“That’s beautiful, Tigo.”
I roll to my side so I can see him. His eyes search mine, barely lit from the bright moon in the sky above us. “It’s rare for me to meet someone who understands what it’s like to be an artist in a capitalist society.”
“Same. I’ve tried writer groups, but that tends to come with a lot of arrogance, especially since I haven’t published anything substantial under my name.”
“What’s your dream?”
“It’ll probably sound silly to you.”
“I doubt it. I’d love to know.”
A slight smile plays on his lips. “It’s this epic fantasy that’s bounced around my brain for years. ThinkIndiana JonesmeetsThe Mummy, but gay.”
I laugh softly. “Go on.”
“I grew up watching those epic movies or reading novels set in fantastical worlds but always with a straight couple as the centerpiece.”
“Right.”
“I want to write something I can see myself in. I don’t want any other gay men to have to close their eyes while reading and pretend the beautiful, seductive woman is a man.”
“I get that. I’d read the hell out of that.”
Cato chuckles, his fingers scratching through the sand. “Someday, I’ll write it. I know I will.”
“Tell me about your life in Phoenix.”
“Hmm, well, I live in a tiny apartment that still costs too much. I have a few friends, but Wes is my bestie. We’ve been friends for years, and he’s amazing. So smart and funny. He encourages me to do things outside my comfort zone, and I keep him from getting too crazy.”
“That’s a good friend. Does he know what happened with Kyle?”
“Yeah. He’s mad on my behalf. He set us up but then he didn’t like how Kyle treated me. In fact, no one in my life did. Should’ve been a warning.”
“Hindsight, as they say.”
“Right. He even said I should have a vacation fling to get over it faster.” He looks shocked as the words leave his mouth. “I mean, I’m not suggesting you and I…um…”
“It’s okay, Cato. It’s been suggested to me by my friends more than once that I should do the same. A hookup just to get back into things, I guess.”
“Yeah. I’ve never been the type.”
“Same.”
This time the silence lingering between us is charged with electricity, at least from my end. Cato doesn’t speak, but he hasn’t taken his eyes off me either. The longer we look at each other, the more his lips tempt me to taste them.
I might be about to ruin this night, but one thing I can’t bear is waking up tomorrow with regret. I lean closer, pausing to give him time to react. His eyes soften, and he gives me a subtle nod. When our lips connect, a shaky sigh leaves him, but he wraps his arms around my neck and parts his lips, inviting me in.
I deepen the kiss, noting every detail about him. How pliable he is in my arms, how soft and full his lips are, the heat of his mouth with a hint of surprising sweetness. The subtle sexy scent of his cologne or body wash wafts around me, coaxing me to press my body into his until I can feel the hard ridge of his cock pressed against mine.
Cato moans into my mouth, slowly humping our hips together. If he doesn’t stop, I’m going to embarrass myself on this beach. His fingers tangle in my hair, twisting gently as he sucks my bottom lip. He pulls away slightly, breathing hard as he meets my gaze.
“Do you want to go back to my suite?”
“Hell yeah, I do.”
Chapter Five
CATO