Page 28 of When Ben Loved Jace (He Loved Him #2)

A cluster of looping water slides is closest, so we begin there.

As promised, there are no lines. Jace and I are allowed to go down as a couple.

(Now there’s a thought!) I love having his long legs wrapped around me, the cold water and burst of adrenaline keeping embarrassing reactions at bay.

I soon lose myself in having fun as we run around the park, partaking of anything that strikes our fancy.

When tiring of water slides, we visit the wave pool.

Then back to more slides before we drift in inflatable tubes along a lazy river.

That part involves some tension, since it keeps Tim and Jace’s bodies on display.

I can’t stop comparing them, neither coming up short.

I like everything they both have to offer.

Tim, to his credit, is well-behaved. He hasn’t been flirting with me.

At all. I expected some hijinks, like in the wave pool, when he easily could have crashed into me by accident, our bodies tangling up.

But no… If anything, his focus has mostly been on Jace.

Tim asks him about his work as we drift, no longer taking cheap shots.

Instead he shows genuine interest while occasionally sharing stories of his own, like where he’s traveled with Eric.

Jace has been to many of the same places.

I feel a bit left out of those conversations, but it’s a price I’m glad to pay, because I like seeing them get along so well.

When we finally decide to leave the river, Tim climbs out first, so he can grab the inflatable tubes from us.

He tosses them aside and offers Jace his hand.

I don’t think my boyfriend needs the help, but it’s a nice gesture I suppose.

Although, when we’re standing in the sun to dry off while discussing where to eat, it is a little weird when Tim, who is already standing really close to Jace, puts an arm around him, a hand landing on his shoulder.

“There’s an actual restaurant over there,” he says, angling Jace while pointing. “Or a hot dog stand that way, around the corner.”

“I don’t want to eat too much,” Jace says, taking a step forward so he can turn to face us. Tim’s hand slides off as he goes, moving halfway down Jace’s back.

“I’m not very hungry,” I chime in. “A hotdog sounds perfect.”

“You sure?” Tim asks. “Marcello is floating the bill.”

“We could always eat at the restaurant just before we go,” I suggest, loving the idea of a free meal.

“Good plan!” Tim says. “We have all day.”

Before long, we’re all standing around a small chest-high table, eating hotdogs and sipping sodas.

I tell a story about going river tubing with my family when I was younger.

My sister Karen got tangled in fallen tree branches near the shore while the rest of us were swept away in the midstream current.

We didn’t see her again for another hour, and by the time we did, she had all sorts of debris in her hair from the ordeal she’d been through.

“I swear she had an entire bird’s nest stuck in there,” I say while laughing.

“Her tube had sprung a leak too and was half-deflated. It was the best day of my life.”

Tim grins before peering at Jace. “You’ve got some mustard on your face, my dude,” he says. “Here. I’ve got ya.”

He reaches out and rubs his thumb along Jace’s lower lip. Which he then brings to his mouth so he can suck it clean. With a smirk.

Jace cocks an eyebrow at this.

I realize that my jaw is hanging open and shut it with a snap.

“I wouldn’t mind some downtime,” Jace suggests diplomatically. “We can pick up again later.”

“Sounds good to me,” Tim says, perhaps missing the point. “There’s a lagoon not far away. Nice and shady. We can chill out there.”

Jace looks at me. I shrug helplessly, because yeah, this has gotten weird. Just not in the way I expected. Where the hell is Allison? I need a second opinion!

The so-called lagoon is geared toward adults.

Palm trees form a half-ring around an organically-shaped pool, water cascading down a tall rocky wall that helps provide shade.

There aren’t any plastic slides or colorful frills here.

Just another cabana bar, which is closed, and plenty of deck chairs.

We each stretch out on one, filtered sunlight dancing over our bodies as we sluggishly digest our lunches.

Tim is the first to get up again, which doesn’t surprise me.

He wades into the water before swimming laps.

I sit up to watch him. Especially when he climbs up on the rocks, his chest heaving from exertion.

I can tell he’s watching me too, because he grins.

Then he steps beneath the main waterfall before seeming to disappear.

I glance over at Jace, whose eyes are closed, his breathing slow.

I’d like to snuggle up against his body, although if he’s sleeping, I don’t want to wake him.

“Hey! You guys should come check this out! There’s a cave!”

Tim’s voice draws my attention back to the pool.

The waterfall is coursing over his shoulders again.

Jace doesn’t stir. I wouldn’t mind a moment alone with Tim, because I’ve had time to replay the events of the day, and I definitely think he’s barking up the wrong tree.

I circle the pool and walk along a rocky path to reach Tim.

He grins at me while using a muscled arm to block the flow of the waterfall, creating an empty space for me to duck into.

Beyond is a grotto. A stone shelf—wide enough to sit on—rings a small pool glimmering with natural light from the opening above our heads.

“I think it’s heated,” Tim says, hopping into the pool.

I was starting to get chilly, so I wade in after him, enjoying the warmth.

The water doesn’t reach our waists. This area is clearly intended to be used as a sort of hot tub, where people can hang out and drink.

I wouldn’t mind some booze at the moment, if only to make the conversation we’re about to have less awkward.

“What’s the deal with you and Jace?” I ask.

Tim turns to face me, his tone a little too-innocent. “What do you mean?”

“You’re getting awfully touchy-feely with him.”

“Oh that… He’s a cool guy. I just figured, since you’re already taken, that maybe there’s a different way we could be together.”

This confirms my suspicions. “You mean a three-way relationship?”

“Yeah.” Tim shrugs. “Why not?”

“Because he’s not into that sort of thing. We talked about it when we first met.”

His brow furrows up. “You’re sure?”

“Yes. I’m absolutely certain.”

Tim groans. “I knew it was a stupid idea! I bet Marcello did too. He was probably setting me up!”

I can’t help but laugh. “So it wasn’t your idea?”

“No,” he admits. “It’s not really what I want. Don’t get me wrong. Jace is a great guy but…” Tim eyes me for a moment. Then he sighs. “This is torture! I finally found you again, but we can’t actually be together.”

“We can,” I say gently. “As friends.”

He shakes his head and moves closer to me. Which I don’t really mind. “It isn’t that simple. You know it isn’t, because it’s all still there. You feel it too. Don’t you?”

“What?” I say after swallowing.

“The chemistry. Like some sort of force between us. Jesus, dude… Just being this close to you…”

He glances down at himself. I follow his gaze.

The speedos don’t leave much to the imagination.

Especially now, because his cock is swelling.

I can tell that it’s pointed down, tucked against his balls, and he’s always had a big fatty.

Enough that the stretched fabric has pulled away from his abdomen, revealing dark hair and tantalizing shadows that I want desperately to explore.

“It’s us , Benjamin,” Tim says, taking my hand. “Me and you. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.” He places my palm on his chest. Right over his heart. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

I take a shuddering breath, wanting to deny it, but I can’t. Not in this moment. His silver eyes search mine, making me feel like my most private thoughts are laid bare for him to see. I want him so bad. Almost more than anything I’ve ever desired. But what about…

Tim moves close, the firm muscles teasing my tortured skin.

I whimper in relief, like I’ve been deprived of what I’ve needed for all these years.

Until now. His body has changed, but it’s still achingly familiar, taking me right back to all those teenage dreams that he made come true.

My other hand joins the first, because I always did admire his chest. And when his lips near mine …

“No,” I say, remembering Jace. I don’t want this. Not at the cost of hurting him. “We can’t.”

“Please, Benjamin,” Tim says softly.

“Seriously… Stop!”

Tim’s arms wrap around me, my willpower buckling, especially when our cocks grind together. Silver eyes seek permission once more, and I can’t even get my head to shake in protest. Tim’s lips press against mine. It’s too late now. I should kiss him back.

“That’s enough!”

Jace’s voice rips through the silence, breaking the spell. I muster all my strength and shove Tim away.

“Sorry, man,” he says, turning toward Jace, boner and all, “but we’ve gotta figure out a way of making this work. I’ve got a few ideas.”

“I noticed,” Jace says, his eyes flicking downward before he starts forward. “I’ve got one of my own.”

“I’m up for it,” Tim says, arms wide in invitation. “Come get in on this.”

He really needs to read the room, because the expression on my boyfriend’s face isn’t lustful. But it is primal.

“You wanted to see my bad side?” Jace growls. “Here it is!”