Page 19 of Otter Heart
“I took a chance on something new that I thought would never last.” He reached over, giving James’ ass a squeeze. “And it turned out to be what I needed all along.”
James glanced down at Rowan’s hand. “That finger is dangerously close to beinginsideme.”
Rowan squeezed him harder with a playful smile. “Oh darn…”
“Rowan!” He batted his hand away. “We are on a public beach! There are families here!” But he couldn’t help smiling. “And thanks a lot. Now I can’t turn over. Asshole.”
I couldn’t help laughing at the pair of them. They were adorable together, playful, and I couldfeelthe affection flowingbetween them. They were a perfect pair. And an unlikely one at that. I never would’ve guessed Rowan would end up with aguy. But James was just right for him. It made me happy to see them smiling.
Now if only I could find something similar.
“So,” James said, after he’d sat up in the chair and grabbed a towel to wrap around his waist. “What’s the plan?”
I shrugged. “I guess I could give it a try. If you both think it’s a good idea, there’s probably some merit to it. I’m too close to the situation to really know at this point.”
“Do you need a wingman? Do we need to go barhopping?”
“There are gay guys in this town?”
James laughed. “Yeah. Most of them are still in the closet too. But it’s tourist season, and that means there’s lots of guys around looking for nothing serious. Could be a good way to practiceandget some self-care at the same time. Gotta keep that engine running!”
“You want me to go out and fuck rando tourists?”
“Emotionally and physically, yes.”
I turned to Rowan. “You approve of this idea?”
He shrugged. “Sure! Why not? We’re not getting any younger, right? Might as well have fun.” He gave me a nudge. “Besides, you’re too cute to be holed up in that cabin. And Iknowthat sex swing hasn’t been used in a while.”
I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment, but I tried not to let it show. I’d had a crush on Rowan for years so having him call me cute was a little bit of a thrill. But he wasn’t the one I was looking for. In fact, the moment James offered up this wild idea of his, there was only one guy I could think of.
Mateo.
“I… I think I might give it a shot,” I said at last. “You’re right. I need to practice being more open. I just hope this doesn’t lead to more hurt feelings. I’m tired of feeling hurt.”
“We’re here to support you,” Rowan nodded, placing a hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze. “Anything you need.”
“Agreed,” James added. “Even if that means ice cream at midnight and crying until dawn.”
My chest swelled with affection for the pair of them and a smile spread over my face. “Thanks guys. That means a lot.”
“Anytime.”
“So,” James said, sitting up with the towel still draped over his waist. “Top or bottom?”
I lifted an eyebrow. “Top, I guess? Both are fine though I just don’t usually–”
“You don’t usually trust people enough to let them top you,” he finished for me. “Does that sound correct?”
I hated that he was right. “Yeah,” I sighed. “It does.”
“I’ll start working on a list of guys we can try.” The look of determination on his face was surprising and a little worrying. “I’ve got a few exes myself that you might like.”
“Let’s not jump the gun here,” I laughed, holding my hands up. “Give me a couple days to warm up to the idea first.”
“Fine. Two days. Then you date.”
I glanced at Rowan. “Is he always this determined?”
