“I’ll let your husband handle that.”
Colin laughed and pulled a sweatshirt over his head. “Uh-huh. Fat fucking chance ofthat. No one sees that ass butme.”
Joshua reentered the room and began yanking clothes from the closet. “Damn! We’re gonna be late.”
“For your information,” Nate said to Colin, pointing at Joshua, who was naked and dripping water. “I’m seeing itnow!”
“You don’t count,” Colin told him, then turned to Joshua. “That was quick. Did you even get wet?”
“Colin, I wasn’t covered in elephant dung. I just needed to rinse off. And you can tell I got wet by the water all over my body.”
“And we’re going to be late for what?” Nate asked, responding to Joshua’s earlier comment. “It’s dinner on the Lido deck, not a reserved spot at the captain’s table. It’s one big, long buffet! Youcan’tbe late.” He flopped to his back on the bed. “You show up when you show up.”
“Uh, you might want to reconsider reclining on that bed untilafterthe sheets get changed,” Colin warned.
“Jesus!” Nate yelped, bolting to his feet while Joshua clutched the closet door, laughing too hard to speak.
“What the hell is goingonin here?” David asked as he entered. “Jesus, there’s enough noise coming from this cabin to challenge every gay party taking place on this ship.” He threw his husband a quizzical look. “What’s wrong withyou? You look like you just saw a ghost.”
“No. He just reclined on our cum-covered bed,” Colin chuckled.
David’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Well, that seems…unwise.” He turned to his husband, then held up both hands and stumbled backward as Nate advanced on him with hands outstretched. “Oh, no! Back the hell away! You’re not smearingmewith their bodily fluids!”
“Oh, stop!” Nate protested, wrapping both arms around David’s waist. “I amnotcovered in their bodily fluids.”
“Are we ready to go?” Joshua asked. “I’m starved!”
“I bet you are,” Nate commented, still hanging on David’s arm. “Worked up an appetite, did you?”
“Jealous?” Colin inquired. “And, yes. We’re ready to go.”
* * *
As they madetheir way through the ship's corridors, headed for the Lido deck and dinner, the spirited energy of the gay pride cruise enveloped them at every turn. The pulsating beat of music swelled through the air, creating an atmosphere rich with jubilation. The music, as diverse in lyrics and melody as the cruise passengers, echoed off every wall. The beat was hard and driving, setting the rhythm for the energetic dancers. Laughter blended with the music, creating a symphony of merrymaking that echoed throughout the ship.
Outside the Lido cafeteria, the area had been transformed into a lively party central. Colorful decorations hung everywhere, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the gay pride festivities. Partiers, adorned in a spectrum of colors, mingled and danced freely in a joyful celebration of diversity set against the backdrop of the North Pacific Ocean.
Joshua nudged his husband’s arm and tilted his head toward a darkened alcove where two revelers were ensconced, entwined in a passionate embrace. The taller of the two men had pressed his hand to his companion’s crotch and was rubbing sensuously as they exchanged a fiery kiss.
“Welcome to Pride Month,” Colin snickered.
“Wanna neck?” Nate asked his husband, who gave him a playful shove toward the Lido’s dining area.
“No, I donot!”
“You don’t want to make out with me?” Nate whined, clutching David’s arm while Colin and Joshua followed behind them, laughing.
“You know your straight-laced husband too well for that, Nate,” Colin told him. “The professor isn’t the kind of guy who makes out in public.”
David placed both hands on Nate’s shoulders and moved him forward until they reached the line leading to the buffet tables. “I amnotstraight-laced!” David protested, then turned to face Colin. “But Iamtoo damned old to be groping my husband in dark corners, especially after I spent half our life savings to get us the most comfortable, luxurious stateroom on this whole damnedboat.”
Colin’s mouth quirked to one side as he peered at his friend. “Davy, I flat outguaranteeyou that there are guys as old as you gropingsomebody’sbaby boy on this ship right this second.”
“As old as you orolder,” Nate added. “Are we eating here? Or taking this stuff back to our comfortable, luxurious stateroom?”
“I’m for the stateroom,” Colin replied. He moved Joshua in front of him and wrapped both arms around his neck from behind, pressing his body against his husband’s, resting his cheek against Joshua’s hair.
“Why, Mr. Hardparty!” Nate exclaimed, poking Colin’s ribs with his index finger. “No celebrating with the gay boys for you?”
