Page 71 of Point of Contact

The memory of Trevor stroking his tattoo a few hours ago sent another wave of inappropriate desire surging through him, and Jesse gulped. Jesus, get a grip! I’m his son’s friend! He won’t ever see me as anything but a kid.

And why should he? Besides Trevor being older, and way more experienced, he was dealing with a ton of emotional baggage, not the least of which, his recent breakup with the man he’d intended to marry, for fuck’s sake.

Get a grip, asshole. Seriously. He’s way out of your league and the last thing he needs is some stupid kid mooning over him. What he needs is a friend.

Taking a deep breath, Jesse called out, “Hey, make enough coffee for me?”

Trevor turned with a smile. “Of course.”

Jesse sat down at the island quickly, cursing his traitorous cock, which swelled in response to the warmth in Trevor’s gray eyes. God, he’s beautiful.

As Trevor brought him his cup, he patted Jesse’s shoulder absently, the impersonal touch sending another bolt of heat straight between Jesse’s legs. He shifted on his stool, spreading his knees a little to ease the pressure.

“Everything okay?” Trevor nodded toward Jesse’s phone, still clutched in his hand. “Your friend?”

Jesse tossed his phone aside, picking up his coffee and hunching forward with his elbows on the counter. “I’m not sure,” he mumbled. “It’s—complicated.” He took a few sips and pushed his mug away, putting his head down on his crossed arms, suddenly overwhelmed. “Fuck.”

“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“Nah. Unless you want to make me a steak later.”

“You got it. Feeding you is definitely one thing I can do.”

Trevor wandered into the living room and sprawled out on the couch, propping his socked feet up on the coffee table. He picked up the luau picture again. “I’ve never been to Hawaii. Do you have any other pictures?”

Jesse shook his head, hating when Trevor’s face fell with disappointment. “Neither one of us really thought to take any. That one I showed you was part of our luau package. Riley’s copy is in that box I gave you, along with his shell necklaces and a few souvenirs he bought.”

“Like what?” Trevor’s voice throbbed with eagerness, a thirst for knowledge. “What kind of souvenirs did he buy?”

Jesse cast his mind back, remembering Riley’s delight in discovering shelves full of exotic spice rubs, marinades and sauces.

“My dad will love these!” Riley grabbed several different bottles of marinade. “We’ll have another keg party when we get home, make him grill for us.”

“Glass bottles, Riles?” Jesse said dubiously. “I’m not sure they’d survive the Korengal, unless you’re just gonna ship them home from here.”

Riley bit his lip. “Shit, you’re right.” He put the marinade carefully back. “I’ll order him some online when we get home.”

“You know, the typical stuff,” Jesse finally answered. “A few magnets, T-shirts, stuff to remember the places we visited.”

“What kinds of places? What did you do?”

“Oh, God, so much, Trevor. We were there for almost two weeks. Let’s see.” Jesse tried, but his tired brain wouldn’t bring anything specific into focus. “It’d probably be easier just to take you there and show you,” he joked. “Hang on, I’m thinking...”

Trevor’s small intake of breath caught his attention, and Jesse looked over to see him sitting bolt upright on the couch, staring at him intently. “Would you?” he burst out. “Would you take me and show me?”

“What?”

Trevor rushed on. “Re-create your trip with me, Jess! Give me a chance to experience everything through your eyes so I can also experience it through his.” He leaned forward, earnestness in every line of his body.

Jesse was speechless, and as he remained silent, Trevor deflated a little. “It’s a lot to ask, I realize that. Time off work. I’d pay for everything—”

Jesse found his voice. “I don’t need you to pay for everything.”

“I’m not trying to insult you, Jess, by offering. You’ve already done it once, what had to have been a really expensive trip.”

“And I can afford it.” Jesse gave a mirthless chuckle. “Don’t let the crappy apartment and old truck fool you. I’ve barely touched any of my combat and hazard pay. A year’s worth, all tax free.”

Trevor blinked. “Oh. Right. I got all of Riley’s back pay after probate cleared, plus his SGLI. I haven’t touched a penny of it, as if anyone can put a dollar amount on his life.” His voice was low and bitter.