1 Chapter 1

1

When the pilot announced the plane was approaching Puerto Rico, Ryker put down his book and gazed out of the window. This country hadn’t been on their initial schedule, but with a little tweaking, they now had a week there.

The island was just coming into view, the green of the land contrasting with the blue of sea and sky. Pulling out a small brochure, he gazed at the accommodation which he and Mitch had picked.

The hotel was set in treehouses overlooking the El Yunque rainforest. It offered the best of both worlds. It was close to the forest as he wanted, but in easy distance of the beach for Mitch. The irony was that with his blond hair and green eyes, everyone thought Ryker was the surfer dude.

The reality was that while Ryker enjoyed a swim as much as any Kiwi, Mitch was a natural in the water. He swam, surfed, and paddle boarded. He was even a dragon boater. With his dark skin, powerful build, and tribal tattoos, Mitch reminded Ryker of an ancient Maori warrior.

With a soft laugh, Ryker focused back on the brochure. I might be pale and skinny next to Mitch, but I can out-hike him even on a bad day. He hates climbing, tramping, and walking.

That they enjoyed completely different things when on holiday meant they occasionally engaged in activities they wouldn’t choose for themselves, while having time alone to truly indulge in those they loved best.

The treehouse suite they’d picked was called La Cara de Indio, which Ryker had discovered translated to ‘The Indian Face.’ Set within a mango grove, it was named after a Taino petroglyph close to the property, its balcony overlooked the rainforest.

But the thing that had drawn Ryker to choose it over the other options, was that the accommodation boasted a huge private bathroom which housed a large bath and a separate rain shower and which offered a view of the forest. I can see me indulging in that most nights, with a cocktail or glass of wine and a good book while Mitch boogies the night away.

Unlike Mitch, Ryker rarely indulged in holiday romances and actively shied away from casual sex. That wasn’t his scene at all. Mitch had just one ground rule. If they have that certain spark, and they know from the outset it’s just for fun, what’s the harm?

Smiling to himself, Ryker remembered a night when he and Mitch had got drunk together and ended up in the same bed. As much as they loved one another, there was most certainly no spark,for either of them, and they’d woken up in a tangle of legs, with matching hangovers, and their friendship as tight as ever.

“We nearly there, bro?” Mitch’s drowsy voice cut into Ryker’s memories and he shook his head without even looking at Mitch.

“Yep. I’ll give you a nudge when we need to prepare for the descent.”

“Chur.” With the acknowledgment, Mitch managed to give Ryker a thumbs up, then immediately fell back asleep, and Ryker chuckled softly.

“Good job I don’t rely on your scintillating conversation during a flight.” Ryker didn’t care that Mitch preferred to sleep his way through flights. It’s his way of dealing with it. I’m lucky. I love flying.

Half an hour later, the plane was descending, and Mitch, now very much awake, looked every bit as eager and excited as Ryker felt.

“This is going to be so cool, bro. I’m glad we managed to tweak our itinerary.”

“Yeah. And managing to score the luxury accommodation was a bonus.” Ryker hadn’t minded paying a little extra to ensure they got it, but he wasn’t about to reveal that little tidbit. At least not until it’s too late for Mitch to worry about it.

By the time they’d collected their luggage and cleared customs, Ryker was ready to sleep anywhere. Even on a towel on the beach was looking good.

“Is it just my imagination, or does our luggage always seem to come out last? I ditched the rainbow tags.” Ryker shuffled alongside Mitch as they made their way to where they were meant to get their ride to the hotel.

“I think it’s just one of those mystic rules, bro.” Mitch snickered. “Let me take your case. They’re on wheels, so it’s no hardship. You just focus on putting one foot in front of the other. See? Sleeping on the plane pays off sometimes.”

“Yeah, yeah, just make sure I don’t sleepwalk off in the wrong direction.” It was taking all Ryker’s remaining energy to keep his eyes open.

“Sure thing. This way.”

Mitch tugged his arm and Ryker adjusted his direction. Feeling more zombie than human, Ryker was certain he was sleepwalking in places as they made their way out of the air terminal.