“For the record, I don’t want to take it back,” Tripp said as he wrapped his arms around Zakk. Didn’t matter that their clothes were plastered to them or that water filled their shoes, the moment was perfect. “I don’t ever want to take it back. I know there are things I need to work on…”
“We all do, so why don’t we work on them together?” Zakk replied before kissing him soundly.
It was so easy to melt into one of Zakk’s toe-curling kisses. By the time they broke apart a small puddle had formed around their feet and that ever-ribbiting frog seemed to be splashing around in it.
“Whatever he’s saying, I doubt it’s very polite,” Tripp quipped as he took Zakk’s hand so they could follow the path back to the spa, a shower, dry clothes and an order of buttery calamari and cheesy mushroom stuffed chicken. Just the thought of it had his stomach rumbling.
“Wanna eat in your room tonight, or mine?” Zakk asked as they followed the path. Somehow, all the lights flashed a different color, sending slashes of rainbows across the stone.
“Yours,” Tripp said. “I want to try that CDB lube you’ve been telling me about, and don’t try and tell me you didn’t bring it, I know you. You threw it in one of your bags.”
“Of course I did. There was a particular someone I wanted to test it out with.”
“Really? And who would that be?”
His snark prompted a low chuckle from Zakk who gave his hand a little squeeze. “Well, if he doesn’t know, I guess that means I haven’t rocked his world thoroughly enough.”
“There could be some truth to that, after all, there’s always room for improvement.”
“Oh really? And what technique, exactly, do you think needs the most work?”
“Hmmmm.”
Tripp really pretended to be thinking until Zakk elbowed him in the side and they both laughed and raced the rest of the way to the main entrance, tracking sand and water across the pristine floor when they stepped inside.
Tonight’s receptionist had wavy black hair and lavender contacts that matched the streaks intricately highlighting each spiral. She never even raised an eyebrow when she saw what condition they were in, just smiled and leaned forward in her chair.
“Shall I send extra towels down to your rooms?” She asked.
“Actually, can you send them all to my room?” Zakk replied.
“Of course, sir. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
“Food, please,” Tripp replied. “Those strawberry kiwi plates with the yogurt dip are amazing, and so is your calamari, and those Oysters Rockefeller.”
“Can we get an order of the cheesy stuffed chicken and mushrooms too please?” Zakk added. “And chocolate milk unless you happen to have coffee milk on hand by any chance.”
Her eyes widened a fraction. “I can arrange to have coffee and milk brought up to your room if you’d like, but I’m afraid we don’t have any premixed combination of both, at least not that I know of. I can certainly ask the chef when I call in your order.”
“No worries,” Zakk said. “It’s a New England thing, I doubt he’ll have heard of it either. The chocolate will be just fine.”
“No milk for me, but if you have any mango tea that would be perfect.”
“I’ll arrange for everything. Will that be all?”
“Just a side salad, please,” Zakk said.
“With enough ranch to drown the green, I won’t forget,” she replied.
“Thanks.”
Tripp cut a sidelong glance at Zakk, who just shrugged. “Exactly what is the point of ordering a salad if you’re going to smother it beneath the dressing?”
“Just because I’m willing to eat one doesn’t mean I want to taste it. There are much better things I’d prefer to stick in my mouth.”
That drew a giggle and a snort from the receptionist, who gave them a little wave before Tripp dragged Zakk off down the hall to see if he would prove it.
Chapter 19