Ball & Chain(63)

Ty began to smile, but he held his ground, shaking his head. “You kinky little exhibitionist, you.”

“I’m just suggesting that a hot soak would feel really good for aching muscles.”

“I do have some aching muscles.”

Zane hummed and scooted closer, nudging his nose against Ty’s chin.

Ty closed his eyes and smiled, sliding his hand up Zane’s back. “You were sexy as hell on that horse tonight. Riding to the rescue.”

Zane stole a kiss. “I can think of someone else I’d like to see riding something.”

Ty bit his lip, loath to admit that he enjoyed Zane’s cheesy come-ons. He wrapped his arms around Zane and brushed the tip of his nose against his lover’s. “Whatever makes you happy, Lone Star.”

Zane chuckled. “Come on, Captain. It’s late. No one else will be out there.”

“I thought you said I need rest for the vapors. Thought you said you were tired.”

“I was until I thought about you and me in that damn hot spring.”

Ty hummed as his body responded favorably to the idea. Zane’s playful smile was another reason to say yes. No matter what had happened to Ty and the rest of Sidewinder while they’d been deployed, Zane had definitely benefited from those six months. He seemed unburdened now, more willing to simply grab onto life and go for a ride. Ty brushed his fingers through Zane’s hair with an affectionate grin.

“You know if we get out there, I’m just going to ask you to marry me again.”

Zane’s grin widened further. “I’ll risk it.”

Ty wasn’t even sure where the damn hot spring was, so Zane led him through the quiet mansion, out the back patio to the path that curved its way into the interior of the island.

Ty squeezed his hand and pulled him closer, enjoying such a simple thing as walking along the dark path with their fingers entwined. This particular path was lit by dim, boxed solar lights set low to the ground. Zane didn’t hurry. He purposely brushed their arms together as they walked.

The warmth Ty had noticed whenever Zane was near him began to spread further, making the touch of Zane’s fingers like traces of fire, and a sort of unfettered giddiness crept in. They so rarely had these moments, but tonight Ty could make himself believe they were normal.

Zane didn’t let go of his hand when they reached the spring area. It was deserted, just like Zane had guessed it would be. It was also unlit.

“This way,” Zane said, moving along the pathway to the spring edge.

Ty looked down at the water as they passed by. Only the moon and the eerily glowing mineral water of the hot spring showed them the way.

Zane pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it to the grass at the edge of the spring. Then his hands dropped to the button on his jeans, and he stopped. Ty hung back, watching him as deep breaths became harder to manage. He didn’t think this thrill of anticipation would ever get old. Zane raised one eyebrow—a clear dare—and unfastened his jeans, letting them slide down his hips and thighs to fall to the dirt path.

Ty popped the button on his pants and dropped them, pulling out of his shirt without bothering to unbutton it. He kicked his clothing off to the side and moved toward Zane and the swirling water. The night was fucking freezing. Zane descended into the spring, down the carved-out steps into the bottom, and the water hit right at his chest as he turned in place to leer at Ty and hold out a hand.

“It’s warm.”

Ty’s lips twitched at the chivalrous gesture. Sometimes Zane just couldn’t help himself. Ty got in slowly, enjoying the heat as it lapped at his cold skin.

“We’re both going to catch pneumonia on the way back in,” Ty griped.

He took Zane’s hand, pulling himself closer until their bodies just barely touched in the bubbling water. Zane curled their hands together while taking a step back, tugging gently for Ty to follow. They were, for all intents and purposes, out of sight unless someone walked around the path to look directly at the spring. It was also insane for anyone to be out when it was this cold. The knowledge didn’t keep the butterflies out of Ty’s stomach, though.

He followed Zane regardless, willing to risk getting caught.

Zane sat on the bench molded from the rock under the water, drawing Ty down next to him. Then he sighed happily, leaning back in the steaming water. “Now this is nice.”

Ty settled into the water beside Zane, acknowledging the tease. He eased over and let their shoulders press together as he leaned his head back. He hooked his leg over Zane’s knee, resting it there so their calves pressed together and he could slide his toes against Zane’s ankle. Zane slid his palm against Ty’s thigh, stroking idly under the water, then shifted a little, sliding his arm behind Ty’s back and angling himself so Ty was leaning against him. He settled his hand on Ty’s hip, rubbing the skin under his fingertips.