn’t. His dick was screaming and pleading with him to continue, but his brain told him he had to keep things slow between them. For both their sakes.

“Thanks for dinner,” Cam said, his voice rough.

“My pleasure.”

“Next time I’ll have to cook for you.”

Gannon lifted a brow in question. “So there will be a next time?”

“Maybe,” Cam remarked with a mischievous smirk.

“Give me your phone number,” Gannon stated firmly. It wasn’t a request. He didn’t want to let Cam walk out of his house without knowing he could call him just to hear his voice.

“Give me your phone,” Cam countered.

Pulling his cell phone from his back pocket, he handed it to Cam. A minute later, Cam handed it back, still smiling.

Without hesitating, Gannon hit the button to dial the number Cam had just programmed. A vibration sounded from Cam’s pocket.

“Now you have my number, too.”

“I won’t be calling you,” Cam said.

“No?” Gannon loved the playful tone in Cam’s voice.

“No.”

Gannon waited for Cam to elaborate.

Rather than say anything, Cam leaned in and pressed his lips gently to Gannon’s, a deliciously sweet kiss that made the hair on the back of Gannon’s neck stand on end. But then, before things could get out of hand again, Cam took an immediate step to the side, slipping out from between Gannon and the rail as he headed toward the house.

Gannon pivoted around and continued to watch him until Cam turned the knob and opened the door, his blue eyes flashing as he peered back at Gannon over his shoulder.

“Show me how much you want this, Gannon,” Cam said, his voice rough.

“How do I do that?” he asked, remembering he’d said something similar to Cam earlier in the day.

“You’ll figure it out.” With that, Cam left him staring after him.

And as he watched through the window as Cam made his way to the front door, Gannon couldn’t wipe the stupid grin from his face.

An hour later, when he was falling into bed, his rock-hard dick in his hand, the smile was still there. And while he jerked himself off, images of Cam running through his head, the smile never wavered.

Not once.

Eleven

By the time Friday rolled around, Cam was exhausted. The marina had been slammed, far busier than even a couple of weekends before—Memorial Day weekend, officially their busiest of the year aside from possibly Labor Day.

“You seen Teague?” Dare asked as he passed through the front office.

“Not in a coupla hours. Why?” Cam tossed back what was left of the energy drink he’d retrieved from the small refrigerator in the break room.

“Need him to have Hudson take a look at one of the PCWs.”

Cam laughed at the new acronym Dare was insistent to use.

“You do know that it’s—”

“Oh, I know,” Dare grinned. “But I’ve gotta bust Roan’s balls somehow.”

True.

“Why do you need Teague? Why not ask Hudson yourself?” Cam inquired, watching Dare as he went to the computer, bending over to tap his fingers over the keyboard.

“Wasn’t there,” Dare responded without looking back.

“Somethin’ wrong?”

“Nope.” Dare’s matter-of-fact response was tossed out casually. “Got plans tonight. Wanted to get outta here.”

“Can I help with something?” Cam offered.

“Nah, man. I know you’re busy.”

Cam looked around the office, frowning. It was empty, everything closed up for the night. “Unless you know something I don’t know, I’m not busy.”

“It’s cool,” Dare said, fingers flying over the keyboard before he took one final stab, lifting his head and smiling back at Cam. “All done.”

The printer whirred to life, and Cam watched as Dare waited for the sheet of paper to slide out before placing it in one of the empty slots on the wall rack. Cam glanced up at it, then over to Dare, who was still grinning.

Save the trees, that was all it said.

“Yeah, I know, kinda defeats the purpose, but I got a coupla waivers signed electronically today. Let Roan figure that one out.”

Cam shook his head. Great. Now he’d have to deal with a pissy Roan in the morning when he was looking for the paperwork Dare clearly didn’t have.

“I’m out, man. But if you do see Teague, let him know there’s a PCW waitin’ for him.”

“PWC,” Cam corrected.

“Yep. Tell him?” Dare lifted an eyebrow.

“Will do.”

Dare was leaning against the door, staring back at Cam, when someone else walked up. Cam instantly recognized the tall, lean form that sauntered toward him.

Surprised by the newcomer, Dare jumped back, spinning to face Gannon.

“What’s up, man?” Dare asked coolly. “Keep hangin’ ’round this place and we might just put you to work.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Gannon said with a sexy grin.

“Later, man,” Dare hollered through the open door, offering a quick wave.

Cam rested his elbows on the counter and studied Gannon as he stepped into the marina office.

“You didn’t call,” he said, trying to keep a stern face. Cam knew the fact that Gannon hadn’t called him since they’d had dinner on Tuesday should’ve bothered him, but the truth was, he’d been so busy he wouldn’t have had much time to talk to Gannon, anyway.

“No, I didn’t.”

“What brings you down here?”

“Feeling a little reckless,” Gannon offered, his face serious.

Cam swallowed. The heat that churned between them stole his breath. There was no way Gannon could know that Reckless was the nickname the guys had given him.

“That right?”

Gannon nodded. “Have you eaten?”

“Not yet.” Cam’s stomach chose that moment to rumble as though to remind him of that fact.

“Wanna grab some food?”

Cam pushed off the counter. “The restaurant’s still open, if you don’t mind burgers.”

“Sounds perfect.” Gannon stepped back when Cam moved out from behind the counter.

Their gazes held for a moment, but neither of them said a word. Nodding toward the door, Cam led the way. After locking up behind him, he headed down the pier to the small restaurant they’d opened a few years back. It saw quite a bit of business but, as Cam had told Gannon, didn’t serve much more than burgers and fries, the occasional hot dog.

“What’s up, Reckless?” Jeremy Saunders, the forty-something cook who worked at the restaurant greeted when they walked inside.

Cam tossed Gannon a look, noticing his wide eyes as he glanced from Jeremy to Cam, then back again. Nope, he hadn’t known.

“Hey, man,” Cam greeted. “You still got the grill on?”

“Yup,” Jeremy said with a wide smile that made his cheeks puff out. “What can I get you?”

“Couple of burgers and fries.”

“Comin’ right up,” Jeremy called as he disappeared into the back.

“Let’s sit outside,” Cam told Gannon, grabbing two bottles of water from the refrigerator before making his way to the outdoor deck that sat over the water.

“Reckless?” Gannon asked, studying him intently.

“That’s what I’ve been called, yeah.”

“So, back there…” Gannon’s gaze raked over Cam’s face before his smile lit up brighter than the midday sun.

“Thought you wanted to feel me up. Tripped me up a little, yeah,” Cam said. Dropping into one of the metal chairs, Cam propped his feet up on the rail and leaned back, watching the smooth water down below. “So, what brings you down here?”

“You,” Gannon said bluntly.

Cam glanced over at him, unable to keep from smiling. “I’m glad you came.”

Extremely glad, actually. Cam had thought about Gannon for the last few days, wondering when he’d get to see him again.

“Eager to serve up burgers and fries, were you?”

“Somethin’ like that,” Cam retorted. “Busy week?”

“Yeah.” Gannon sighed as he leaned back in the chair, mirroring Cam’s posture, only he crossed one ankle over the opposite knee.

“It’s been hell here, too.”

“You gotta get back to it in the morning, huh?” Gannon asked.

It sounded as though Gannon was fishing for something, but for the life of him, he didn’t know what it could be. Rather than try to figure it out, he craned his neck and looked at Gannon. “Spit it out, Gannon. What’s up?”

“Shit,” Gannon huffed. “I’m just tired.” He paused momentarily. “And I just wanted to see you.”

“Well, here I am,” Cam tossed back. “And last I checked, I didn’t have a curfew, so let’s make the most of it, shall we?”

Right before his eyes, Gannon seemed to relax a little. Then the door to the restaurant opened, and Jeremy sauntered out, carrying two red baskets, a handful of napkins, and a bottle of ketchup.

“Y’all need anything else?”

Cam looked at Gannon.

Gannon shook his head.

“We’re good,” Cam told Jeremy.

“I’m gonna shut it all down then.”

Cam nodded. “Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Yup.”

With that, Jeremy left them alone.

Cam didn’t mean to be a crappy host, but he was starving, so he dove into his food, watching Gannon as he did the same.

“So, you’re not pissed that I didn’t call?” Gannon asked, and Cam realized that was what was bothering him.

“Should I be?” he questioned, wiping his mouth with a napkin as he chewed.

“Hell if I know,” Gannon blurted with a rough chuckle.

The vulnerability etched across Gannon’s face made him want to wrap his arms around him. It was endearing, and oddly not what Cam would’ve expected.

“I’m not pissed,” Cam assured him. Narrowing his eyes, he added, “But don’t let it happen again.”

“I’ll do my best,” Gannon said, his shoulders relaxing.

“Eat,” Cam said, pointing at Gannon with a French fry. “Then I’ll take you down to the cove for a swim.”

“At night?” Gannon’s eyebrows lifted.

Cam huffed out a laugh, trying to figure out if Gannon was serious.

He was.

Holy shit.

The laughter built in his chest and rumbled out.

“Ah, hell. You’re not joking,” Gannon said, his eyes dancing now as he clearly saw the amusement in it.

“Nope, I’m serious.”

Gannon didn’t say anything for a minute, still staring at Cam, that heated gaze lighting up the nerve endings throughout Cam’s body.

“Okay,” Gannon finally said, the minor reluctance in his tone quite charming.

Yep, Cam was suddenly looking forward to a nighttime swim.

Really looking forward to it.

“Aren’t we supposed to wait thirty minutes before we get in the water?” Gannon asked Cam as they walked down the sandy beach toward the waterline.

“Scared?” Cam asked, bumping Gannon’s shoulder.

Yes. “No,” he lied.

When Cam suddenly stopped, Gannon did, too, turning to face him.

The look on Cam’s face was one of wonder, but there didn’t appear to be any judgment in his eyes, which surprised Gannon.

Truth was, coming here tonight had been a gamble in the first place. He’d feared what Cam would say since Gannon hadn’t had a chance to call him all week though he’d wanted to. It felt as though he’d grabbed his phone a million times, intending to call or even text Cam just for the hell of it, but something had always tripped him up.

Figuring he’d already done the damage, he’d hopped in his car and made the hour drive to see Cam, intending to beg for forgiveness if necessary.

But Cam hadn’t been pissed, and that had thrown Gannon for a loop.

Big, warm hands came up to cup Gannon’s face and his breath lodged in his chest.

“I’ve wanted to do this since Tuesday,” Cam breathed out roughly before his mouth met Gannon’s.

An involuntary groan escaped him as he gripped Cam’s thick wrists, holding tightly as the kiss consumed him. He’d wanted to do this since Tuesday, as well. Hell, for the last few days, he’d thought of Cam day and night, wishing like hell he had even a few minutes to spend with him. Which was why he’d forced himself to leave the office early and to ensure that Milly had cleared his calendar for the weekend.

A first for him. One that Milly had made sure to point out. Half a dozen times.

Although he would pay for taking a couple of days off, spending time with Cam seemed more urgent at the moment.

Cam’s tongue was insistent, gliding against his own, yet somehow Gannon managed to keep from closing the distance between them. He feared if he touched Cam too much, he wouldn’t let go until some of the lust that had consumed him as of late was sated. He’d been walking around with a raging hard-on since the last time he’d seen Cam. He hadn’t had to deal with hormones the likes of these since he was a fucking teenager, a time when no matter how many times he’d jerked off, it’d never seemed to help.

And he doubted he’d be able to slake the lust until he’d buried himself deep inside Cam’s delicious body.

When they broke apart for air, Gannon opened his eyes to see Cam staring back at him. He didn’t look away as Cam pulled Gannon’s glasses off his face. Cam folded the arms in and tucked them into Gannon’s pocket.

“Definitely like the glasses,” Cam whispered seductively. “So fucking much.”

Gannon’s cock thickened, intrigued by Cam’s tone and the sparkle in his eyes.

“Not sure about you, but I need to cool off,” Cam said, his voice low, rough. “Let’s get in the water.”

“Yeah, about that…” Gannon turned to look at the dark water before them.

Cam chuckled. “You’re safe with me. I promise.”

Gannon wasn’t so sure about that, and he wasn’t referring to the water.

“I didn’t bring swim shorts,” Gannon announced.

Although it was dark, Gannon could still see the heat glimmering in those blue eyes that seemed intrinsically focused on him at the moment.

“Then I guess you better get naked.”

Aww, fuck. A blazing bolt of fire shot through his body, lighting him up like a rocket at lift-off.

While his brain was on the fritz, Gannon could do nothing more than stare at Cam as he slowly worked his T-shirt off, giving Gannon the first look at his thickly muscled chest.

His breath caught in his throat as he read the script that looped across those beautiful pecs.

Reckless.

Interesting, because that was exactly how Gannon felt anytime he was around Cam.

A glint of light caught his eye, and Gannon’s eyes trailed down to see a silver barbell pierced through Cam’s nipple. Yep, Milly had been right. There was a matching one in the other nipple. Holy fuck. Another growl rumbled up from inside him at the sight. That was so fucking sexy… Shit, the mere thought of it made Gannon’s dick jump.

He didn’t try to hide his interest as he scanned Cam’s smooth, muscled torso in the near darkness. He catalogued the other tattoos, several that ran down Cam’s sides, one that ran from hip to hip beneath his navel, visible above Cam’s shorts, which rode enticingly low on his hips. He wished there was more light so he could see Cam better, but if this was what he was being offered, he damn sure wasn’t going to complain.

“Your turn,” Cam said, amusement lacing his words.

Swallowing hard, Gannon reached behind him and grabbed a handful of cotton before tugging his shirt up and over his head.

“Very nice,” Cam whispered, surprising Gannon.

Gannon definitely wasn’t built like Cam. He wasn’t rippling with muscle, though he was relatively toned, right down to the six-pack he worked hard to keep. The searing heat he felt coming from Cam made him grateful he’d worked so hard to keep up with his workouts, even though he could’ve easily allowed work to interfere.

Cam kicked off his flip-flops, shooting another beaming grin at Gannon before turning and walking toward the water.

“We’re really gonna do this?” Gannon asked, speaking up so Cam could hear him.

“We are,” Cam hollered back.

“What’s in it for me?” The words were hardly out of his mouth before he was struck by the most beautiful sight.

Gannon stood rooted in place as he watched Cam shuck his shorts, allowing them to fall to the ground, his tight glutes and thick thighs the only thing Gannon could focus on. Hell, he wasn’t even sure he was breathing.

“Come on, Gannon,” Cam called out, still heading toward the water.

“Fuck me,” Gannon breathed out roughly, keeping his voice low. “The man’s gonna kill me.”

He didn’t look away until Cam’s lower half was submerged in the water, and only then did he release the air that had been locked in his chest.

As hesitant as he was to get in the water, Gannon now had pretty damn good incentive.

Twelve

Cam didn’t bother pretending not to stare when Gannon emerged from the tree line completely naked.

Seriously. Beautifully. Naked.

His body… Holy fuck. Talk about taking someone’s breath away.

The spattering of dark hair across Gannon’s chest caught his attention first, along with the sleek muscle that lined his entire body. Long, toned arms, even longer legs. Mmm. If he was being honest with himself, he hadn’t expected it.

Truth was, although it was an adorable trait, Gannon really was a bit nerdy. So, naturally, Cam had assumed he was simply skinny. Nope. He was cut. From where he stood, Cam could even make out the washboard abs and that sexy V that arrowed down between Gannon’s legs.

Definitely not skinny.

Not that it would’ve made a damn bit of difference. He liked Gannon. A hell of a lot more than he was willing to admit.

And now, watching him stroll down to the water, his fully hard, long, thick cock protruding up from his body, Cam fought the urge to grab his own dick and show it some five-finger love.

Sure, skinny-dipping with Gannon probably wasn’t the greatest idea he’d ever had. If he’d been smart, he would’ve settled for sitting on the sandy shore with Gannon next to him—fully clothed—but when he’d realized Gannon had a fear of the water, Cam had wanted to help him to get over that.

That was when distracting him had come to mind.

Once Gannon made it into the water, he continued to walk toward Cam, his movements jerky and slow. As though he didn’t trust the ground beneath him. Cam remained where he was, his body submerged up to his chest as he waited for Gannon to join him. Since it was early June, the water was cool but not too bad.

“I hope like hell those aren’t fish I feel,” Gannon muttered, his nose scrunched.

“Those are fish,” Cam confirmed with a chuckle.

Gannon outwardly cringed but continued to make his way into deeper water until they were standing only a few inches apart.

“I’m proud of you,” Cam told him, his tone sober.

“Well, if it weren’t for the fact you were naked out here, you can bet your ass I wouldn’t have left dry land.”

“Whatever it takes,” Cam answered, reaching for Gannon’s hand. “You know how to swim, right?”

Gannon nodded.

“Come on.”

Linking their fingers together, Cam led Gannon to deeper water, releasing his hand when they were deep enough to tread water.

“I promise, you’re safe with me,” Cam told him, swimming closer. “Relax.”

“Easy for you to say.” Gannon’s words were choppy, as though he was still nervous.

Knowing he would never get Gannon to relax by forcing him, Cam reached for his hand once again as he swam backward, searching with his feet for the ground. Once he was able to stand up, he tugged Gannon toward him, wrapping his arms around his waist, his fingers kneading the tense muscles of Gannon’s back as their bodies slid together.

Gannon hissed, his hands clutching Cam’s biceps. “This is dangerous,” Gannon whispered.

“Don’t I know it,” Cam said on an exhale, and like Gannon, he wasn’t referring to swimming at night.

The sexual tension tightened substantially as they stood there neck-deep in the water, skin to skin, motionless, staring back at one another. Cam knew one of them had to make a move. And soon.

Something swam by his legs, and Cam felt a tremor race through Gannon. The man was terrified, but he was still out there, and that meant more to Cam than anything.

“Put your legs around me, Gannon,” Cam ordered, pulling him closer.

Gannon hesitated only briefly but then allowed Cam to shift him so that Gannon’s legs were wrapped around Cam’s waist. He ignored his dick as it roared to life, sliding against Gannon’s ass.

Who thought this was a good idea?

The buoyancy of the water allowed him to embrace Gannon easily, holding him tighter until Gannon understood what Cam wanted. When Gannon’s arms wrapped around his neck and his lips came down over his, Cam dragged in a breath, allowing Gannon to control the kiss as he sucked Cam’s lower lip. They remained exactly like that for what felt like hours, mouths fused, Gannon’s hands sliding over Cam’s back, shoulders, and arms.

“Brace yourself with your legs,” Cam instructed, then released Gannon’s back so that his hands were free. With ease, Cam slid both hands between their bodies, gripping Gannon’s thick erection gently at first, watching those dark eyes widen.

Gannon hissed. “Cam...”

The single word sounded like a warning, but Cam didn’t heed it.

“Kiss me,” Cam demanded, continuing to double fist Gannon’s heavy cock, stroking slowly beneath the water as Gannon’s mouth returned to his. They were breathing too hard to maintain the kiss, though.

Gannon growled, hands clutching Cam’s head, holding him still as he rested his forehead against Cam’s. They were swapping air between them.

“We can’t…”

“Just this,” Cam whispered. “Just need to make you come for me.”

“Aw, fuck,” Gannon growled, his hips bucking forward, driving his dick into Cam’s hand. “More.”

Cam gave Gannon what he asked for, tightening his grip and stroking him more firmly. Faster. Harder.

He alternated, slowing his pace, thumbing the broad head of Gannon’s dick, then stroking him once again. He continued to watch Gannon’s face, enjoying the sexual tension that drew his mouth into a hard line. The distraction was definitely working.

“Cam.” Gannon’s breath fanned Cam’s face. “Fuck. I’m gonna come.”

“Kiss me while you come for me,” Cam said softly.

Cam changed the angle of his hands, allowing him to tug Gannon’s cock more insistently, jerking him beneath the water as their mouths crashed together, Gannon’s tongue working against his. Gannon’s kiss was unlike anything Cam had ever felt before. Powerful. Possessive. The way he used his teeth to pull at Cam’s lower lip… It drove him fucking wild.

And though Cam was holding Gannon, jacking him off right there in the water, Cam knew without a doubt that Gannon had complete control over this situation.

Over him.

Gannon’s arms tightened around Cam’s head as he held on, his mouth hovering by Cam’s ear.

“Fuck, Cam,” Gannon whispered, his body tensing. “Feels so good. Don’t stop.”

Cam didn’t stop; he worked Gannon’s dick faster.

“Oh, shit,” Gannon crooned. “I’m… Ah, fuck. I’m gonna come.”

“Come for me,” Cam insisted softly.

Gannon’s entire body stiffened, every muscle going rigid as his dick pulsed in Cam’s hand. Cam slowed, tightening his grip more, milking Gannon’s seed from him. When some of the tension in Gannon’s legs eased, Cam loosened his hand, caressing Gannon as he came down from his climax, arms still wrapped around him.

Although they were moving a little faster than Cam had intended, he couldn’t say he was disappointed.

Not by a long shot.

Thankfully they were in the water, because Gannon’s legs were shaky as he forced his feet back to the ground, arms still clutching Cam close.

“I didn’t expect that,” he admitted, sliding his lips against Cam’s smooth, warm neck.

“Are you relaxed, at least?”

Gannon pulled back and met Cam’s beautiful gaze. “A little.”

Cam flashed that brilliant grin and Gannon answered in kind.

“I told you I’d keep you safe. Now swim with me.”

Still trying to get his bearings, Gannon nodded. He suddenly realized he hadn’t paid any attention to the water or what critters were likely lurking beneath the surface while Cam had given him the best hand job of his entire life.

Though he was still nervous, not exactly excited to be in the dark water, he decided to trust Cam on this one. Forcing his legs to move beneath him, he followed Cam out into the deeper water. They didn’t remain out there for long before they journeyed back toward shore, and Gannon was grateful for that.

He trusted Cam when he said he’d keep him safe, but that didn’t mean he was enjoying himself. However, he was trying because he knew this was Cam’s world. The man was like a fish, moving with such masculine grace, body slicing through the water easily, effortlessly. Gannon was more like a fish out of water, flopping around, jerking wildly when something brushed against his leg. Quite frankly, it was embarrassing and he was glad it was dark.

“Come on,” Cam said, tugging Gannon’s arm as they began walking up toward the shore. “You did good. I won’t torture you anymore.”

Gannon’s thoughts instantly drifted to that hand job Cam had given him. He’d take more of that torture any day of the week. Not to mention, he longed to return the favor.

After allowing the breeze to dry them off, they dressed and then made their way back to the marina office. Gannon thought Cam was going to send him on his way, so when he offered him a beer, he did his best to hide his surprise.

“Do you have to work in the morning?” Cam asked as they ascended a set of stairs on the side of the building.

“Took the weekend off,” he answered. “You’re working, though, right?”

“Bright and early,” Cam said.

When they reached the exterior door at the landing, Gannon asked, “Should I go?”

Cam turned to face him. “No. Not unless you want to.”

Meeting Cam’s gaze, Gannon smiled. “That’s the last thing I want to do.”

“Good.”

Gannon noticed Cam didn’t smile, but he didn’t get to ask him what was wrong because Cam turned, punched in a code on the electronic doorknob, and then they were inside. The second floor of the building seemed much bigger than the first. The exterior door opened to a hallway, which cut the floor in half, another door on the right and one on the left.

Cam moved to the door on the left, punching in another code, then opening it.

“It’s not much,” Cam said as they stepped inside. “But this is home.”

They were greeted by a loft-style apartment, the space completely open. High ceilings, exposed brick walls on three sides. Very Friends-like. Only without the bedrooms and the fire escape balcony.

On the far side of the room, there was a king-sized bed with rumpled sheets. Beside it was a nightstand with a clock and a lamp, nothing else. A short six-drawer chest sat beneath a window covered with sheer black curtains. Closest to the door, though, a brown leather sofa sat facing a large flat-screen television mounted on the wall. In the corner opposite the bed, a sheet of opaque glass separated the rest of the area from what Gannon could only assume was the bathroom. And in the other corner, a small kitchenette.

“This is nice,” Gannon said.

“Thanks.”

There wasn’t much in the space, but the things that were suited Cam’s personality. At least the way Gannon saw him. Thick-planked hardwood floors lay out beneath the heavy, masculine furniture. Decorations were minimal, but there were a few pictures on the wall, most of them of the lake and what looked to be Cam and his friends.