Chapter 30

CHAPTER 30

Brooks

I walked up to Skylar's front door and smoothed the short-sleeved button-down shirt I'd paired with dark blue shorts. I was more comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt, but I'd tried to take it up a notch for our first date.

Skylar's father opened the door. "Brooks, hello. Skylar is almost ready."

I tucked my hands in my pockets and rocked back on my heels. "Okay, thanks."

"You'll have him home at a decent hour?"

"Uh…"

Gavin laughed at me. "I'm kidding. Skylar is an adult."

"Glad you noticed." Skylar squeezed past his dad to join me on the porch.

"You've been in that office all day," his father said. "If I can help…"

"I've got it," Skylar said with a tight smile that didn't reach his eyes. He grabbed my hand. "Let's go."

We started down the drive, and I finally got the chance to admire the snug red tank top that clung to his body, paired with pin-striped red-and-white shorts. He wore a nearly transparent ivory shirt open overtop, looking stylish and sexy.

"Hey." I tugged his hand to slow him as we approached the sedan I'd borrowed from Fisher. "You look gorgeous."

Skylar turned toward me, brow furrowed as if he were lost in thought.

"Oh, thanks." He swept his gaze over me, lingering on my thighs. "You're looking pretty amazing, too."

"Are you okay? You seem distracted."

"It's just work stuff." He grimaced. "I hate that I have to play dirty just to do the right thing, you know?"

I nodded. Skylar had told me about the confrontation with the Wexlers and Blaize. I wished I could have been there to protect him from their shit, but that wasn't what he needed from me. Skylar wanted to protect himself, and as much as it killed me, I understood. So I did my best to be supportive without rushing across the lake to kick someone's ass.

I'd still called Fisher and pumped him for the full story later. He said Sky had held his own, and if he were a betting man, he'd put money on my guy.

But Skylar looked stressed and worried. This wasn't exactly how I envisioned our first date starting.

"If you're not in the mood to go on a date, I understand. We could just stay in."

"No," Skylar said quickly. "I want to go. This is the perfect way to take my mind off it."

"So, I'm just a distraction, huh?" I teased.

"You make a very appealing distraction," he said, wiggling his brows. "I look forward to you distracting me all night."

I tugged him close enough to kiss his forehead. "Count on it."

We got into the car, which was musty and smelled faintly of french fries. "We could take your car instead, if you prefer…"

"No, this is great," Skylar said. "I need to trade that ostentatious thing in for something a little more my style."

"What is your style?"

He tilted his head. "I don't know. Sexy, but also reliable. Do they make a Brooks model in a car?"

I chuckled, my chest warming at the praise. "I wouldn't know. I live in a place obsessed with boats."

We drove into town and I started toward our first stop.

"Where are we going anyway?" Skylar asked, glancing out the window at the familiar street. "Just The Sip?"

I scoffed. "Coffee? No, that's a get-to-know-you date." I shot him a hot look. "I know you very well. That calls for something a little more intimate."

"Okay, good. I'd rather not spend our night with Danny spouting sexual innuendos at us."

I laughed as I slowed for the next stop sign, then pulled to the curb.

Skylar glanced up. "Silver Cove. You're taking me on a date with Grandma?"

"Just a quick hello, if you don't mind. I have an ulterior motive."

"What's that?"

I smiled sheepishly. "I want to reassure Grandma I'm not working all the time and our actual date can't start for another thirty minutes."

"Our actual date? Which is what?"

"That's a surprise."

"So mysterious," Skylar teased. "All right, let's go say hi to Grandma."

We got out of the car, and I took his hand in mine as we went through the front doors. Silver Cove served dinner around this time, and though I hadn't often visited, I knew they allowed family and friends to join them for meals.

I checked in with Izzy. "Brooks," she said warmly. "What a nice surprise. You're here to see Kitty?"

"Yes," I said. "Me and Skylar."

"His boyfriend," Skylar added in a pointed tone.

I slanted a glance his way in surprise, but waited to speak until Izzy had waved us through the interior entrance. "Were you claiming me just now?"

"What? No. I just…was introducing Izzy to our new status. As boyfriends. Because I don't like how she looks at you and—"

"You're jealous."

He winced. "Sorry?"

"Don't be." I grinned. "I kind of like you being all possessive over me. It's hot."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but I've been checking in with Izzy for over a year without sleeping with her. You really don't need to worry."

"Only because you haven't offered," he grumbled. "She'd gladly take you."

"Good thing I don't want her then, huh? I have who I want. Which is why we're on a date tonight."

His gaze met mine. "Right. Let's not keep Grandma waiting."

My grandmother lit up like a freaking rainbow when she saw us approach her table. She was sitting with Evelyn and Minnie, and they all crooned at the sight of us.

"Aren't they cute?"

"Adorable!"

"What are you doing here?" Grandma asked.

"I wanted you to meet Skylar officially. Now that he's my boyfriend."

She wiggled in her seat. "Oh, it's so lovely to see you again, Skylar. You must be good for Brooks if he's with you and not at work."

Skylar smiled. "He's cut out of work for me a few times. Maybe I'm a bad influence."

She chuckled. "No, just the right kind, I think."

"I wanted you to see that I don't spend all my time at the pub. I know you've worried."

Minnie clucked. "Such a good boy. So handsome too. Both of you." She sighed. "I wish my grandson was gay. Instead, I think he's attracted only to silly videogames."

"Minnie!" Evelyn swatted her arm. "He's not gay. He's potsexual."

"Potsexual?" Minnie looked baffled. "Is that some sort of kitchen sex kink?"

Oh, man. I glanced over at Skylar to see how he was taking this ridiculous conversation. He had his hand over his mouth, but judging by the sparkle in his eyes, it was to hide a smile.

"I think you mean pansexual," Grandma said. "It's not a kink. It means you like people regardless of their parts."

Huh. Maybe that was a more fitting identity than bisexual. I'd have to do more reading.

"You're a quick study," Skylar said.

Grandma smiled. "Oh, well, I want to be a good ally to my Brooks now that he's part of the rainbow."

Evelyn sighed. "You're lucky to have such a close relationship. I hardly ever see my daughter or her kids since they moved to California."

Grandma patted Evelyn's hand. "That's so hard. I don't know what I'd do without my Brooks."

"And I wouldn't know what to do you without you," I pointed out.

"And now you have Skylar too," she said with a smile. "I'm so happy for you."

We chitchatted while Grandma finished her meal, then excused ourselves to make our dinner reservation. But I couldn't get Grandma's words out of my mind.

Did I have Skylar? He'd promised to see this relationship through. But if he couldn't get this resort off the ground, would he really be content to hang around Swallow Cove without any purpose other than dating me?

That wasn't a happy date-night thought, so I shelved it for later. Skylar wanted to be here with me, and I didn't want to squander these moments on doubt and worry.

"Where is this dinner reservation, anyway?" Skylar asked as I drove to the marina. "Are we going to Shallow Beach?"

"No. After your last visit, I doubt you're in a big hurry to return."

"Not really," he said. "Though I'm sure you'd take me somewhere better than Dockside Pub."

"I would, which is why we're not going to a restaurant at all."

His eyebrows lifted. "Oh, really."

I parked and opened my car door. Skylar met me in front of the car, and I took his hand in mine once more, leading him toward the sporty-looking boat waiting for us.

Ashton Dixon hopped onto deck to help us board. After giving us a standard spiel about safety, he led us to a table already laid with bunches of grapes, slices of gourmet cheese, and glasses of wine.

"Get settled in and enjoy the appetizer. I'll take us to one of the best spots on the lake to watch the sunset," he said. "Once we're there, I'll serve the next course."

"Wow, so you drive the boat and serve the food?" Skylar said.

"I'm a man of many talents," Ash said with a wink.

I wrapped an arm around Skylar. "Just remember that he's here with me."

Ash laughed, as if I were joking, but he was far too good-looking. Not to mention wealthy. He had that effortless Golden Boy sort of look to him, the one that no doubt got under Sawyer's skin. But it wasn't his looks that bothered me, just the knowledge that he'd probably fit into Skylar's world much better than I ever would.

"Are you jealous now?" Sky teased when Ash excused himself to take the captain's seat.

I smiled sheepishly and held my thumb and index finger apart a fraction of an inch. "Just a tiny bit."

He bumped my shoulder. "How could I even notice another man when you're wining and dining me like this?"

We took our seats. The table was nothing special, just the plastic type you'd find on many boats and campers, but Ash had thrown a white tablecloth over it and sprinkled it with rose petals.

The man knew how to set the mood, that was for sure.

Skylar picked up his glass and sipped from it, humming appreciatively. "You didn't have to do all this for me."

I raised an eyebrow. "It's our first date. I wanted it to be special."

Skylar reached for my hand. "I appreciate that. Really. I just… It must be so expensive. I hope you know I don't need fancy sunset dinners to be with you. I'd be just as happy at The Drunken Worm or a picnic at the park."

"Skylar." I chuckled and leaned in to kiss him. I loved that we were so often on the same page. I'd just been worried about the ways Ash would fit into Sky's world better than me, and here Skylar was offering to live in mine. "Maybe it doesn't have to be all one way or the other."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you can live in my world sometimes, and I can visit yours occasionally. As long as we're meeting in the middle, right? As long as we can make this work together."

He smiled, eyes full of warmth. "You're so freaking perfect. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."

"I'm not perfect." I leaned in close. "And full disclosure, I got a good deal on this date." I nodded toward Ash. "I know the guy."

"Oh. Well, it's all so lovely." He smiled. "I'm a little relieved it's not costing you two nights' tips or something."

I laughed. "You really overestimate how much I earn in tips. I scowl too much, apparently."

Skylar smirked. "It's a sexy scowl though."

I mock scowled at him, then tugged him closer to me on the bench seat to kiss him thoroughly. I got so lost in the kiss I didn't even notice the boat stopping until Ash cleared his throat.

I pulled away.

"Time for the dinner course," he said with a smile. "Don't let me interrupt, though. You make for a good show."

Skylar laughed nervously. "So, do you make all this food yourself, or…"

"Yes. I prepare it before we leave, so it's mostly cold foods." He set out a colorful seafood ceviche in the center of the table with lightly baked tortilla chips. He placed a couple of other dishes to the side.

"This is a seafood ceviche with shrimp." He pointed to the right. "That is a mango coleslaw salad that will pair well with it." He pointed to the left. "And this is a cilantro-lime cucumber salad that's light and refreshing."

"Wow, Ash," I said, looking at the gourmet meal. "I had no idea you were a chef."

"Oh, no. I'm not really," he said with a chuckle. "I love playing with ingredients, but it's mostly a hobby. I really want to start a food boat, though. I think people would love to get a proper meal without having to leave the lake."

"That sounds like a great idea," Skylar said.

"Yeah, but it's going to take a lot of start-up capital. I'm running these date nights to save up. I'd like to make it happen."

I was surprised he couldn't ask his stepdad for the money. The guy was loaded. But family was complicated.

"Maybe you could get an investor," I suggested. "Swallow Adventures got its start that way. Maybe the Dreamboats owner—"

Ash pulled a face. "I'm trying to get free of that business, not more entangled in it. I'm still looking for a backer who doesn't want to own me, but so far, no luck." He shrugged. "Anyway, you didn't go out tonight to listen to me ramble. Enjoy the meal. If you turn to the left, you'll be able to see the sun set on the horizon while you eat."

"This is incredible," I said. "Thanks for doing this."

"Sure thing. Just don't forget our deal."

Ash headed toward the front of the boat, and Skylar glanced at me. "What deal?"

I scooped up a bite of seafood ceviche and moaned at the flavors bursting on my tongue. It was citrusy and refreshing, but with a bite of heat from chopped jalapenos and a creamy touch of avocado.

Fucking delicious.

"Brooks?" Skylar said with a laugh. "Is it that good?"

He took a bite and his eyes fluttered closed as he savored it. Then we both dug in.

"So, what deal did you make with Ash to get us this amazing date night?" Skylar asked.

"Oh, right." I took a sip of the fruity white wine that Ash had served with the meal. "He asked if I could put in a word with Sawyer about getting him on at Swallow Adventures."

"Sawyer? But Hudson is in charge."

I took another quick bite. I couldn't stop eating. This food really was great. "Mm. But Sawyer hates his guts, so…"

Skylar's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

I waved a hand. "High school drama." I gestured toward the view, where orange and pink streaked the sky as the sun sank behind the thin clouds. "Let's focus on this view, this food, and best of all…"

"Yes?" he asked.

"How fucking breathtaking you look in this lighting."

Skylar ducked his head, and I captured his hand and brought his knuckles to my lips for a soft kiss. He looked at me almost shyly from beneath his lashes. "You're making me blush."

"Good," I said, holding eye contact. "Because I need you to know how awed I am by you, Sky. You're beautiful and smart and so fucking sweet—"

He leaned in and kissed the words from my lips. "We'll see if you're so complimentary when I have you at my mercy later."

I grinned. "Is that supposed to be a threat?"

He kissed me again, just a soft brush of lips before turning back to his food with a smile. "It's a promise."

"Good." I placed my hand on his leg, stroking his inner thigh with my pinky. "I did promise to be a distraction."

We watched the sunset, ate the delicious key lime pie mousse that Ash served before heading back toward shore, and by the time we docked, I was pleasantly full and looking forward to a more private ending to my date with Skylar.

We thanked Ash and returned to the car. "My place?"

Skylar nodded. "Yeah. I have to thank you properly for such a wonderful night."

"No thanks is required," I said with a chuckle. "Though you should feel free to show your appreciation any way you like."

Skylar smirked. "Good, because I've got plans."

"I like plans."

"Seriously, though, I've been stressed with all this mess with Blaize and the Wexlers. Tonight was the perfect escape."

I parked the car in the drive and shifted toward him. "I joke about being a fun distraction, and I'm more than happy that you can escape your worries with me. But you know I'm also here to help you if you need it, right?"

"Of course." Skylar cupped my face, stroking my stubble with his fingers. "You're much more than a distraction or an escape, Brooks. I didn't mean it that way. You're my safe place. Tonight was a reminder of why I want to beat Blaize at his own game. He took too much from me. It makes me so angry sometimes. I just…I need to know that I can be strong, that I won't flinch when he challenges me. I can't be strong with you until I trust myself to be strong for myself."

My heart ached a little as the truth of his words settled. Skylar's past still rattled him. Still made him question himself.

"I wish I could be strong for you," I murmured. "But I know that's not how it works. All I can do is say that I'll be here to empower you in any way that I can."

Skylar kissed me. It wasn't quick, but it wasn't the urgent passion that came with sex. It was intense, thorough, a claiming of its own kind. Skylar held my face immobile as he swept his tongue in, tasting me slowly, savoring me like he'd savored the seafood ceviche earlier.

"I'm glad you said that."

I blinked. "I said something?"

He chuckled. "Yes. About empowering me. Because tonight…I'd like you to help me take back something I lost. Or maybe something I never even had."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's go inside," he suggested. "I want to have this talk near a bed. If it goes well…"

"Say no more." I flung open the door and raced around to get Skylar's. He laughed as I half dragged him out of the car and hurried him up the outdoor stairs. "Whatever you want, the answer is yes," I said into his ear. "I'm all yours."

He shivered and glanced at me with a playful smile.

"And if all I want is a cuddle?"

"Then I will give you the best cuddle of your life."

He grabbed my shirt and yanked me into a searing kiss in front of my door. "I don't think cuddling will be enough tonight."

"Thank fuck. I'm so hard I'm about to pass out."

Skylar glanced down at the hard-on pressing against my shorts. "Hmm. That does look painful. I guess you better let me inside so we can tie you to the bed."

"The…what now?" I nearly dropped the keys.

"If you're comfortable with it."

I unlocked the door, my mind whirling. Was I okay with Skylar tying me to a bed to use me how he saw fit? Hell, yes. He could ask if I was okay with being hung upside down from the ceiling and the answer would be the same.

But I was pretty sure I knew what this was about. "You want to switch?"

Skylar licked his lips. "I want to take back my sexual freedom. All of it. If you're on board."

"Fuck, of course." I swallowed. "Just promise you'll stop if you don't like it. I don't need this."

"I know." He brushed a thumb over my lip. "But I do."

"Then take what you need."