CHAPTER ONE
BEN
The sun beats down on my back, and the sand shifts beneath my feet. A permanent smile is on my face as I make my way back to the resort I’m staying at after a leisurely stroll.
I needed this change of scenery. Don’t get me wrong, I love the cold and spending most of my time on ice, but sometimes, it’s nice to get away, be myself, and not the goalie for Green Spring University’s hockey team.
My feet carry me directly to my hotel’s outdoor bar the second I’m on the property again. It’s hot as balls already and a cold beer is exactly what I need right about now.
When I approach the area, my eyes immediately land on a tall drink of water of a man leaning against the bar. Running my tongue along my lips, I slow my pace and take in the sexy man. He has dark, thick hair and a jawline so fucking perfect it should be illegal. His eyes are covered by sunglasses, like my own, hiding what they actually look like, but I’m going to imagine they’re captivating. His body is perfection—toned abs on display for all to see, well-defined arms, and thick thighs.
God bless the man who designed this guy’s Speedo. It’s leaving nothing to the imagination, but I’m not complaining.
With a steady pace, I head to the bar, stopping beside the sexy man and flagging down the bartender, who offers a smile. I order a beer, needing something to sip on while I try to get the stranger’s attention.
“This your first time at this resort?” I ask the guy once I have my beer in hand, finally making him turn toward me.
He raises his sunglasses, resting them on top of his head, and damn, his eyes are so fucking blue they match the clear sky. It almost makes it hard to breathe for a moment.
A sexy smirk crosses his lips, and he stands tall, straightening his shoulders. His eyes slowly roam over my body, blatantly checking me out and causing a shiver of desire to ripple down my spine. “It is, what about you?”
“Same. I heard about this place from a friend and knew I had to visit. So far, it’s been amazing.”
The first thing I wanted to do once I finally got a break from college and hockey was get away from everything and everyone. So, the moment I could, I booked a trip for a week in the sun at an all-inclusive resort on an island far away from any of the usual hassles and stress. The resort is perfect because not only is there no technology allowed—no worries of videos being recorded—but it also caters to the gay community. The moment I discovered this place, I knew I wanted to be here.
“I’d definitely return here,” he shares, leaning in a little closer with an ease I wish I had right about now. I’m generally not one to be self-conscious or lack confidence, but the way this man carries himself with such control and self-assurance has me wavering a little.
He isn’t much taller than me, but for some reason, I feel much smaller at this moment. I inhale quickly, breathing in the hint of sunscreen mixed with a spicy masculine scent.
Damn, he smells good.
“How long are you here for?” I inquire, keeping the conversation light and trying to put forth a boldness I’m not sure I have. This man is more intimidating than I thought he would be but in a good way.
“Two more days,” he informs me. “You?”
“I got here yesterday and have six more days to go.”
“How about we take advantage of the two days we have left together, then?” he suggests, placing his hand on my chest and running his fingers down my torso, teasing the waistband of my bottoms when he reaches it.
I suck in a deep inhale as my cock starts to swell—which everyone can see in detail since my Speedo does nothing to hide it—before grinning at him and tilting my head to the side. Time to channel my fuck-boy ways and show him I’m here to have a good time. “Sounds like a solid plan to me. Your room or mine?”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “Let’s finish our drinks first. We can pick a room once we’re done.”
Has anyone I’ve hooked up with in the past suggested we take things slow once I’ve offered sex? I don’t think so, but more alcohol doesn’t sound like a bad plan. “Want to sit somewhere shaded?” I ask, my skin already crisping from the punishing sun. “Or you could rub me up with some more sunscreen. Whatever floats your boat.” I wink at him.
He licks his lips, causing prickles of anticipation to erupt across my skin. The things this man could probably do with that tongue have me squirming with desire.
“I do love the idea of my hands all over your body, and I’m going to make that happen soon, but why don’t we hang out in the shade for now? That way, I don’t get a mouthful of sunscreen when I trace each of your abs with my tongue later.”
My cock likes that idea—a lot—stiffening even more from his words. Of course, the sexy stranger takes that moment to trail his eyes over my body again, taking in my growing erection. A low growl pours from his mouth before he bites his lower lip.
I’m practically vibrating with need when he tilts his chin. “Come on, there’s a free table over there.”
I eagerly follow him and almost melt when he puts his hand on my lower back, guiding me away from the bar. His touch isn’t cautious, and his confidence has me sucking in a breath. I’ve always loved a man who likes to take control, even if I don’t give it up easily in the bedroom. I can’t wait to see what the universe has planned for us. Hopefully, it involves hot-as-sin sex.
“My name’s Ian, by the way. What’s yours?” he asks, pulling a chair out for me at a shaded table.
Damn. Also a gentleman? Could he be any sexier?