by Jerry Cole
“Picture Perfect Love”
An MM Gay for You Romance
Jerry Cole
© 2020
Jerry Cole
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This book is intended for Adults (ages 18+) only. The contents may be offensive to some readers. It may contain graphic language, explicit sexual content, and adult situations. May contain scenes of unprotected sex. Please do not read this book if you are offended by content as mentioned above or if you are under the age of 18.
Please educate yourself on safe sex practices before making potentially life-changing decisions about sex in real life. If you’re not sure where to start, see here: http://www.jerrycoleauthor.com/safe-sex-resources/.
This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner & are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Products or brand names mentioned are trademarks of their respective holders or companies. The cover uses licensed images & are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any person(s) that may be depicted on the cover are simply models.
Edition v1.00 (2020.04.01)
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Special thanks to the following volunteer readers who helped with proofreading: Jim Adcock, Earleen Gregg, Jim Rich, RB, JayBee, Jenny and those who assisted but wished to be anonymous. Thank you so much for your support.
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Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter One
Benjamin
I dropped to my knees and took the shot just as the sun was setting, capturing a beautiful shot of the model as she dropped her head back. “Fucking perfect.” I grinned and stood to take what more I could in the light before walking over to her. “Thanks, Mindy. How about I get you tomorrow around ten in front of your hotel?”
The blonde pouted and looked me over. “Why don’t you come to have a drink at the bar with me?” She was trying to sound sensual and failing miserably, but I kept the smirk from my face.
“I have plans, sweets.” I didn’t understand these models that regularly hit on me. Didn’t they know I was into men? I’d been a freelance photographer for six years now and was moving up to professional work at a rapid pace, hence this photoshoot in Belize.
“Fine.” She rolled her huge blue eyes and walked over to change back into the tiny sundress that she wore today. I walked over to pack up my camera equipment into their cases, and the assistants on the beach helped me load it into the SUV I rented for this trip. I thanked them for their help and drove to the beach house the magazine provided me for the trip, wondering where I should get dinner.
I had no plans. There were several bars and restaurants I could hit once I got my stuff into the house, and I mulled that idea over. I hadn’t let myself relax too much since arriving here two days ago with the work that I was doing and deserved that. I drove up the long driveway and parked, making fast work of getting my stuff into the spare room of the bungalow. It was small but perfect for storage, where the master bedroom was spacious with a gorgeous view. I’d even appreciate the chef's kitchen if I were inclined to cook. Once I finished, I changed into some fresh shorts and a cream linen shirt and freshened up in the bathroom. My dark hair was windswept, and skin tan from the sun, and I smiled at my reflection. I might get skin cancer down the line, but this job was the best thing I have done in my life.
I made my way to the large living room to slip my feet into sandals and grab my keys. My wallet was already in my pocket, and I whistled as I headed out to the shiny Range Rover I was using for the next week. It was dark now, and I breathed in the fresh ocean air as I focused on the moment. My stomach growled, and I laughed as I unlocked the car to slide into the driver seat.
I left the bungalow and headed to the east end of the island, where my favorite seafood place sat on a long stretch of sand. I might enjoy a cold beer with the meal but had no plans to get wasted. I just wanted to relax and listen to the water for a while. “Hey, Benji.” The redhead called from the hostess stand as I smiled at her. “Outside tonight?”
“Perfect, Lani.” I paused and leaned over as she grabbed a menu and led me to a door that would let out to the small section of tables that overlooked the water. It was getting darker now, but I could still enjoy the sound. I kissed her cheek, and she blushed as she told me she’d get me a beer and send the waiter out in a moment. I met her my first night here, and we connected instantly.
I sat down on the chair and looked around slowly before I opened the menu, reading through the entrees. I knew what they offered and decided on the shrimp and crab platter, closing the menu and leaning back.
I’d just broken up with a boyfriend a month prior. We were together for almost a year for some reason, and though we weren’t happy, we stuck it out for about four months longer than necessary. It wasn’t devastating, but I’d gotten used to being with a guy regularly. Gray was now dating, and I traveled for work immediately following the breakup. It was great going all over the world for my job now that I’d built a reputation for myself, but I just hadn’t looked into seeing someone else. I hadn’t even enjoyed any casual one-nighters with anybody.
“Have you decided?” A voice broke into my thoughts, and I slowly blinked as I came back to the present.
“Yes.” I noticed a beer in front of me and frowned, realizing I never saw Lani bring it. “I’m going to go with the shrimp and crab platter with the veggies.”
“Perfect. That’s my favorite.” The waiter assured me as I looked him over. He was about mid-twenties and gorgeous with eyes that matched the bright blue water and hair lightened by the sun styled like a surfer. He looked like any man back home in Venice Beach, and that made me smile.
Another thing that caught my eye was his lean but muscled body that showed a
man who had a strict workout schedule. He smirked and headed inside to get my order as I dropped my head back and laughed to myself. I must be getting horny if something so simple got me going.
I sipped my beer and sent a few messages to my best friend Jamie back home, telling her all about Belize and what I’d been up to. She was at my house watching my cats and stayed there often since she was fresh from a breakup herself. Jamie always told me that she was jealous of the model I was working with, and I laughed as I read her words. “Here you go.” The waiter was back with a huge plate, and he set it down as I focused on his perfect muscles. I looked at the tag pinned to his polo shirt that boasted the name of the restaurant, making a note of it.
Ryan.
“Thank you, Ryan,” I said as he raised a brow at me. “I’m Ben.”
“It’s great to meet you,” he said as he offered a hand. I shook it, and he held me firmly with warm skin that sent tingles all over my body. “Lani seems to know you.”
“I decided this was my favorite place when I arrived on the island. We became best friends.” I informed him as he nodded slowly.
“You’re here for business?” He pressed, and I nodded.
“Photoshoot,” I replied and sipped my beer casually as I paused. “I’m here taking pictures all week.”
“That sounds like a good job.” He smiled warmly, and I nodded as our eyes locked.
“I enjoy it. Do you enjoy yours?” I asked as he brushed a hand through his long bangs.
“I do.” Ryan turned his head to look inside and then back at me. “I’m off in about an hour. Can I grab a beer and sit with you?”
“Yes. Yes, you can.” I wasted no time in agreeing, and he smiled widely. He nodded and told me that he was going to get some stuff done, and he’d check on me later. I started eating and enjoyed every bite after a long day without much food or even water. Jamie always told me that I worked too hard, and she was right. When I was in the moment, it was all about my job. I’d started the freelance work when I was still in college and worked hard to build something from it, so I didn’t know how to shut that off.
Ryan stopped by to make sure everything was okay and promised to bring another beer with him once he was off. I was drinking some water to hydrate myself and told him that sounded great as I watched him walk away. His ass looked great in his tight jeans, and I let my wicked thoughts wander for a moment as I finished off the last piece of broccoli.
It was dark out with just a sliver of a moon, and I gazed out to where I knew the ocean was. I didn’t live in the moment too often and just felt grateful for what I had as I rushed through life. I let the wind wash over me and closed my eyes for a moment as I breathed slowly. I heard a chuckle and opened them to see Ryan sitting down across from me with a beer in hand with a fresh one in front of me. “Am I keeping you up?”
“I'm just trying to relax. I’ve been accused of not knowing how to do that.” I let the sarcasm flow, and he laughed and nodded before looking at me. “How was your shift?”
“Good. I’ve only been here since three. I own a surf shop just over there on the beach, too.” Ryan gestured with his hand, and I tried to picture what he was talking about.
“You’re a busy man.” I thanked him for the beer and took a grateful sip from the glass.
“I have a partner with the shop. We split time. He’s my best friend from New York, and we ended up here for a buddy’s wedding. We decided to move here to open that shop, and I got this job to bring in some more money for a while. It turned out that I like it more than expected.”
“It’s a great place. I like the low-key vibe.” I mentioned, and he nodded.
“Clubs are fun for a few hours, but I need quiet before too long.” I nodded in agreement, having enjoyed the club scene less as I got older. “Particularly here. I like the ocean and the peace that I feel.”
“How old are you?” I asked curiously, and he smiled gently.
“I’m twenty-six. My birthday was last week.” He admitted, and I took him in with a long gaze. He looked his age but seemed older as he spoke.
“Old soul?” I asked, and Ryan gazed at the table for a long moment.
“That’s what my mom and sister always tell me.” He smiled as he paused, turning his glass in his hand. “They’re in New York. We visit when we can.”
“I like it. I’ll be thirty in six months, so you’re refreshing. I’d never speak poorly about clients but working with models isn’t exactly enthralling.” I rolled my eyes, and he laughed softly at my low tone. “Pretend I didn’t say that. They pay the bills.”
“I hear that. Tourists occasionally find this place and ask so many questions. They hit on me. As a waiter, I have to be cool with them, but I look forward to leaving.” I felt my face flush as he gazed at me and our eyes locked. “I don’t mind it with you, Ben. If you hadn’t started something, I would have.”
“Is that so?” I murmured, and he nodded as heat flooded my body.
“It is. I’m just into men, although women think they can change that for me.” He laughed, and I nodded, realizing that he was subtle about his sexual preference. I tried to be as well, so I could keep my business relationships calm. “I wasn’t sure what kind of guy you were, but I see that you’re more centered like I am.”
“I am. I like having some fun sometimes, but it’s more on the calm side now. College was a little different for me.” I laughed, not shy about my past. I found it helped to be as honest as the moment called for, so nobody would be surprised later down the line. “The model I was shooting today asked me to have a drink with her.”
“Have you ever gone there?” Ryan asked as I thought back. I’d come close, but something told me to stick to business.
“I haven’t. Not with any clients. I wanted this too badly.” I waved my hand to indicate the air around us, and he smiled gratefully at me. “Business shouldn’t be mixed with pleasure. It can fuck up someone’s reputation.”
“I can see that. I guess you’re doing well if you’re here working. This place is one of the top photo locations from what I’m told.” He cracked a smile. “I’ve met a few models along the way.”
“I’ll bet.” They would flock to someone that looked like he did. “I am here for a few more days. Would you like to go out in my downtime?”
“You’re in that right now, I assume?” Ryan asked, and I nodded with a wicked smile.
“I am. I have a great place on the beach if you’d like to come over for a drink.” I boldly offered since he seemed to want it.
“Perfect. Hand me your phone.” I did, and he did something with it before giving it back to me. “Text me the address. Want to leave now?” He looked at the finished beer, and I nodded. This was exhilarating, and I rose quickly to lead him to the parking lot.
Lani shook her head as we passed by. “It figures,” she said in a low voice, smiling when I glanced over at her. “I thought I might be the lucky one this time.” The exaggerated roll of her eyes showed me that she was joking along with the warm look that she shared with Ryan. I told her to have a great night and walked to my car, glancing back at Ryan. He headed over to an old convertible Volkswagen, and I grinned and kept walking. I sent him a message with the address of the house, taking off myself when I finished with my phone.
It was a great night, and we could have a drink on the back deck or even walk the beach. It was a perfect place to relax and enjoy time with Ryan to get some privacy. I felt nervous and mulled that over as I headed down the main strip. Was it because I’d been in a relationship so long? The sex was stale long before we ended things, but nerves took over as I turned into the neighborhood of my temporary home.
Headlights pulled behind me, and I looked back as I shut my lights off. The area was dark when I got out and watched Ryan hop out of his car to head over. He was just a shadow in the dim light of the light by the door, but this man was hot as hell. I waited for him to join me and unlocked the door, gesturing him in before I followed and locked the
door. “This place is great. It’s on a beach if I’m not mistaken.”
“Yes, it is. Beautiful view when it isn’t dark.” I smiled and looked around, relieved that it was relatively clean. “I have beer, and there’s some stuff to make drinks if that’s your preference. We could enjoy it out back.”
“Beer sounds perfect.” Ryan grinned, and I went to get them as he opened the glass door, pulling the screen closed once I was outside. The house offered enough light for us to get settled into chairs, where we popped open the beer and toasted to a beautiful night.
I looked out to the darkness where the beach was and then into the sky to see a clear one full of twinkling stars. Damn. I never saw anything like this at home where there were streetlights and people.
“It’s amazing here. How long have you lived here?” I asked as I kept staring, mesmerized by the sight. I didn’t enjoy my trips to places nearly as much as I should.
“Coming up on a year. It was tough in the beginning, but we brought enough cash to get through until we had some regulars. We added surf lessons about six months ago, and that brings more people in. It’s also in a prime location.” Ryan smiled, and I glanced at him. “It’s a good life. I miss everyone back home sometimes but it’s cool having Leo here to enjoy it.” Ryan glanced at me and laughed softly. “Just my best friend. Nothing more. He’s in his player stage at the moment with the island girls but we each have an apartment. I don’t have to hear it.”
I imagined them living like college students in some small place, but this was good. “You must be doing well. From what I’ve seen, it’s costly to live here.”
“I know the landlord from when we moved here. He’s fair, and I came with some money that my grandma left after she died two years ago. It held things together for me.” I saw sadness cross his handsome face and reached over to touch his hand.