They ended up at a park two miles from their apartment. It had been gentrified a few months back, so the dead patches of grass were now rolling green hills, and the rotting picnic tables had been replaced by jungle gyms and neat flower beds. Zack threw sticks for Ziggy to fetch and ran around with him until his muscles screamed. He loved the feeling a good workout gave him. It reminded him that he was young and alive. It made him want to do something dangerous just for the thrill of it.

Zack stopped to catch his breath and stretched his arms above his head. His black shirt had become skintight with sweat and rode up over his stomach, exposing a thick strip of taut, tan skin. Zack happened to glance to his left and caught a man—a fit blond with a wide smile—staring at him. When Zack made eye contact, he jogged over and asked what breed Ziggy was. It took everything Zack had not to smirk. He’d recognize that approach anywhere, mostly because he’d used it a hundred times himself.

Zack spent a few minutes chatting before the blond inevitably inclined his head toward a set of nearby public bathrooms. The motion was so subtle, Zack might not have caught it if he hadn’t been waiting for it. He started to nod but then hesitated. A sense of unease settled in his stomach. He knew what would happen if he followed the blond, and even though it’d been a while since he’d gotten laid—at least, by his standards—he somehow wasn’t up for a random encounter. He paused for a fraction of a second longer before smiling apologetically at the blond and shaking his head.

The other man looked surprised, which made Zack wonder if something about him screamed “exhibitionist,” but he backed off. Zack stared mournfully at his ass as he left, already regretting the decision. It could have been over in ten minutes, just a quick and dirty fuck against a wall. Images flooded into Zack’s head: he’d shove the blond into a stall and kiss him so hard, their lips would bruise. He’d fumble between them until he managed to get their pants pushed down and a hand around their cocks. It’d been weeks since anyone but Zack had touched his dick. The thought alone made longing stir low in his belly. Zack would have come in no time at all, and then he’d never see the blond again.

Zack sighed and willed his burgeoning erection away. He could chase after the other man, but he had a bit too much dignity for that. His good mood all but gone, Zack decided he was ready to go home. He found Ziggy rolling in some grass, looking like pure happiness in dog form. The sight made Zack forget his ennui.

“You’re such a good boy,” he cooed as he ruffled the dog’s long fur. “I’ll buy you some treats on the way home.”

When they got back to their apartment complex, Mr. Alvarez was waiting for them in the backyard, toolbox in hand.