Another nod.
“Romance?”
He shook his head as he swallowed. “More of a crime thriller kinda guy.”
“Ah. Perfect. That’s what I write. Anyway. The series I’ve been writing has been optioned for television.”
Since that sounded like a good thing, Rafe said, “Congrats.”
“Thanks. It’ll be interesting, I think. Problem is my protagonist isn’t exactly mainstream material. He doesn’t believe in monogamy, and he’s bisexual. My editor wants me to dial it back some. She says it’ll reach a larger audience that way.”
“And that’s the goal, I assume?” Rafe set his empty plate on the ground.
“For some, probably. I’ve never wanted to work within the confines of a box.”
“Then don’t.”
Holt grinned. “I wish it were that easy.”
“Why isn’t it?”
When Holt didn’t respond, Rafe glanced over to see he was studying him closely.
“What?”
“Have you ever been with a man?”
Rafe’s entire body went still. “No.”
“Have you ever wanted to?”
That question wasn’t nearly as easy to answer. It would’ve been back before Rafe met Holt. Before then, Rafe had been certain of his sexual orientation. He’d never been stirred by a man before.
“Rafe?”
Jerking his attention back to the beach, Rafe stood up. “I think I should get back.”
Holt was on his feet instantly, getting between Rafe and the door. “Don’t go.”
Rafe met his gaze.
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t,” Rafe lied.
Holt took a step forward. Rafe stood his ground, refusing to let Holt know he’d lied.
“Tell me you don’t feel it,” Holt whispered.
The gap between them had been eliminated. They were toe to toe, close enough Rafe couldn’t look him in the eye anymore.
“From the day I met you, I’ve felt something,” Holt continued, his voice a soothing rasp between them. “I’ve never felt this before. Not for anyone.”
“Let me guess,” Rafe retorted. “Your character’s not bisexual. You are.”
Holt leaned in until his lips nearly touched Rafe’s. “I’ve never wanted anyone this fucking much.”
His body was betraying him. Rafe didn’t want to react to his nearness or the promise in those words, but he couldn’t help it. Therewassomething there, something more potent than anything Rafe had ever felt before. It was the reason he kept coming back to the beach. The reason he continuously looked for Holt when he wasn’t around.
