facing gunfire and explosions and who knows what else.”
“Yes, but I also went through a lot of training for that. I had weapons and an entire unit to back me up. You were a lone teenager equipped with only your wit and sharp tongue. You refused to be anyone but who you were, standing up against the world and the people who should have been there to back you up. The man who sired you—because he doesn’t deserve the title of father—was an asshole, and no matter how much he hurt you, you continued to fight. That makes you incredibly brave.”
“Thank you.” Fitz sniffed and wiped away the tear that rolled down his cheek.
“For what?”
“For being you.”
“How about a walk on the beach?” Another kiss to Fitz’s palm before Jack stood and helped him to his feet.
“How is it you always know what to say?”
“Maybe it’s not so much that I know what to say, but that I find it easy to speak from the heart when it comes to you. Wow, that sounded kind of cheesy, huh?”
Fitz popped a quick kiss on Jack’s lips. “I happen to love cheese.”
With a chuckle, Jack laced their fingers together and headed for the beach. It was like something out of a dream. Never in his life would Fitz have imagined himself with a guy like Jack. He had the most charming quirks, like the way he picked up candles he came across to smell them or the way he wrinkled his nose when he smiled, laughed, or felt embarrassed.
The rest of the night was magic. They walked on the beach and talked. Jack told stories about his big family, his Italian father and American mother, how they met at a mutual friend’s wedding. They shared stories about their grandmothers and how much they missed them. For hours they walked and talked. When they stopped to kiss, Fitz melted into Jack, a dreamy sigh escaping him. He could barely contain his smile. Lifting his gaze to the sky, he took a mental picture. No matter what happened between them, he would think back on this moment fondly. Everything about it was perfect, from the gorgeous man holding his hand to the warm breeze and taste of salt in the air as the ocean waves broke against the shore. Soft music played in the distance, and the soft, cool sand between Fitz’s toes felt heavenly.
“It’s so beautiful.”
Jack hummed in agreement, and when Fitz lowered his eyes, he found Jack watching him, those intense silver eyes filled with so much emotion, Fitz had trouble holding his gaze. He looked out at the ocean, the moon casting a magical glow across the water’s surface. He’d always loved the beach. Something about the expansive ocean called to him.
“What are you thinking about?” Jack asked softly as he brushed his lips against Fitz’s temple.
“The ocean. How beautiful yet dangerous it can be.”
“Sounds like someone I know.”
Fitz cocked his head to one side. “You think so?”
“Oh, absolutely.” Jack turned Fitz to face the ocean and tucked himself behind him, chin on Fitz’s shoulder and arms holding him close. “The way it changes color and ferocity from one moment to another, an untamable force of great beauty that demands respect. Any man foolish enough to take that beauty for granted could end up drowning.”
Fitz turned in Jack’s arms. “You think I’m a force of nature?”
“I think you’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met.” Jack brushed Fitz’s bangs away from his face. “I feel like I’ve known you for much longer than I have, yet so much of you remains a mystery, because I never know what you’re going to say or do.” His smile turned playful. “You know what kind of havoc that plays on a guy like me? I have spreadsheets to keep track of my spreadsheets.”
A surprised laugh came from Fitz, and he covered his mouth with his hand before shaking his head.
“I do,” Jack said with a smile. “You think I’m kidding, but I’m not.”
“Oh my God.”
Jack waggled his eyebrows. “You bagged yourself a real-life nerd. I can’t cook, but if you ever need someone to debate the scientific plausibility of Star Trek, I’m your guy.”
Fitz playfully slapped Jack’s arm, then grabbed his hand. They went back to walking along the shore, the cooling water splashing over his feet and ankles. He didn’t want the night to end, but eventually the time came. They washed the sand off their feet before putting their socks and shoes