Page 23 of It Starts With Summer

“Hey, it’s okay,” I assured him, trying to sound casual.“I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea.”

Parker frowned, his brow furrowing in frustration.“That’s not it.”He looked like he might want to say something, but maybe I was reading it wrong.“Never mind.”

I didn’t have time to ask him what he meant because the campers arrived, loud and cheerful and singing a camp song.Needing a distraction, I threw myself into the celebration, playing silly games with the kids and enjoying all the songs.I hugged kids who had been in our cabin, told them some of my best jokes, signed their memory books, and dispensed a liberal amount of hand sanitizer.

Everything was surreal.It was bittersweet, filled with laughter and tears as campers exchanged promises to keep in touch.I’d never been to summer camp myself, but I had to wonder how well that went.We had campers from all over the country, though most were from Portland, Seattle, or Sacramento.Perhaps, with cell phones, social media, and email, it would be easier for them to remain friends.I hoped so.

When the party was over, we headed outside to meet parents who were milling about, waiting for their kids.We said our last goodbyes, collected tips from the more generous parents, and milled about until the last camper was loaded into a car or bus to the airport.

I didn’t see any signs of Parker as I wandered back towards our cabin.Camp was deserted.Counselors who had travel plans for break started to pack up and head out.I didn’t have any plans for the break, except maybe binging the rest of the Mages of Aleron series.I was looking forward to an empty camp and some quiet time in the cabin.And I was hoping the lukewarm water in the shower building would be improved without the campers there to use up all the hot water.

Entering the building, I was thrilled to find it deserted.“Hot shower, here I come.”I stripped down and stepped into a stall.I quickly got out my disinfecting spray and gave everything a quick spritz, since no one was around to ask why it smelled like bleach.

I left the flip-flops on, though.I was not a risk taker when it came to foot fungus.

And I was right.Finally, a real, steamy shower.I took my time, enjoying what might have been the longest shower of my life, just enjoying the simple luxury.

As I was drying off, I heard someone come in, and smiled, thinking that I should have left some hot water for whoever it was.But when I wrapped my towel around my waist and peeked out of the shower curtain, I found Parker sitting on the bench that ran along one wall.

His eyes dropped to my bare body and widened.He swallowed, then cleared his throat.“I need to talk to you.”

“Okay, sure.”I felt vulnerable with nothing but a towel on.“But, uh, maybe give me a minute to get dressed first?”

“Fuck that,” Parker said, smiling a little.“I like you in this towel.”He stood and walked closer until he was close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath as it feathered across my lips.I went still, intrigued, waiting to see what he might do.

“You like me in this towel?”I repeated, meeting his eyes.Eye contact was sometimes difficult for me, but looking into Parker's eyes was like a gut punch of pure lust.How could he not feel that?There was something between us now, an electric current that bound us somehow.And as he moved the tiniest bit closer, I wondered if maybe he did.

He was close enough to kiss, and I leaned forward just a bit, unable to say the words, but hoping that was enough of an invitation.He smiled and closed the gap between us, and we both breathed in as our lips touched.My hands slid up and around his face while his fingers landed on my bare chest.It was a desperate, searching kiss, as though we were both determined to learn every part of each other as soon as possible.I tasted the sweetness of his tongue, breathed in his now-familiar scent, and just enjoyed myself.Kissing men was nice.It was good — a little rougher than with a woman, but in a way I liked.

He nipped at my bottom lip.I opened my mouth wider, tilted my head, gave him a bit more access.

Parker broke the kiss long enough to take a shaky breath, then grin at me.“Fuck.You're good at that.I thought you didn't like kissing.”

That was an interesting thought."You taste different than most people.Your tongue isn't gross."

He laughed, leaning in and nipping my bottom lip."My tongue isn't gross.You have a way with words, Ravi."

I frowned.“Does that mean you want to stop, or to fuck?”

“Not stop.I’m attracted to you, Ravi.I’m so damn hard for you — all the fucking time.”

“Really?”My heart was pounding in my ears, drowning out everything but him.“But you rejected me earlier…”

“Because I’m confused.”He looked up at me, his green eyes searching mine for understanding.“And I didn’t want to ruin our friendship, I guess.”

I snorted.“Nothing could ruin our friendship.”Why was I so confident about that?I walked him back into one of the shower stalls, until his back was against the cold tile, and then I kissed him again, this time more forcefully.Our tongues danced together as Parker arched and pressed close, his thick muscles hard and delicious against mine.

The sensation of Parker’s lips against mine was electrifying.I’d kissed women before, and never much liked it, but kissing him was different somehow.It was the first time I truly understood what it meant to enjoy another person like this.His hands roamed over my body, mine tangled in his hair, holding him prisoner as I ravaged his mouth, taking what I wanted.I hadn’t ever experienced a kiss like this; it was intense, passionate, and consuming.And I was a greedy bastard who wanted more.I cupped the back of his head and skimmed my thumbs over his cheeks, feeling his stubble graze my palms.

“Ravi…” he panted when we broke apart, both of us breathing hard.“Fuck, you can kiss.”His eyes were dark with lust and his lips were swollen already.They looked pink and lush and soft.Had I been kissing him that hard?

“Thanks,” I managed to say, my voice shaky with desire.“You’re pretty amazing yourself.”

Parker tilted his head and sucked on my neck for a moment, then began to press feather-light kisses along my collarbone, working his way down my chest.Each nip and lick sent shivers down my spine, making me tremble with anticipation.He took his time exploring every inch of my body.I’d never been worshipped like this before, and it was intoxicating.

“Your body is incredible.I can't stop looking at you.The campers have caught me a few times and now they keep giving me strategies for wooing you.”Parker’s lips brushed against my skin as he moved lower, licking and kissing my pecs, then my nipples in a way that made my cock twitch, tenting the towel.He spent far too long on my abdomen when I wanted him lower.After what seemed like an eternity, he reached the towel that was still wrapped around my waist.He gave me a cheeky grin before tugging it free, allowing it to fall to the floor and groaning as my hard cock sprung free.

I felt exposed and vulnerable, but also exhilarated to see Parker on his knees for me.The hunger in his gaze as he took in my nude body was sexy as hell.Parker leaned in closer and breathed me in, as if he wanted to enjoy my scent, his breath hot against my sensitive flesh.

---