Luther sits heavily on his towel, the salty sea breeze ruffling his short hair. He tries to keep his eyes averted as his boyfriend splashes in the surf, but it's impossible. His boyfriend's lithe body glistens with seawater, his wet swimming shorts clinging to his hips and thighs. Lord have mercy.

It's torture, being this close to his nearly naked body and not being able to touch. To run his hands over the soft skin of his waist, pull him close, taste the saltwater on his neck. Luther clenches his fists at his sides. Keep it together. Don't be a damn fool.

Their friends lounge nearby, unaware. Luther forces his gaze away, stares fixedly at the horizon instead. The sun beats down, the salty breeze caresses his skin, but all he can feel is the pounding ache in his chest. The distant sound of children's laughter and the rhythmic crash of waves fill the air, creating a cheerful backdrop that only intensifies his inner turmoil.

Luther squints against the glaring midday sun, its heat bearing down on his broad shoulders like a physical weight. Sweat beads along his brow, stinging his eyes when he blinks. He reaches for his canteen, taking a long drink of lukewarm water that does little to cool his burning skin or his desires.

The beach is crowded. Families with squalling children, gaggles of teenagers lounging on colorful towels, seagulls wheeling overhead hoping for dropped scraps. The scent of coconut oil and saltwater mingles with the distant smell of fried seafood from the boardwalk.

All them potential witnesses who can't ever know his secret. One wrong look, one accidental touch, and everything could come crashing down around him.