Beach Encounter
The sun hung high, beating down on the crowded beach, casting golden rays across the sand and surf. Noah had picked a prime spot near the water’s edge, where he could keep an eye on Jimmy while attempting to relax. His son, ever full of energy, had spent the morning darting in and out of the waves, and now he floated on his boogie board just beyond the point Noah felt comfortable. He wished Sean were here to help watch Jimmy, but as usual, work had taken priority over a day at the beach.
“Stay close!” Noah called out, but his voice barely carried over the hum of beach chatter and the rhythmic crash of the waves. Jimmy gave a half-hearted wave in return, more for his own reassurance than for Noah’s, his boogie board drifting a little farther with each minute.
The thud of a volleyball striking echoed across the beach, distracting Noah. His eyes were drawn to a nearby game, and one of the players immediately caught his attention. He stood out from the others—a guy whose body seemed to be chiselled from stone, every inch of him thick and muscular. His shoulders were broad, his arms bulging beneath a tight tank top that strained against his chest with every movement. Noah guessed he was at least six feet tall, easily 255 pounds of pure muscle.
Noah’s gaze lingered, admiring how the stud moved. Each spike of the ball sent ripples of power through his body, and the way his muscles tensed and flexed was mesmerizing. He had the presence of a natural athlete—confident, sure of himself, but with an easy grin that suggested he didn’t take himself too seriously. Dark hair curled out from beneath his ball cap, and a neatly trimmed beard framed his strong, angular jawline.
As he bent to serve, Noah caught sight of a bold tattoo partially hidden under his tank top—a lion, its mane sprawled across his thick pecs. His gaze travelled lower, taking in the way the man’s shorts clung to his muscular legs. His thighs were massive, like they could crush boulders, and his calves bulged with each movement. There was no doubt about it—this guy was a serious bodybuilder.
For a moment, Noah forgot about Jimmy entirely. He was supposed to be watching his son, but his attention kept drifting back to the volleyball game, and more specifically, to the athlete who seemed to dominate the court.
It wasn’t until Jimmy’s shout pierced the air that Noah was snapped back to reality. “Dad!” His son’s voice was tinged with panic, and Noah’s heart leaped into his throat. Jimmy had drifted too far, the wind and waves pushing him farther from shore. His face was pale, eyes wide with fear.
Panic surged through Noah. He scrambled to his feet, sand scattering around him as he shouted, “Jimmy! Come back!” His voice was tight with fear, but the distance between him and his son seemed impossible to close. Jimmy waved helplessly, his face contorting with worry.
“Help!” Noah’s voice cracked as he looked around desperately. The beach was crowded, but no one seemed to notice his growing alarm. He wasn’t a strong swimmer, and he was too far from the lifeguard.
Before Noah could shout again, the volleyball player he’d been watching sprang into action. Without hesitation, he bolted toward the water, his eyes locking on Jimmy. His tank top hit the sand before his feet touched the waves, and Noah got a full view of the man’s sculpted body as he sprinted into the surf. His chest, covered in that fierce lion tattoo, flexed powerfully, and his abs were tight, each one sharply defined as they led into his board shorts.
Noah stood frozen, watching as the stranger sliced through the water with effortless grace. Every stroke sent water cascading off his wide back and shoulders, his strength undeniable. He was built for this—strong, capable, and moving with the kind of ease that comes from years of physical conditioning.
Within moments, he reached Jimmy, grabbing hold of the boogie board and pulling the boy securely against his side. Noah’s legs wobbled with relief as he watched them begin the swim back to shore. This guy wasn’t just strong; he was calm, in control. It was the way he handled the situation—with deliberate, steady movements—that made all the difference.
Jimmy clung to his rescuer as they emerged from the water, his face flushed with embarrassment. “I was fine, Dad,” he muttered as soon as his feet hit the sand, though his shaky voice betrayed him.
The muscular stranger smiled reassuringly, ruffling Jimmy’s hair. “He did great,” the man said, his deep voice carrying easily over the din of the beach. “Stayed calm the whole time. I’m Jake, by the way.”
Noah managed to find his voice, though it came out shakier than he intended. “Noah,” he said. “And this is Jimmy.” He tried to smile, still rattled by the adrenaline rush.
Jake leaned down to fist-bump Jimmy, then stood to his full height, his eyes lingering on Noah for just a moment longer than necessary. Noah felt a strange flutter in his chest but quickly pushed it aside. He was grateful, that was all. Right?
“Yeah, he’s always testing his limits,” Noah said, shaking his head with a weak smile. “I should’ve been paying closer attention.”
Jake chuckled, his gaze dropping to Jimmy. “Better to have a kid who pushes boundaries than one who’s scared of everything. He’s just figuring it out, like we all did.”
Noah fidgeted slightly, feeling the exhaustion creep into his voice as he nodded. “Yeah, I just wish he’d wait until I’m ready for it,” he muttered, his tone softer than he intended. It was hard to admit, but keeping up with Jimmy’s boundless energy—and now managing the effect Jake was having on him—was wearing him down.
Jake grinned, his voice carrying an easy confidence. “Don’t be too hard on him. He’s a good kid. He’ll figure it out.” His presence was steadying, even as Noah felt off-balance.
And up close, Jake was even more striking. His skin glistened with water, every ridge of muscle defined beneath the late afternoon sun. His thick pecs rose and fell with steady breaths, and his eyes—dark and intense—met Noah’s with a warmth that sent a jolt through him. The lion tattoo, still glistening, almost seemed to roar as Jake’s body moved.
“Thanks,” Noah stammered. “I—I didn’t know what to do.”
Jake shrugged it off with a casual smile. “No problem. I’m just glad I could help.”
Noah tried to keep his focus on Jake’s face, but his gaze kept drifting to those broad shoulders and the way his muscles rippled with every movement. He couldn’t help but wonder how much strength it took to build a body like that, and as his eyes traced the lines of Jake’s physique, he felt captivated by the quiet power Jake exuded.
“So, you local?” Jake’s question snapped Noah out of his thoughts.
Noah blinked. “Uh, yeah, we live nearby. Orchard Estates, just a few minutes from here.”
Jake’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Nice neighborhood.”
An awkward pause followed, and Noah’s gaze dropped again to the lion tattoo, drawn to the boldness of it. Before he could stop himself, the words slipped out. “Does the tattoo mean something?”
Jake’s grin widened. He glanced down at his chest, flexing his pecs slightly. “Yeah, it’s me. Strong, confident, likes to be in charge. It just felt right.”
Noah’s stomach tightened. “It’s… impressive,” he mumbled, barely keeping his voice steady.
“Thanks,” Jake said, his smile softening. “I’ve been lifting since I was fourteen—so, about five years now.”
Noah’s eyes widened. “Wait, you’re nineteen?” He couldn’t believe it. He’d assumed Jake was older, closer to his own age.
Jake shrugged, clearly used to this reaction. “Yeah. Why?”
Noah shook his head, struggling with the sudden rush of confusion. “I just… thought you were older.”
Jake’s playful grin returned. “If you ever need workout tips, let me know. But you’re doing fine,” he added with a quick, teasing glance over Noah’s body.
Noah’s face flushed, and he let out a nervous laugh. The comment was innocent, but the way Jake said it left a tension in the air that Noah couldn’t shake.
The sun was beginning to sink lower on the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the beach. Noah glanced down at Jimmy, who had been standing nearby, listening to the entire conversation with rapt attention. “We should get going,” Noah said reluctantly. “I need to get dinner started before my boyfriend gets home.”
Jake nodded, his smile still lingering. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”
Noah watched as Jake turned and walked away, his muscular back shifting effortlessly as he rejoined the volleyball game. There was something about him that Noah couldn’t quite shake—something more than just admiration. But whatever it was, it left Noah feeling conflicted as he gathered Jimmy and headed for the car.
