Page 63 of When Ben Loved Jace

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 hasgotten 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-wayrelationship?”

“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 actuallybetogether.”

“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. Youknowit 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’sus, 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…