Crystal Coast Chemistry (Crystal Coast Romances Book 2)

by Sierra Brave

  Tanner tried to play off his uneasiness by making a joke. “I’m not cold. I’m just worried I’ve been lured down below the pier by a terrorist trying to pry info from me.” He snickered and gave Ryan a smile while tilting his head.

  “You caught me,” Ryan replied. “Now I’m going to tie you up and drag you off somewhere for interrogation.” He stepped in closer, placing his lips by Tanner’s ear. “I have ways of making you talk.”

  Tanner nearly lost his breath. Ryan’s body was so close his heat and the smell of his citrus-scented shampoo permeated Tanner’s senses. For a moment, Tanner forgot they were still in a public place and nearly grabbed him, but the sounds of nearby revelry brought him to his senses. “Is your place all right? I’ve got my truck.”

  In the pale light, Ryan’s eyes were the color of storm clouds, giving him a sexy, mysterious flair while his chiseled jaw and high forehead gave him the appearance of a mature man rather than a pretty boy. Tanner stood frozen, watching the man’s face, holding his breath as he waited for the answer, but after what was likely only a few seconds but had felt like an eternity, Ryan replied, “Lead the way.”

  As they arrived at the black king cab, Tanner unlocked the doors with his key fob, making the headlights blink. “How far is it?”

  “Just a couple of minutes by car, but are you okay to drive? You had a little to drink at the restaurant.”

  “I just had one beer and a shot a couple of hours ago. I’m perfectly fine.” He shrugged. He lifted his hand and dangled the keys. “But you’re welcome to drive if it makes you feel better.”

  Ryan took the keys. “Better safe than sorry.” After they climbed into the truck and buckled up, he asked, “What about your friends?”

  Tanner laughed. “They already gave me the sign that they’d be sleeping away from home tonight. Besides, if they run into a snag, I’ve got my cell.”

  Chuckling, Ryan asked, “You gonna run off and save them?”

  “Pfft, no. I’ll call them a ride on that old white school bus that cruises around the island at night picking up drunks and driving them home for ten dollars a pop.”

  Ryan raised a finger. “Hey, whoever came up with that idea is a freaking genius. Almost everywhere on the island is within walking distance, but who wants to wander home in the dark with a full gullet of beer?”

  “True enough and the tourists are more than willing to pay the ten bucks.”

  “Oh, locals use it too. There’s a membership plan for frequent riders where they pay less,” Ryan replied as they took off from Sharky’s parking lot where Tanner had left his truck.

  Tanner snorted. “You’ve used it?”

  “Nah, I’m pretty sure every bar and restaurant that serves alcohol on the island has the driver’s cell phone number by the phone. I’ve called it for a bunch of retirees who love to come in and tie one on.”

  “That’s hilarious.” Tanner smacked his knee as he laughed.

  “You’d be surprised by some of the colorful personalities around here.” Ryan glanced his way, his breathtaking smile lightening up his eyes in such a way it put knots in Tanner’s stomach.

  “I bet,” Tanner answered in a hoarse whisper, amazed by how the chemistry between them bubbled and brewed. Conversation with someone so handsome didn’t usually come so easy, but Ryan’s sense of humor kept things light.

  Tanner’s eyes widened as they pulled up to a large, beautifully maintained beach house. Surprised, he asked, “This is where you’re staying?”

  “Sort of. This is Caroline’s Aunt Britt’s place, but we’re bunking in the mother-in-law suite off the side.”

  Tanner nodded. “I see.”

  Ryan parked the truck and they stepped out, each walking around the vehicle until they met face-to-face. Ryan moved in on him, placing each hand on the hood of the truck on either side of Tanner’s body.

  Turned on by Ryan’s boldness and confidence, Tanner sucked in his breath while his pulse raced. He closed his eyes and slipped his hands around Ryan’s waist as he leaned against the warm vehicle while simultaneously pushing into the kiss.

  Sultry and smooth, Ryan’s lips caressed his, making Tanner’s head go hazy. As Ryan’s tongue flicked across the seam, Tanner instinctively opened his mouth, inviting him deeper. Exploring, dancing and stroking, Ryan moved his tongue like a master, inflaming Tanner’s passions and sending his heart soaring. When they broke for air, Tanner breathed in soft pants, using his eyes to beseech Ryan to continue.

  A mischievous smile danced across Ryan’s lips as he took a couple of steps backward and crooked his finger, beckoning Tanner to follow him beneath the stilted beach house to a paved area. Bathing suits and beach towels hung from the clotheslines strung between the wooden beams.

  Ryan playfully ducked behind a towel with a picture of a shark and peeped out around the side.

  Tanner chuckled. “What are you up to?”

  After snatching two towels down from the line, Ryan walked over to an outdoor shower stall. “I don’t know about you, but this hot, salty air leaves a film. I like to shower before going in the house. You’re welcome to join me if you like.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Tanner yanked his shirt over his head, getting it off his face just in time to watch Ryan remove his own. Ryan’s bare chest was just as Tanner had imagined, well-muscled and hairless aside from a thin trail under his navel. Slender but hard-bodied with broad, muscular shoulders and a flat stomach with sinewy muscle, Ryan’s every movement sizzled with sensuality.

  Tanner moved closer as Ryan opened the door to the shower stall. It wasn’t much to look at inside, just a showerhead on an exposed metal pipe like what he’d always used to rinse off under at public beach accesses, just more private and with a shower caddy stocked with a couple of bottles of shampoo.

  Ryan closed the door before hanging the towels over the side of the stall. Then he leaned over to Tanner, placing a kiss on his bare chest. “You smell pretty good.”

  “Thanks, I like cologne.” Tanner closed his eyes, lamenting having opened his mouth. I sound like such a dork. I might actually be worse than Jake.

  “Whatever it is, I like it too,” Ryan trailed kisses in a straight line just above Tanner’s pecs while exploring along Tanner’s abs with his fingertips. He hooked his thumbs underneath Tanner’s waistband. “Let’s get rid of these.”

  Tanner’s cock was already straining against the fabric so he was happy for the relief when Ryan stripped his underwear off along with his shorts. His erection sprung out, standing proud.

  Ryan’s eyes lit up. “Wow!” He tossed Tanner’s clothes over the side of the shower stall.

  Tanner smiled, swaggering. “Yeah.”

  “Nice.” Ryan used one finger to trace down the length while absently licking his lips before he removed his own pants and boxers and then tossed them too.

  Tanner glanced down at Ryan’s already erect dick. “You’re not lacking, either.” Ryan’s cock wasn’t quite as long as his own, but he was still packing. The length was plenty enough to satisfy, and he was thick with a bulbous head.

  While Ryan turned to start the water, Tanner took the opportunity to check out his naked butt. Tight and firm, those buns were calling to Tanner, making his cock twitch with arousal. His breath caught in his throat as he stared, enjoying the paleness of Ryan’s behind and thighs in contrast with the rest of his tanned physique. That’s one fuckable ass!

  Ryan stood out of the stream of running water, testing the temperature on his hand. “That’s good.” He grabbed the shampoo and then squirted a glob into his palm as he turned to face Tanner. “Want some?”

  “Yeah.” Tanner held out his hand and Ryan gave him a nickel-sized amount. He had just started to work up a lather when Ryan moved in on him, quickly capturing his lips while rubbing his soapy hands across Tanner’s skin. His touch was warm and arousing as their tongues twisted and twirled, dancing seductively.

  With his palms filled with bubbles, Tanner grabbed Ryan’s ass, kne
ading the firm cheeks and pushing his fingertips into the flesh. Ryan broke their kiss with a moan and then put his hands up in front of him in a slow-your-roll-gesture. “Don’t mean to be a tease, but I don’t do it raw and I want to test your resolve until we get upstairs. Playtime only.”

  Relieved Ryan wasn’t putting on the brakes completely, Tanner blew a small puff of air between his lips. “It’s a journey, not a race.”

  Ryan’s eyebrows lifted as he smiled. “Good answer. Just so I know for later, top or bottom?”

  “Umm…” Tanner wasn’t sure what to say. He preferred to top but didn’t mind bottoming. Plus he was pretty sure Ryan was several years older than him. He might not like the idea of a young buck bending him over. “I’m versatile.” He choked out his words before resting his head in the crook of Ryan’s neck.

  “Me too,” Ryan replied, busily washing Tanner’s pulsing cock with shampoo.

  Tanner groaned through gritted teeth. “I don’t suppose you’d let me top?”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” Ryan released Tanner’s cock from his grip and turning toward the water.

  RYAN’S STOMACH WAS a tangle of live wires, buzzing with anticipation. He closed his eyes as Tanner lightly bit his shoulder, pushing his teeth into and then lapping at his skin with his tongue. Tanner reached past Ryan, took the shampoo bottle, and squeezed out another dollop, getting his hands nice and sudsy before putting them on Ryan’s ass.

  While biting down on his bottom lip, Ryan stood beneath the warm water flowing over the front of his body while the feeling of Tanner spreading shampoo over his ass sent his body temperature skyrocketing. Tanner peppered loving kisses along Ryan’s neck forcing a moaned from his lips.

  The heat between them was building steadily, making Ryan’s breathing erratic. Tanner was younger than him, but his touch didn’t lack finesse or show any awkward inexperience. As Tanner pushed his fingertips into Ryan’s fleshy cheeks, massaging the lather across them, Ryan’s cock twitched. Tanner rinsed one hand and then placed three fingers in front of Ryan’s mouth. Ryan parted his lips, meeting the digits with his tongue before sucking them. Taking his time, he covered each finger in a thick layer of saliva.

  With his free hand, Tanner lightly ran his fingertips along the dividing crevice, finding the opening hidden there before caressing the puckered hole. Ryan’s breath caught in his throat and he trembled. Tanner applied light pressure, gingerly cleaning the rim before cupping some water in his hand and allowing it to run down between Ryan’s cheeks and sending a shiver shooting straight up his spine.

  Ryan’s asshole twitched like crazy, and his entire ass tingled so much he was certain goose bumps had risen along the exposed skin. After slipping his fingers out of Ryan’s mouth, Tanner pinched one of the cheeks away from the crack before placing an orally lubed digit at Ryan’s entrance. Just as he had while washing him, Tanner teased the area, but this time, he eased one finger inside the snug, hot channel of Ryan’s ass.

  “Fuck,” Ryan cried out arching his back as Tanner pumped the digit in and out. Tanner’s touch was gentle and careful but deliberate. I can’t believe how much I want this. “More.”

  As Tanner’s lips grazed Ryan’s nape and then moved to his ear, nibbling the lobe, Ryan’s body simmered. Tanner added a second finger, and Ryan hissed as he was breached. “Sorry,” Tanner whispered.

  “It’s been a little while since I bottomed,” Ryan explained, hoping he didn’t sound as embarrassed as he was.

  Ryan stuck out his ass, permitting more access. Tanner paused his movement, allowing Ryan some time to adjust before he scissored his fingers at a snail’s pace, tenderly preparing him while lavishing the back of Ryan’s neck and shoulders with more nibbles and kisses.

  Once Ryan’s hole softened enough, Tanner added his third finger. “Ooh, yes!” Ryan’s breath heaved as Tanner caressed him, feeling around until he hit the hallelujah spot. “Oh, God!”

  Ryan’s body quivered beneath Tanner touch as the sexy soldier slowly stimulated his most sensitive area and reached around to fondle Ryan’s balls with his free hand. Jolts of arousal coursed through Ryan’s body. He groaned and braced his weight against the stall with both hands, writhing in pleasure. Tanner lapped at the shell of Ryan’s ear and gripped the base of Ryan’s dick, pumping his hand up and down along the length. Tanner fingered Ryan’s ass, giving it a light bang-out as he placed his lips close to his face and murmured, “You’re gorgeous.”

  Ryan’s knees went weak, and he grunted. “Are you kidding? You’re the hottie.”

  Tanner laughed. “I don’t think of myself that way…”

  “Ah…I can’t hold…” Ryan moaned and panted as his warm goo covered Tanner’s hand. Shocked by having lost control so quickly, Ryan’s face flushed. “Damn, you’re good.”

  As Tanner washed his hands, Ryan turned around, facing him while rinsing his ass. Ryan offered an unassuming smile, but to hide his embarrassment, instead of looking Tanner in the eye, he gazed down at the floor. Damn, he even has sexy feet.

  Tanner placed a finger under Ryan’s chin, forcing him to look at his face. Tanner’s blue eyes had a brilliant shine, and the way his light blond hair contrasted against his deeply tanned skin was beautiful. Ryan’s heart pounded. “Let’s go upstairs.”

  As if running a marathon, the two men rinsed off, dried their bodies with eagerness, and wrapped their towels around their waists before gathering their discarded clothing and then rushing up the stairs to the tiny apartment Ryan shared with Caroline.

  Once they walked in the door, they stepped right into the small, sparsely furnished living room. To the right, there was a bar with a couple of high stools separating the area from the even smaller kitchen. Depending on the company, the place could be cramped or cozy. Living with Caroline was comfortable enough, but it would be a total love nest if he were sharing it with Tanner. Shit…what am I thinking? I refuse to fall for some early-twenties stud. This is so out of character for me. Men chase my ass…not the other way around.

  “My room is the first door on the left,” Ryan said in a low voice before leading the way. Tanner followed behind him. Is he as anxious and excited as me? The bedroom wasn’t anything special to show off. Small and cramped, they might as well have been, stepping into a cracker box, but with Tanner by his side, Ryan remembered the youthful enthusiasm present during his days of living in a campus dorm.

  A double bed with a navy anchor-print comforter was pushed up almost flush with the wall on the left side of the room. There was no headboard, only a frame. Just to the right of the bed stood a nightstand holding an adjustable reading lamp similar to one Ryan actually owned when he was in college. The walls were pale blue and the carpet was gray. One small rectangular window crowned the bed. There was no closet, only a small, white, shabby-chic dresser. Everything about the place screamed temporary living space. “Well, it’s not much, but I guess this is where the magic’s happening,” Ryan said, trying to sound charming.

  Perhaps it worked because the corners of Tanner’s lips turned up in an enticing but sheepish smile. Damn, he’s cute! Even though he was obviously pitching a tent beneath, the handsome blond held tight to the towel wrapped around his waist, his free hand shaking slightly. Good, at least he’s as stirred up as I am.

  Ryan hadn’t been with another man intimately in nearly six months so he intended to enjoy this night immensely. He turned to face Tanner, dropping his towel as he did, his pulse reacting and his heart racing. He wanted Tanner in the worst way, a fact his throbbing cock was making plain for anyone to see. “C’mere,” Ryan said, waving Tanner forward.

  Tanner dropped his own towel, showing all of his tight, tanned, and toned body and took a few steps closer until he was face-to-face with Ryan. Simultaneously, they reached for one another, going in for a kiss. Ryan closed his eyes, his skin tingling everywhere Tanner’s hands caressed. Their chests pressed together as they sucked in air, the sizzling heat filling Ryan with a longing for more. He opened his mouth, de
epening their kiss while holding Tanner’s nape, his fingers brushing against the closely cropped bordering hair.

  As Tanner broke away and gulped oxygen, Ryan nipped at Tanner’s beautifully swollen bottom lip. “Mmm.”

  “Sit here.” Ryan nudged Tanner until his calves and thighs pushed against the mattress and he plopped down on his ass, leaving him at eye level with Ryan’s cock. Ryan dropped to his knees, dashing any ideas Tanner might have had about taking control. He wanted to be in charge for a little while and work Tanner into a frenzied lust.

  Ryan’s lips grazed the cap of Tanner’s dick while he leered up at him teasingly. As Ryan closed his hand around the base, Tanner’s chest heaved and he groaned while placing his palm on the top of Ryan’s head.

  With his mouth open wide and his tongue hanging out, Ryan slathered Tanner’s cock with wet warmth then wrapped his lips around the tip. When Tanner’s shaft pulsed against Ryan’s tongue, Ryan released him to lick the length up and down before taking him in his mouth again. Ryan’s head bobbed rhythmically, working hard to milk pleasure from Tanner’s body. As Tanner trembled, Ryan repressed the urge to smile, continuing onward. He glanced up at Tanner’s amazing abs, watching him tightened his core.

  Never missing a beat, Ryan peeped up at Tanner seductively. Tanner blinked his eyes closed, but then opened one lid, observing the action while panting wildly. Excitement filled Ryan’s belly as he studied Tanner’s erotic expression. His head tilted back and his chin lifted as his smile widened, compressing the corners of his lips.

  Ryan dominated Tanner’s senses, palming his tautly pulled balls. The position of his testicles, as well as the amount of pre-cum filling Ryan’s mouth, told him the younger man’s release was close at hand, but he decided to prolong the exquisite torture for a bit longer. He moved his mouth upward and released Tanner’s cock with a popping sound.

  As his erection was abandoned to the cool air, Tanner’s lips poked out in a slight pout. Ryan smirked, captivated by Tanner’s flushed face and swollen lips. Ryan’s eyes widened as Tanner stared at him and bucked his hips absently.