Page 25 of The Secret Experimentation
But his mouth opens and closes, and I’m afraid I said something wrong again. Maybe he doesn’t like to share his animals with other people? Or my idea is a stupid one. I mean, old dogs on the beach. They could drown or die of heat stroke. And cats near water? I’m such an…
Mel suddenly pushes his chair back and stands. He slots himself between my open thighs and cupping my face in his hands, he kisses me. Long and sweet. I feel dizzy when he pulls back.
“I’d love that,” he whispers with bright happiness spreading in his eyes. It’s contagious.
I think Mel is, as well.
A week later my back porch and private beach has been invaded by ten drooling dogs, five haughty, sunbathing cats, a fat black and pink pig, an iguana, and what should be a ferret, but I’m pretty sure is a long hairy rat. It’s pure chaos. Garret decided to join us with the excuse of helping. But all he’s been doing is sitting on the recliner under one of the big umbrellas on the beach, sipping his Coke. And cock-blocking me. I’ve seen Mel in passing this last week. We bumped into each other outside Ink Me after I saw Daniel about my tattoo. It was awkward and stiff on my part. But seeing him suddenly in front of me, all sunshine and gracefulness, trying to hide his blush under a flirty smirk, made me want to wrap him into my arms and…hump him against a wall. We exchanged a few dirty texts—me sending dirty texts,Twilight Zonestuff right here—during the week, but I’ve been too busy with work to meet. I’ve taken on some of Cole’s clients while he’s trying to solve his family problems. And now I’m horny as fuck, but unable to do anything because of Garret’s presence.
At least we did something when I picked Mel up from his apartment, before driving to the shelter. I couldn’t help it. As soon as he opened the door I was on him like white on rice. Kissing him dirty. Raw. Hungry. And Mel answered, wrapping himself around me in a vise grip and moaning while sucking on my tongue. His desire for me set me on fire and we jerked each other off right there in his colorful living room. So damn hot. The only problem was the suspiciously silent Alfred, watching us. He just waited for us to finish before calling me a “wee dick”. That bird is a rude, uncouth shit.
After we washed up, Mel wore my t-shirt—the one he stole last week. He seems to really enjoy it, and that makes me surprisingly happy. He tied a knot on his hip, since it was still huge on him, showing a slice of tan skin. A straw hat with a cute red ribbon covered his long hair, and a flowery Mary Poppins-looking bag was hanging from his forearm. Mel’s crap bag, Garret called it when we arrived at the shelter.
Now Mel is on the shore, jumping happily and running with some of the dogs. He sees me and grins, waving his arm. And all the anxiousness and uneasiness at having my tranquility disrupted fades away. Well, a big part of it. I still feel like this is madness, and I crave some peace and order. But I remind myself of my decision about trying to get out of my comfort zone. And it’s been scary, but fucking amazing.
I look at Mel. Those sun-kissed high cheekbones, windblown, messy brown hair, and those tight orange swim trunks with rainbows on each side. I realize that I missed him these past few days. And not only for the thrill of new sexual discoveries. I missed…him.
So instead of going inside and taking care of some work I brought home yesterday, I head quickly toward the ocean. The fine sand is hot under my feet, burning the soles, but as soon as I hit the shore, the cold water soothes them.
A small dog trots near me, going around my feet. It doesn’t look as old as the others. It’s white as snow with black ears and a long grey rat tail that curves at the end. It’s tiny, but muscular with a curved back and a deep chest. Looks like an Italian Greyhound with its long muzzle and half-up ears.
“Damn, now I know whyBaywatchwas so popular. This is the best of both worlds,” Mel says, looking at the ocean and then with the same awestruck gaze at my body.
“I think the running in a swimsuit was the real reason,” I retort with a raised eyebrow. But he’s right. Having a house on the beach is great. And before today, I haven’t really enjoyed the beach part that much.
“Have you ever slept here under the stars?”
“Can’t say that I have.” Instead of making fun of my lack offun,he smiles.
“You should. It must be such an amazing sight. Miles and miles of coal-black sky filled with a million shiny stars.” There’s a dreamy undertone to his words that ignites the desire to try it. Despite the image of sticking sand and uncomfortable towels. Maybe I can even ask Mel to join me.
“Perhaps I need someone to share it with.” I look at his clear, deep eyes watching me back. And for a moment, there’s nothing around us.
Until one of the dogs splashes water on Mel’s leg, making him jump back. My gaze falls on his small pink nipples and flat belly, and I feel this strong, searing desire to touch him, taste him. Fuck, I’ve never been this attracted to anybody else before.
To cover my half-chub, I face the ocean and go for a swim. After a few rhythmic strokes, I stop and feel the cool water caressing my skin. The hot sun is hitting my head, the brightness of it makes my eyebrows bunch up. When I turn toward the shore, Mel is crouched down, cuddling a dog while Garret is still sipping his drink under the umbrella. I smile, feeling weirdly content with the sight. Having friends over is notthatbad.
I start swimming back when I notice the small dog from before sitting on the bank, staring at me. Or maybe he’s looking at the waves. When my feet are back on shore, he jumps up and starts wagging his tail at me. I ignore him and walk toward the outdoor shower. I get rid of the salty water and join Garret under the umbrella, on the other recliner.
“This is paradise,” he says, smiling at me. “Thank you. I needed this,” he adds, scratching the head of a big dog lying next to him. “The internship at the vet clinic is tougher than I anticipated.”
I hum, grabbing a water from the blue cooler and enjoying the fresh liquid going down my dry throat. Then I force myself to say something, even though I usually don’t like to dwell in light conversation—unless it’s with Mel, I realize.
“How so?” I ask drily.
Mel reaches us and starts drying off his wet body using a pink towel he pulled out of his crap bag.
“The boss spawn is still treating you like shit?” he asks Garret. I feel hypnotized by the way the drops of salty water are slowly rolling down his back, reaching the top of his perky ass. I want to see it bare again. Badly.
“Don’t know what his problem is. I do whatever they ask me and without mistakes or complaining. I work double what he does, and his father covers only my expenses.” He scrunches up his nose.
“Maybe he’s just jealous because you’re more competent than him,” Mel suggests.
“Maybe.” Garret sighs.
“Hey, you have another date tonight, right?” Mel changes the topic, sitting on his towel after laying it on the sand. A couple of dogs walk slowly toward him and sit close by. Washing all the sand from the animals is going to take a very long time.
“Yeah.” Garret doesn’t sound so keen about the date. So why is he going? Maybe he’s too tired because of his work.
