Chapter 11 (+18)

Out of all his past lovers, Myles had never been jealous of any of them. He had seen them naked, half-naked, and fully clothed. He had never cared what they'd done before.

However, when Rhyn walked out of the house in just swim trunks, his jealousy went through the roof. He wanted to cover him up so no one else could see him. He didn't want anyone to see the slim figure with slight love handles. He wasn't a stick like Rhyd or fit like Rhys, but he still looked good.

Myles didn't want anyone to see any of it. At all. Nada. he wanted to keep that tanned skin to himself. No one else should see this except him.

Rhyn didn't pay him any attention. He dropped his towel to a chair then sank into the water. There was a slight chill to it, but the sun warmed him up. He dipped under the surface and wet his hair. He rubbed his face to get the water off it.

It felt good to float. He hadn't swam competitively in years, but he used it to keep in shape. He wasn't working out as much anymore so he'd gained a few extra pounds, but he'd never lost the joy of swimming.

He lay on his back with his knees bent and his arms splayed wide. Floating eased his nerves and brought a different kind of peace that he rarely felt anymore. He watched the sky and the clouds, feeling content and happy.

He could forget all of his conflicting emotions for a moment. The thoughts of wanting to be accepted and loved, thoughts of fear and anxiety, and thoughts of pain and longing. He let them go in that brief moment as he floated in the pool.

Water splashed him, and he stood. It wasn't a smart idea to be reckless around his brother and friend. He risked getting drowned in their horseplay. He retreated to a corner and watched them roughhouse.

Rhys dunked Ryan immediately, laughing as he tried to get away from his victim. They had always acted like children when in the water. Their fun always consisted of hunting each other and trying to hurt someone else. It was best to stay away from them with their backs against the wall.

Myles swam up to him, settling beside Rhyn as he watched the other two. He had seen them horse play on the court and check each other into oblivion, but this was completely new. This was like two children who had never been to a water park.

"What the hell is this?" he laughed.

"This is a fifteen-year scenario. They've known each other since we were seven, but they've been friends since high school. Any time they're in the pool, they revert back to being seven-year-olds. It's best to stay out of the way," Rhyn laughed. He turned away from the insanity and folded his arms on the side of the pool. "It feels great to do this again."

"What? In the pool?"

The younger man nodded. "I haven't just relaxed in the pool in a while. At first it was to train then it was to work out. I've never just relaxed in the water without needing to do something else."

Myles leaned back. "You were a swimmer?" Rhyn nodded. "How many medals?"

"I was the state champion in high school and won silver at nationals. I retired before the world competition. I had a shoulder injury and just didn't want to compete anymore. I was tired."

The basketball player heard the exhaustion in his voice and looked at him. Rhyn was looking off into the distance with his chin on his arms. Myles could tell he enjoyed swimming but the pressure to win had probably gotten to him. Rhyn didn't seem the type to get stuck on doing something he didn't want to do. He didn't even listen to Rhys.

Myles extended his hand in the water and touched Rhyn. The other guy turned his head to rest his cheek on his arms as he looked at him. They watched each other as the hand ran over his stomach, grazing the soft of Rhyn's stomach. The man flinched, muscles spasming under the gentle fingers.

"Your parents didn't make you stay with it?" Myles asked. He flattened his palm on Rhyn's stomach, digging his fingertips in lightly.

"Not at all. I was a natural so I only practiced with the swim team. I paid my dues myself so my parents didn't worry. When I decided to quit, they weren't angry because they never lost any money." Rhyn let out a shaky breath. Myles watched him for any reaction. "If I want to do something, I pay for it myself. I don't want to rely on anyone."

He grabbed Myles's hand, pressing it to his stomach. "What are you doing?"

Myles flexed his hand, drumming his fingers lightly. "I wanted to touch you."

"Why?"

"Do I need a reason?"

Rhyn swallowed hard then shook his head. "No."

They stared at each other for a few minutes. Rhyn's face gradually turned red, so red he had to turn away. Myles shifted closer, moving his hand up. His fingers brushed against Rhyn's nipple experimentally. He heard him gasp, his back arching slightly.

Knowing how sensitive he was, the older guy began to tease him. His hand caressed every inch of available skin, nails digging in every so often. Rhyn bit his wrist to keep from moaning out. The other two were still having fun and not paying any attention. Even numbers always made things easier.

Rhyn grabbed his hand as it ventured lower. Myles watched him as he debated on what he should do. He knew he shouldn't pressure him, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. He would go as far as he was allowed. If he was pushed away, he would stop.

After several long heartbeats, Rhyn dropped his hand. He rested his face against his arms, face drawn in anticipation. Myles waited a moment longer to tease him before his hand slipped into his swim trunks.

His fingers brushed through coarse hair at the juncture of his legs. He twirled them lazily for a long while to enhance the anticipation. Rhyn grunted, and Myles was unsure what it meant. The last time they'd done anything like this, they'd been drunk. Kissing didn't count. He could kiss someone and not feel any sexual frustration. But this, this was different, and he wanted to savor it.

When his hand wrapped around Rhyn's erection, the man fell apart. Rhyn put his face in his arms and let out a slow breath. His stomach clenched then released as he breathed deeply. He was trying to hold it together, but it wasn't working. Myles's hand would let him catch his breath. He fondled him gently before he pinched the tip.

The groan Rhyn let out was low and deep, coming from his chest. He didn't know what to do with himself. His body was betraying him and doing what it wanted. If he had been standing, his knees would have given out. Myles could feel the panic mounting in him and stopped completely. Rhyn's shoulders sagged as he waited.

Once the motions settled and he could think clearly again, Rhyn tilted his head to look at Myles. He was panting softly, his nose and cheeks red with desire. Myles waited patiently until he was certain Rhyn was fully in control again.

Instead of teasing, Myles stroked Rhyn languidly. He was greeted with a puff of air as pleasure overtook the other man. He laid his head on his arms and watched the man pleasuring him, every emotion written on his handsome face. Myles's hand stroked him steadily, feeling the heat through the water. The natural lubrication made everything easier.

Myles noted Rhyn's thickness. He was a decent size, by far the largest he'd played with. His length was nice as well. Thinking of Rhyn fucking someone else with his engorged erection made him annoyed, and he picked up his pace. As he fisted the man beside him, he wondered what he'd taste like out of the water. Was he as sweet as his mouth, or as musky as his sweat?

"Hey," Rhyn groaned. "Wait." Myles didn't listen, picking up speed until Rhyn had to pull away from the pool wall. "Myles, stop. That hurts."

It was too late. His body spasmed once more as he released himself. Myles stroked him to completion, watching as he pulsed above the water. His stomach rippled as he held onto Myles's arms. It was the only thing he could do as the pleasure subsided.

Myles realized what Rhyn said too late. He pulled his hand away, but Rhyn held on to his arm for support. The older man waited until he was able to support himself without drowning.

"Rhyn?" Rhys glided over, concern written on his face. "Are you all right? Do you have a stomachace?"

"No," Rhyn denied. "My leg is cramped. It's been a while since I practiced paddling. I didn't stretch well enough."

"You know you need to do that," Rhys looked up at his friend. "Thanks, Myles. When his leg cramps, he can barely move. I always joked he would drown if he got one."

"It's fine," Myles agreed. "He didn't get too far."

Myles looked at Rhyn. he must have gotten good at lying to his brother because Rhys bought it. Looking over his shoulder, he caught Ryan's gaze. The other guy was not buying it. He looked at him, unconvinced that Rhyn had a cramp. He raised an eyebrow at Myles but he was ignored.

Rhys fussed over Rhyn as he helped him get out of the pool. He wrapped his towel around him and guided him to a chair. He massaged his upper thigh in hopes to ease the supposed Charlie horse. Rhyn played the part well, annoyed with his brother and his babying.

Myles was slightly upset that he wasn't going to go further, but he knew Rhyn needed to be completely onboard. He was happy he had been able to give him a handjob, but he wanted more. Now that he had had a taste, he wanted so much more. He wanted to see what Rhyn was willing to do and what his expressions would be.

There was one looming obstacle. Ryan watched him closely, clearly picking him apart. He had a good guess as to what they'd done, and Rhyn was covering it up. Rhys wasn't stupid, but he couldn't call anyone out in public. He would do it in private and hopefully the person would come out unscathed.

"I'm fine, Rhys," Rhyn whined. He pushed his brother away. "Your fingers hurt worse than the cramp."

"The last cramp you had, you nearly drowned without anyone around to help you," Rhys argued.

"You were here, so was Ryan." He slapped his brother lightly on the arm. "I'm alright. Just a little shaken."

As the brothers talked, Ryan walked over to Myles. He sat beside him on the lounge chair, watching the brothers closely.

"Whatever you were doing," Ryan whispered, "if Rhys found out, he would kill you."

Myles didn't take the bait. "You can think whatever you like."

Ryan faced him. "You're playing a dangerous game. If you continue doing this, you're going to get hurt."

Finally Myles looked at him. His blue eyes stared into Ryan's brown ones. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You're not the only one interested in Rhyn Easley." He smiled gently. "And I have more years as a friend than you do."

Anger burned through Myles. "So why haven't you done anything?"

"Because Rhyn is stubborn. He won't do anything he's not comfortable with."

Myles wanted to say the truth, that he'd already been with Rhyn. that was something Rhyn needed to tell, but he knew what it felt like to hide something. He knew Rhyn was stubborn, but he was also gentle.

Instead, Myles smiled at Ryan. "Good luck then."

Ryan's smile was just as obnoxious as Myles's. "May the best man win."

Rhys and Rhyn were oblivious to the competition that had just been set. They were still arguing over Rhyn's 'cramp'. If the two were found out, Rhys would kill them and Rhyn would cast them out of his life forever. The game was set, but whoever won would have to be the best.