Epilogue

Zach

We stood at the edge of the pier with our rollerbags and watched as individuals and groups boarded the ship.

Devin's grip on my hand was tight, even though we were both sweating from the humid air. "I can't believe we're doing this."

"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" I tilted my head so it rested against the side of his and gave his hand a squeeze.

"No. But we didn't really discuss rules."

"Rules? For what?" I didn't think I had to tell him not to fall off the ship or to run with a drink in his hand, but…maybe he needed that.

He shrugged and kept his eyes forward. "I did some research about these kinds of cruises, and there's a lot of sharing and experimentation that happens."

"I see." I'd also done some research and had given a lot of thought to my comfort level, but didn't realize Devin might have been having some concerns as well. He was always so open- minded and willing to try anything that I assumed he would be up for anything.

"Like, what are we allowed to do with…other people?"

I pulled in a deep breath through my nose and tried to keep my tone even. "Would you like to be open with others this week?"

His eyes were on me as he shook his head. "No, not really. Do you?"

I blew out the air in my lungs and relaxed. "No. I mean, there might be some things we want to try out…maybe with others. But I'm not comfortable with penetration of any kind. And definitely not unprotected."

"No penetration." He shook his head as if the idea disturbed him. "There's no way I could watch you fuck someone else."

"Ditto." I kissed his forehead. "What about kissing and other body touching?" I was asking mostly for him because I didn't want Devin to feel like he was holding back if there was something he was curious about. But I had no interest in looking at—much less touching—any other man.

Devin held my full and complete attention at all times.

"I don't know. Right now, I don't think so, but maybe in the heat of a moment, something might look like fun but… I guess we can just see how it goes?"

"Yeah, I'm comfortable with that. I want you to feel empowered to explore and not worry about upsetting me. You're coming home with me at the end of this, and that's all that matters."

Devin winked and kissed my lips. "What about milk?"

"What about it? Do you want to taste other milk?"

He shrugged. "Maybe. I'm kinda curious to know if it tastes different from different people. But not in a sexual way!" he was quick to add.

I laughed and squeezed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I'm fine with that."

Devin inhaled like he was trying to muster up courage to say more. "And if somebody wants to taste you, I'm okay with that. I don't love it," he said dramatically, but still in a teasing tone. "But I'll allow it because you're coming home with me, and that's that."

Most of the crowd had already boarded, so I took his hand again, and we walked onto the ship. Our first planned adventure together, but certainly not our last.

On the day I found that crumpled-up boy on the trail, I had no idea how completely my life was about to change. But I was grateful for every moment I'd had with Devin and couldn't wait to spoil him rotten for the rest of our days.

"All right, baby. Let's get you into some tiny little shorts and find us some drinks with umbrellas."

He slipped his hand down the back of my shorts, easily bypassing the waistband so his palm was against my bare skin. "I thought you promised me no tan lines."

I coughed out a laugh. "Okay, my baby is an exhibitionist. I can have some fun with that."

He pinched my ass cheek, and we kept walking. "I want every man there to know you're mine and only mine. Let them be jealous."

Now I laughed out loud. I'd seen all the men getting on the ship so far and was positive none of them would be jealous of Devin. But they'd definitely be jealous of me with the hot, young dude on my arm. The hot, young, naked dude. "I love you, Devin. Even when you're delusional."

"I love you too, Zach. And I'm not delusional. Just a boy who's gonna need some milk right about…now."