Chapter Ten: Cliff Jock-ing


Nic and his buddies had drifted away just enough to give us space to get the jet ski properly hitched to the boat. I had jumped on the jet ski to get it in the correct position to get it hitched, and Blake was standing at the back of the boat, ready to tie it off. As he tightened the last line, I stepped back on the boat, glanced at Blake, and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Seems like you’ve got a couple of admirers,” I said, smirking.

Blake raised an eyebrow, chuckling. “What do you mean?”

“Alex and Dom are loving you,” I said, emphasizing the word and motioning toward the direction their boat had floated.

He laughed again, shaking his head. “What are you talking about? They’re just nice. They want to go cliff jumping.”

I grinned, leaning casually against the boat’s railing. “Alex and Dom would want to do anything you were doing as long as you were wearing that Speedo.” I pointed to his crotch for effect.

Blake followed my gesture, looking down. His eyes widened as the realization hit him like a freight train. The white speedo was still wet and clinging to him like Blake had painted it on—though, now that I think about it, paint might have done a better job. At least the paint would’ve hidden the different skin tones underneath. His face turned an unmistakable shade of red.

“Fuck, dude,” he said, his voice tinged with panic. “I completely forgot this thing completely disappears when it’s wet.” His hands flew to the pouch, trying to shield himself. “Shit! I stood there talking to them with all my shit just right there?”

I doubled over laughing, wiping a tear from my eye. “Shit, man! I thought you knew what you were doing. They were loving the view—I can promise you that. It was kinda fun watching them squirm like I was.”

Blake groaned, running his fingers through his damp hair and shaking his head. “Why the hell didn’t you say anything—or toss me a damn towel?”

I shrugged, still grinning. “I thought you knew! You’ve been doing that same thing to me for weeks now.”

“It’s completely different with you,” he shot back, his tone defensive but his lips twitching toward a smile. “I was doing that on purpose with you—I knew what I was doing.” He hesitated for a beat, then added under his breath, “I like you.”

“You like me?” I repeated, a smirk spreading across my face.

“Of course that’s all you heard,” he muttered, rolling his eyes. Then, more seriously, he said, “Dude, you’re my best friend. I’ve told you things, done things with you, that I’ve never done with anyone else—or at least don’t remember before.” He paused again, then groaned louder, throwing his hands in the air. “Jesus, man, I just stood there, pretty much butt-ass naked, in front of three gay guys I don’t even know!”

“They know you really well now,” I said, barely able to keep the laughter out of my voice.

Blake shot me a sharp glare, his cheeks still red. “Dude, you’re being a dick.”

I laughed even harder, clapping him on the back. “Dude, you’ll live. They loved it. You can put your trunks back on if you want, but they’ve already seen everything.”

Blake couldn’t stay frustrated and finally let out a laugh, the tension easing from his shoulders. He glanced over at his trunks, still sitting on the seats at the back of the boat where he’d tossed them earlier. A sly grin spread across his face. “They did enjoy it, didn’t they?” he said, his voice dripping with playful arrogance.

I shook my head, smirking. “I mean, I know I am, and they were definitely staring and squirming, trying not to make it obvious—but, trust me, it was.”

Blake shrugged, the grin still plastered on his face. “Well, as long as you’re enjoying it, I guess I’ll just leave it.”

I laughed, shaking my head. Then I added, “But hey, I don’t need some ‘straight’ guy falling in love with me, alright? That shit never ends well.”

Blake burst out laughing, leaning back against the railing. “Falling in love with you?” he shot back, his tone sharp and teasing. “Please. If I were gonna fall for a dude, I’d at least aim for someone taller. Maybe with better abs.”

“Better abs?” I repeated, pretending to be offended. “Have you seen these cum gutters?”

Blake barked another laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah, they’re decent. But Dom’s got size, and Alex—well, he’s got… enthusiasm. You’re just ‘the safe bet.’” He winked, making sure the jab landed.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, fuck you.”

“Don’t have to,” he shot back, grinning wickedly. “I’ve got a couple of volunteers lined up for that on the other boat.”

Nic shouted from his boat, “You guys ready to go or what?”

I hollered back, “Yep, heading out now!” With that, I walked over to the captain’s chair, sat down, and started the engine. The low hum vibrated through the boat as we pulled away, Nic and his crew following close behind.

I leaned back casually against the chair, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the armrest. Blake walked over, gripping the side rail for stability as the boat glided over the water. His wet speedo clung to him with every step, shifting slightly with each movement.

“How far out is this cliff spot?” he asked, leaning close enough that I could catch the faint scent of lake water and sunscreen still lingering on his skin.

“Not too far,” I replied, glancing at him before turning my gaze back to the lake. “Probably takes about 15, maybe 20 minutes to get there.”

I tried to focus on steering, but my eyes betrayed me, flicking downward to the speedo that was still clinging tight to him. The fabric was starting to dry now, regaining some coverage, but it still left little to the imagination. Each subtle bounce of the boat made it jiggle just enough to hold my attention a second too long.

Blake caught me staring. He grinned, clearly enjoying the moment, and grabbed the pouch of his speedo, giving it a playful squeeze. “See something you like?” he teased, his voice low and full of amusement.

I blinked and shot him a smirk. “I’m just taking advantage of the private show before all your groupies are here staring.”

Blake laughed, shaking his head as he turned and walked toward the seating area at the front of the boat. “They can look all they want, but you’re the only one that gets to touch,” Blake shouted back as he flopped down onto one of the cushions, stretching out like he didn’t have a care in the world.

I let out a breath, gripping the wheel a little tighter as I turned my focus back to the lake ahead. Nic and them were still close behind, their boat bouncing along the water, but my attention kept drifting back to Blake as he lounged effortlessly in the sun.

It wasn’t long before we were pulling into the cove where the cliff-jumping spot was. The tall rock formations jutted out above the shimmering water, casting long shadows across the cove. Blake sat up, stretching lazily as he looked around, his eyes scanning the cliffs.

“Which one do we jump off?” he asked, a mix of curiosity and excitement in his voice.

I pointed to the tallest cliff. “There’s a little path you take from the beach up and around to the top,” I explained. “It’s about 70 feet directly above the water. Perfect for jumping if you’re feeling brave.”

As I said this, Nic’s boat pulled up beside ours, and we quickly tied the boats off and anchored them down. The sound of water splashing against the hulls and the faint hum of music from Nic’s boat set the atmosphere.

Alex, standing at the edge of their boat, peered down into the water with a skeptical look. “Are we sure the water’s deep enough here for the jump?”

Nic let out a loud laugh, shaking his head. “Oh, now you’re chickening out? I bet you’re regretting not wanting to go to the beach party now.” His teasing tone drew chuckles from everyone.

Alex straightened, his face flushed. “No, I’m just making sure,” he muttered defensively.

Nic smirked, clapping Alex on the shoulder. “Oh, okay, just making sure,” he said in a mockingly serious tone before turning to Blake with a grin. “Come on, Blake, you and me. Let’s show these little wimps how it’s done.”

Blake turned to me, his grin small, and raised an eyebrow as if asking for permission. I tilted my head toward the cliff and smirked.

Blake stood up and adjusted the pouch of his speedo, readying himself to dive into the water. Nic motioned for him to follow as they prepared to swim to the beach and make their way to the top.

“Hey, Nic,” I called out just before they jumped in, “you remember how to get to the top, right?”

Nic paused mid-step, rolling his eyes. “Yes, Dad. We go up.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm, and I just shook my head, smirking as they both dove cleanly into the water.

Alex cracked open a beer and called out, “Dover! Heads up.” He tossed me a can, and I caught it as I climbed over to their boat.

“Cheers,” I said, tapping my can against his before taking a sip.

We leaned against the side, watching Blake and Nic swim toward the shore. The faint sound of music played in the background, blending with the rhythmic splash of water. As they reached the beach, Blake and Nic were laughing, already talking animatedly about something.

After a moment of small talk, Dom switched it up, his tone casual but with a mischievous edge. “So, uh… what’s the deal with you and Blake?”

I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean? He’s straight.”

Dom smirked, leaning a little closer. “Come on. You’ve got to know what I mean. He’s ripped, confident, practically all over you… You’re telling me you two are just friends?”

Alex chuckled, taking a swig of his beer. “Yeah, right. Just friends. That’s why he’s walking around in a tiny Speedo that’s basically see-through. Straight guys don’t do that when they’re hanging out with their gay best friend.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I lent it to him this morning.”

Alex froze mid-sip, staring at me. “You lent it to him?”

Dom burst out laughing, “Wait—and he actually wore it? Dude, I don’t think he’s as straight as you think.”

“Yeah,” I said with a shrug, trying to sound casual. “It’s not a big deal.”

Dom doubled over, still laughing. “Not a big deal? Dude, it’s practically transparent.

“We didn’t know it was see-through!” I said quickly, holding up my hands in defense.

That only made them laugh harder. Alex nearly spit out his beer. “How could you not know? Have you seen him in it? You can practically see his entire—”

“I get it!” I interrupted, laughing despite myself. “I just thought it’d be fun, alright? We didn’t find out it was see-through until we were already out on the water and we laughed and then, I don’t know, forgot about it.”

Dom wiped at his eyes, grinning wide. “You thought it’d be fun, huh? Sure. And now you’re gonna sit there and tell us you forgot about it… how could you forget about something that amazing?”

I laughed and rolled my eyes. “You guys are ridiculous.”

“We’re ridiculous?” Alex said, still laughing. “Come on, man. The only ridiculous thing is expecting us to believe you guys are just friends.”

I took another sip of my beer. “But it’s the truth. We are just two good friends having a good time. Nothing more.” Which was sort of the truth, I guess. I just left out the part about my dick being in Blake's mouth and then his tonged in my ass earlier.

Dom said, “Fine, we won’t make you kiss and tell if you don’t want to. But at least admit you can’t get enough of him in that speedo,” As he leaned back in his chair.

I laughed, “Alright, maybe a little.”

“A little?” Alex said, still laughing. “Come on, man. There is nothing little about that man. Except for your speedo he’s wearing; it’s like a second skin. You can’t not notice.”

“Okay, fine,” I said, chuckling. “Maybe I’ve been staring. But hey, it’s Blake. He doesn’t care, and neither do I.”

Dom smirked, shaking his head. “You two are something else, man.”

I rolled my eyes, laughing again. “You guys are ridiculous. Blake’s straight. He’s just, I don’t know, comfortable with himself. And yeah, we’re close friends, but that’s all it is.”

Dom leaned back, grinning. “Well, someone needs to tell Nic that. Because that Dude, shit, he looks like he’s about to chew glass every time he sees you two together?”

I paused, caught off guard. “Nic... What? Why?”

Alex raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing but firm. “Oh, he’s definitely jealous. You didn’t see the way he kept glancing over here earlier? Like he was trying to figure out if Blake’s your new… whatever.”

I laughed, brushing it off. “Nic’s got no reason to be jealous. He’s the one who walked away.”

Dom’s smirk faded slightly, his tone softening. “Look, you know how Nic is. The guy can’t commit to dinner plans, let alone a relationship. That’s just who he is. It wasn’t about you.”

Alex nodded, his voice more serious now. “Yeah, man. His last relationship wrecked him.”

I paused, my beer halfway to my lips. “What? Who was this guy? How long were they together?”


END PART ONE
 
CHAPTER TEN CONTINUED…


Dom and Alex exchanged a glance before Alex shrugged. “We don’t know much. It was before we met him, and he barely talks about it. But from the little he’s let slip? It really fucked him up.”

I didn’t reply right away; I just took another sip of my beer and stared out at the water, letting their words hang in the air. My thoughts swirled as I watched Nic and Blake start climbing the trail to the top of the cliff. Nic had never mentioned any of this to me—not once. When he ended things, he told me he didn’t want anything serious, and I believed him. At the time, it felt like one of those excuses people use when they’re not interested—but now, hearing this? It complicated everything.

I leaned back against the boat, the music playing softly in the background as I let myself spiral. How much did I really know about Nic? Sure, I knew the surface-level stuff: he works in finance, has a nice place, a nice car, nice clothes, loves hiking and working out, hates the cold, and is from the East Coast. But the deeper stuff? His fears, his past, the things that actually matter? Nothing. Not really. For all the things I’d shared with him, Nic had been a closed book.

Then there was Blake, who was an open book. What were he and Nic talking about up there? I couldn’t help but imagine the worst—Nic’s smooth charm, his way of pulling people in, getting them to open up. What if he was getting Blake to spill about the past two weeks? Not that I had anything to hide, but the thought of them talking about me, dissecting me, judging me… It made my chest tighten.

Worse, what if Nic was sharing something about me? Something I hadn’t been ready to share with Blake myself? The real reason I came up here every year? What if Nic was planting seeds, playing a game I didn’t even know I was part of? The thought was enough to make my stomach twist.

I shook my head, trying to push it all away. I wasn’t going to do this to myself. Whatever Nic and Blake were talking about, it didn’t matter. It couldn’t matter.

“Nic? Jealous?” I muttered under my breath, forcing a laugh to try and lighten my own mood. “Yeah, right.”

I looked back up at the top of the cliff. Nic and Blake had just gotten to the top and were looking down and waving at us. I squinted against the glare of the sun reflecting off the water, watching them talk. They both gestured animatedly for a moment before stepping back from the edge, clearly planning something.

Nic went first. He jogged to the edge, his strides confident, and pushed off with precision. He tucked into a front flip mid-air, the arc of his body fluid and smooth before he straightened out and plunged into the water feet-first. A solid splash followed, and Alex, Dom, and I clapped and cheered as Nic surfaced, shaking water from his hair.

“That was clean,” Alex said, tipping his beer toward Nic. Dom nodded in agreement, a low whistle escaping him. “Not bad.”

Nic smiled, obviously enjoying the attention, and then looked back up at the cliff, treading water as Blake got ready.

Blake took the same running start, but everything about his jump was bigger. He launched off the edge with so much momentum that it felt like time slowed for a moment. Blake spun into a double gainer—two flawless, backward flips—before stretching out into a graceful dive. The way he hit the water, smooth and effortless, left barely a ripple behind.

Dom let out a loud “Whoa!” while Alex shook his head, laughing. “What the hell?” he said, glancing over at me. “Does he practice this stuff?”

I laughed, still watching as Blake surfaced. His grin was as wide as the lake itself as he shook his head, sending water flying. Nic turned toward him, shaking his head with a smirk, but there was something else in his expression I couldn’t quite place.

“Show-off,” Nic called, his tone light but laced with something sharper. Blake just laughed, his voice ringing out across the water.

“Gotta keep things interesting!” Blake shouted back before swimming toward the boat with Nic trailing behind him.

As they climbed aboard, Blake pulled himself up with ease, water streaming down his body. He ran a hand through his wet hair, shaking off droplets before reaching into the cooler for a beer. Without a word, Blake popped the tab, took a long sip, and then sat down on the cushioned bench at the back of the boat, leaning back with one leg stretched out. His movements were casual, but there was a quiet confidence to him—a sense of ease in his skin, even if he wasn’t flaunting himself outright in front of Alex, Dom, or Nic.

I caught myself watching him for a second too long before shifting my gaze to Nic, who had grabbed a towel and was drying off, his expression unreadable.

The rest of the afternoon blurred into a whirl of jumps, laughter, and the satisfying sting of cold lake water against sun-warmed skin. We took turns hiking up to the top of the cliff, the trail becoming familiar by the third or fourth climb. Each jump added a new story to the day.

Alex kept things simple, always taking a deep breath before leaping straight off and going feet-first, arms stiff at his sides like he was bracing for impact. “Safety first,” he joked every time, and though we teased him for it, no one could deny he was consistent.

Dom, on the other hand, was the wildcard. One jump, in particular, stood out: he stood on the edge for way too long, clearly psyching himself up for something daring. When he finally leaped, he tried to twist into a backflip, but halfway through, his form broke, and he landed flat on his back with a deafening smack against the water. The sound echoed across the lake like a gunshot, and we all erupted into laughter, doubled over on the boat as Dom surfaced, wincing and holding his back.

“Dude!” Alex yelled, barely able to get the words out through his laughter. “I think you left an imprint on the lake.”

Dom waved a hand at us dismissively, coughing out water. “I meant to do that. It’s called… performance art.”

Blake grinned from where he was leaning on the railing, his arms crossed. “Yeah, well, maybe next time, try rehearsing first.”

Blake and Nic, though, were in a league of their own. The two of them seemed locked in some unspoken competition. Each jump more daring than the last. Nic tried a reverse dive that left everyone clapping, but Blake followed with a twisting layout that left him gliding through the air like a pro.

It was obvious to everyone they were trying to impress someone—and I guess that someone was me. Nic’s lingering glances in my direction and Blake’s subtle smirks when he nailed another jump made it clear. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but I wasn’t going to lie—it was fun to watch.

When we weren’t climbing the cliff or jumping off it, we were lounging on the boat, beers in hand, soaking up the sun and the easy camaraderie of the day. Blake seemed to loosen up more with every passing hour. At first, he’d been a little more cautious, tugging at the waistband of his speedo, holding his hand and/or beer in front of his pouch, or sitting in positions that kept him partially covered. But by mid-afternoon, he was stretched out casually, chatting and laughing as if he’d forgotten entirely about how revealing his swimwear was—or maybe he just didn’t care anymore.

Alex and Dom, though, definitely hadn’t forgotten. They took turns flirting with Blake, their comments half-teasing but with enough weight to make me wonder if they were testing the waters. Dom leaned against the cooler at one point, flashing his best grin as he said, “You know, Blake, if you ever get tired of these idiots, just let me know, and we can take that jet ski out, and I’ll let you drive me anywhere.”

Blake laughed, shaking his head as if he hadn’t caught the subtext. “Thanks, man, but I think this crowd’s doing alright.”

Alex wasn’t much subtler, offering to “help” Blake adjust his waistband before or after a jump and making exaggerated remarks about his “form” every time he climbed back on the boat. Blake just played along, letting their comments roll off his back, either oblivious or perfectly aware and just choosing not to engage.

For my part, I couldn’t help but find the whole thing hilarious. The day had started with a bit of tension, but now the mood was light, and even with Nic’s occasional sharp looks, it felt like everyone was genuinely having fun. Surprisingly, so was I.

By late afternoon, the sun had hung lower in the sky, casting everything in a golden glow. The energy on the boat had cranked up a notch. The music blared louder now, thumping across the water in time with Alex and Dom dancing around the boat, hollering and laughing as Blake egged them on.

Blake, now fully embracing the chaos and probably a little drunk, climbed onto one of the bench seats, his beer raised high. He shouted, “Alright, who’s shotgunning the next one with me?”

Dom, not one to back down, grabbed a fresh can from the cooler and held it ready. “You’re on! I’m about to beat that little speedo right off your tight ass,” he shouted back, drawing laughter from the rest of us.

Blake hopped down, shaking his head with a grin. “Oh, you’re going down.”

They squared off at the back of the boat, punctuating the challenge with mock trash talk. Alex held up his phone, declaring himself the official referee, as they both knelt on the deck, beers in hand.

“Ready, set… shotgun!” Alex shouted, and they were off.

The sound of aluminum crunching and beer sloshing filled the air as both Blake and Dom chugged furiously, foam spilling down their pair chests. Dom finished first, slamming his can down triumphantly and throwing his arms up like he’d just won an Olympic medal. “Yes! Bow down, peasant!”

Blake tossed his empty can into the trash bag and smirked. “Fuck! Two out of three?”

Dom laughed and said, “Let’s do it!”

Nic had been quiet for a while, sitting on the edge of the boat with his legs dangling over the side, toes skimming the water. He wasn’t sulking exactly, but his mood had definitely shifted as the day wore on, and I caught him stealing a glance at me more than once.

“You good?” I asked, leaning against the captain’s chair and tilting my head toward him.

Nic shrugged without looking at me. “Yeah, just… thinking.”

“About what?”

He didn’t answer right away, but then he gestured vaguely toward Blake, who was now getting ready to shotgun with Dom for a second time, his laugh cutting across the water like a warm breeze.

“You two,” Nic said finally. His tone wasn’t accusing, exactly, but it wasn’t light either. “You’ve been spending a lot of time together lately.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Dude, Nic, we are just friends. He is straight. Plus, why do you even care? You ended it with me. And look, I’m not mad about it. We’re friends, and we are all good.”

Nic’s lips tightened, almost like he was trying to hold in his words. “Fine. You’re right, I shouldn’t care. But for the record, he is exactly your type.”

I crossed my arms, leaning my hip against the side of the boat. “And what exactly is my type?”

Nic finally looked at me, his expression hard to read. “Him.”

The tension in his voice caught me off guard, and I laughed, more to fill the silence than anything. “Well, thanks for the expert analysis, Dr. Phil.”

He didn’t laugh. Instead, he turned his gaze back toward the water, swirling his beer can idly. “You sure about him?”

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, I didn’t know how to respond. --Was I sure about what? About Blake? About myself? What the hell was Nic even trying to say?

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked finally, keeping my tone flat and even.

Nic shrugged again, but this time, it felt more pointed. “Nothing. Just… guys like him; they’re fun. But that’s all it ever is. Fun.”

Before I could stop myself, I shot back harshly, “Oh, there it is! So you’re saying he’s just looking to have fun and not looking for anything serious, is that it? How’s that any different from you?” The words spilled out before I could reel them in, my frustration finally boiling over. “At least with Blake, it’s not just about sex. He actually shares things with me—he lets me in. Unlike you. We were together, or talking, or… whatever the fuck you want to call it, for months, and I don’t know a damn thing about you. Not really.”

The moment the words left my mouth, regret crashed over me. Fuck. That was too much. I’d pushed back too hard and said too much.

Nic’s expression didn’t shift at first, but then his lips curved into a calm, almost smug smile. “So… you and Blake are together. Good to know.” His tone was light, but it carried a weight that made my stomach twist.

I opened my mouth to respond—to deny it, clarify it, something—but before I could, Blake’s voice cut across the boat. “What are you two whispering about over there?”

Nic’s jaw tightened, his muscles flexing visibly for a brief moment before he plastered on a smile. Without looking at me, he stood and turned to face Blake. “Just catching up, man. Don’t worry about it,” he said smoothly as he stepped past me, closing the distance between himself and Blake.

In one fluid motion, Nic draped an arm around Blake’s shoulders, patting him on the back and steering him back toward the music and laughter where Alex and Dom were dancing. The ease of his movements and the charm in his voice were classic Nic, and they made me want to scream.

Blake looked back over his shoulder at me, his expression soft, almost like he could sense something was off. “Dover, you coming?” he called, his voice cutting through the base of the music.

But I couldn’t. Not yet. My thoughts were spinning, and my stomach knotted. I stayed rooted to the spot; my jaw clenched as I cursed myself for not seeing what Nic had been doing from the start—stirring the pot, poking at insecurities, pulling strings. It had been so fucking obvious. How had I fallen for it?

FUCK!

I gripped the edge of the railing as if I was trying to ring it out, knuckles white. I stared out at the lake, trying to cool the fire in my chest. But the only thing I could think about was Nic’s smile as he walked away.


END PART TWO
 
CHAPTER TEN CONTINUED…


“No, I think I’m going to go jump one more time,” I shouted back, my voice firm as I walked toward the edge of the boat. I needed to move, to get away from the weight of what had just happened.

Blake’s voice rang out over the music and laughter. “Wait up! I’ll come with you!” he called, but I didn’t stop. I dove into the cool water, letting the sudden chill shock my system and clear my head.

When I surfaced, I heard the splash behind me, followed by the unmistakable sound of Blake’s strokes cutting through the water. Over the noise of the party on the boat, I caught glimpses of Nic, Alex, and Dom, their heads close together as they huddled near the railing. My stomach dropped.

I didn’t need to hear what they were saying to know. Nic was working his magic, spinning the narrative, telling them exactly what he wanted them to know—how he’d gotten me to slip, to spill the truth about me and Blake. The smug satisfaction on his face earlier flashed in my mind, and I clenched my fists in the water.

“Hold up!” Blake yelled from behind me, his voice breaking through the rush of my thoughts. He was swimming hard, closing the gap between us, but I didn’t stop. I turned my back on the boat and powered toward the beach, needing the space, needing the distance.

The cool water slid over my skin as I pushed forward, my muscles burning with effort. Blake’s voice grew closer, but I kept my pace steady, not ready to face him yet—not after what I’d just realized.

“Dover!” Blake called again, his tone shifting from playful to concerned. But still, I didn’t stop.

I reached the shore and began trudging forward as soon as the water hit my waist, my movements deliberate and quick. Behind me, I could hear Blake splashing closer, his strokes urgent.

“Dude! Slow the fuck down and talk to me, please. What happened? What did Nic say?” he called out, his voice ragged from effort.

By the time I reached the sand, Blake was right behind me. His hand landed firmly on my shoulder, pulling me to a stop. “What the fuck, man? Talk to me.”

I froze for a moment, my eyes darting back toward the boat. Nic was still there, huddled with Alex and Dom, clearly in the middle of a deep discussion. My jaw clenched as frustration bubbled up again. Finally, I turned my attention back to Blake, shrugging his hand off gently.

“Just keep walking. Let’s go,” I said quickly, my voice low but firm.

Blake’s brow dropped. “What? Why? What’s the rush?”

“Just come on,” I snapped, already turning toward the trail that led up to the cliff. I didn’t wait for his response, my feet kicking up small sprays of sand as I made my way to the path.

Blake followed, his confusion evident in his voice as he called after me. “Dover, seriously, what the hell is going on?”

I didn’t answer until we were far enough up the path, out of sight of the boat and the prying eyes I knew Nic was aiming my way. Finally, I stopped and turned to face Blake, my chest heaving with the weight of what I had to say.

“I fucked up,” I blurted, the words rushing out before I could second-guess them. “Please, don’t hate me.”

Blake blinked, his head tilting slightly as confusion deepened the lines in his brow. “Okay… what happened?”

I swallowed hard, the dryness in my throat making it feel like I was forcing the words out. “I was talking to Nic, and he started in on me… on us… and I might’ve let it slip that we’ve been doing more than just… having fun.”

Blake didn’t react immediately. His face stayed neutral, his gaze dropping to the sand as my confession hung in the air like a bad smell. The silence stretched on, a crushing, suffocating thing that made my chest feel like it was caving in.

I searched his face for something—anything—that would give me a clue about what he was thinking. But there was nothing. Just the same blank expression, his jaw tight, his lips pressed into a thin line. It was as if time itself had stopped, trapping me in this awful moment where every second felt like a lifetime.

In my mind, I thought— please, say something. Do something. Fuck yell at me if you want to. Just… don’t leave me hanging like this.— but I couldn’t do or say anything.

He finally looked up, his eyes locking on mine. There was no anger in them but no easy forgiveness either. Instead, there was something else—a mix of caution, vulnerability, and maybe even hurt. When he spoke, his voice was calm but measured.

“So… he knows,” Blake said simply, not a question, just a statement. “Which means they all know by now.”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry as I searched for something—anything—that would make this better. “I mean… yeah, probably.”

Blake’s expression didn’t change. He went quiet again, his gaze drifting past me to the trail behind, his eyes unfocused. It was like he was looking straight through me, like he didn’t want to see me at all. And in that moment, I felt so small—so fucking small. The weight of my mistake crushed me, leaving me scrambling for words.

“Blake,” I started, my voice barely more than a whisper. “I’m so sorry. I fucked up. I—”

Blake’s eyes snapped to mine, cutting me off mid-sentence. The sharpness in his gaze silenced me instantly, freezing the words in my throat. For a moment, he just stared at me, his expression unreadable. Then he let out a long sigh, the tension in his shoulders loosening just slightly.

“Fuck it,” he said.

I blinked, caught off guard. “What does that mean? Fuck what?”

Blake’s lips twitched into a faint, almost defiant smile as he repeated, “I don’t care what they think.”

I stared at him, unsure if I’d heard him right. “You… don’t care?”

He nodded, more firmly this time. “Yeah. I’ve spent my whole damn life caring what people think of me. Every move, every decision, every fucking thing—it’s always been about making sure when people look at me, they see what I want them to see.” Blake motioned to his body before adding, “And you know what? I’m done caring about what they think.”

His words came faster now like he was letting go of something he’d been holding onto for far too long. “Like you said last night, it’s not the end of the world. So fuck it. Fuck what they think they know. Fuck what they think about us. Just… fuck it.”

I didn’t know what to say. I just stood there, staring at him, caught between relief and disbelief. The way he said it—so matter-of-fact, so final—made it feel real like this moment had shifted something between us.

Blake reached up, running a hand through his wet hair, his expression softening as he added, “If they want to talk, let them. It doesn’t change anything. Not really, not for me.”

I hesitated, then asked, “So… you’re okay with them knowing we’ve hooked up? That you’ve hooked up with another man?”

Blake let out a nervous laugh, running a hand through his damp hair. “Am I okay with literally almost everything in my life-changing? No. And I don’t know if I should be.” He paused, glancing at me briefly before adding, “But I do know I’m not going to let it be the end of the world or ruin another friendship. Not again.”

I swallowed hard, unsure if his words made me feel better or worse. “You’re not mad at me? Because, honestly, I’m pissed at myself. I should’ve seen what Nic was doing. I can’t believe I fell for it.”

Blake stopped walking for a second, turning to face me. “No, man. I’m not mad at you. And you shouldn’t be mad at yourself either.” His expression softened before a teasing smirk tugged at his lips. “But I will say this—I thought you were supposed to be good at keeping secrets, Mr. Top Secret Clearance.”

I blinked, momentarily stunned by his joke, before letting out a short laugh. “Touché.”

Blake grinned. “Come on, let’s get to the top,” he said, turning back toward the trail.

We started walking, and of course, my mind immediately kicked into overdrive. A hundred thoughts fought for my attention, most of them circling back to the same question: What does this mean for us?

Blake had just admitted he didn’t care that people knew. That wasn’t nothing. This wasn’t just some stupid hookup with a straight guy anymore. It felt like more—like it could be more—and that scared the shit out of me. The possibilities, the implications, the what-ifs swirled around in my head, threatening to drag me under.

But then I caught myself doing what I know you’ve realized that I always do —overthinking, trying to figure out something I couldn’t possibly control. I forced myself to stop, to let go of the need to define or predict whatever this was. Just let it happen, I told myself. Don’t push it one way or the other. Let whatever is going to happen happen.

Ultimately, we were still just two friends having fun. And for now, that was enough.

When we reached the top of the cliff, I stopped and took in the view. It was like seeing it for the first time. The entire cove stretched out beneath us, bathed in that perfect, golden glow that only comes just before sunset. The water shimmered like liquid gold, every ripple catching the light. The trees surrounding the cove looked alive, their leaves glowing as the sun kissed their edges. Even the boats below, tiny specks now, seemed part of some picture-perfect scene. It was breathtaking.

“Wow,” I muttered, more to myself than to Blake. “It’s incredible up here right now.”

Blake stepped up beside me, hands on his hips as he looked out over the water. “Yeah, it’s something else,” he said, his voice softer than usual, like the view had even gotten to him.

But then something caught my eye—a shadowy figure standing on the far side of the cove, right on the edge of the cliff near the treeline. It was distant, almost indistinct, but the movement of the figure was unmistakable. And then there was the shimmer, like sunlight reflecting off something metallic in their hand.

I froze, narrowing my eyes, trying to focus. The figure didn’t move. They just stood there, facing in our direction, entirely still.

“Do you see that?” I asked, my voice low, almost hesitant, as I turned to Blake. “Right there—on the far cliff, just by the trees.” I didn’t want to point and give away that I spotted the person, if it was even a person.

Blake frowned and followed my gaze, but when I turned back to look, the figure was gone. The treeline was empty now, nothing but the swaying branches in the breeze.

“See what?” Blake asked, looking at me curiously.

“There was someone there,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. “Right by the tree line. They were holding something— that was reflecting the light from the sun. That’s what caught my eye.”

Blake squinted, then shook his head with a soft laugh. “Probably a bear. Or, hey, maybe it was Bigfoot. That would explain why they disappeared so fast.”

I laughed despite myself, his teasing cutting through some of the unease. But as we stood there, the golden light warming my skin, I couldn’t shake what I’d seen. I knew it wasn’t a bear or Bigfoot. I knew what I saw.

We heard Nic shout from below, his voice cutting through the stillness. “Hey, guys! We’re gonna have to head out. The big guy drank too much and is about to blow chunks everywhere.”

Blake leaned over in my direction slightly and very sarcastically said softly, “Oh no, Nic, please don’t leave. Fucking dick.”

I laughed, probably a little too loud.

He then leaned over the edge, shouting back, “Dom, you lightweight!”

From the back of the boat, Dom, hunched over and clearly struggling, didn’t even bother looking up. He just raised his arm weakly and flipped us off.

Alex’s laugh echoed across the cove as he untied their boat from ours. “We’ll see you idiots tomorrow!” he called, still grinning as the engine roared to life and they started to pull away.

Blake stood beside me, watching them drift into the distance. “I really enjoyed Alex and Dom. They’re fun,” he said, his voice just loud enough for me to hear over the fading hum of the engine.

“Yeah, they’re good guys,” I replied, meaning every word. “Sucks they’re best friends with Nic, though.” The truth of it stung a little. Alex and Dom had always been welcoming to me, but I couldn’t see them reaching out if I wasn’t in Nic’s orbit. Just one of those things, I guessed.

We stood there in silence for a moment, the sound of their boat fading away until all that was left was the quiet lapping of the water below and the warm golden glow of the setting sun. The cove felt still like it belonged only to us now, and the calm that settled over the moment was… perfect.

“What do you say we do this last jump, head back to the house, and figure out dinner?” Blake asked, breaking the silence, his tone easy as he gazed out over the cliff. Then, without missing a beat, he added with an effortless grin, “And maybe you can help me finish what we started on the beach this morning.”

I couldn’t help but grin back as he turned toward me.

“I mean, you do owe me after spilling the beans to your ex,” he said, his voice teasing as he stretched his arms above his head. The motion made his speedo dip low, so low that it barely covered him anymore. The waistband slid down over his hips, exposing the sharp V-lines of his pelvis and all of his pubes and stopping just above the base of his cock. The waistband just sat on the base of his dick like it was hooked on, outlining everything in a way that made me want to rip it right off him again.

It was impossible not to stare, my thoughts short-circuiting as I took in the sight. I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. “I thought you said fuck it—you didn’t care.”

“I did,” Blake replied with a slight shrug, lowering his arms. “And fuck it,” he added, his grin shifting into something devilish, something dangerous. “That’s why tonight… I’m going to fuck you. And maybe you can fuck me too.”

My mouth dropped open, and before I could even process what he’d just said, he bolted. “WAAAHHOOOO!” he shouted, sprinting to the edge of the cliff and launching himself into the air with a whoop of pure exhilaration.

I snapped out of it, planting my right foot hard into the ground and pivoting toward the edge. Dirt kicked up behind me as I sprinted full speed, adrenaline surging through me like wildfire. No more overthinking. No more distractions. I jumped as hard as I could, the rush of wind against my skin like freedom itself.

As I soared through the air, I caught sight of Blake splashing into the water below. I threw my arms out wide and shouted at the top of my lungs, “LET’S FUCKING GO!”


END CHAPTER TEN
 
Read before Chapter 10

Hello everyone,

I just realized I messed up and posted Chapter 10 instead of Chapter 9. I finished Chapter 9 this weekend and was editing Chapter 10 this afternoon, but I completely forgot I hadn't posted Chapter 9 yet. I tried to delete the Chapter 10 post(s), but I don't know how, so I'm just posting Chapter 9 now.

I apologize for the confusion. That's what I get for running on 4 hrs of sleep... But now you all get two chapters to read...

Sorry again!

Chapter 9: Jock Rush


Blake shot me a grin as we made our way through the sand toward the jet ski, his speedo slung around his neck like some sort of victory flag. We were both still laughing about this insane plan, walking naked under the open sky. The sun warmed our skin, drying the last drops of lake water as we reached the jet ski.

As we got closer, Blake glanced around the cove, his eyes tracing the narrow passage that led back to the main lake. “So… you’re sure no one ever comes back here?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “No random kayakers or fishermen hiding around?”

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “Blake, I’ve been coming here for years, and I swear, I’ve never seen anyone back here. This spot’s as hidden as it gets.” I nodded toward the narrow channel. “Once we hit the main lake, though, it’s a different story. We’ll just have to keep our eyes open and play it smart.”

He chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Smart? We’re about to ride out of here bare-ass on a jet ski, man. Where’s the smart in that?”

“Touché,” I said, grinning as I climbed onto the jet ski, straddling the seat and scooting forward to give him space. Then I shot him a smirk. “But don’t forget, this is all your fault.”

Blake just laughed, stepping up onto the back of the jet ski and standing over me, one foot on each side of the bench, hands on his hips. “It’s not all my fault,” he said, grinning down at me, his tone playful.

I raised an eyebrow, not letting him off that easy. “It 100% is totally your fault. You ripped my Speedo off and hurled it across the lake!”

Blake burst out laughing, shaking his head. “Alright, fair enough. But then I sucked you off, and I’m riding back naked too—even though I actually found mine… so, I think we’re pretty even.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, nodding as I gave him a look. “Yeah, okay, fair point.” But in the back of my mind, the thought of Blake going down on me flashed through again—his blue eyes looking up at me, the feel of his mouth wrapped around me. Fucking hell, it was perfect, and I couldn’t shake the thrill of it.

He didn’t sit down right away, though. Instead, he ran his hands through his wet hair, shaking out the last drops, then slid them down his chest and abs, brushing away the water clinging to his skin. His dick swayed in front of me, hanging low and relaxed but just thick enough that I couldn’t look away. He was maybe a quarter hard, just enough to give it weight, and the sight of it so close was enough to make my pulse spike all over again.

Just like always, I couldn’t stop staring at Blake as he stood there. This time, there was no teasing jock or pesky speedo in the way. I was staring right at his juicy, perfect, dangling dick and his heavy set of balls swaying behind it.

Blake finally broke the silence. “Dude, my eyes are up here.” He said jokingly as he shook his hips, sending his dick and balls both slapping against both of his meaty thighs.

I just laughed and said, “fuck you! If you don’t want me to look, then sit down and stop dangling it right in front of my face.”

Blake laughed but didn’t sit down. He liked seeing me drooling over him. “So, am I ever going to get a chance to drive this thing?” He said it with that cocky grin, eyes gleaming as he looked down at me.

I laughed, glancing up at him, trying to keep my cool. “Let’s just get back to the boat, get dressed, and then you can drive all you want.” But, really, there was another reason I wasn’t too eager to let him take over right now. After everything that just went down, I didn’t know how comfortable he’d be with my hard dick pressed up against his ass the whole ride back.

He gave me a look, smirking as he leaned back slightly. “Wait a second—don’t tell me you’ve done this before.”

I rolled my eyes. “No, man, this is definitely a first for me.”

He chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “So I’m your first? Honored, bro.” His voice was playful, but I could see something deeper in his eyes, a spark that had my pulse pounding.

Blake finally sat down behind me, straddling the seat and sliding up so he was pressing himself firmly against my back. I felt every inch of him, his bare skin warm against mine, and this time, without any layers between us, the sensation was something else entirely. As I have told you, we’d been in this position before—first on the four-wheelers, shirtless and close, and then earlier on the jet ski in our Speedos. But now, both of us were completely naked; the difference was electric.

The unmistakable feeling of Blake’s dick, just a quarter chubbed at this point but solid, pressed up against my ass, sending a jolt through me. His pubes brushed against my lower back, tickling in a way that somehow felt both casual and intensely intimate, and I couldn’t shake the sensation. Every small movement he made, every shift, I felt it all, and it was doing nothing to calm my own situation. If anything, my own dick only thickened with every second, hardening in response to the heat and pressure of him pressed so close.

Then Blake took his hands and slid them over my hips, moving with a slow, deliberate purpose that had me holding my breath. Without thinking, I raised my elbow and watched his hands move across my waist. He was doing it again, teasing me like he always did, and he knew exactly what he was doing. Hell, he knew that I knew he was doing it, too. I watched as his fingers drifted lower, brushing through my pubes, his touch lingering just close enough to my dick to drive me insane.

I lowered my elbows and let out a low breath, a half groan, unable to help myself. “God, you’re such a fucking tease,” I muttered, my voice low and rough, barely steady.

Blake just laughed, the sound low and smug right against my ear. “Can’t help it, man. You make it way too easy,” he shot back, his voice dripping with that familiar, cocky tone that only made the tension sharper.

As he said it, he scooted up even closer, pulling me firmly back against him at the same time, pressing his body fully into mine. I could feel every inch of him, the solid heat of his chest against my back and, unmistakably, his dick pressing right against my ass, thicker now than it had been a moment ago. The head of his dick pressed firmly against the upper part of my crack like it was trying to force its way down it. The pressure, the way his hips nestled in close, only drove the point home—he knew exactly what he was doing.

My breath hitched, and I felt my own dick respond, hardening further as he held me tight, not giving an inch of space between us. His fingers still rested low on my abs, tangled in my pubes, his hands confident. The tension hummed between us, every nerve in my body on edge, drawn tight by the way he kept me pressed so close, his teasing, like always, pushing me just to the edge.

I shifted my grip on the handlebars, trying to steady myself, and finally fired up the engine. The hum of it vibrated through us, but with Blake pressed so close, it felt like his warmth was more intense than anything else. I shot him a quick nod, my voice coming out rougher than I intended. “Alright… ready?”

He leaned in, his mouth just by my ear, “Hell yeah. Let’s fucking go.”

With that, I took off, steering us out of the cove and down the narrow channel, the cool breeze hitting us as we picked up speed. But even as the wind rushed over our skin, Blake stayed pressed close, his grip tight, every inch of him holding me steady as we headed toward the open lake.

The ride started out smooth, the jet ski gliding over the still water as we navigated the narrow, winding channel. The banks were dense with trees, their shadows stretching long and dark over the water, making the whole place feel isolated like we were the only two people on Earth. The air was warm and humid, clinging to our skin, and the only sound was the hum of the engine, vibrating under us, filling the quiet like a heartbeat.

We leaned into the first few bends, each turn bringing us closer. Blake was right there, every shift pressing him harder against me. I could feel him thickening with each turn, his cock growing between us, firm and unmistakable. The thought of him getting harder, responding to our closeness and the thrill of the ride, sent a shock through me. My own dick stirred, despite having just emptied on his chest minutes ago, and the way he pressed against me was only stoking the fire.

Then came a tighter bend, sharper than the others, and I didn’t ease up on the throttle. I knew he’d have to brace himself, and sure enough, as we hit the turn, his hands came off my abs, his grip breaking as he scrambled for balance.

“Alright, speed racer,” he muttered, his voice low and a little breathless, the sound rumbling right into my back.

I let out a laugh, trying to play it cool, but I could feel the tension in my own voice. And then his hands slid back, but this time, he went even lower, his fingers spreading over my hips, then down to my thighs. His palms skimmed along my inner thighs, rough and purposeful, his touch slow, deliberate, like he knew exactly what he was doing—and knew I knew, too. His hands stayed there, fingers grazing the inside of my legs, then drifting even closer. The back of his hands brushed my balls, slow and intentional, while his thumbs pressed at the base of my cock, applying just enough pressure to make me throb in response.

I couldn’t take it—I lifted up, half-standing in my seat to catch my breath, trying to get some relief from the pressure. But the second I settled back down, I felt it all. His cock, now fully hard, was wedged right between my cheeks, thick and solid like it was trying to force its way in. I could feel every ridge, every vein, pressed against me, his pubes scratching at my lower back, raw and intimate, leaving no space between us. The intensity of it was overwhelming, and my own dick pulsed in response, filling out completely, pressing hard against the seat, aching with every move.

Blake didn’t ease off. If anything, his hands held on tighter, fingers digging into my thighs, his thumbs brushing up against the base of my balls. He let out a low, satisfied hum, the sound vibrating into me, and his cock ground against me, slow and relentless, like he was daring me to react. The tension crackled in the air around us, heavy and electric, and his breath was hot against the back of my neck, each exhale sending shivers down my spine.

“Goddamn,” I muttered, barely able to keep my voice steady, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Blake’s grip only tightened, his fingers pressing into my skin like he was claiming every inch he could reach, making it clear he wasn’t letting go anytime soon. His cock throbbed against me, pulsing with each beat of his heart, and I felt his breath hitch like he was savoring every second of this as much as I was.

Totally lost in the moment, I shifted my weight, rising up from the seat into a squat, my ass hovering right in front of his face. I heard him suck in a breath as his hands slipped from my hips, his touch leaving a burning trail behind. Then, without hesitation, his right hand slid between my legs, wrapping around my dick and balls in one confident motion. His fingers curled around my shaft, firm and deliberate, while his thumb pressed against the backside of my balls, stroking in a way that made me shudder.

I felt him adjust behind me, scooting his hips back on the seat to give himself more room. Then his lips brushed against the curve of my ass cheek, soft and teasing, sending a jolt straight through me. He kissed the skin there, hot and wet, before his hand tugged my dick and balls back through my legs, angling them toward his mouth. My dick was so hard it almost resisted the pull, but I arched my back, leaning forward over the handlebars as I let out a shaky breath. I slowed us to a lazy glide, the jet ski humming beneath us just enough to keep us moving.

Then I felt it—his tongue, warm and slick, starting at the tip of my dick and dragging its way slowly up the shaft until it reached my balls. He took them into his mouth, one after the other, sucking on them while his hand worked my cock, stroking me with just the right amount of pressure to make my thighs tremble. My whole body was on fire, my hands gripping the handlebars so tight I thought they might leave dents.

As his lips released my balls, his tongue moved again, licking a slow, wet path up my taint, teasing every inch before reaching my crack. I barely had time to process it before I felt him trace my hole, his tongue swirling over the sensitive skin with maddening precision. The second his tongue flicked against my opening, tracing it with a deliberate touch, my entire body jolted like I’d been hit with a live wire.

My hands twitched on the handlebars, and without meaning to, I twisted the throttle. The jet ski roared forward with a sudden burst of speed, jerking us both violently. Blake let out a startled shout, and his grip tightened reflexively—unfortunately, around my dick and balls.

The next second was pure chaos. The sharp pull shot through me like a live wire, a mix of dull ache and overstimulated pleasure that made my breath catch. My legs slipped out from under me as the force of the acceleration yanked me backward, and suddenly, Blake’s hand was the only thing holding on. His fingers were still wrapped around my shaft and cupping my balls, pulling them tight through my legs as if he could anchor himself with my body. My cock, rock-hard and straining, bent awkwardly toward him as the pull intensified, the stretch making me groan loudly even as the rest of me was mid-flight.

The force of the pull sent my balls up tight against my taint, pressed hard and uncomfortably between my thighs while my cock stretched painfully back between them. It was like he was holding on to a dog’s tail, using my dick and balls as a makeshift lifeline to stay connected to me. The stretch was maddening, a mix of stinging ache and raw sensitivity, leaving my thighs trembling even as we both hurtled backward.

For a fleeting moment, I caught a glimpse of the absurdity—Blake’s arm extended straight through my legs, knuckles brushing my inner thighs as his hand kept pulling me back toward him. My cock and balls felt like they were caught in some strange tug-of-war, stretched out in a way that made my breath hitch with a mix of discomfort and overstimulation.

The kill switch popped loose with me, the engine cutting out instantly, and the jet ski glided forward without us, its hum fading into the background. The world tilted, and everything seemed to hang in midair for a second, every nerve in my body screaming at once.

Then we hit the water.

The cold slammed into me like a slap, stealing the air from my lungs and replacing the heat of his touch with icy shock. Blake’s grip finally let go as we hit the surface, my dick snapping back into place with a sharp throb that made me gasp. My balls, freed from the pull, ached dully, the relief mixing with the lingering sensitivity that left me dazed.

I tumbled beneath the surface, the ache in my groin a sharp reminder of what just happened, but I couldn’t help it—I started laughing the moment I broke through the surface, gasping for air and wiping the water from my face. The absurdity of it all hit me like a wave, and all I could do was laugh, loud and breathless, even as my body still reeled.

END PART ONE
 
CHAPTER NINE CONTINUED…


Blake surfaced a few feet away from me, laughing as he, too, wiped the water from his face. “What the hell happened?” he asked, his voice still tinged with disbelief.

I swam closer, keeping a hand on my balls and shaking my head as I tried to catch my breath. “What happened!? You decided to lick me from tip to hole, and my whole body twitched! I may have accidentally floored it, a little on accident.”

Blake let out a loud, genuine laugh, his grin wide. “Oh, ok, so my fault, even though you put your ass in my face,” he said, his tone dripping with mock regret. Then his eyes dropped for a second. “Is your dick alright? I’m sorry, man—I didn’t mean to pull it that hard. I just instinctively grabbed onto… something.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, too, the lingering ache in my balls overshadowed by the absurdity of it all. “Yeah, thanks for that,” I said with a smirk. “But it’s fine—you can make it up to me later.”

Blake grinned his voice light and teasing. “Sir, yes sir!” he said with a mock salute before he started swimming toward the jet ski.

As he reached the side, he glanced back at me with a mischievous look. “My turn to drive,” he called, hoisting himself up with an effortless pull, water streaming off his body as he climbed onto the jet ski.

I was still slow to start swimming, trying to recover from the lingering ache in my dick and balls after almost having them yanked off. Blake must have noticed because instead of sitting normally, he straddled the seat backward at the very end, his legs spread wide as he casually settled in. “You sure you ok man?” Blake called out as his cock, and balls hung freely over the handle on the edge at first, dripping water and swaying slightly as he adjusted himself.

As I finally started swimming toward the jet ski, Blake leaned back onto his hands, stretching out in a way that made the view even more distracting. His hips tilted slightly, causing his dick and balls to slide back between his thighs. His balls rested snug against his taint, almost touching the seat, while his dick laid atop them front and center. After the chaos that we had just endured, I don’t even think Blake realized how much of a show he was putting on.

It wasn’t until I got closer that I saw everything. As he leaned further back, his ass cheeks pressed firmly against the seat, round and firm, glistening with water. And there, between them, was his tight hole, perfectly visible. I remember thinking to myself, Hello there, haven’t seen you since our last leg day. Super dumb, I know. But the casual ease in the way he stretched out, completely exposed, made it impossible to look away, and as you know, my mind just starts going a mile a minute.

By the time I reached the back of the jet ski, I was practically mesmerized—not by the way his body moved, because he wasn’t moving at all, but by the view laid out in front of me. His legs were spread wide, straddling the seat like he owned it, his cock and balls resting snug against his taint, perfectly framed by his thighs. The way his balls tucked tightly against him, still wet and glistening, made my throat tighten, and his dick, slightly curved as it rested, looked thick and heavy, just teasing at the edge of the seat. And then there was his hole, tight and perfectly framed between the curve of his ass cheeks, on full display like it didn’t have a care in the world.

It was the kind of view that made everything else blur—just him, completely bare, confident, and shamelessly laid out in front of me. The thought of how casual he was about it only made it worse. My chest tightened, my breath catching in my throat as I let myself take it in, feeling like my brain couldn’t process it fast enough.

“Holly fuck,” I muttered under my breath, my voice barely audible over the sound of the water lapping around me.

If he heard me, he didn’t say anything right away, but the smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth said enough. He stretched his legs slightly, shifting just enough to make the view even more maddening.

As soon as I reached the jet ski, I reached up to grab the handle at the back of the seat to pull myself up. Just as I placed my hand, Blake shifted again, scooting all the way to the end of the seat. His legs tucked back on either side of the bench, and without warning, his balls rested squarely on the back of my hand.

I froze for a second, then let out a laugh, shaking my head. “Really?” I said, glancing up at him, but Blake just grinned, completely unbothered.

Still chuckling, I placed my other hand on the handle and hoisted myself up, straddling the seat. My dick, still half-hard, brushed close to his pecs as I adjusted my position, the faint contact sending a jolt of heat through me. Blake’s eyes flicked down for a split second, but he didn’t say anything—he didn’t have to.

Instead, he moved his hands to my chest, pressing his palms against me with a playful smirk. He leaned forward slightly as if testing my balance, and I immediately saw what he was planning. His grin widened as he shifted his weight, acting like he was about to push me back into the water.

Before he could even think about it, I reached down, wrapping my hand firmly around his dick and balls. My fingers curled around the base of his shaft, my palm cupping his balls, and I gave just enough of a squeeze to get his attention. “Do it,” I said with a chuckle, my tone playful but daring. “I dare you.”

Blake flinched slightly, his grin faltering for just a second as he laughed. “Alright, alright,” he said, lifting his hands off my chest in mock surrender. “You win.” But the way his voice dropped slightly, that low, amused tone, told me he didn’t mind losing this round.

I didn’t let go immediately, though. My hand lingered, rolling my fingers lightly over his balls, feeling the weight of them in my palm. My thumb traced a slow line up the front of his shaft, just enough to make him react. His eyes squinted slightly, his mouth falling open as he let out a deep breath. The sound was low and throaty, and I couldn’t help but grin as I watched him squirm ever so slightly under my touch.

I started moving my hand slowly, stroking him. His cock was hardening, thickening with each pass of my palm. As I let go of his balls to focus entirely on his shaft, my grip slid from the base to the tip, my fingers brushing over the sensitive head, feeling the heat and weight as it grew in my hand. Blake started to thrust his hips in time with my strokes, his movements instinctive, almost needy.

Still straddling the seat as if he were riding a motorcycle, his legs tucked back behind him with his knees directly beneath his hips, Blake rocked forward and back with a steady, primal rhythm. As I stroked him, his balls shifted with each motion, drawing my attention completely. When he thrust forward, his sack flattened against the seat, spreading wide like soft dough under a rolling pin, his balls pressing tightly on either side of his cock. The seat pushed them up slightly, the pressure making them shift and flex as they were pinned, the movement subtle but impossible not to notice.

When he pulled back, dragging his taint along the seat, his sack slipped free, bouncing lightly as it fell back into place, only for the whole motion to repeat. Forward, his balls pressed tight and firm, the smooth skin stretching tight around them under his own weight. Backward, they rolled out from under him and settled against his taint, momentarily relaxed before the cycle began again. Each thrust made them move slightly differently, the smooth, wet skin catching the sunlight in a way that made the whole scene feel almost surreal.

As I watched, my hand still sliding up and down his shaft, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the way his sack moved—how his balls tensed, shifted, and stretched with each motion, reacting to the rhythm of his thrusts. The heat of his cock in my hand only added to the intensity, but it was the way his balls moved so naturally, so shamelessly, that had me thinking, Later, I’m going to make him do that on my face.

But for now, it was my turn to tease Blake. As his thrusts became faster, more urgent, I suddenly let go of his cock and gave the head a light but firm slap. Blake jolted, his hips freezing mid-thrust, as I grinned and said, “We can do this later when it’s not prime lake time. Isn’t that what you said?” My laugh echoed as I stood up, still at the back of the jet ski, watching the shift in his expression.

His face went from pure pleasure to shock before I even finished speaking. “Fuck you,” he groaned, his voice low and frustrated. “I’m so close!” His hand darted to his cock, stroking himself quickly as he tried to finish.

I reached down, grabbing his wrist and stopping him mid-motion. “Save it,” I said with a smirk, leaning in slightly. “And I’ll make it worth it later.”

Blake’s eyes locked with mine, heat and frustration burning behind them. For a second, I thought he might ignore me, but then he sighed, raising his hand away from his dick. “Fine,” he said, his voice resigned but tinged with amusement. “But I’m still driving.”

“Sure,” I said, sliding into my seat with a grin. “But let’s go straight to the boat so I can grab my trunks. We don’t need to be out here naked for just anyone to roll by and see us.”

Blake, being the smartass he is, scooted back and spun around to face the front of the jet ski. “Sir, yes Sir!” he barked, his voice loud and mocking, before flashing me a cocky grin.

I settled in behind him, my still-hard dick pressing against the top of his ass crack, mimicking what he’d done to me earlier. The heat of him sent a thrill through me, and I couldn’t resist leaning in slightly. Blake wiggled his hips playfully, glancing over his shoulder with a grin. “Easy there,” he said, his tone teasing. “Mine’s not as loose as yours.”

I smirked, my voice dropping to a low chuckle. “Oh, it will be. Trust me.”

“Hey now,” Blake shot back, his grin faltering slightly, but the amusement in his voice stayed as he turned his attention to the jet ski. “Alright, how do I turn this baby on?”

I held up my wrist, where the elastic band holding the key was wrapped snugly. “You’ll need this,” I said, slipping it off and handing it to him.

Blake took it, sliding it onto his wrist with a flourish before grabbing the handlebars. “Let’s fucking go,” he said with a wink, revving the engine as the jet ski rumbled back to life.

We were already out of the small channel and heading for the boat, Blake still driving the jet ski, with me pressed tightly behind him. I guess you could say I’m not much of a copilot because the whole time Blake was driving, I wasn’t exactly focused on our bodies pressed against each other like I was when I was in control. Instead, my mind was racing, mostly hoping he wouldn’t do something stupid—even though I was the one who had just thrown us both off. Must be a control thing. I’m always the pilot, the driver, the one in charge. Just how it is.

Because of that, and with my mind wandering, my dick had softened after a couple of minutes. Not that I was complaining—this was the first time in two days I wasn’t thinking with my dick, well at least completely.

Blake was at least seemed to be getting the hang of it, keeping a decent pace, still going a little fast but nothing too crazy. The boat was about 100 yards ahead, and I shouted over the wind and the roar of the jet ski, “The coast looks clear! Glide us up to the back and just ease it next to the boat.”

Blake chuckled, and before I could figure out what that laugh meant, he suddenly whipped the jet ski to the right and floored it, the sudden turn almost sending me flying off the back.

“What the hell was that?” I shouted, gripping tight around his waist to keep steady. “Let’s get to the boat… we’re both naked, remember?”

Blake laughed over his shoulder, his grin wide and unapologetic. “Yeah, but no one’s around! Let’s whip around for a sec—I’m just getting the hang of it!” His voice was dripping with that same playful defiance that always drove me insane.

Before I could argue, he hit the throttle again, unknowingly sending us flying over our own wake. The jet ski launched into the air, and for a split second, we were weightless. Then gravity took over, slamming us both back down onto the seat. The impact was brutal, and we both landed square on our balls.

“Shit!” I groaned as Blake let off the throttle, the sudden deceleration jerking us forward. My dick and balls were smashed against Blake’s lower back, while his slammed into the front lip of the seat. The double hit left both of us gasping, clutching ourselves as the jet ski slowed to a glide.

For a moment, the only sound was the water lapping against the hull and our groans of pain. Finally, Blake broke the silence, his voice shaky but teasing. “I, uh… I see what you mean now about your balls slapping against the seat.” He tried to sound innocent, but the grin I couldn’t see was obvious in his tone.

I just grunted, still trying to breathe through the ache. “Turn us around and head for the boat,” I said, my voice low and strained.

Blake chuckled, clearly not done messing with me. “Sir, ye—”

“Don’t say it,” I cut him off, narrowing my eyes even though he couldn’t see me.

He laughed, the sound carefree but and a little infuriating this time. He eased the jet ski around, and for a moment, I thought we were finally on track. But then we both froze.

The one thing we didn’t want to see was right there: a boat heading straight for us from the opposite side of our boat.

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath, my pulse spiking as I tried to figure out how close they were—and how fast they were coming.

Blake glanced back at me, his grin replaced by a look of mild panic. “What do we do?”

My mind raced as soon as I saw the boat heading straight for ours, the possibilities spinning in my head.

The way I saw it, we had three viable options… Option 1: We could wait and hope they passed by, but if they didn’t, we’d lose any chance to beat them to the boat.

Option 2: We could turn around and head back into the channel, but if they saw us, they might follow—and then we’d be trapped back there, naked. Or Option 3…


END PART 2
 
CHAPTER NINE CONTINUED…


“Floor it!” I shouted, gripping Blake tightly as he slammed the throttle forward. The jet ski lurched, the engine roaring as we took off. The wind whipped against my face as I leaned forward, shouting the plan into his ear. “I think we can make it, but it’s going to be close. Just keep gunning it! Head toward the back of the boat, and when I tell you, cut it hard to the right, like you did before. Got it? I’ll jump off the back, swim to the boat, and grab my trunks. You jump off, get in the water, and put your Speedo on. It’ll look like we both flew off. No one will know a thing.”

“Got it! Cut it hard to the right!” Blake yelled back, his voice steady despite the tension.

It was going to be close—too close. The other boat was definitely heading straight for ours, and it was picking up speed. My pulse pounded in my ears as I stared ahead, the distance closing fast.

“Come on, come on, come on,” I muttered under my breath, every muscle in my body tensed as we hurtled toward the boat.

The jet ski was maxed out at 35 mph, flying across the water as fast as it could. The other boat grew clearer, its music loud and unmistakable even from this distance. I leaned forward, gripping Blake’s shoulders. “Not yet… not yet…” I said, timing the jump in my head as we closed in on our boat.

“Now!” I shouted, pushing myself up. My hands pressed hard on Blake’s shoulders, and I used my right leg to launch off the seat. The moment I leaped, Blake cut the jet ski hard to the right, whipping it around sharply. I hit the water just ten yards from the boat, the cool splash swallowing me as I dove forward.

I swam as hard and fast as I could, my arms slicing through the water in a desperate rush. The music from the other boat grew louder with every stroke, the vibrations carrying across the lake. When I reached the ladder, I barely paused, hauling myself up as quickly as I could. Water streamed off me as I clambered onto the back of the boat, my chest heaving.

Behind me, I heard another splash—Blake diving in. I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see him pulling the Speedo off his neck, frantically slipping it on in the water.

The other boat was almost on us now, its music thumping and voices carrying over the waves. My heart raced as I lunged for my trunks, which were lying on the floor by the back seats. I hit the deck, lying flat on my back as I yanked them up over my legs, struggling to get them over my hips as quickly as possible.

The waistband snapped into place just as the other boat pulled up alongside ours, gently bumping it with a dull thud. I let out a shaky breath and stared up at the sky for a moment of relief.

Then I heard voices. Sitting up, I glanced toward the boat and awkwardly waved. Nic and his buddies Alex and Dom were standing at the bow, grinning as they looked over at us.

Nic asked, “You guys alright? Saw you take that turn pretty fast and, uh, saw you fly off the back.”

I waved it off, trying to sound casual. “Yeah, we’re good. I was just trying to teach Blake how to drive a jet ski.”

Nic raised an eyebrow, his expression twisting into amused disbelief. “Wait, hold on—you? Letting someone else drive? That’s big news.” He turned to Blake, who was floating a few feet away in the water after jumping in to put his Speedo back on. “Dude, you have no idea. He never let me drive. Ever. He’s got serious control issues,” Nic said, laughing.

Blake chuckled as he swam closer. “Oh, trust me, I noticed,” he said, climbing up onto the jet ski with an easy grin. His wet Speedo clung to him like a second skin, practically daring someone to look away.

I moved quickly, stepping to the edge of the boat as Blake maneuvered the jet ski closer. Together, we tied it off to the back rail while Nic leaned casually against his boat, watching us with a smirk.

“So, what’s the plan for the day?” Nic asked.

I shrugged, keeping my tone light. “No real plan. Just messing around, taking it easy.”

Blake stepped onto the boat, water streaming off him as he moved, leaving dark streaks across the deck. He didn’t even glance at the towels hanging nearby— forgetting just how see-through his white Speedo was when soaked.

And it was soaked.

Just like in the private cove earlier, every inch of Blake was on shameless display. The wet Speedo clung to him like a second skin, the sheer white fabric now practically transparent. His cock was boldly outlined, thick and slightly curved, the ridge of the head pressing against the material like it was ready to burst free. His balls hung heavy and round, perfectly framed by the snug pouch that stretched taut around them, the damp fabric darkened to a shade that only highlighted the details further. A thin trail of water ran down his torso, dripping from his toned abs and tracing the deep V-line leading down to where the Speedo left nothing to the imagination. Blake stood there like he didn’t have a care in the world, casually wringing out his hair, completely unaware—or maybe unconcerned—about the spectacle he was putting on.

I glanced back at Nic, Alex, and Dom, and their reactions were almost enough to make me laugh out loud.

Dom’s jaw was practically on the deck, his mouth hanging open in unabashed awe. His tongue darted out once, wetting his lips as though trying to quench a thirst he didn’t even realize he had. When he finally managed to close his mouth, it wasn’t for long—his lips parted again as his gaze dropped back to Blake’s crotch like a magnet, unable to resist.

Alex was fidgeting like crazy, his fingers twitching as he tried—and failed—to keep still. His eyes kept darting between Blake’s face and his Speedo, lingering just long enough for it to be obvious. More than once, he shifted his stance awkwardly, his hand drifting to his lap to adjust himself as discreetly as he could manage. The bulge in his trunks grew with every passing second, swelling against the fabric despite his best efforts to keep it under control.

Nic, for all his usual composure, wasn’t much better. He stood with his arms crossed, his posture trying to convey nonchalance, but his eyes betrayed him. They flicked downward repeatedly, lingering on Blake’s bulge before snapping back up, only to drop again almost immediately. His lips pressed into a tight line. He shifted his weight slightly, angling himself just enough to hide any potential reaction in his shorts, but the tension in his stance gave him away.

The air between us was thick, charged with an unspoken energy that everyone was trying—unsuccessfully—to ignore. Dom coughed lightly, a weak attempt to mask his distraction, but his eyes never left Blake. Alex scratched the back of his neck, trying to act casual, but the redness creeping up his face made it clear he was anything but. Nic cleared his throat, his voice a little tighter than usual as he tried to steer the conversation.

“So,” he said, his tone forcedly casual, “you guys heading to the beach after this?”

Blake, oblivious or perfectly content with the attention, leaned against the railing, his Speedo shifting slightly as he adjusted his stance. The motion caused his cock and balls to shift within the pouch, drawing a barely perceptible hitch in Dom’s breath. Blake ran a hand through his damp hair, water droplets catching the sunlight as he replied, “Yeah, we were thinking about it. What’s the plan over there?”

Nic hesitated for half a beat too long, his gaze flickering downward before snapping back up. “Uh, same as usual. Drinks, food… nothing fancy.”

Alex cleared his throat, his voice dripping with just a bit too much eagerness. “You guys have to come. It’s going to be wild.” His gaze lingered on Blake’s Speedo, and the crack in his voice when he added, “Seriously,” was hard to miss. He quickly looked away, pretending to check the cooler on their boat, but not before his hand drifted to his crotch for a quick adjustment.

Dom, meanwhile, wasn’t even pretending. “Yeah, come on,” he said, his tone teasing but bold, his eyes raking over Blake like he was a buffet. He leaned a little closer over the rail, his grin wide and unmistakably flirty.

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing outright. Dom wasn’t just shooting his shot; he was practically throwing himself into Blake’s lap. And Alex, though less direct, wasn’t far behind, glancing at Blake with a mix of awe and desperation like he imagined every possible scenario that ended with Blake joining them at the beach.

Blake, ever the tease, stretched his arms overhead with an exaggerated yawn, and the waistband of his Speedo dipped just enough to expose some of his pubic hair. The subtle shift caused Alex’s hand to jerk back to his lap, his fingers curling into a fist like he was trying to maintain some composure. Dom, on the other hand, outright licked his lips, his gaze fixed on the way the wet fabric clung to Blake’s bulge as if it were designed for his viewing pleasure.

Nic, for his part, was still trying to play it cool, but the tension in his posture gave him away. His arms were still crossed tightly, his weight shifting as though he was physically restraining himself from reacting. Nic, kind of like Blake, was used to being the center of attention. It wasn’t entirely his fault—he just had that kind of presence. Standing at an even 6 feet and 205 pounds, his build wasn’t far off from Blake’s, which made sense considering my type. His short blond hair stuck up slightly, tousled by the wind, and he was only wearing a pair of trunks, leaving his big pecs and abs fully on display. The way his crossed arms pressed his chest together made his shoulders and biceps look massive, matching Blake’s frame almost perfectly. His five o’clock shadow gave him a rugged edge, and every inch of him was meticulously groomed—neatly trimmed body hair, including his pubes, always kept short and clean.

Alex, on the other hand, was the smallest of all of us, though no less striking in his own way. At 5’6” and lean, his body was cut but lacked the thick muscle mass of the rest of us. His small black Speedo dipped low on his hips, showing off his smooth, completely hairless skin—he shaved everything, and it showed. The pouch of his Speedo bulged slightly, just enough to catch the eye without being over the top. His dark black hair was damp and swept back, and his hazel eyes darted between Blake’s face and his Speedo like he couldn’t decide where to look. Alex’s slim frame made his reactions all the more noticeable; every time he shifted to adjust himself, it was impossible not to see his growing arousal pressing faintly against the tight fabric.

Then there was Dom, the largest of the group, standing at an imposing 6’4” and easily 275 pounds. He towered over the rest of us, his broad shoulders and thick chest giving him the look of a linebacker. Dom wasn’t as cut as Blake, Nic, or even me, but he carried his size well, his strong, solid frame commanding attention. He wore a bright green Speedo that hugged his body snugly, leaving little to the imagination, especially with how well he filled it out. His chest and abs were covered in a thick layer of dark hair, trailing down in a wide line that disappeared under the waistband of his Speedo. Unlike Alex, Dom wasn’t trying to hide anything; his dark brown eyes lingered openly on Blake, and his slow, deliberate gaze seemed to take in every detail.

Alex piped up again, his tone brighter and more eager than ever. “Seriously, you guys have to come. The beach is perfect today.”

Dom jumped in, leaning forward with a grin. “Yeah, plenty of sun, drinks, and, well… good company.” His gaze lingered shamelessly on Blake’s abs, and he didn’t even try to hide it this time.

Blake turned to me, clearly enjoying the attention, though his expression was casual. “What do you think?” he asked, his voice calm and easy like he wasn’t fully aware of the chaos he was causing.

I shrugged, letting the moment hang in the air for a beat. “The beach is probably going to be crowded.” Then I turned back to Nic and his friends, my grin widening. “How do you guys feel about cliff-jumping?”

Nic raised an eyebrow, his attempt at nonchalance faltering for a second. “Cliff-jumping?” he repeated, clearly caught off guard.

I nodded. “Yeah, there’s this spot I was telling Blake about earlier. Perfect for jumping. High enough for a thrill, but not so high it’s dangerous. It’s just a quick ride from here. You guys can follow us.”

Dom’s eyes lit up immediately, his excitement palpable. “Hell yes! That sounds way better than the beach. I’m in.”

Alex nodded enthusiastically, practically tripping over his words. “Yeah, definitely. Let’s do that instead. We can hit the beach tomorrow.”

Nic hesitated, glancing between Alex and Dom before meeting my eyes. “You think it’s worth it?” he asked, his tone carefully measured like he didn’t want to seem too eager.

Dom leaned in toward Nic, nudging him playfully. “Come on, man, you know you want to. Beats sitting around in the sand with a bunch of other random people, right?”

Nic finally shrugged, giving in with a small smile. “Alright, fine. Lead the way.”


END CHAPTER NINE
 
@3rdbaseman Do you have it mapped out how many chapters there will be? I want it to go on Forever , but I know it can’t …..

So damn good 😈
Hey CHIGuy & Everyone Else,

Thanks for the question! I do have a plan, still trying to figure out a couple details, but for the most part I have a pretty good idea where this part of the story is going and what’s going to happen.

I’ve told some people that have DM’d me, that the story thus far has been a mix of actual personal experiences mixed with a fictional story that I have been thinking about for years, just wasn’t sure how to tell it, until now.

I’ll try and keep it going as long as there are people that are liking it and want more. Like I said, I’ve had this particular story in my head for years so there is a lot of content, just have to make it work and make sense with the story I am trying to tell.

After my sleepless fuck up and posting two chapters this week it might be next week until I am able to get Chapter 11 finished and posted. I am trying to plan ahead and get stuff written ahead of time while work and life is slow. That way there won’t be a month long gap when things pick back up the first of the year.

As always thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Ps. If anyone has other questions about the story so far, ask them and I will do my best to answer them.
 
Hey CHIGuy & Everyone Else,

Thanks for the question! I do have a plan, still trying to figure out a couple details, but for the most part I have a pretty good idea where this part of the story is going and what’s going to happen.

I’ve told some people that have DM’d me, that the story thus far has been a mix of actual personal experiences mixed with a fictional story that I have been thinking about for years, just wasn’t sure how to tell it, until now.

I’ll try and keep it going as long as there are people that are liking it and want more. Like I said, I’ve had this particular story in my head for years so there is a lot of content, just have to make it work and make sense with the story I am trying to tell.

After my sleepless fuck up and posting two chapters this week it might be next week until I am able to get Chapter 11 finished and posted. I am trying to plan ahead and get stuff written ahead of time while work and life is slow. That way there won’t be a month long gap when things pick back up the first of the year.

As always thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Ps. If anyone has other questions about the story so far, ask them and I will do my best to answer them.
this story is absolutely fantastic. thank you for the care and detail you are putting into it!
 
I feel giddy about this story and am really enjoying how invested everyone else is in reading it. I think there is a lot to say about your ability to develop characters we're all eager to read about. I believe you have enough raw talent to get your writing published or produced into film and make real bank.
 
I check often for updates to this story. It’s so well written and the story is so engaging. You have developed the characters in a way we feel we know them.

And sure we all read these stories for the sexual appeal of them but like someone posted earlier, the plot is where the real journey is at. And you’ve exceeded expectations with this!

Estatic to be able to get two chapters at once! Keep up the FANTASTIC work