Page 11 of The Lonely Hearts Guide (Bountiful Beaus #2)

The gift shop was fantastic. In fact, it was quite possibly Elliot’s new favorite place on Earth. They had everything! Shirts and sandals, a cup that said, “Life’s a beach,” but there were no beaches as far as Elliot’s eyes could see, so he wasn’t sure what that was about. On a rack, there was a tank top made of rainbow-colored fabric that caught Elliot’s eye, and Alexander must have noticed, because he quickly grabbed one and draped it over his arm.

Alexander tagged along as Elliot explored, and by the end, both his arms were full. No matter how many times Elliot objected, insisting he didn’t need so many clothes, Alexander just chuckled and added another item to his pile. By the time they reached the swimsuits, Elliot was feeling lower than low. Alexander worked so hard for his money, and Elliot didn’t want to take advantage.

After paying for the items, they returned to the suite so they could get ready for fun in the sun, as Alexander had explained. Alexander left Elliot’s new clothing on the bed before excusing himself to the bathroom, giving them both privacy as they changed.

Elliot studied the options before him, trying to make the right decision. He wanted to look pretty for Alexander, but all the clothes they picked were pretty, so it made the task all the more daunting. Earlier, Alexander mentioned wanting to lounge by the pool, so Elliot knew swimwear would be in order. He was grateful to narrow the options down, but even then, Alexander purchased him five sets of trunks, as well as a small strip of fabric Alexander referred to as a banana hammock, whatever that meant. Alexander told Elliot he didn’t have to wear it if he didn’t want to, as it was very revealing, but Elliot saw the look of lust in Alexander’s eyes as he took it off the rack. Alexander wanted to see Elliot wearing them, and Elliot realized he wanted to be seen.

The Speedo was hot pink in hue, and the fabric seemed to sparkle as light touched it. Yes, Elliot thought. Yes, the swimsuit would do perfectly. He selected the rainbow tank top to go with it, because going without a shirt felt wrong. He could remove it when they reached the pool, but not in the halls. Slipping into a pair of pink shorts that rested above his knees, he eyed himself in the full-length mirror, turning and focusing on his backside. It was nothing compared to Alexander’s, but Elliot found himself hoping Alexander might still sneak a few peeks at it, anyway.

Though his skin wouldn’t burn under the sun, Alexander’s would, so Elliot grabbed a bottle of sunblock and made his way to the ensuite, knocking twice. When Alexander opened the door, he was wearing a pair of blue shorts and a white shirt, looking utterly handsome.

“All ready?” he asked, following Elliot out of the bathroom and toward the cabin door.

Elliot nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Alexander stared at Elliot’s hand, biting his bottom lip. “Is something wrong? Have I selected the wrong outfit? I apologize, I was only trying to—”

“It’s not because of the outfit. It’s just . . .” The way Alexander stared at Elliot made him feel like the world revolved around him and him alone. Alexander’s gaze was intense. It was similar to the looks Jared would give Elliot when he wore whatever skimpy ensemble the man purchased Elliot for his viewing pleasure. But instead of pure fire, Alexander had an awestruck look to him. “You look beautiful. I was just wondering if you’d allow me to hold your hand on the way to the pool.”

“You would want to? Master Price never held my hand. He said it was too informal.”

Alexander slid his hand into Elliot’s and squeezed. “Sucks for him, because you’re probably the best hand holder I’ve ever met.”

Elliot’s eyebrows shot up. “I am?”

Alexander brought Elliot’s hand to his mouth for a kiss. “Bar none, Elliot.”

Elliot’s cheeks went warm. “Thank you. You’re quite talented as well.”

With an appreciative smile, Alexander headed toward Professor Plum’s cage. The door wasn’t locked, but the fieldmouse seemed to consider it his home, and he spent most of his downtime resting inside. Alexander pulled him out and carried him to the bed, then turned and walked to the small chest of drawers in the corner of the room. Alexander reached for something in the top drawer, and when he turned around, Elliot noticed what appeared to be doll clothing in Alexander’s hand. Doll underwear, to be precise. They were hot pink and shiny, and Alexander carefully placed them on Professor Plum. There was even a little hole cut out for his tail.

Alexander smiled back at Elliot. “He likes to look pretty.” Kneeling at the side of the bed, Alexander pressed a kiss to Professor Plum’s forehead. “Who’s Daddy’s pretty boy?” Elliot wanted to raise his hand and tell Alexander that he was, in fact, Alexander’s pretty boy, but Professor Plum beat him to the punch, kicking his legs playfully and squeak-squeak-squeaking with excitement. Elliot had never seen anything cuter in all his life.

A few minutes later, Alexander led them out of the suite and through the corridors leading to the deck. They headed up a set of stairs, and when they ascended, Elliot spotted a couple of i-Series beaus splashing in the water with their masters. There was no cruelty afoot. No masters punishing their beaus; only an overwhelming air of love that wrapped around Elliot, soaking into him like a sponge.

One thing Elliot was noticing was the fact that no one seemed to notice Mother’s absence. She was the host of the event, but after her topple the night before, she hadn’t made a single appearance.

Pushing down the thoughts of Mother, Elliot followed Alexander to a deckchair with his name on it. Literally. Across the top, Alexander Davenport was neatly painted onto the wood. There were other chairs with other names, but that’s where he led them. Alexander took a seat and patted the empty space on the lounge chair, welcoming Elliot. In his hand, Professor Plum squeaked, and Elliot unrolled one of the two pool towels neatly placed on the chair, draping it over the small table to its side. Next, he placed Professor Plum atop, his pretty pink custom Speedo shining in the sun. The moment he was on solid footing, the fieldmouse rolled on his back and kicked up his legs as if he was attempting to obtain a suntan.

Elliot knew if he was going to be brave and show Alexander his swimsuit selection, he needed to do it before losing his nerve. So, with shaky hands and a rapidly beating heart, he removed his tank top, neatly folding it and placing it on the small table next to Alexander’s chair. He didn’t dare look at Alexander for fear of his reaction. Instead, Elliot slipped out of his pastel-colored shorts and placed them on the table. When it was done and the only thing covering Elliot’s lower region was a small strip of shimmery pink fabric, he slowly lifted his gaze to meet Alexander’s.

“Oh my God,” Alexander whispered, his eyes wide like a cartoon character. He was staring directly at Elliot’s bulge. Thankfully, Master Price Elliot commissioned with a seven-inch penis, so there was quite a bit of bulge for Alexander to stare at.

“Is it okay?” Elliot asked, feeling a bit shyer than before. “I don’t look ridiculous, do I?”

Alexander dazedly shook his head. “You’re exquisite,” was all he could get out, but it was more than enough for Elliot. It made him feel like the most beautiful man in the world, because Alexander was staring at him like it was true, and Alexander had never lied to him. “Can I put sunscreen on you?”

“I don’t require sunscreen. My skin can’t burn.” Elliot nibbled his lip. It was an irrational desire, but Elliot really wanted Alexander to slather him in sunscreen, anyway. To feel his hands all over. “Will you do it anyway, though? Or would that be too wasteful?”

“I’d like that. I think I’d like that a lot.”

Elliot sat beside him on the oversized deck chair. “Shall we start with my back or front?” Alexander’s eyes were once again locked on his bulge. Feeling safe for the first time in his life, Elliot thought he might attempt a bit of humor. Master Price never allowed him to make jokes, so he wasn’t sure how well it would land, but Elliot placed a finger under Alexander’s chin and tugged until their eyes met. “My eyes are up here.”

“Huh? Oh. Yeah. Sorry, sweetheart. It’s just . . . can I be frank, Elliot?”

“No. I don’t want you to be Frank,” Elliot disagreed playfully, shaking his head. “I like you as Alexander.” Alexander cocked an eyebrow. Ah, the sweet stench of failure. He’d attempted a second joke, but it clearly failed to land. Elliot sighed. “I suppose you can’t land them all.”

“What?”

Elliot rolled his eyes. “It was a joke. You know, because you asked if you could be frank, but Frank is also a name. It’s a fairly straightforward concept. Which part do you not understand?” Alexander snorted. It was quite possibly Elliot’s new favorite sound in the world.

“My deepest apologies,” he said, lifting two hands in front of him in mock surrender. “That was a very clever joke, I’m just a bit distracted. Now, about that sunscreen.”

Elliot felt his cheeks flush. Alexander’s hands were about to be all over him. His shoulders and back. Elliot’s chest. Maybe even his legs. He couldn’t wait, so he practically thrust the sunscreen into Alexander’s hands and whirled around.

“Would it be best if I lay on my side? Or should I stay seated?” He looked over his shoulder to see Alexander chewing his cheek, staring at Elliot’s lower back. “Is something wrong? Have I cut myself in a place I can’t see?”

Alexander shook his head, not looking Elliot in the eyes. “If you lay down, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my eyes off your . . .” He quickly turned his attention to the bottle of sunscreen, reading the packaging.

“You’re afraid you won’t be able to look away from my butt?”

Alexander nodded. “It’s a very lovely butt.”

The corners of Elliot’s lips curled up. He knew he had a lovely backside. Jared told him as much on several occasions. Rarely leaving his home, Elliot never got the chance to show it off, and at that moment, he wanted to show it to Alexander. He wanted his new friend to know what he had on offer. And, he supposed, a small part of him wanted Alexander’s praise. So Elliot made a decision. He repositioned himself on the chair until he was resting on his side, arching his back to give his rear a bit more definition. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled at Alexander.

“Alexander?” he whispered.

Alexander looked down at him. “Yeah?”

“You can look as long as you’d like.” He bit his bottom lip, working up his courage. “I want you to.”

“Yeah?”

Elliot nodded. “You can look at me anytime.”

Alexander positioned himself so he was behind Elliot, an arm draped over his side, his groin mere inches from Elliot’s eager entrance.

Alexander leaned down and kissed Elliot’s shoulder, his hand finding Elliot’s baby bump and slowly rubbing it in circles. “You’ll want to stay on your side so you don’t put pressure on her.”

Elliot sucked in a quick breath. The endearment had never been directed at him before. He’d seen it in the films Jared made him watch and read it in the romance novels he borrowed from Jared. Hearing it directed at him—from Alexander, of all people—sent waves of emotion crashing through him. Hope and love and a sense of home. He fought back his tears, resting his cheek against his arm, looking away from Alexander. As he struggled with all his new feelings, he didn’t want to look weak in front of the man.

Alexander’s hands pressed firmly against Elliot’s shoulders, spreading sunscreen across them, his thumbs kneading into Elliot’s flesh.

“Does that feel okay?”

“So good,” Elliot whimpered. A pair of moist lips pressed against his temple, and Elliot reached up, holding Alexander’s face against his.

“Sweet boy,” Alexander praised. “You’re so responsive.”

“Can’t help it.” Elliot closed his eyes and nodded. “You feel too good.”

“I’m going to make you feel even better. Just rest, okay? I’ve got you.” He massaged Elliot’s back, working the sunscreen into his skin.

Elliot purred like a kitten as Alexander’s hands worked their way down his sides. Along the way, Alexander tickled him, making Elliot squeal and wriggle beneath him. The more he moved, the more contact he made with Alexander, and by the time the man reached Elliot’s lower back, Alexander’s clothed erection was pressing firmly against the cheek.

“Sorry,” Alexander whispered into Elliot’s ear. “I didn’t mean to get . . . you know. I can stop now if you want.”

Elliot looked over his shoulder and smiled, shaking his head. “Keep going. I don’t mind.”

Alexander brushed the hair away from Elliot’s eyes. “You’re sure? Because it’s going to be pressed against—”

“Alexander,” Elliot interrupted, though not unkindly. “I’m aware, and I would very much like for you to continue.” To prove his point, Elliot arched his back, making direct contact. “See? The world hasn’t ended. It’s only an erection; it’s not as if you’re attempting to penetrate me on the pool deck.” Alexander’s eyes bulged. “Oh, dear. I said that far louder than I should have, didn’t I?”

A man cleared his throat beside them, and Elliot turned to face him. He looked like a kind man. At the man’s side, his bountiful beau was lying beside him, and both men were wearing Speedos that left nothing to the imagination.

“You can talk dirty as loud as you want, kid,” the older gentleman said, glancing down at his own noticeable erection. “We’re all in this together.” For reasons Elliot didn’t understand, the man lifted a fist in solidarity. “Get your freak on, gents.”

When Elliot looked up at Alexander, his cheeks were a rosy shade of red. He always seemed so in control, and Elliot liked to see this side of him. A bundle of nerves. A little live wire, sparking with worry. Elliot arched his back again, and he could feel Alexander’s hardness wedged between his cheeks.

“Alexander Davenport,” Elliot cooed. “You dirty scoundrel.”

Alexander chuckled, and with an acknowledging nod toward the erect gentlemen to their left, he turned his focus back to Elliot. “I’ve gone as low as I can go on your back. I need to scoot down to get your legs.” With an undeniable look of lust in his eyes, Alexander rolled his hips, grinding his erection against Elliot’s backside, making him whimper. More . Elliot wanted so much more. Once Alexander moved lower, he focused on the task at hand, rubbing up and down Elliot’s legs. He went all the way to Elliot’s ankles, then took each foot into his hand and gently massaged them. Elliot couldn’t remember ever feeling as peaceful as he did at that moment.

Alexander motioned for Elliot to roll over, and when he did, his own erection was fully visible, leaking through his pink Speedo.

“Jesus Christ,” Alexander breathed.

“Does it please you?” he asked, feeling a bit self-conscious. “I know some men like their beaus to be small. I apologize if it’s too much.”

Alexander quickly shook his head. “It’s beautiful.”

Elliot swallowed before whispering, “Would you like to see it? I can show it to you tonight.”

“You don’t have to,” Alexander quickly objected. “We can go at whatever speed you want.”

Elliot nodded. “I think I want you to see it. To see all of me. I believe I’d like to see yours, too.”

“It’s not as big as yours,” he said, staring down at Elliot’s erection. “I mean, I’m not tiny or anything, but that thing is . . .” He licked his lips, seemingly unable to look away. “Jesus. I’m scared I’ll disappoint you now.” When Elliot looked down at Alexander’s bulge through his swimming trunks, the outline of Alexander’s erection took Elliot’s breath away.

Elliot brought his hand toward Alexander’s groin, eyes locked on his prize. “May I touch it?” he whispered. “Through your swimwear, I mean. The other men aren’t paying attention. I’ll be quick about it.” He nibbled his lip, wanting to feel Alexander’s weight in his palm.

Alexander exhaled a shaky breath. “Y-yeah,” he stammered. “You can.”

Elliot cupped Alexander’s bulge, his eyes flashing pink light, flickering faster than they ever had before. He let out a guttural growl—a sound he didn’t even know he was capable of making—and tightened his grip, slowly stroking up, then down.

Alexander cleared his throat. “Is this okay?”

Feeling lightheaded, Elliot nodded in agreement.

Elliot lay back in the chair, not worried that his erection was visible through his Speedo. Alexander’s hands were heavy against Elliot’s chest, slipping and sliding all across thanks to the lotion. He took a brief detour at Elliot’s nipple, stroking the hard nub repeatedly until Elliot thought he might crawl out of his skin. When he opened his eyes, Alexander was staring at his nipples the way Professor Plum stared at plum jam cookies. Like he wanted to devour them whole.

“That feels incredible,” Elliot whispered. He loved the soft touch. “More. Please?”

Alexander looked to his side, making sure the coast was clear. Thankfully, the twink and his master were locking lips, so no one was paying them any attention. Alexander quickly leaned down, his lips parting around Elliot’s nipple, and darted his tongue across, making Elliot cry out.

“Alexander,” he whined. He wanted more. Needed more, but he knew he couldn’t have that desire quenched on the pool deck.

“So beautiful,” he mumbled against Elliot’s nipple. Looking up, he locked eyes with Elliot and dragged his tongue across the automaton’s nipple. “I’m going to worship you tonight.”

Elliot slammed his eyes shut and nodded rapidly. “Yes. Yes, I want that very much.”

Alexander crawled forward until he was nuzzled in Elliot’s lap, then leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “All I want is for you to feel good. To be happy.” His expression turned serious, and the look he gave Elliot made it seem like he had entire novels in his eyes, ready to pour out affectionate words like cozy sunshine. “If this thing between us works out, I’m going to take care of you. I’m going to keep you happy in every way.”

Elliot smiled warmly at him, because Alexander already did that. They’d clung to each other for less than a day, but Elliot already felt their bond strengthening into something solid.

Elliot wanted to switch sides and slather Alexander’s body with sunscreen, but the pair next to them caught his attention.