Page 17 of The Lonely Hearts Guide (Bountiful Beaus #2)

For the next few days, Alexander did everything he could to show Elliot how much he wanted to build a future with him. On Wednesday, the pair took part in a festive round of putt-putt golf. Elliot explained that he’d never played, but he could have had Alexander fooled, because he was a natural. Though the course wasn’t very large, Elliot managed a hole in one each time. They spent their nights lounging on their balcony, ignoring the rest of the passengers and crew. Two days before they were set to dock, Alexander placed a call he would never be able to take back.

“Twylah’s Sugarplum Treats, this is Twylah. How can I make today a sugarplum-perfect day?”

Alexander let out a nervous laugh. “That’s the silliest greeting I’ve ever heard.”

His mother chuckled. “Probably. I’m not very creative outside of the kitchen. I offered to let someone else manage the bakery and handle advertising so I could focus on the actual baking, but he turned me down. Until then, I’m afraid we’re stuck with whatever I can come up with.”

“ He is a little busy running his family’s empire,” Alexander said with a sigh. They’d discussed the topic to death, so there was no point dwelling on it. Alexander had a company to run. Even if he wanted to move to Sugarplum Island and take over the business side of things for his mother, he couldn’t let go of his family’s legacy.

“Yes, well, he deserves to enjoy his youth while he ’s still got one. Honestly, Lexy, you’ve got more money than you know what to do with. How much more do you need?”

“It’s not about the money,” he reminded her for the umpteenth time. “It’s about keeping Dad’s and Granddad’s legacies alive.”

“Baby, you are their legacy. Not some silly company. And as far as legacies go, he couldn’t have left the world with a better one. I’m worried about you, sweetie. You don’t have a life or keep friends. You’re just wandering through life like you’re waiting for it to be over. I want to see you happy. I want to know that when I leave this world, I’m leaving you in good hands.”

Alexander stared down at Elliot’s hand, placing his on top and giving it a squeeze. Elliot wouldn’t feel it, Alexander thought, because Elliot had explained when he was in stasis, he was essentially dead to the world while memories replayed like dreams, keeping him company as he charged his weary body.

Alexander swallowed. “That’s actually why I’m calling.”

“Oh, Lexy. Tell me you’ve found someone. I’ve waited so long for you to find your match.”

Alexander smiled at his sleeping friend, reaching for his face long enough to brush a stray strand of hair from his eyes. “I think I have, actually. I think I’ve found the man I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.” Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to Elliot’s forehead. “It’s Elliot.”

“Ohh,” Twylah cooed, and Alexander could feel her smile radiating all the way in Texas. “You finally found him?”

“Actually, he found me. It turns out he saw my picture on one of the brochures, and he stowed away, hoping to find me. He’s an automaton. He’s one of Ms. Broussard’s bountiful beaus.”

To his surprise, Twylah squealed with joy. “Oh, that’s fabulous, sweetie! I knew talking you into going on that cruise was the best idea. I know you have a troubled history with automatons, especially after everything with Goose and Duck, but Elliot was such a sweet soul when we met him. He’s perfect for you. Why don’t you bring him here before you go back into work mode? I’ll bake more of the plum jam cookies he loved so much.”

“I wish it was that simple. Elliot is engaged. Before he got here, his fiancé used to hurt him. Physically.”

“That’s horrible,” Twylah said, her voice coated in contempt. “I knew something was going on with his partner. There’s nothing worse than an abuser.”

Alexander nodded in agreement. “It’s been going on for years, apparently. Elliot doesn’t talk about it too much, but I know it was bad from some of the things he’s let slip. I can’t let him go back to that. They’ve wiped his memory a few times, so he didn’t really remember me, but he still knew I felt like a safety net.” Alexander’s voice cracked. “He said he came to find me, Mom.”

“That poor boy,” she whispered. “I’m glad he found his way to you. Are you going to take care of him?”

“I want to,” Alexander said, wiping his cheek with his palm. “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more. Elliot belongs to him, though. Legally speaking, Elliot is his property. Ms. Broussard fell off the boat the first night, and we thought she died, so we’ve been taking it easy.”

“She fell off the boat?”

Alexander cleared his throat, trying to think of a way to shift the topic. He didn’t want to admit to his mother that he watched the woman plummet to her assumed death and did nothing to save her. “She made it back in one piece. Now she’s threatening to send him back.”

“Is there no way to fight it?”

“I’m planning on speaking with our legal team at work to see if they can get me in touch with someone to sort it, but Ms. Broussard is planning to send him back when we dock. She’s probably already called Jared. I can’t let him go back to his fiancé. He’ll kill him, and then I’ll end up in prison for returning the favor.”

“Yes, well, as much as I support your decision to rid the world of an abuser, I can’t say I’m excited about the prospect of visiting you in prison, so I think we should try to think of a way around it.”

Alexander nodded to himself. “That’s why I’m reaching out. I need a favor.”

When Elliot eventually stirred, Alexander was sitting up in bed, staring down at him. Elliot smiled warmly and reached for Alexander’s hand.

“Mr. Alexander Davenport,” he said in a dreamy voice.

“Sweet boy,” Alexander whispered, leaning down and pressing a kiss on his forehead. “I’ve got a special day planned for us.” He wanted to tell Elliot that he and Twylah had everything covered, and Elliot no longer needed to worry. But doing so would get Elliot’s hopes up, and Alexander hated the thought of having to break Elliot’s heart a second time if everything didn’t go according to plan.

“You do?”

Alexander nodded. “We’re going to have breakfast, then we’re going to spend the whole day by the pool.” Alexander’s smile widened as pink light flickered in the corners of Elliot’s eyes. He stroked the skin beside Elliot’s eye softly. “You have the most beautiful colors I’ve ever seen.”

“Back home, they were always blue. They were never pink before you. They’ve never been brighter than they have been this week.”

“Can you see the lights as they flash? Do they bother you?”

“Not too badly. When the blues come out, everything is covered with a sad filter.” He sat up in bed and wrapped his arms around Alexander, squeezing him tightly. “But when they’re pink . . . I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in all my life. I see the pinks a lot when I’m with you.”

“If I had colors, I think mine would be pink, too. Especially when I’m with you.” He placed his hand next to Elliot’s, slowly caressing the little life inside. “I bet she’s going to have beautiful colors, too. Have you picked a name for her yet?”

Elliot shook his head. “Master Price would never let me choose.”

“Master Price isn’t here,” Alexander countered. He thought by naming the child, it might give him something to hold on to. A touchstone of sorts. “Are there any names you’ve been thinking of?”

Again, Elliot shook his head. “I don’t know all that many names. May I get back to you by the end of the day?”

“That’s okay,” Alexander assured him. “You don’t have to think of one right now. I just thought it might make you feel better. Take all the time you need.” Leaning closer, Alexander parted his lips and welcomed Elliot in for a kiss. To his surprise, after a few timid kisses, something triggered in Elliot, and Alexander was being guided back until he was lying on the bed. Elliot lifted a leg and hoisted himself on top of Alexander until he was straddling his lap. Through the movement, their lips never parted.

Elliot’s hips rolled, providing Alexander with friction, but neither of the men made much of an effort to take things further. Alexander was happy enough to kiss the man he . . .

He gasped, because lo and behold, Alexander Davenport was smitten.

“I love you, you know,” he said between kisses. “Elliot, I adore you.”

When Elliot looked into Alexander’s eyes, he had a look of disbelief about him. “Why? I’m nothing, Alexander. I’m just a machine.” His voice cracked. “I’ve done nothing to earn your love.”

“You don’t have to earn anything. All you have to do is let me love you. You’re the sweetest, gentlest man I’ve ever met, and even with everything you’ve been through, you never let go of your sweet side. That’s why I love you, Elliot. I love you because you’re like me. You don’t let heartache break you down. When times get tough, you soldier on.” He kissed Elliot sweetly on the lips. “I promise, this is all going to be okay. I’ll make sure of it.”

“I love you, too,” Elliot whispered, meaning it with all his heart if the pink swirls of light in his eyes were any indication.

An hour later, the men were on the pool deck. Elliot was in another Speedo Alexander bought him, and Alexander couldn’t keep his eyes off the man. The deck was empty, probably due to the cool temperature. It wasn’t uncomfortably cold, but it certainly didn’t feel like swimming weather. Still, Alexander had promised Elliot fun in the sun, and he planned to deliver.

Elliot was sitting in front of Alexander in one of the lounge chairs, Alexander’s arm protectively wrapped around his waist like he was daring someone to take him from Alexander. They placed a towel over the table beside Alexander’s chair, and the fieldmouse was resting on his back as if he was trying to get a suntan. Alexander’s phone chimed, and when he checked the notification, he breathed a sigh of relief. After their talk with Ms. Broussard, Alexander was sure she’d already contacted the man and that Jared would probably be waiting for them when the boat docked in a few days; but Alexander and Elliot would be long gone by then.

After a while, they made their way over to the pool. Alexander was preparing to dive when Elliot’s voice stopped him.

“I’ve never swum before,” he whispered, sounding embarrassed. There was nothing to be embarrassed about, though.

“That’s okay, I can help you.” He pointed at the shallow end. “Let’s start off over there and work our way down.” He waited for Elliot’s nod before taking his hand and guiding him to the shallow end of the pool. Slowly, they moved down each of the steps, descending further into the water. The pool was cooler than Alexander expected, making his body shudder. Elliot, on the other hand, didn’t seem bothered by the cool water at all, he just stared down as they moved through the water. When Alexander followed Elliot’s line of sight, he was bouncing excitedly on the balls of his feet.

“Can we go all the way in now?” he asked, his voice taking on an almost innocent tone, like a child about to enter Disney World for the first time. Whatever discomfort Alexander was feeling from the cold water fell by the wayside when he realized how excited Elliot was. His positivity was infectious, and soon enough, Alexander was bouncing on his feet along with Elliot. He grabbed Elliot’s hand and quickly led him off the final step. Alexander sucked in a sharp breath at the cold, waist-high water, but he didn’t let it stop him. They walked until Elliot’s shoulders were no longer above water. Alexander smiled down at his love, drinking in the sight of him tilting his head up, beaming ear to ear. “This is incredible.”

Alexander chuckled. “Yeah, it’s pretty great. I’ve got a pool at home, too. We can go swimming whenever you want. I might even teach you to do cannonballs.”

“Cannonballs?”

“Yeah, it’s . . .” Alexander tried to think of how to explain it, but the words wouldn’t come. “I’ll show you.” He pointed at the concrete ledge beside them. “Will you be okay on your own long enough for me to walk over there? I have to be out of the water to do it.” Alexander could tell Elliot was nervous, but the automaton was putting on a brave face. Alexander kissed the tip of his nose. “I’ll only be gone a second.” Once Elliot gave Alexander a nod of approval, he rushed out of the pool. The wind felt like ice against his skin, but he pushed his discomfort down, focusing on Elliot’s smiling face as his head bobbed up and down.

“Hello, Alexander,” Elliot called out, lifting a hand to wave. He was beaming ear to ear, his smile infectious, as Alexander couldn’t help but smile along with him.

“Hey, Elliot.” He returned the wave Elliot was giving him before focusing on the task at hand. “So, a cannonball is just a way to jump into the water. You tuck your knees to your chest and hug your shins, folding yourself into a ball.”

“I don’t think I’m bendy like that.”

Alexander cocked an eyebrow. “Believe me, after what we did in the bedroom, I can say with full confidence that you are.”

Color flooded Elliot’s cheeks, but his smile didn’t fade. “All right, then. Show me this infamous cannonball.”

Alexander took a few steps back, his eyes locked with Elliot’s. “I’m going to aim to the left so I don’t land on you. Just stay right there, okay?” Once Elliot nodded his understanding, Alexander pivoted until he was aimed away from Elliot, then he rushed forward. As he leapt, Alexander pulled his thighs to his chest and hugged his shins, tucking himself into a ball. The water was freezing when he landed, then he was fully submerged. Alexander stared up through the water and Elliot was standing over him, clapping his hands excitedly. When Alexander emerged, Elliot was cackling like it was the funniest thing he’d ever seen.

“That looks so fun!” he shouted, bouncing up and down in the water. “Can I try? Please? I’ll be very careful.”

Alexander snorted a laugh as he found his footing and slowly waded closer to Elliot in the water. He wrapped his arms around Elliot’s back and leaned in, his lips parting. The pair kissed for what felt like an eternity, like they had all the time in the world.

“Yeah, sweetheart. Go on. Show me what you can do.”

“I may not be very good.”

“It’s just a cannonball. It’s okay if you mess up.” Alexander pushed Elliot’s hair from his eyes. “It’s okay for you to mess up on anything, baby. I’m not like him. I won’t punish you for not getting things right.”

Elliot blushed. “Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me.”

Alexander cupped his cheek. “I think I do. Now, go on. Get that cute little booty up there and then splash me for all you’re worth.”

Elliot rushed toward the steps, and Alexander’s eyes locked on his backside. God. It looked so stunning in the hot-pink Speedo he bought him. Drenched, they clung to him, leaving nothing to the imagination. As Elliot jogged around the pool, his ass jiggled, breathing life below Alexander’s own Speedo.

Elliot paused in front of him, looming over. He turned around and cocked his hip to the side, arching his back. “You really like it? My butt, I mean.”

Alexander licked his lips. “Very much so.”

“Good. I believe I’d like you to . . .” He looked around the deck like someone might have magically appeared out of thin air, relieved when he realized they were still alone. “I’d like you to claim it tonight. To claim me. Would you want that?”

Alexander wanted that, but plans were in motion, and Alexander would need to fill Elliot in soon.

“We can talk about that later, baby. Why don’t you go ahead and show me your cannonball. We’ll get lunch in a minute and we can talk.”

Elliot nodded, walking a few paces back before turning around. “Here goes nothing,” he said nervously, then he was in motion, rushing toward the pool. He leapt, but he made no effort to pull his legs to his chest, just extended his arms and legs like he was stretching as he plummeted into the deep end. Alexander rushed forward to help Elliot above water, but his programming must have kicked in, because despite not knowing how to swim, his legs kicked and his arms tugged through the water as he made his way to the surface.

Elliot looked just as surprised by his newfound aquatic agility as Alexander, and his mouth hung open in disbelief. “I can swim!”

“You can swim,” Alexander shouted cheerfully. “You’re doing so well!”

Elliot paddled forward, and though he would have been able to easily stand on his toes, he lifted his legs, using his arms to keep him afloat. “How was my cannonball? I believe I nailed it.”

Alexander snorted a laugh. “Well, you made it into the pool again, at least.” He was teasing Elliot, and it made him a bit uncomfortable, because what if Elliot didn’t like being teased? What if being the brunt of the joke was triggering for him, thanks to his homelife with Jared Price? Alexander opened his mouth to apologize, but Elliot cut him off by rearing back his palms, then shoving them forward against the surface, splashing Alexander’s face.

Elliot sprung forward, driving Alexander’s back against the cement ledge. He winced at the burning sensation of friction, but he pushed past the sting and focused on the man in front of him. Elliot’s legs wrapped around Alexander’s waist, and he hooked his arms around Alexander’s back.

“What was it we needed to talk about? You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

Alexander shook his head. “It’s about what comes next. If we’re going to do this, I think our best bet is lying low for a while. I called my mom and asked her to contact my assistant back home. I’m worried if we stay until the end of the cruise, Jared will be waiting for us when we dock. If you’re serious about this thing between us, we need to act. Tonight.” He could sense the confusion in Elliot’s expression, and he opened his mouth to explain how he chartered a helicopter to collect them and take them back to land. From there, they would need to find somewhere to hide out until Alexander’s lawyers could find some sort of loophole that would free Elliot, or, at the very least, transfer ownership to Alexander. He didn’t have a chance to voice any of that, because Elliot stared down at the water in horror. Alexander looked down, surprised to see swirls of red liquid twirling with the blue water.

Elliot reached behind Alexander and touched his back, the sharp sting of pain making Alexander cry out.

“Sorry!” Elliot shouted. “Alexander, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you. I think you may have scraped your back on the concrete.” Tears flooded Elliot’s eyes. “I’ve hurt you.”

Alexander shook his head firmly, trying to mask the pain in his shoulder. “It’s not your fault. I’m fine, Elliot. I promise. It’s just a scrape.”

Elliot’s legs unfolded from around Alexander, and he sank to his feet in the water. He waded around, pausing behind Alexander and assessing the damage. “You have a small cut, but I don’t believe it’s a major medical crisis. Still, I’m terribly sorry. I would never want to hurt you.” He placed his hand on Alexander’s shoulder.

“I know you wouldn’t ever want to hurt me. Baby, I’m okay, I promise.” Elliot’s eyes were locked on a swirl of red and blue, and he didn’t react to Alexander’s statement, so Alexander repeated, “I’m okay, Elliot.”

Still, Elliot said nothing, just stared at the blood in the water like he was waiting for sharks to approach. Then Elliot’s entire body tensed, and he shook his head.

“No, no, no, no,” he said over and over, his head shaking left to right, then right to left.

“Sweetheart?”

“Oh, God.” He covered his hand and backed away slowly, his cheeks drained of color as sparks of yellow light flickered in his eyes. “What have I done?”

“Baby,” Alexander said, taking a step forward.

“So much blood,” he whispered to himself. “There was so much blood, and I couldn’t get it clean. Couldn’t get my hands clean. I tried.” He closed his eyes, and as tears spilled down his cheeks, Alexander pulled him in for a hug. “I didn’t mean to do it. At least, I don’t think I did. Alexander?” His voice was a high-pitched whine as the words left him, and it felt like the words were accented with pure terror. Alexander didn’t understand what was happening. They were sharing such a wonderful moment.

“I’m not bleeding that much. I swear, I’m okay.”

“Not you,” Elliot whispered. “I . . . Alexander, I think I may have killed Jared Price.”