Page 30 of Cross & Crown

see the ocean or meet new people every day,” he said with false cheer. “I’m Navy, baby, I was born for boats.”

Nick’s smile was genuine, but melancholy at best. “Liar.

You need trees and grass.”

“So get me a bonsai tree and I’ll grow my weed on the

flybridge.”

“Wrong kind of grass,” Nick said as he pulled himself

closer and gave Kelly a slow, teasing kiss. He slid his fingers over Kelly’s cheek before clutching at his hair and resting his weight on Kelly.

Desire tore through Kelly like a wildfire. It always did

when Nick touched him. This was his first relationship with

another man, but the excitement and adventure had yet to

wear off. He was certain that with Nick, it would never fade.

“I guess we need to talk about it, huh?” Nick murmured

between kisses.

“Unless you want to keep going like we have,” Kelly said.

“A week here, two there. A month apart. It sucks, babe.”

Nick nodded fervently and dove in for another kiss.

“But I know you and I know me,” Kelly managed to say

through Nick’s kisses. “We’ll work it out. I’m good with it

for now.”

“Well, I’m not.” Nick said before a long, tense silence. He

flopped onto his back with a huff. “So let’s figure it out.”

30

“Now?” Kelly practically squeaked. “It’s the middle of the

night.”

“We’re both up.”

Kelly gestured to himself emphatically. “Upis the

appropriate word, yes.”

Nick laughed, the sound warming the cool cabin as it

drowned out the waves beating at the hul .

Kelly huffed and rolled to straddle Nick, placing both

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