Heat Stroke (Beach Kingdom 2)

“It’s great, Marcus,” Jamie said from behind the counter. “Not so big that you’re going to be overwhelmed—and what’s here is quality.” He ducked out of sight. “This must be a custom-fitted refrigeration system, because I can’t imagine the last owners leaving it behind otherwise. It’s a damn good one. Andrew is going to be jealous.”

“I could go for some refrigeration right now,” Marcus said, swiping at the perspiration rapidly forming on his brow, and gestured to his shirt. “Do you mind if I…?”

There was only a small hesitation from Jamie before he nodded. “I might have to do the same.”

If Marcus thought the air was swampy and thick before, the heat tripled when both Jamie and Marcus drew their shirts off over their heads. They tossed them onto the counter at the same time, staring at each other across the store. A bead of sweat ran down the center of Jamie’s chest, traveling over ridges of muscle and Marcus’s shaft thickened.

You’re going to hurt him.

“I was thinking, um…” Marcus forced himself to turn away. “I was thinking we’d have a refrigerator out here with energy drinks, water. Quick grab stuff for lunch.”

“Yeah, I like that idea.” Jamie’s voice sounded gruff. “You should hang a mirror on the wall. Mirrors tend to attract your fitness brethren, don’t they?”

Marcus turned with a smile. “You calling us vain?” He flexed his bicep and kissed it. “I gotta stay in shape so you have something nice to ogle on the beach.”

That surprised a laugh out of Jamie. “Hey, you haven’t said something like that in at least a week. I think we’ve turned a corner.”

“I only ever said those things because I was trying to hide the fact that I ogle you.” Marcus said, immediately wishing he’d been born with a working verbal filter. “Sorry,” he muttered. “I just meant to say…I think I was trying to convince myself, too. That I was the guy everyone thinks I am.” He held up his forearm. “Kind of like with this tattoo.”

Jamie was silent for a moment. “What kind of guy does everyone think you are?”

“Loud, inappropriate. Kind of pervy.”

“You think you can’t embody those qualities and like men at the same time?” Jamie laughed under his breath. “Sometimes I think at least two out of those three characteristics is a requirement.”

Marcus scoffed. “You’re not loud or inappropriate.”

Sex smoked in his eyes. “I am under the right circumstances.”

“Jamie,” Marcus groaned. “Please don’t give me boner.”

“You already have one.”

“Dammit.” Marcus approached the counter so he could hide his erection. Even with sexual frustration tightening around him like a full body belt, he couldn’t help but chuckle in response to Jamie’s laughter. “So what you’re saying is…I can be this exact person no matter what? I don’t have to change?”

“No, there’s no club uniform. We don’t perform random searches to make sure your sheets are clean and your shoes are in season. You can gay your own way, Marcus. Some people live louder than others, but that goes for straight people, too.”

Marcus took a deep breath. “I’m gay, Jamie.”

“I know.” They existed in the sharp, crystalized moment together, Marcus’s heart going from a wild thunder to a steady beat. All the while, Jamie stood across the counter and anchored him with his constancy. Marcus was a ship tied to Jamie’s moor.

At least until Jamie sucked in a breath, his eyes going wide. “Oh Jesus, where did that feather boa around your neck come from?”

“What?” Marcus’s hands flew to his neck and found nothing, Jamie’s laughter taking a few ticks to penetrate. “You think you’re funny, do you?”

“It was pretty funny.”

Jesus, Marcus hadn’t been this light in a long time. Maybe ever. There was a rush of tingles coasting up and down his skin, his neck felt loose. The smile wouldn’t leave his face. He’d said it. He said the words out loud and the world was still standing. “What do we do now?”

Jamie lifted a shoulder. “What do you want to do?”

“For today…I don’t know if I’m ready to do more than say it.” He reached for courage. “What step comes after that?”

“I don’t know. There’s no guidebook, Marcus.” Jamie scrubbed at the back of his neck, measuring him with a guarded look. “Listen, I’m going out with Kurt on Friday night. Why don’t you come with us?” Marcus’s heart dropped straight down, through the floorboards and hurtled toward the earth’s core, but somehow Jamie kept talking and time marched on as usual. “He can bring some friends and we’ll all just hang out. You’ve got yourself psyched out over some wild, alternative lifestyle and you’ll see, Marcus, it’s just like hanging out with me.”

“You’re going on a date, Jamie?” Marcus managed.

“I’m willing to downgrade it from date to hangout so you’ll come with me.” Jamie exhaled hard. “Maybe…I don’t know, maybe there will be someone there that’s able to do what I can’t for you. Take it slow. Keep things undercover.”