Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 127213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
“Who’s your friend?” he asked, holding back the terms of endearment pushing at his mouth, because he didn’t quite know how accepting this crowd was, and he didn’t want to spoil Frank’s victory with a dashing of homophobia.
Frank smiled at the sight of him and pulled Ezra under his arm in the masculine way which could be interpreted as just a friendly gesture.
“Jack, my partner, Ezra. I do my best to show off in front of him, so he’s earned half this trophy.” Frank laughed, ruffling Ezra’s hair.
Jack smiled, but his eyes pinned Ezra as if he were an annoying fly to squash. Wow. If this guy wanted Frank so much, he should have claimed him when he still had the chance, because Frank was off-limits now. Frank didn’t seem to notice the air of confrontation and kept chatting about a new brand of protein bars until Jack excused himself and went on his way.
Ezra exhaled, and as they walked away from the field where the contest had taken place, slaloming through groups of tipsy people, he discreetly petted Frank’s back in appreciation.
“First of all, congratulations, you were amazing, and I love that some people know who I am to you. Secondly, who was that guy and why did he look at me like he wanted me to rot in the ditch?”
Frank laughed out loud and shook his head. “These contests… attract the kind of guys who are into men my size. You might not realize, but in some circles, I am a huge turn-on.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “And since most of the other guys competing are straight, I might have enjoyed a groupie or two.”
A laugh tore out of Ezra as they left the competition area and moved to the fairground featuring a couple of carnival rides, some games, as well as food trucks.
“I would have never thought people could find you attractive. I’m just here by accident,” he mocked, now lowkey interested in playing the role of Frank’s groupie. Maybe once they weren’t so close to other people, they could park in a discreet location and—
“I know, you had to really lower your standards to be with me, but maybe you could just give me away to Jack? Problem solved,” Frank teased. It’s been a while since Ezra had seen him this carefree, and it felt damn good.
Ezra’s chest burned with need. He’d put golden laurels on Frank’s head if he could, and then run him a bath, so he’d feel really appreciated. “I want to kiss you so fucking much.”
Frank stroked the back of his head. “I know, sweetie. Just wait a sec. I know a spot. I could take on any guy trying to bitch at us, but I don’t wanna end up arrested.”
He pointed farther down the row of trucks with food. At the very end, behind a booth with cotton candy, stood a picnic table with two long benches, hidden from the sun by a large blue parasol.
The majority of the audience was watching the performing children, so this spot was still discreet enough for Ezra’s purposes. He hopped up and gave Frank a peck the moment he decided no one would spot them outright. “You were so great out there! I still can’t believe you can do those things with your body,” he mumbled and playfully squeezed both of Frank’s pecs.
Frank laughed and flexed his muscles under the touch. “I’ll just have to remind you at the hotel.”
Because yes, they were treating themselves to a whole weekend away. In a room with a hot tub.
Ezra licked his lips as naughty thoughts passed through his head. But no, they couldn’t just have a quickie in the truck bed, hoping for the best, so he needed to endure this torture for a while longer. “My memory is perfect when it comes to your body.”
Frank gently led him to the bench and sat next to him. “Are you sure? Can you map every inch of me?” He put the shining cup-shaped trophy between them, playing with its handle.
He smelled of the woody aftershave Ezra had bought him for Christmas, and fresh sweat evaporating in the sun. Even the tacky number attached to the front of his tank top looked good on a man as beautiful as him.
Ezra leaned in for another kiss and touched Frank’s knee. “You actually doubt me? I can’t believe the disrespect!”
“Well, you didn’t even ask to check out my trophy, how’s that for disrespect?” Frank chuckled and pushed it closer to Ezra, who picked it up but didn’t let his gaze stray from Frank’s strong features.
“I could serve you smoothies in this thing, so you remember what’s at stake.”
Frank grinned and rubbed his nape as he grabbed Ezra’s hand. “I’d love that. But you better check if it’s not dusty inside first.”