Somebody to Love (Tyler Jamison #1) - April Wilson Page 0,90
everything looks as it should. You never know what might happen when there are strangers on your boat.
Tyler follows me down and looks around, studying the galley, with its custom cherry cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and the built-in seating for four beside a large window. “Nice.”
I realize he’s never been below deck before. “Thanks.”
I continue down the narrow corridor that leads to the stateroom in the bow of the ship. My pulse is racing, and for some reason I feel like I have to keep several paces ahead of him.
The close walls of the ship are pressing in on me, tighter and tighter, and I’m having trouble breathing. I shouldn’t have come down here. I’d be better off up top, out in the open.
“Ian.”
I slip inside the stateroom and close the door behind me. I need a minute. My emotions are threatening to spiral out of control. I sit at the foot of the bed and lean forward, my arms propped on my thighs. I work on controlling my breathing, slow and steady.
The doorknob turns, and Tyler walks into the stateroom. He quickly scans the room—the king-sized bed, a small round table and two chairs in front of a panoramic window that spans the whole front of the boat.
I know I’m reading too much into what happened at the restaurant, and I’m overreacting. But I can’t help myself.
I flinch when he crouches in front of me. He lays his hands on my thighs, gripping me firmly. His touch grounds me.
“Ian, what’s going on? Talk to me.” His low voice steadies me.
I move to stand, to push him away, but his hands tighten on my legs, and he’s not so easy to dislodge.
“Look at me.”
Reluctantly, I meet his concerned gaze.
“Talk to me, please,” he says. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“It’s nothing. I shouldn’t have touched you in the restaurant. I’m sorry I made you feel uncomfortable.” I shrug. “I won’t do it again.”
Tyler frowns. “None of that was your fault, Ian. I didn’t handle it well. I was caught by surprise, and I didn’t react well. And those people staring at us—I’m definitely not used to that.”
“It’s okay.”
“This is all new to me, Ian. I’m not used to that type of public scrutiny. It’s going to take some getting used to.” He stands and pulls me to my feet and into his arms. “But one thing I am sure of… I like it when you touch me. In private and in public.”
When I feel tears threatening to form, I attempt to pull away, to put some space between us, but he holds me fast.
“Be patient with me, Ian. I’m trying to figure it all out.”
I don’t even realize my cheeks are wet until he brushes my tears away.
His hand slides behind my head, and he draws me in for a kiss, at first gentle, just a touching of lips. But soon, he increases the pressure, and his lips coax mine open. When his fingers tighten on the back of my head, I groan.
“Do you like that?” he murmurs against my mouth.
My response is breathy. “Yes.”
“We both have a lot to learn about each other,” he says. “And it’s going to take time. But I’ve learned one thing already.” His voice gentles. “You feel rejection easily, don’t you?”
As fresh tears sting my eyes, I try in earnest to push him away, but he doesn’t budge.
“Shh.” He wipes my tears. “I’m not going to let you run,” he says.
The tighter he holds onto me, the harder my cock gets.
“Let’s make a deal,” Tyler says. “You be patient with me, and I’ll try not to fuck up. Okay?”
When I laugh, he smiles. “Is that a yes?”
I nod. “Yes.”
“Good.” Then he leans in and kisses me. His arms go around me, holding me close. I feel surrounded by him, cosseted, and it comforts me. It’s also a hell of a turn-on.
“Now, it’s a beautiful day, and we’re here on your beautiful boat. Are you going to take me out on the lake, or what? We have time to kill before we go out tonight.”
I smile. “You’re still willing to go clubbing tonight?”
“If it’s something you want to do, then yes, I’m willing.”
“But it’s a public place. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
“I’ve been to Diablo’s a few times with you already.”
“Yeah, but that was different. That was before.”
“Before what?” He releases one of my hands and presses his palm to the front of my jeans, caging my erection. “Before I’d fucked you?”