Page 28 of Deep Waters

Christian opened the lid, exposing the deliciously packed content. “Wow. This looks good.”

“Jake puts them up at the Seagull. If you haven’t already eaten there, you should treat yourself. It would be a shame to miss out.”

“Jake is the guy from the lifeboat, right? The one who came onboard for Niko.”

“That’s him. He runs the café with his stepsister. They prepare everything themselves daily. It’s my favourite place in town, really—for casual eating, I mean. There are a couple of fancy restaurants if you’re looking for something more formal, and most of the pubs do great food, too. We’re spoiled for choice, really.”

“It would appear so.” Christian speared a piece of chicken and lettuce with his fork.

They ate in silence for a few minutes, both of them obviously enjoying their lunch. The boat barely moved, just a gentle dip from side to side. Harry savoured the warmth of the sun on his face and neck. There would not be many more days like this until spring.

“So, do you think you got what you came for?” he asked after a while. Christian gave a quizzical look. “The trips along the coast. Did you get what you needed for your book?”

“Oh.” Christian put the empty lunch box on the deck and secured it with his foot. “Yeah. Well, it was never anything as specific as that. I came looking for inspiration, to spark a few ideas—and I got plenty of those. I don’t know how they will fit into my next book. That might not come to me for a little while yet, but I know for certain Nyemouth and this whole coastal area will make a fantastic setting.”

Harry nodded. “I don’t know how you do it. Dominic, either. Coming up with all those stories. I’ve never been creative in that way. I’ve always been more practical. Even at school, I was shockingly bad at literature and art but got good grades in geography and history.”

Christian turned on the bench to look at him. “I admire someone as practical as you are, how you run and maintain this boat. And last night, when you told me you’d done all the work on the house yourself, that was bloody impressive. I can’t do any of that stuff. Plumbing, electrics, decorating… I always need someone to do it for me.”

Now Harry chuckled. “I guess not everyone can be good at everything.”

“The world would be boring if we were.”

“And you’re keeping plumbers in work, if nothing else.”

“Shady. But you have a good point.” Christian gave Harry’s thigh a playful slap.

The touch sent electricity all through his body and his cock hardened.

Shit. He was hornier than he’d thought. He shifted position and tried to hide it.

Christian seemed to realise the reaction he had caused. The smile turned serious, and he stared deep into Harry’s eyes. For the longest moment neither of them spoke, then Christian placed his hand back on Harry’s leg, higher than before. The tip of his thumb grazed Harry’s groin.

“Is this all right?” he asked.

Harry swallowed. “More than all right.”

Encouraged, Christian squeezed the muscle of his inner thigh. There was no controlling it now. Harry’s cock was rock hard.

“It seems we’ve been building to this moment for a long time,” Christian murmured.

They had only known each of three days, but there was a truth to what he’d said. After everything they’d been through, it felt like much longer.

Harry couldn’t think of a reply. He didn’t need to. Christian leaned closer and pressed his lips to his. Harry couldn’t deny this was what he’d been waiting for. He opened his mouth and slid their tongues together. Christian put his other hand on the back of Harry’s head and drew him deeper into the kiss.

They broke apart, both grinning, their foreheads touching, breathing heavily.

“I dreamt about this last night,” Christian admitted.

“You did? So did I. Well, not exactly like this, but I dreamt about you a lot.”

“It seems like we’re in tune.”

“Must be.”

“Let me show you how my dream went.” Christian gave him another light kiss on the lips before sliding from the bench to the deck.

He ran both of his hands up Harry’s inner thighs. Harry’s entire body shuddered at the touch. It was years since he’d experienced the electric touch of a stranger. When he was with Antoni, the sex had been familiar and repetitive—two men who knew each well and who had no surprises left. There had been no one else since they had split. Now today, this hot older man was on his knees in front of him, touching him intimately. Harry trembled with excitement.

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