“Well, we’ve had close encounters with two Alaskan citizens since we arrived,” David said. “First, Josh got to pet a humpback whale, and today, he got to rescue our national bird.”
“I didn’t do any rescuing,” Joshua told him. “But it is pretty amazing when you think about it—petting whales? Being that close to an eagle? Not exactly a Charlottesville experience.”
“And he also bagged an Alaskan asshole!” Colin said, grinning.
Nate looked up from his plate. “That guy wasnotan Alaskan!”
Joshua scoffed his disdain, tossing his napkin to the table. “Fuck with my husband and find out.”
Colin snickered and kissed his cheek. “Absolutelybadass!”
“Speaking of all that,” Joshua said. “How are you feeling? Any aftereffects?”
“None whatsoever.” He shrugged. “The roofie’s effects can last eight hours or so,” he told Joshua. “But the IV shortened that time considerably. Those things flush that crap out of your system fairly quickly.”
“Good! Because I don’t want you all dopey and sleepy tonight.”
“Oh? You have plans for me, sweet boy?” He tugged Joshua closer.
“I have plans that require your full and eager participation.”
Colin threw back his head and laughed, then got to his feet, drawing Joshua up. “We need to head back to the ship.”
“What’s your rush?” David asked. “It’s a nice view.”
“You stay and enjoy it,” Colin replied. “And we’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I see that look on your face, Colin Michael,” Nate teased. “You have plans for Joshua, I bet.”
“He has plans forme,” Colin said. “But I’m fully on board with them.”
“Ibetyou are!” Nate exclaimed, laughing as Colin and Joshua left the table and strolled toward the ship. He smirked and turned to David. “No pie for himtonight.”
David blew out a short laugh. “Unless I miss my bet, he’ll get something he likes muchbetterthan pie.”
CHAPTERSEVEN
DESSERT
After leaving the restaurant, Colin and Joshua walked arm in arm along the dock leading to their ship. Music was everywhere, and groups of tourists strolled down the nearby Juneau sidewalks, many laden with bags overflowing with souvenirs.
Colin draped his arm around Joshua’s shoulders. “Did I remember to thank you for being my knight in shining armor?”
Joshua gave a comical grimace and squinted at him. “That’s all it takes to get knighted? Damn!” He shrugged and leaned against Colin’s body. “That jerk was easy pickings. He saw me coming a mile away but just stood there and let me one-two punch him into next week.”
“He didn’t know what abadassyou are.”
“It’s not exactly common knowledge.”
Colin snickered and hugged Joshua close against his body. “More likely, he was too stoned on his own product to react. By the time it occurred to him that you were about to deck his ass, you already had him on the ground.”
“You think he wasdealing?”
“Wouldn’t be surprised.”
“Hehiton you, though, right?”
“Yeah,” Colin told him as they showed their IDs and were allowed to board the ship. “And when I told him I was married, he hit on meagain. He told me he didn’t mind if I didn’t.”
