Page 4 of Mouth to Mouth

Dawson stared at his hand for several moments.

It felt like a small victory when Dawson reached for him. At least something was going right with his morning.

* * *

Brad

Josh glanced over his shoulder, sending an inquisitive look at Brad before returning his attention to driving the boat.

As soon as Brad had spotted the figure sitting on the surfboard on the ocean, he’d known who it was. It was like his body could feel Luca’s presence even before his brain was aware. There was just something about Luca that seemed to suck everyone into his orbit. Plus since he’d run into Luca hurrying from the upstairs apartment above the coffee shop that morning with his surfboard under his arm, it wasn’t exactly unexpected to see him out. It was bad timing. For Brad.

This training session was going to be difficult if Brad didn’t get his mind on the goal. Maybe he finally needed to clear the air with Josh. His friend had questions and Brad hadn’t offered an explanation. He was shocked Luca hadn’t shared what had happened. It might have been easier.

Joining the Surf City Fire and Rescue Department was supposed to be the next step in Brad’s career path. His third certification should have been a breeze to get through. Until a cute guy had slammed into his chest at a club and thrown his life into chaos. Brad hated disorder, turmoil, and lack of control. All the words that basically described Luca.

He’d hoped to find a moment to talk to Luca one on one to…explain things. Maybe. Truthfully Brad didn’t know what to say. How to explain without basically trauma-vomiting about his past. Brad had let every opportunity pass until he found himself on the wrong end of Luca’s sharp tongue. Luca could hold a grudge, that was for damn sure.

Brad cleared his throat. “We should talk.”

Josh cut the engine for the boat before turning around slowly. “Now? Are you sure?”

Pressing his lips together, Brad slowly nodded. He appreciated that Josh had never pushed for answers. It didn’t sit right with Brad that he’d remained quiet for so long. Everyone loved Luca. Brad was the outsider. The one that had to make an effort in fitting in. Never an easy task when Brad wasn’t the best at opening up or making friends. People were complicated. “Before you send me out for a series of five-hundred-yard swims in open water? Yes, I think we should.”

“I’m your trainer,” Josh said. “I can remain professional. I would never put you at risk.”

Damn it. That was not what Brad meant. Did he come off as that much of an asshole? He and Josh had started to be friends. Josh had been the first one to welcome Brad to the crew. He should have done this sooner. Brad had let his pride take over. “I know that. It’s just been on my mind. I want to start over.”

“With me or someone else?” Josh questioned.

Fuck! It was a valid question. “How about I start with you?”

Josh nodded. “You don’t have to. I’m already your friend. And yes, I’m dying to find out how you know Luca and what happened, but I can wait until you’re ready.”

Brad wanted to smile at Josh claiming to be his friend. That helped soothe the nerves. “Maybe I can talk to you as a friend then?”

“Of course, man. Anything I can do to help.”

“I might need some advice,” Brad admitted.

“About Luca?” Josh pressed.

“I’ve tried to talk to him!” Brad threw up his hands. Sort of. Brad would show up at the coffee shop with the intention of clearing the air with Luca, then Luca would use that smart mouth to push Brad into acting like an ass.

Josh sighed. “Luca is Surf City. It’s not just me and the rest of the crew. Everyone loves him. He’s important to the community.”

“I know!” And that really was the nail in Brad’s coffin. If Luca didn’t forgive him, then Brad wasn’t going to last long in town. More, Brad felt bad for the impression that Luca had of him. And Luca was hot. Cute and sassy. A total brat. The kind of man that Brad would have been chasing before he’d gotten himself back on track.

One year of his life with the wrong partner had derailed Brad to the point he’d nearly given up all his dreams. He’d changed into a person that he hadn’t even recognized because the man he loved called him Daddy. Then used the term of endearment as something that Brad should be ashamed of.

He couldn’t go back to that lifestyle. Even if Brad craved the intimacy and connection of taking care of a boy of his own.

“Hey!” Josh gripped his shoulder and smiled. “I can see how upset this is making you. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“He’s your friend,” Brad pointed out.

“And one of the best people I’ve ever met,” Josh added. “That doesn’t mean I would let that affect my relationship with a co-worker. Someone I consider a friend.”

Now Brad felt like a bigger dick. Josh, James, and the rest of the crew had welcomed Brad to the crew with welcome arms. Even knowing that something had happened between him and Luca. “I’ll tell you what happened between Luca and me if you want.”