Colton swam backward toward the deep end of the pool, his blue-gray eyes clouding with hunger, and it threatened to set Ace on fire despite the cool water he was submerged in. Colton ran his tongue along his bottom lip, his expression the most erotic look Ace ever had the pleasure of being on the receiving end of. He waded over, then stopped in front of Colton, one arm on the pool’s edge to each side of Colton’s shoulders.

  “Hey.”

  Colton’s smile stole his breath away. “Hey.”

  “You know, I’ve lived in Florida all my life and I’ve never had pool sex.”

  Colton wrapped his arms around Ace’s neck, and Ace pressed him up against the side of the pool. He slid his hands down Colton’s torso, taking hold of his hips.

  “We should remedy that,” Colton purred before pressing his lips to Ace’s, fueling the fire already inside him into a raging inferno. Ace attacked Colton’s mouth, like he needed Colton to supply the breath in his body. Colton wrapped himself around Ace and proceeded to show him what he’d been missing out on, but then he suspected that sex with Colton would be pretty spectacular no matter where they were. Colton couldn’t seem to keep his hands off Ace, and Ace was loving every minute of it. Not that it was any easier with Colton. If the man was in the same room, Ace wanted to touch him, kiss him, bury himself inside him.

  Once they’d finished messing around in the pool, they took a shower together, giving each other blow jobs. The only reason they didn’t have sex when they fell into bed afterward was because they were both too sore and exhausted.

  “I need a nap,” Colton said through a yawn as he snuggled up to Ace’s side.

  “We have time,” Ace reminded him. “You don’t have to be downstairs to meet Laz for dinner until seven.” The temperature in the room was perfect, leaving them under a thin blanket. The bed was a California king with lush feather pillows and a memory-foam mattress. Across from it the glass wall allowed for a spectacular view of the beach. The palm trees swayed in the breeze, the sun shining bright in the cloudless sky. Colton absently ran his fingers over Ace’s abdomen.

  “Tell me about your family. I know you and Lucky are cousins, but your name is Anston, and you don’t have the same accent he does.”

  “That’s because I was born and raised here. My mother’s Cuban, but my father was American. Anston was his middle name. Although Lucky’s mom and my mom are sisters from the same small fishing village east of Havana, my mom was sent over from Cuba back in the sixties during Operation Pedro Pan. Like thousands of parents, my grandparents were afraid of what would happen to their child under the new regime. She was just a kid.

  “Her parents had wanted to send Lucky’s mom as well, but she was having health issues and was too ill to travel. My mom was one of the lucky kids. Instead of being sent to a foster home or orphanage when she arrived in the US, she was sent to her aunt, who was living in Miami at the time, so my mother was raised by her. By the time her parents came over, Lucky’s mom was married and had Lucky. The threat of getting caught leaving the country terrified Lucky’s dad. Over the years, the majority of my mother’s family migrated over, many in 1980 during El Mariel. When I was in high school, my parents brought Lucky and his parents over.”

  “And your dad?”

  Ace swallowed hard. “He passed away when I was in high school. Heart attack.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Colton said softly, placing a kiss to Ace’s jaw.

  “I miss him. He was a good man. His family sort of gave him the cold shoulder when he married my mom.”

  “Why?”

  Ace shrugged. “It was a different time. My dad’s family comes from old money. They wanted him to marry the daughter of one of their friends, some socialite. He was their only son, so they had his life all planned out by the time he started college. When his parents found out he’d fallen in love with the Cuban girl who made the beds, they lost their shit. They gave him an ultimatum. Leave my mom or be cut off. My father walked away from them and never looked back. His family tried to bribe my mother to leave him, threatened to have her deported when she turned them down, and then did everything they could to make her life miserable.”

  “That’s horrible! What a bunch of assholes.” Colton seethed, and Ace smiled at his sweet man’s indignation for his family.

  “Yeah, but don’t worry. My mom might be small, but she’s got bite. Between her and my father, they put a stop to that nonsense real quick because by then, they’d married and had me. If Dad’s parents wanted to see their only grandkid, they were going to stop their bullshit. My mother might have forgiven them, but she never forgot. When my father died, his parents tried to step in and take over, wanting me to move to Massachusetts so I could go to Harvard and study law.” Ace snorted. “Me? A lawyer? They were out of their damn minds.” He sighed, thinking about what a mess his life had been at the time. “Then I came out, and the fighting got worse. They blamed my mother. Saying her bad parenting turned me gay. It was ridiculous. I couldn’t stand the fighting, the way they were hurting my mother. I needed to get away, to figure myself out and what I wanted. So I joined the military.”

  Colton yawned, and Ace laughed softly. He kissed the top of Colton’s head and closed his eyes. “Go to sleep.”

  “But I want to hear more about your family and your time in the military,” Colton huffed. He was adorable.

  “We’ve got time,” Ace promised. “Get some rest, because when we get back tonight, you’re not going to be getting much sleep.”

  Colton hummed and settled against Ace. “Well, when you put it that way.” His breathing steadied, and Ace soon followed, a smile on his face.

  It was a good thing Ace had set his alarm earlier than needed, otherwise instead of being a few minutes late, they’d have been very late, thanks to Colton and his new favorite way of waking Ace up. Not that he was complaining. Of course, when they had somewhere to be, it made getting there on time more of a challenge. Add to that the fact Colton traveled with a substantial amount of clothing and shoes.

  “Sorry we’re late,” Colton said, taking a seat at the table across from Laz. “I was having wardrobe trouble.”

  Ace sat beside him, across from Red. “That’s what happens when you bring a month’s supply of wardrobe for a two-night stay.”

  “I like to be prepared,” Colton said with a sniff as he picked up the wine menu. “They have your favorite beer.”

  Ace snatched the menu from him. “Prepared for what? An impromptu fashion show face-off? Who needs that many shoes?” They did have his favorite imported beer. Excellent.

  Colton rolled his eyes and took the menu back. “Whatever. Just for that, you can wait until I’m done with the menu.”

  Ace looked around the chic restaurant owned by some fancy chef. It was elegant, with its white-and-black décor, an electric blue strip of carpet running beneath the center aisle of tables, and a huge gold-and-crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. “What? This place can’t afford more than one menu?” Laz broke into laughter, and they turned to stare at him. “What?”

  “Oh my God,” Laz said, struggling to breathe from laughing so hard. “You two are hilarious! It’s like you’re married.” He wiped away at his tears, his huge grin aimed at Colton as he pointed to Ace. “He’s a keeper.”

  “Funny guy,” Ace muttered, shaking his head. He met Red’s gaze and ignored the look of concern in his friend’s hazel eyes. Clearing his throat, he thanked the waiter who filled his glass with water.

  Colton and Laz chatted away, always including Ace and Red in the conversation. Ace noted how Laz never missed an opportunity to lean over and touch Red. The kid was totally smitten, and by the stupidly sweet smile on Red’s face, Ace figured his friend wasn’t all that immune to the kid’s charm.

  The restaurant was packed, the drinks delicious, though after one beer both he and Red had water. They were still on the job, despite the intimate dinner they’d been instructed to be a part of. Sometimes their dinner expenses were outrageous, but if their client wanted them to join in, it made their job easier. In situations like this, it was important to blend in rather than stand guard to one side of the dining area, making people uncomfortable. Usually they’d sit at a table beside their client’s table, but that hadn’t been necessary with Colton even before they’d started secretly seeing each other.

  The food arrived, and suddenly Ace was ravenous. He’d ordered the pork with sweet potato, and Colton ordered the duck with steamed pancakes and plum sauce. It was beautifully presented, and Ace had to admit, it was delicious. They talked while salsa music filled the air. Ace was having a great time, and he had to remind himself more than once that he wasn’t out on a dinner date with Colton. He was here on a job, which meant reining himself in. Colton was trying, but they’d slipped up twice. Once, when Colton leaned over with a forkful of duck and plum sauce for Ace to try.

  Quickly realizing, he smiled at Ace. “Doesn’t that look amazing?”

  Ace nodded, shoving a big bite of pork into his mouth before Colton ate the duck meant for Ace. The second time was on Ace, who’d wiped some plum sauce off the corner of Colton’s mouth. Thankfully he’d used his napkin and not his thumb like he’d wanted to. Red kept sneaking glances at him, and although he wouldn’t give Ace an earful like Lucky would, Ace hated not being honest with Red. They never kept anything from each other. As soon as this was over, he’d talk to his friends and hope they understood. Colton was a client, but Ace had never felt anything like this. King and the others had to know that. He might be a pain in the ass, but he’d never taken such a risk. That had to mean something, didn’t it?

  Chapter 12

  “My father’s going to be so drunk by the end of this,” Colton said with a laugh as he turned to Ace. He inhaled deeply, loving Ace’s scent, a mixture of subtle cologne and woodsy shower gel. He was utterly delectable in his black suit and shirt, the top two buttons undone, and his skin calling for Colton to kiss. He shouldn’t stand so close to Ace, but it was difficult not to when his body craved Ace’s presence. Several women and men had stopped to admire Ace when he’d made an appearance at Colton’s side. He couldn’t blame them. How could anyone not be captivated by Ace—the chiseled jaw, stunning green eyes, and lush mouth, or his broad shoulders and tapered waist. When he walked, he exuded confidence and strength.

  Ace’s rumble of a chuckle did terrible things to Colton’s groin. “We’ll keep an eye on him.”

  Colton hummed as he turned away before anyone could see how desperately he wanted to jump Ace’s bones. “As long as you don’t forget about me.”

  “You kidding? I’m having trouble keeping my eyes off you.” Ace’s voice was low and throaty, and he discreetly brushed Colton’s fingers with his own. “Not to mention my hands. You look incredible, by the way.”

  “Thank you.” Colton knew he looked sharp in his blue Armani slim-fit suit with the mauve tie and pocket square, but having Ace comment on how good he looked, his eyes darkening with lust, was everything. “I fail to see how your inability to keep your eyes off me is a bad thing.”

  “When I’m supposed to be vigilant of my surroundings? Yes, it’s a bad thing.”

  “You have a small army here, including several officers standing guard at the doors making sure whoever comes in and out is on the guest list. I think we’re covered.”

  The turnout for his father’s retirement was impressive. Everyone who’d been invited and RSVP’d was in attendance. Laz had been practically vibrating with excitement as he flitted about the place taking photos. Everyone was enchanted by him, and from the few guests Colton had spoken to, several were interested in hiring Laz for exclusive shoots. Every now and then, Colton would spot Laz setting up a shot, and it made Colton smile because not long after he’d spot Laz, he’d see Red.

  The venue was stunning, and the event company Nadine had hired did a fantastic job. The outside pool area was lit up by neon pink, purple, and teal, the bright colors reflecting across the water, and in the center a cabaret troupe performed in spectacular costumes adorned with huge feathers and glittering diamonds. Behind them, one of the top local Latino bands, dressed elegantly in white linen suits with Panama Cuenca hats, played a pulse-pounding salsa beat, while the handsome young man in the center sang about falling in love. The guests danced, others clapped and moved to the music where they stood. The energy was infectious, and even those who weren’t carried away by the music were chatting, drinking cocktails, and having a good time. For those who wanted a more private place to chat, several cabanas were situated around the pool, with soft lighting and comfortable seating.

  “Colton!”

  The happy squeal had Colton turning, and he smiled widely at Annie. She was exquisite in a pale blue beaded-bodice evening gown with a deep V-neck, her dark hair combed to one side and draped over her shoulder.

  “You look stunning,” Colton said as he gently hugged her and kissed her cheek.

  “Thank you. You look gorgeous, like always.” She glanced behind Colton and did a double take, making Colton chuckle. “Ace, it’s so good to see you again.” She held her hand out to him, which he kissed, and she swooned a little.

  “It’s good to see you too, Annie. How’s Lily?”

  Annie beamed, and it was clear she was a little smitten with Ace, but then who didn’t fall under the man’s spell when they talked to him? Maybe it was his easy smile, his sense of humor, or the way he managed to make everyone around him feel at ease.

  “Full of mischief. She still brings up the magic trick you did for her. You made quite the impression on her.”

  “She’s adorable,” Ace said, smiling wide. “Can I get you both a drink? The bar’s right there.”

  “Thank you.” Colton gave Ace his drink order, and Annie did the same. The bar was only a few feet away, and even when Ace reached it, he could easily see and get to Colton.

  “Oh my God, Colt.” Annie squeezed his arm. “How do you get anything done with that man around? I’d be walking into walls.” She waggled her eyebrows at him. “Is he single?”

  “Why? Are you interested?” Colton teased. She slapped his arm. “Ow, why are you assaulting me?”

  “Colton, the man is gorgeous.”

  “He’s also off-limits. I’m his client.”

  “And when you stop being his client?” She stared at him intently. The woman was far too perceptive for her own good. “And don’t even think about lying to me, Colton. I’ve known you way too long.”

  “Is he still pretending he’s not interested in the hot supersoldier?” Nadine asked, stepping up to Annie and giving her a hug. “So good to see you.”

  “Nice to see you too.” Annie returned her embrace before focusing her attention back on Colton. “He’s being evasive.”

  “And you’re both meddling,” Colton said with a sniff. “Nadine, you look stunning. Even if you are sticking your nose in my business.” The long deep-scarlet gown was striking against her dark complexion, and it molded to her curves like a second skin. He was surprised the men gawking at her when she sauntered by hadn’t walked straight into the pool. Considering their less-than-subtle ogling, he’d secretly hoped one or two might have fallen in. Shame.

  Nadine laughed, the delightful sound causing more than a few heads to turn in her direction. “You call it meddling; I call it nudging you in the right direction. Ooh, here he comes.”

  “Nadine,” Ace said cheerfully. “Good to see you. You look beautiful.” He handed Annie and Colton their cocktails. “Can I get you a drink?”

  “Thank you, Ace. It’s a pleasure to see you again. I’d love whatever Annie’s having. Thank you.”

  Ace nodded and went back to the bar, both women’s eyes following his every move and making Colton laugh. “Oh my God, stop eyeballing the man’s ass.”

  Nadine moved her eyes to Colton, her expression very serious. “When this is over, if you don’t say something to that man along the lines of ‘I’d like you in my bed,’ I’m going to question your life choices.”

  “You’re both ridiculous.”

  Nadine narrowed her eyes, and Annie gasped, her voice low when she spoke. “Oh my God, you two already played hide the sausage!”

  Colton choked on his drink. “What the hell, Annie? You’re a mother!”

  “And? What, I can’t have a sex drive because I’ve had a child?” She arched an eyebrow at him, and he wiped his mouth on the cocktail napkin. These two were trying to kill him.

  “You did,” Nadine squeaked happily. She was so damn giddy Colton thought she might hurt something. “Was he amazing? Of course he was amazing.”

  “Who said we did anything?” Colton did his best to appear nonchalant. If he could evade Lucky, he could elude these two.

  “Some dude is hitting on your man,” Nadine said, pointing behind him.

  Colton turned, his frown deep when Peter from accounting laughed at something Ace said. Like Ace had told the funniest joke in the world. He slapped Ace’s arm playfully, then kept his hand around Ace’s bicep. He leaned in close to say something, and Ace chuckled, shaking his head at whatever Peter was saying.

  “You’re right,” Annie said. “He’s totally hitting on Ace. Did he actually lick his lips? Way to be subtle, Pete.”

  “Bitch needs to be put in her place,” Nadine said with a hum. “Just saying.”

  Colton took a deep breath and turned back to them with a smile. “Ace is a grown man. He can handle himself.”

  “Peter wrote something on a napkin,” Annie whispered conspiratorially, “and stuck it in Ace’s front jacket pocket.”

  “Oh, hussy’s bold.” Nadine shook her head, her narrowed gaze on Peter. “Seriously, you need to stop being so handsy, Pete. Yes, the man has exquisite bone structure, but he doesn’t need you pawing at him.”