Kyle’s body is now arching upwards meeting me thrust for thrust. We’re locked together in a perfect rhythm. I know I won’t be able to hold out much longer, so balance myself on one arm and reach for his cock with my other hand.
“Fuck! Oh my God. Fuck. Fuck.” A litany of curses fall from Kyle’s mouth until he’s shuddering beneath me and painting our skin with his release.
His body clamps down on mine and drags my orgasm from me. I’m helpless against the rhythmic pulls, and the scent of his come. I explode inside him, filling the condom in an orgasm that last and lasts until eventually I fall breathless on top of him. His arms wrap around my shoulders, holding me through my aftershocks. I take a deep breath, loving his scent, enjoying the post-orgasmic bliss.
When I can finally move, I gently pull out, roll to the side, and remove the condom before falling into Kyle’s arms again. My head rests on the pillow next to his. I gaze into his warm, brown eyes looking for a sign of how he’s feeling.
His smile and the tender way he reaches out and touches my lips tells me everything I need to know.
Chapter Sixteen
Axel
Ican’ttakemyeyes off Kyle as we sit together in the cosy booth. The lounge bar hums with the chatter and laughter of other cruise passengers making the most of their final night on board. A bottle of merlot sits in front of us, two glasses half-full with the red wine. Kyle picks up his glass and swirls the wine, staring deep into its depths. The candlelight accentuates the planes of his face, the scruff on his jaw.
He catches me staring and a shy smile plays at the corners of his mouth. My heart flutters in my chest.How did I get so lucky to meet this man?
“What are you thinking about?” he asks.
“Just how grateful I am that we met,” I say, surprising myself with my honesty. “And how much I’m going to miss you after tonight.”
His thumb strokes the back of my hand. “I’ll miss you too, Axel. More than you know.”
Our gazes lock and I can’t help it, even though there are eyes on us. I lean in, brushing my lips against his in the softest of kisses. He sighs into my mouth, his fingers tightening around mine. When we part, he chuckles, a deep, happy sound that warms me to my core.
“What’s so funny?” I quirk an eyebrow.
“Nothing, I’m just…happy. Being with you makes me happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
“Me too.” Although I mean the words from the bottom of my heart, there’s a touch of sadness knowing this is the last night we’ll have together. “I have to admit, I was hesitant about this cruise at first. But now, I can honestly say it’s been one of the best experiences of my life.”
Kyle smiles. “Same here. When my brother gifted me the ticket, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’m glad I took the chance.”
I take a sip of my wine. “It’s going to be tough going back to reality. The magazine interview, dealing with the fallout of Rick’s actions, and making sure he continues to get the help he needs… It’s a lot to face.”
Kyle nods, his eyes soft. “I can only imagine. But I have confidence you can handle it.”
“I know. I just wish I could press pause on this moment, you know? Stay here with you, away from the shitstorm waiting for me back home.”
“Well, I can promise you I won’t be finding the same level of excitement on the vineyard,” Kyle says as he tops up my wine. “I’ll be going home to hard work and back to getting up at the crack of dawn.”
I smile as I pick up my glass. “Hey, there’s something to be said for the simple life. It sounds pretty appealing right about now.”
“Speaking of simplicity,” Kyle says, putting the bottle down, “have you considered taking Rick somewhere quiet and secluded after rehab? A change of scenery might do him some good, give him a chance to clear his head and figure out his next steps without any distractions.”
I lean back, mulling over the suggestion. “That’s not a bad idea. Getting him away from the temptations and triggers in the city could be exactly what he needs. A fresh start, and a chance to reconnect with himself.”
“Exactly.” Kyle smiles, picking up his glass. “Sometimes, when we’re stuck in a rut, all it takes is a new perspective to help us find our way again.”
I squeeze his hand. “Thank you. For everything. For listening to me rant about my problems. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so damn grateful we crossed paths.”
“That’s what friends are for, right?” he says.
I nod but he feels so much more than a friend, and the thought of our time together coming to an end sends a sharp pang through my chest. As we sit here, sipping red wine and listening to the singer at the piano, I entertain the fantasy that I don’t have to let him go, but it doesn’t last long. How can I subject Kyle to the relentless scrutiny and pressure of my public life? He’s shy and reserved, and deserves better than the chaos and the constant invasion of privacy.
Soon we’re joined by Kate and Lindy, the couple who befriended him earlier on the cruise. They occupy the cabin next to his and the three of them hit it off right away.
Kyle laughs at something Kate says, his face lighting up with joy and the sound warms my heart. It’s so good to see him relaxed and enjoying himself. I take his hand and squeeze gently. He glances at me, eyes sparkling. For a moment, the rest of the world fades away and it’s just us.
