Page 37 of Big Britches

“How could I resist your indisputable charm?”

“I hope there’s some truth to that, and that you’re not just saying it to be nice.”

“No. I wanted to come. Very much so. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.”

“Don’t be nervous. It’s just us.”

“What about Tucker?”

“Roz took him. He’s spending the night with Shelly at their house.”

Pedro weighed the situation. Here he was, at the home of a man he had just met today, being invited into a whole new world—for the night, at least.

“The water’s warm. Won’t you join me?”

Pedro lifted the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head. As he did so, he heard Titus swimming away to offer some privacy. He tossed the shirt on a neighboring lounge and turned back to the water.

Titus was out in the middle now, deeper. Fireflies darted above him, and, though the pool light wasn’t on, Pedro saw his silhouette. He was naked.

“I didn’t bother with a suit,” Titus said. “Figured it’s just you and me, you know? Two guys… swimming.”

Heat stirred in Pedro again, wrestling with his modesty. He groped for an excuse.

“Oh. I just bought mine… for tonight… for you.”

“For me? I like it. Looks very snazzy on you. I brought mine out just in case you were shy.” Titus pointed toward the table they’d lunched at. “It’s in that chair with the towels. Could you toss it to me, please?”

Pedro considered. He didn’t want Titus to put his suit on. But it would be unfair, not to mention awkward, if Titus was the only one of them naked. Seconds passed, neither of them moving. Finally, Pedro lowered his swimsuit instead.

He couldn’t see Titus’s expression in the darkened distance, only the slight tilt of his head. “See how easy that was?”

“And you’re certain we’re alone?”

“Completely. You’re beautiful, by the way.”

Pedro gestured upward with his hands. “It’s the lighting, I swear.”

“No, it’s not. Come join me. The water’s nice and I don’t wanna stare.”

Pedro stepped out of the suit, puddled at his feet. Something shifted in him, aided by Titus’s tender tone. His residual fears were dwindling, melting from the heat of simmering desire. He had been obsessing over this man for most of the day. Now, the fantasy was standing before him naked, encouraging him to come closer. Any concerns–worrisome gnats flitting about his thoughts–had dissipated. He was prepared to relinquish control, surrender his trust to another. It was both terrifying and exhilarating.

Pedro stepped up to the edge of the pool and dove in.

He glided beneath the water, stopping just short of Titus. When he went to stand, he was surprised to find the water too deep for him to touch bottom. Titus reached out and caught him before his head went under, pulling him tight. For the first time, Pedro knew what it was like to be held in Titus’s substantial embrace. He caved, draping his arms over the large man’s shoulders, and wrapping his legs around his torso like a child.

Titus chuckled. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Pedro. Finally.”

“Sorry. I didn’t expect it to be so deep.”

Titus was already backstepping to the shallower end. Pedro loosened his grip, and when his feet brushed the bottom, he attempted standing on his own.

“That’s good,” Titus said. “Not too far, though. I kinda like you hanging on me.”

“I’m sorry. I–”

“No, no. It’s good. It’s all good.”

“Are we crazy, T? Am I crazy?”

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