“Hot tub time!” Switching on a dime, Rain managed a sort of cheery bossiness that was exactly what Garrick needed right then. “Let’s get you settled.”
Somehow Garrick managed to explain the help he needed in actual words despite the proximity of Rain and his underwear, which was something of a feat, right up there with actually getting into the tub. They managed though, Rain proving that he might be benefiting from all the workouts, and Garrick showing that perhaps all the exercises Stephanie put him through in PT were doing something.
And it was worth it when he was finally in the water, one of his favorite things, right up there with skydiving. He’d had a vision for this space rooted in entertainment possibilities, but his love of water was a lifelong thing, and he let out a deeply satisfied noise as he arranged himself in one of the seats.
“Much better.” Smiling, Rain let his robe flutter to land on one of the nearby loungers, leaving him in only the sexy underwear before he gracefully slid in the water opposite Garrick. “Now this is nice.”
“Yeah it is. Thanks. Damn. This is exactly what my muscles need after this week. Maybe I need to listen to Stephanie and add some swimming into my routine, even if getting in and out of the pool is a challenge. She has me do hydrotherapy some, but the therapy place has a pool with a lift chair.”
“You should try the swimming. I’d help, even get over my dislike of swim trunks for you.”
“That’s quite the offer.” Garrick had to laugh at Rain’s exaggerated sour expression.
“Hey, I get you in trunks out of it. I’m going to bet you were one of those super wholesome high school guys. Football and lifeguarding. You look like the type who would live at the local pool between sports practices.”
Garrick had to laugh because Rain had captured him pretty darn perfectly. “Add in river raft guide the summer after high school before I got on with an engine crew. I’ve always loved the water. My dad has a place in the country north of town, kind of a small hobby ranch with a couple of horses and other animals, and there’s a pool.”
“Sounds nice.”
“It is. Hell of a place to grow up. There was a time when it looked like he might lose it in the divorce. Some lean months, that’s for damn sure. But it was worth it to get to keep it.”
“I bet. I’m sorry about the divorce. I bet that was hard as a kid. Does she live around here?”
“Eugene. About four hours or so away, but when I was fourteen, it sounded like the ends of the earth. I stayed put with Dad, and she and my sister moved. She’s still there, working at the university, and my sister married a local guy, so she’s there too with her kids. We visit some though—they came to Portland when I was hurt. So it’s not awful, but...”
“Still sucks,” Rain guessed, rather accurately as usual. “But I’m glad you have your dad.”
“Me too. When it warms up a bit more, I’ll show you his place and we can swim if you’ll help me into the pool. No skinny-dipping, but Cookie can run free there, make friends with the old cattle dogs he’s got these days.”
“I’d love that. It’s a deal.” Some of Rain’s usual clump of curls on top of his head—the sort of half-ponytail, half-bun thing he seemed to excel at—had escaped, clinging to his face in damp tendrils that made him look at once both younger and more irresistible. “Dang. You like the water extra hot. I’m gonna sit on the edge for a few, okay?”
“Sure. Assuming you want to do this again, I can lower the set temp.”
“You know I totally want a repeat. This is a sweet setup you’ve got here. And it’s fine. Don’t change anything. I’m just not used to it yet.” Rain effortlessly used his triceps to push up and out of the water, sitting on the little deck that rimmed the tub. And, holy hell, the water had rendered his briefs all but transparent, clearly outlining a cock that was either half-hard or genetically blessed or possibly both. Trying not to stare, Garrick moved his gaze to the patio lights, but not before Rain let out a knowing laugh.
“You can look. Promise you’re not gonna offend me.” Rain’s voice was almost a dare, and Garrick had to wonder if he was actually overheated or if he wanted the excuse to show off.
“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Garrick made himself look at Rain’s sweaty, glowing, mischievous face, which honestly was as arousing as the underwear and anything underneath it.
“I think you like watching. And that’s quite all right because I like showing off.”