Page 43 of Surviving Love

“Mason.” There was obvious frustration in his voice. “Stop telling me what I think.”

“I just know what you’re like,” I muttered.

“No. You really don’t. You know nothing about me.”

I didn’t respond because talking was using too much of my air. Instead, I concentrated on breathing slow and deep. There was no point in proclaiming how strong I was if I was going to pass out. I focused on my breaths, forcing myself to relax. I’d be fine if I just kept calm. I’d been through this many, many times before.

The rain started coming down even harder, and water began to leak through the fronds to dribble on my head. I covered my head with my hands, feeling dejected. I was soaked from head to toe, and with no hope of that changing anytime soon.

I was shocked when Jack put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me against him. He was taller than me, and in that position, his upper body shielded me from the raindrops breaking through the palm fronds.

Struggling against his hold, I said, “You’re going to get soaked.”

“Be quiet,” he rumbled, tightening his arm. “I can handle a little rain.”

“So can I.”

“Yes. I know. But I don’t have asthma.”

“See, you think I’m weak.”

“No. That isn’t true.” He sighed. “I’d do this for anyone, Mason.”

“Anyone who was sickly, you mean.”

“No, anyone who was shivering and struggling tobreathe.” He sounded annoyed. “Breathing is kind of important.”

Pride told me to keep struggling against him, but instinct said to take advantage of his kindness. I felt so tired, I gave in to my instinct and swallowed my pride. It really was much warmer against his hard body. He smelled nice too—maybe it was his coconut shaving oil.

I closed my eyes, letting his heat sink into my body. It had been ages since I’d been held by another man, or anyone for that matter. I realized he was only holding me because he was concerned for me, but it felt really good to be touched by another human.

The rain continued to pound the shelter, and Jack held me tight. Slowly but surely, my airways began to open again, and I started to feel less worried. When I finally let out a long breath of relief, Jack lowered his head, as if trying to see my face in the gloom.

“Better?” he asked quietly.

“Yeah.” I started to straighten, but he held tight.

“No. Not yet. Just relax. Let’s not push our luck.”

Trying to make light of the situation, I said, “You know, Sherry isn’t going to appreciate you… basically… cuddling me.”

His laugh rumbled beneath my ear. “Sherry is a nice girl, but…”

But?

I still had no idea what Jack’s sexual orientation was. I’d thought I felt certain things from him at times, but my gaydar had never been great. Even if he was into guys, I was hardly his type. That I knew. He wasn’t my type either. I tended to like thin, intellectual types, not macho he-men. Still, my body didn’t seem to care if he was my usual type or not. It was responding to the scent of him and the warmth of his skin. My dick warmed, but of course, I ignored that automatic reaction.

“Your breathing is definitely better,” he said.

I jumped when he spoke because I’d been lost in my lusty thoughts. “Uh, yeah. I’m feeling better for sure.”

“Good. Now we just need to warm you up.” He rubbed his hand briskly up and down my spine.

I shivered, trying to ignore how nice his touch was. He was just trying to warm me up and comfort me. He’d be mortified to know I was getting turned on.

“Can I ask you something?” he asked quietly.

I frowned. “Depends.”