He ran out of fear, but was found because of love. . . 

As the last of his kind, Blayze McKnight was never taught the way of the dragon. And the moment he joined the Pryde Pack, he knew it was only a matter of time before everyone found out he wasn’t what he claimed to be. After shifting into his true form to save the man he wants, but can never claim as his, he runs.

Terrified of rejection, Blayze turns his back on the friends and the pack he once called home—and gives up on ever finding his Draco Corde. His dragon heart.

The day Ryland Burnett met Blayze, he knew the man belonged to him—that they were mates for life. And he’s never been wrong before, especially when he follows his gut. After being injured in a fight, he wakes up in the hospital expecting to see his mate by his side, only to learn Blayze is gone. Ryland wastes no time going in search of his soul mate. 

But finding Blayze is the easy part. What they face next could tear them apart. Will their love be strong enough to withstand the test?

Disclaimer: This is not a standalone. This book starts directly after the first book in the Pryde Shifter Series. This book also contains Mpreg but is not the focus of the story. This book contains explicit language and is intended for adult readers over the age of 18+

Ryland knew from the moment he met Blayze that the man was his. He felt it deep down in his bones. Blayze might have disagreed or denied that they were mates, but have never once rejected him. The enticing scent that hit him almost made him buckle at his knees when he walked into Duncan’s office.

Not to mention how handsome Blayze looked that day, sitting in the chair dressed in his usual blazer and dress slacks with his hair perfectly slicked back and not one strand out of place. He remembered feeling his beast pacing and purring just wanting to be noticed by their mate. He was so tongue tied when he tried to introduce himself to the other man. He almost creamed in his pants when Blayze smiled. After the meeting he’d waited until he and Blayze walked out of Duncan’s office to talk to the man.
​
“You know you belong to me, right?” He seemed to have gained the ability to speak properly than a few minutes ago.
Blayze stopped walking and quirked a perfectly arched eyebrow staring at him. “How do you figure that? We just met each other.”

“Because I can feel it, in here,” he answered placing a hand over his heart. He stepped closer not crowding Blayze’s space. “I have your scent imprinted inside of me already. My beast calls to yours.”

“Animal instincts, is that it?”

“In a matter of speaking,” he smirked loving the way the other man’s tempting scent. There was something different about him, but Ryland couldn’t put his finger on it. He’d claimed he was a hybrid lykosian, but it did not fit in Ryland’s opinion.

Blayze hummed and purse his lips. “I hate to break it to you. I don’t belong to you or anyone else.”
Ryland felt a pang of disappointment until he looked into Blayze’s eyes. He saw a shadow of what seemed like uncertainty a stark difference to the words he’d uttered.

The first draft for Ryland's Inferno is done and it's time let you into my head as I decompress before I start the editing process. 

The songs are very sexual in theme but I couldn't resist. Not only did I listen them while writing the sex scenes between Ryland and Blayze, I listened to them while writing some of the most intense scenes in the story. It might have taken me longer to write Ryland's Inferno than all the other books I've written so far but I enjoyed the journey of the couple coming together. The were sweet, and frustrating in some cases. I hope you enjoy taking a peek into my head or just simply enjoy the music. More to come on my journey writing Blayze and Ryland's story. ​ Don't forget to comment on what song you like and also recommend a couple for me to listen to. 

A short snippet of a new WIP. Marriage of Convenience Series Book One. Title: TBA Release date: TBA NOT EDITED
​

“Your highness, this is your itinerary for your trip to New York,” Thornton said pulling him from his thoughts and handing his a stack of papers.
    “New York?” he asked in confusion.
    “Yes, your highness, did you already forget? It’s been on your schedule for months.”
    “Um…”
    Thornton sighed. “Your father will not be able to attend the states delegation meeting and ordered you to attend in his stead.”
    Remington was about to get upset at the thought that his father had ordered him when he really hated it. He was twenty-five for crying out loud. But then he realized that this was the break he might need. “How long is this affair?”
    Thornton looked down at his notes. “We should be there for one week.”
    “Add another week,” Remington told him.
    “Why your highness?”
    “Do I need to explain myself Thorn?”
    “No your highness. I will see to your wishes.”
    “Very well, now leave me alone, there are things I need to see to before I meet with my father later today. No doubt he’ll have a lecture prepared.”
    “But, your highness, we are not done going over your schedule.”
    “For heavens sake, Thorn, I am quite certain that you will remind me of where I need to be in aan appropriate time. And for blasted sake, stop calling me your highness, I’ve told you to call me Remy like everyone else when we’re alone. Besides we’ve been friends for far too long to stand on ceremony.”
    Thorn stared at him before nodding. He looked down at the papers in his hand before looking back up at him. “Are you going to call him sir?”
    Remington knew that Thornton was taking about Fabian. Thornton’s had a crush on Fabian since they were kids. “I am, do you have a problem with seeing him.” Thornton had told Fabian how he felt but his best friend like an idiot turned the man down. As far as Remington knew they hadn’t spoke to each other since Fabian left for the states.

Ryland's Inferno (Pryde Shifter Series Book 2)

“Are you sure that’s wise, the place might not be standing when we get back. He can be a big kid sometime.”

“Sure, anything you say, Ry.” Blayze wasn’t paying any attention to what Ryland was saying all he could think about was having his mate fuck him against the wall.

“You’re not listening to me are you?”

Blayze didn’t answer he grabbed Ryland by his T-shirt and pulled him down for a kiss that would keep their mouths busy for an hour or two. Why use words when he could simply use his body to get what he wanted.

“Son, we’re home.” Came a gruff voice from another part of the house just as the sound of a door closed.

Blayze’s eyes widened. “Shit, I need you to leave,” he said trying to push Ryland towards the front door.

“Why don’t you want me to meet your parents?” Ryland asked stopping his movement.

“Because I don’t want you giving my mother any crazy ideas,” he snapped. “Bad enough they know more about supernaturals than they should.”“So they know you’re a dracomen?” Ryland asked. Blayze didn’t get a chance to answer because his mother walked into the room.

“There you are, son your father and I brought back some of the fried chicken and potato salad you love so much from Clark’s Diner.” His mother stopped talking when she walked into the living room and stopped when she saw them. “Blayze, I didn’t know you had company?” She asked looking at Ryland. “Janet McKnight.”

“Ryland Burnett, ma’am, I’m your son’s…”

“Friend,” Blayze added before Ryland could finish his introduction. “He’s a friend of mine.”

“Uh huh,” she said not sounding convinced. “Well do you plan on staying for dinner?” she asked Ryland, then looked at Blayze. “Your Pop is so happy that you’re home he’s in the mood to barbecue.”


​
Blayze licked his lips, he could still feel the lingering warmth of Ryland’s finger’s still on them. He wanted to look back to see if Ryland was staring at his ass and purposely put an extra sway in his walk.
    
“Keep walking like that and I’ll think twice about being a gentleman and not molest you with your parents in the house,” Ryland deep voiced whispered causing Blayze to stumble just a bit he grabbed onto the wall to stop from falling.

Fuck, Blayze mentally cursed, that was new. He watched as Ryland walked passed him into the kitchen. It took Blayze a second to get himself together before joining his mother and Ryland in the kitchen. His mother was asking Ryland to reach a bowl that sat on the far right of the top cupboard. Blayze couldn’t keep his eyes off Ryland’s muscled arms and the memory of being in the man’s arms pressed against his chest made him feel safe and secure. His beast preened as if it was a peacock showing it’s pretty feathers trying to attract a mate.

He closed his eyes blocking out his thoughts. He wasn’t going to entertain the thought. Ryland wasn’t his and he didn’t have a right to feel that way when the man belonged to someone else. It still didn’t stop him from feeling jealous at the thought. He turned his attention from Ryland and looked at the bags of groceries sitting on the counter. It was more than enough food for an impromptu barbecue of three even if they did have a surprised guess.

Tuesday Teaser ??  Ryland's Inferno

Ryland closed the door behind him and leaned against it for a few minutes. His body felt like it was on fire. He widened his legs hoping to ease the tension on his erection. Having Blayze in his arms kept him in a state of arousal. He yearned for the other to man in ways he didn’t imagine he could. His heart pounded in his chest, his palms became sweaty, and his legs felt weak it took a lot of strength just to stay standing in his presence.
If only Blayze knew the effect he had on me.
Pulling off the door he was grateful that his cock had gone down a bit, he’d promised Blayze he would be downstairs waiting for him when he greeted his grandmother. Ryland was still grasping to how much their life changed in less than twenty-four hours. He wasn’t sure how much he could take before he got settled into his new life.

Rainbow Snippets is a group on FB where writers share six lines from an LGBTQIA release or WIP. 

Blurb
​Cole Bradford needed a new start for him and his unborn child. After leaving his ex, he goes to the two people who could center him: his parents. Promising himself that he would solely focus on raising his child, he’s completely blindsided by his sudden attraction for his parents’ boss, Kane Cartwright.
​
Kane Cartwright’s only focus is the successful management of his dude ranch, the Black Meadow. He’s satisfied with his life as a bachelor and does not want the responsibility of a lover or children. Until the smart-mouthed New Yorker showed up on his ranch looking for his dads. And suddenly, Kane found himself attracted and wanting a man who’s pregnant with another man’s baby.

“Can I help you?” Kane asked once the man was standing in front of him.

“Hi.” The kid smiled up at him and Winston. “I was wondering if you could tell me where I can find Dennis and William Bradford?”

For a second Kane was confused. That was the first time since he'd hired them he’d heard anyone refer to the two men by their proper names. “On vacation,” Kane answered. He watched as the smile disappeared from the man’s face.

“Shit! Do you know when they will be back?”

“A couple of days,” Kane answered. “What do you want with them?”

“Damn, I’m sorry.” The kid stepped closer to him, extending a hand. “I’m Colton. Well, Cole Bradford. No one really calls me Colton. I’m Denny and Bill’s son.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Kane Cartwright, owner of the Black Meadow Ranch,” Kane said shaking his hand and ignoring the jolt he felt when they touched. “Standing beside me is Winston Hollis, my foreman.” He released Cole’s hand and watched as he and Winston shook hands.

“Nice to meet you both.”

“Did Denny and Bill know you were coming?” Winston asked.
​
“No.” Cole smiled and this time it was genuine. “I wanted to surprise them. Maybe I should have called before I drove all the way here from New York."

Blurb
A budding friendship that leads to a one-night stand and a second chance at love.

After the death of his wife, Lucas Hamilton put finding love behind him, his only focus on being there for his young daughter. As the CEO of Hamilton Enterprise, Lucas has more on his plate than he could handle without adding a relationship in the mix. He promised his late wife that when love came around, he would not let it pass him by. Which is why Lucas was shocked to find himself attracted to Tucker Stevens. Does he ignore his attraction or keep the vow he made to his wife?

Tucker Stevens has mourned the death of his wife and daughter for so long that he's forgotten what love is. As an FBI agent, Tucker used work as a way to keep himself busy, forgetting the promise he made to his wife to never give up on love. Even though most of his family and friends are in love, married, and living their lives, he still didn't recognize or believe he had the right to fall in love. That was until Lucas Hamilton who found a way to break through the wall he built around himself.

Lucas sighed. “Shit, how am I going to get them into the car? I really don’t want to wake them,” he said looking down at the two sleeping girls. 

“I’ll help you get them settled,” Tucker told him. 

Lucas chuckled. “Thanks,” he said looking up at Tucker with a bright smile. Tucker noticed, far more than once that night, when Lucas smiled his dark jade eyes sparkled. It was a bit mesmerizing.

The server came back and handed the bill to Tucker who took it before Lucas could reach for it. He pulled out his wallet and grabbed one of his credit cards without even looking to see which one it was. Putting the card in the black case, he handed it to the server who was still standing there. She smiled in his direction as she took the case from him and walked away. 
​
“You know I can pay for the meal. After all, my kid did make a mess,” Lucas told him. 

Two years ago when I started writing My One-Night Stand series, I planned for this to be only two books not four or in my mind 4.5. I knew two years ago that I would not please everyone with the stories I write and that some readers would find every little flaw and happily point them out. And although I knew this, it still hurts when I see a negative review. But I am also happy when I see a review that tells me that I have a new reader. As I close the door on My One-Night Stand, I can't help but think how the characters and plots changed as I was writing them.

Jaxson & Christen

Jaxson and Christen were set in stone. But Brenden was supposed to be paired with Ethan. But as I continue to write Christen and Jaxson's story, I started seeing Brenden with someone else, and that was when Stephen came to life. The tension I saw between Stephen and Brenden was exciting, and I couldn't wait to start writing their story. But while was ready to listen, they were not ready to talk to me, Ethan and Tyler were, and so I listened. I wrote Jaxson and Christen the way they presented themselves to me. Christen a smart mouth doctor with good bedside manner. And Jaxson a top FBI agent who was ready to settle down.  Jaxson and Christen's story was written the exact way it was supposed to. 

Ethan & Tyler

Two men avoiding their attraction for each. Ethan who was in an unhealthy relationship. A mother who hated him because he was the apple of his father's eye a man she didn't love. Tyler, the middle son of a rich family who didn't wear his wealth on his sleeve and saw people for who they were. I really enjoyed their story, the sweet moments and related to Ethan in so many ways.

Brenden & Stephen

Writing Brenden and Stephen's story didn't come as easy as I had hoped it would. They were ready to talk, but something was missing. I'd hinted in book one about Nicholas because in my original draft Tucker knew about Nicholas being Brenden's son and was keeping it a secret because Stephen asked him to. Initially Julian was Julia, who would eventually marry Mark. Instead of Stephen and Mayson working on the child adoption case, Brenden, Stephen, and Jaxson were going to go undercover. Stephen would pretend he wanted to give away his baby and Jaxson and Benden would pose as the couple adopting the baby. It was to have Stephen and Brenden to get to know each other, but I didn't like the fact that he wouldn't get to know Nick. Stephen was also going to become friends with Paige and yeah she was still batshit crazy. I ended up deleting half of the story and starting all over again because the plot did not fit.

Lucas & Tucker

I enjoyed writing Tucker and Lucas' story. They were an unexpected couple. I knew that I was going to write a story for Tucker and planned to pair him with someone else. However, Lucas overrode me and told me plainly that Tucker was his. I enjoyed watching the two characters fall in love and building a family. I loved their banter, the unsureness of their feelings, yes their flirting. I won't give away spoilers, but a few things happen in the book that although I tried my hardest not write my muse as well as my characters wouldn't let me back out of. But I have to admit it worked well for the story. I loved that Tucker was Lucas' strength when he needed him to be. I enjoyed watching both Lucas and Tucker change for each other as they fall in love.

Mark & Julian

Mark in book one was presented as older because in my head he reminded me of Dick Van Dyke when he acted on Diagnosis Murder. Until he asked for his own short story and made it known that he was nothing like Dick Van Dyke. Yes, he was silly and loved to make people smile, but he also had a serious side. Julian didn't show up until the third book since he was originally going to be Julia, so he was a mystery to me. However, I enjoyed creating a personality for him. A father who supports his son and only butts in when necessary.

The original plot

Believe it or not, the series was not supposed to revolve around the Hamilton family. Thinking back it should have been called the Hamilton Saga :). As a writer, I learn that I need to be My initial plot would center around the hospital, and it's staff, not FBI agents or even the Seeker organization. It was always going to be mpreg a non-shifter series. Not really Alpha/Beta/Omega but similar where a hierarchal system was not essential only love and happily ever after.

That is what I want all the stories I write to be centered around. Two or three (there will be threesomes in the future) men or women finding that person(s) they connect with and see themselves building a life together.

​A budding friendship that leads to a one-night stand and a second chance at love.
 
After the death of his wife, Lucas Hamilton put finding love behind him, his only focus on being there for his young daughter. As the CEO of Hamilton Enterprise, Lucas has more on his plate than he could handle without adding a relationship in the mix. He promised his late wife that when love came around, he would not let it pass him by. Which is why Lucas was shocked to find himself attracted to Tucker Stevens. Does he ignore his attraction or keep the vow he made to his wife?
 
Tucker Stevens has mourned the death of his wife and daughter for so long that he's forgotten what love is. As an FBI agent, Tucker used work as a way to keep himself busy, forgetting the promise he made to his wife to never give up on love. Even though most of his family and friends are in love, married, and living their lives, he still didn't recognize or believe he had the right to fall in love. That was until Lucas Hamilton who found a way to break through the wall he built around himself.

Cole Bradford needed a new start for him and his unborn child. After leaving his ex, he goes to the two people who could center him: his parents. Promising himself that he would solely focus on raising his child, he’s completely blindsided by his sudden attraction for his parents’ boss, Kane Cartwright.
​
Kane Cartwright’s only focus is the successful management of his dude ranch, the Black Meadow. He’s satisfied with his life as a bachelor and does not want the responsibility of a lover or children. Until the smart-mouthed New Yorker showed up on his ranch looking for his dads. And suddenly, Kane found himself attracted and wanting a man who’s pregnant with another man’s baby.

Cole Bradford pulled up to the dirt road leading to the Black Meadow Ranch. He turned off the car, needing a few minutes to collect his thoughts. He needed to figure out what he was going to tell his parents, as to why he was there.

Simply saying he missed them and wanted to see them wasn’t going to fly. They’d been asking him to visit for years and each time he came up with one excuse after another for why he couldn’t. His fathers had only met Ryker once, but they hadn’t liked him. They tolerated him because Cole was in love with him and thought that he was happy. And for a while, he was happy and in love—until Ryker showed Cole his true colors. Resting his hand on his flat stomach Cole sighed. He wasn’t a coward, but he had to get away from Ryker before the man ended up killing him or his baby.

Leaning forward, he rested his forehead on the steering wheel while holding back his tears. The first time Ryker had hit him, Cole accepted that it was an accident. Yeah, but that’s when the lies of me accidentally walking into his fist started. 

Ryker had promised it wouldn’t happen again. The second time, Cole moved out of the apartment they had together. But he still saw Ryker every day since the restaurant where he worked was owned by the man. He’d tried to keep his distance, only showing up when it was his day to work and by not being alone with Ryker. During his off time, he went on job interviews and was repeatedly turned down. Cole later found out that Ryker was sabotaging him to the point where he almost got blacklisted. Ryker Christensen’s name carried a lot of weight in the restaurant business. Ryker had brought himself up from nothing in just a few short years. According to Ryker, he succeeded when others told him he never would. 

Cole would be lying to himself if he said that in the beginning, when he met Ryker, that the money and power didn’t play a big part of what attracted him to the man. Not only that, but Ryker was an alpha and was supposed to be in tune with Cole's omega nature. They were compatible, or so he thought. During their one-month breakup he’d thought that Ryker understood that they were over and a month later Cole was ready to move on. Or so he’d thought.
He never thought he’d be one of those men who’d let his heart melt hearing the words “I love you.” But those sweet words became his torment. The first time Ryker had said he loved him, Cole was supposed to go out on a date with a guy he’d met at the grocery store of all places. Ryker had called him into his office under the guise of discussing something to deal with work. They ended up arguing about their failed relationship. Even though the door was closed, Cole knew the entire galley could hear them, it was what Ryker wanted.

At the time, he’d forgotten how manipulative Ryker could be, so when he yelled, “You’re my mate, dammit, and I love you,” it took some of the anger out of Cole.

“I was such a fool. Did I crave love so much I fell for his words and not what I really felt? Gods, I won’t let it happen again.”

He’d gone back and became someone he hated. Blaming himself for the reasons why his lover hit him. He’d learned to cover up everything. The bruises, the lies, and his pain. He’d been swayed by Ryker’s sweet words and promises of change and forgiveness.

“We’re going to be okay,” he whispered as he leaned back, talking to his unborn child.

Cole was three months pregnant with Ryker’s child. He wasn’t showing yet. Which was a blessing. A couple of weeks ago he’d gotten sick, but chalked it up as something else. He hadn’t thought of the possibility that he could have gotten pregnant. He was always religious about taking his suppressants and Ryker had only knotted him once in the time they were together. He’d ignored the signs of fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. It didn’t help that the man who was supposed to love him insulted him every chance he got.

“Why don’t you lay off sampling the desserts for the customers? You’re starting to look thick in the ass and hips. Some idiot might find that shit attractive, but I don’t,” Ryker told him a couple of weeks earlier.

Cole was a pastry chef and would sometimes sample the treats he baked. It was one of the fun parts of his job. With a clear head, he couldn’t find the reason why he stuck around and took Ryker’s abuse. He now had someone else he had to think about. “I’m so sorry you had to deal with that man, little one. We’re going to start over and do things differently this time, I promise.”

He’d been driving for a week, slowly making his way from New York across the country to Montana. He’d never been to Montana before and hoped that it would be far enough away from Ryker. He was certain that his parents would be happy to see him, but he wasn’t going to be able to hide the real reason why he was there. Other than seeing his parents, Cole desperately needed a change of scenery and to figure out what the hell he was going to do next. Restarting the car, he put it in drive and continued his journey the rest of the way. He smiled when he saw the sign above the large open gates that said Black Meadow Ranch.
​
Who knows, this might be the start of something new. 

“I wonder who that could be?” Winston, his ranch foreman, said, getting Kane’s attention.
Kane turned from where he was sitting on the fence and looked over his shoulder. He watched as the car came to a stop behind his truck. Standing up he crossed his arms over his chest, wondering who the stranger could be.
​
“I don’t know,” he finally answered.

He wasn’t expecting any more guests for the week and the ranch was booked solid for the next six months, give or take a couple weeks for rest in between guests showing up. Kane Cartwright was the owner of Black Meadow Dude Ranch. He’d taken over running the business after his father, Preston, had a stroke a couple of years earlier. His mother, Julia, had become his full-time caregiver. They had moved out of the main family house and into one of the cabins that was more accessible for his dad to get around.

Kane watched as the car door opened, and the driver exited. The first thing Kane noticed about the man was that he was stunning, absolutely gorgeous. With dark-brown hair, long on the top and swept to the side, and short on the sides, he wore jeans with a black T-shirt and work boots. He might have been just wearing jeans and a T-shirt, but to Kane the kid looked as if he was some model showcasing loungewear in a magazine. The stranger looked around as he closed the car door. The smile on his face should have lit up his face, but to Kane it seemed strained, as if he was worried about something.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Winston said next to Kane.

“What?”

“That looks like Denny and Bill’s son,” Winston told him. “I recognize him from one of the pictures on Bill’s desk.”

As the stranger walked closer to them, Kane studied him more, noticing the similarities between both Bill and Denny. Specifically, his bright blue eyes that resembled Bill’s. He knew they had a kid, but Kane never paid attention to the pictures on Bill’s desk. Or asked about the guy either. Denny was the head chef for the Meadow Brook restaurant and Bill took care of the maintenance on the ranch.

“Can I help you?” Kane asked once the man was standing in front of him.

“Hi.” The kid smiled up at him and Winston. “I was wondering if you could tell me where I can find Dennis and William Bradford?”

For a second Kane was confused. That was the first time since he'd hired them he’d heard anyone refer to the two men by their proper names. “On vacation,” Kane answered. He watched as the smile disappeared from the man’s face.

“Shit! Do you know when they will be back?”

“A couple of days,” Kane answered. “What do you want with them?”

“Damn, I’m sorry.” The kid stepped closer to him, extending a hand. “I’m Colton. Well, Cole Bradford. No one really calls me Colton. I’m Denny and Bill’s son.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Kane Cartwright, owner of the Black Meadow Ranch,” Kane said shaking his hand and ignoring the jolt he felt when they touched. “Standing beside me is Winston Hollis, my foreman.” He released Cole’s hand and watched as he and Winston shook hands.

“Nice to meet you both.”

“Did Denny and Bill know you were coming?” Winston asked.

“No.” Cole smiled and this time it was genuine. “I wanted to surprise them. Maybe I should have called before I drove all the way here from New York.”

“Wouldn’t have made any difference. They went on a cruise,” Winston said to Cole. “But I guess they’ll be happy to see you when they get back.”

“Yeah.” Cole sighed. “I guess I should find a hotel and wait until they return.”

Cole turned and started walking back to his car and Kane felt a hard shove in his shoulder. He looked over at Winston. “What?” he mouthed. Winston tilted his head in Cole’s direction. Kane rolled his eyes at the older man.

“Hey, wait,” Kane called out, walking down to meet the man before he opened his car door. Cole turned and faced him and again Kane couldn’t help but stare into his bright blue eyes. “Why don’t you stay in your dads’ cabin until they get back? I would offer one of the guest cabins, but we’re filled up for the next week.”

“I—”

“It’s no trouble. Besides, your dads would have my hide if I let you stay in a hotel.”

Cole didn’t say anything for a few minutes, and Kane thought he was going to object.
“Fine, but you have to put me to work while I’m here.”

“You don’t have to work,” Kane said to him.

“I know that, but I want to do something. I won’t feel right sitting around twirling my thumbs waiting for my parents to get back. Plus, I hate being bored.”

“You sound like Bill.” Kane looked away for a quick second. “What can you do? I mean, what do you do for a living?”

“I’m a chef, well, a pastry chef, but I can cook just about anything.”

“Are you any good?”

“Yeah.” He smiled. “Studied with the best, my dad included.”

Kane nodded. Denny was a phenomenal chef, and he was lucky to have him as a part of the Black Meadow family. The Meadow Brook restaurant garnered five-star ratings from many, if not all, of the guests who vacationed at the Black Meadow.

“Why don’t you help out in the kitchen until they get back? Denny’s assistant, Marla, is in charge right now, but I’m sure she won’t mind the extra pair of hands. Let me warn you now, she’s a bit bossy but everyone loves her.”

“Okay. If she works with my dad, I don’t doubt it.”

“All right.” Kane reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, looking at the time. Noting that about this time Marla would be prepping for the dinner rush. Stuffing his phone back into his pocket he nodded. “If you follow me, I’ll take you over to the cabin so that you can get settled, then to the Brook so you can meet Marla.”

“Okay.” Cole smiled. And just like the first time Kane had seen his smile, it didn’t reach his eyes. Something wasn’t right. Cole reminded him of a spooked horse that needed to be sweet-talked into being ridden.

I wonder what the hell he is doing here?

Kane turned and walked back up to the fence where Winston was still standing and was watching them.

“I’m going to show him to Denny and Bill’s cabin, then take him over to the Brook. I’ll be back once I run into town to pick up the supplies we ordered.”

“All right.” Winston nodded and walked into the direction of the barn. There was still work to be done. The Black Meadow might be a vacation spot, but it was also a working ranch.

Kane jogged over to his truck and climbed in. He would have taken his horse Dusty, but once he showed Cole where everything was he needed to drive into town for a few supplies. Starting up his vehicle, he looked in the rearview mirror and saw that Cole had pulled his car out from behind him and was waiting. Something wasn’t right, and he couldn’t help but wonder what the man was doing in Montana. Since Denny and Bill started working for him, he’d heard them talk about their son, wanting him to visit, but he never did. Kane looked up in his rearview mirror again to make sure that Cole was following and allowed his mind to wander on the short drive to the older couple’s cabin. He knew every inch of his ranch like the back of his hand.

When he was younger, Kane couldn’t see himself ever leaving Black Meadow.  He was an only child and never wanted for anything. His parents spoiled him, but he had good role models who taught him strong work ethics. He’d gone off to college after graduating from high school a year early, where he’d studied business and marketing. He’d missed his home like crazy when he was away at school.

After graduating from university, Kane returned home and worked in every job position, learning from the bottom up, and would have been content to do so until his dad was ready to turn the ranch over to him. Kane didn’t expect it to be after his father’s stroke. The stroke changed the way he saw things. Kane had thought his father was invincible and that nothing could touch him. After his father’s near death, it made him realize that he had to live his life to the fullest.

His father’s stroke also changed things for his parents, especially his mother. They’d started to ask for grandkids. Kane was only thirty-five and had a lot of responsibilities. Getting married and starting a family was not in his plan. There were a few things he wanted to accomplish, and he wasn’t looking for the “happily ever after” with some guy. He wasn’t looking for a partner. Quick hookups and one-night stands were all Kane could handle, and he didn’t want to break the news to his parents that he wasn’t ever going to get married. Kane was selfish, and he knew it. He’d never hid that fact from anyone. He might care about the people that worked for him and who had their own families, but he was never jealous of their home lives. He was content being alone. All he needed was his ranch and nothing else.

 Cole followed behind Kane Cartwright’s truck. He was a bit bummed that his parents weren’t there to greet him like he wanted. The way he was feeling, he could go for one of Denny’s hugs and whispered words of “everything was going to be all right.”
Maybe I should just leave. What the hell was I thinking coming here anyway?
​
Granted, Cole should have thought through his plan carefully. But he needed to get away before Ryker got back. He realized that he couldn’t leave Montana anyway. Like an idiot, he’d offered up his services to work in the ranch’s restaurant. It was the least he could do since he was staying on the ranch for free. He knew that even though his dads worked on the ranch, they had to pay for their lodging and the amenities which seemed fair to him. Cole was surprised by the sprawl of the Black Meadow Ranch. He had never been to a dude ranch before. Hell, he was completely ignorant as to how things worked on a ranch or a farm.

From the little he saw on the drive up, there was a lot going on—kids running around, some people were riding horses, while other horses were in the field grazing or doing whatever the hell it was they did, and a crowd of people gathered around a fence watching some guy in the center of the ring demonstrate something. From what Cole could tell, he had a rope in his hand twirling it around. He couldn’t tell what was real and was fake, it all seemed as if he was on a movie set.

I wonder if they have a town sheriff and a saloon where men sit around and play poker all day waiting for the bad guy to show up and rob the bank. He chuckled at his silly thought. But seriously what the fuck am I doing here? I don’t know shit about working or being on a ranch.

What also surprised him was how fucking gorgeous Kane Cartwright was. The foreman wasn’t bad-looking either. But it was Kane that caught his attention. Tall, café au lait skin, jet-black, curly hair sticking out the sides of his baseball cap, and gray-blue eyes. Kane was exactly what he envisioned how a cowboy should look and sound like. His deep, commanding voice could melt chocolate each time he spoke, his muscled chest, slim waist, with the possibility of a six- or eight-pack abs hidden under his flannel shirt he was wearing. Cole couldn’t stop himself from licking his lips thinking about Kane’s thick thighs encased in jeans that looked as if they were painted on him.

Sighing, Cole cleared his thoughts. The man was good-looking, but he had no business admiring him. He had his own issues that he was running from and a baby to take care of and protect. He was going to do the job he promised he would do and once his parents returned, he would spend some time with them and leave. Cole made up his mind that he wasn’t going to tell his folks yet about the baby. He needed to use the short time that he was going to be there to work shit out on his own.

Cole wasn’t going to go back to Ryker, that he knew for sure. He’d become dependent on the man which only enabled Ryker to get away with the shit he did. He should have left when he realized that he and Ryker were not a mated pair. He knew Ryker cheated on him with betas or omegas that would suck his cock for whatever he had to offer. The man had the decency not to flaunt them in his face, but smelling their perfume or cologne on him was just as bad. Cole beat himself up for staying as long as he had. He’d called himself every idiot name in the book and then some.

“If I had a mate, he wouldn’t want me now that I’m knocked up with some other alpha’s kid. Besides, who’d want damaged goods?”

No matter what happened, he would not hate his child. It was going to be hard, but he needed to look toward a brighter future for himself and the baby. Cole would need to find a place to live and a job. Go somewhere Ryker would never think to look if he was trying to find him. Finding a job would be easy. Restaurants were always looking to hire a chef. Hell, he would wait tables if he had to. Work wasn’t something he was immune to. Denny might have been a phenomenal chef, but growing up they were dirt poor. Denny worked long hours trying to get his name out there. Bill was a plumber who had worked for a company that went bankrupt when Cole was sixteen. Cole had taken out loan after loan that he was still paying off to pay for school. His fathers tried to give him the best life possible, and he appreciated them for everything they had done for him.

One of the reasons he’d stayed with Ryker for so long was because of his threats that no matter where he went, he would find him. He was scared of that possibility—that it might happen. But it was better to run than stay and die. I can’t bring my shit to them. They need to live their lives and not be worried about me.

Cole stopped his car when Kane pulled up in front of a log-style cabin that looked rustic with a modern touch. It was still light outside, but he recognized the solar panels on the roof. That had to be his dad Denny’s idea. Cole shut off his car and got out, pocketing his keys. He walked up to the steps meeting Kane who was waiting for him. Kane tilted up the bill of his baseball cap that he was wearing then bent down to lift the welcome mat and pulled out the extra key and opened the door.

“Just how close are you to my parents that you know where they keep their spare key?”

Cole hadn’t meant for his words to be as accusatory as it came out. He was glad when Kane ignored him by stepping aside, giving Cole room to enter. The room was large and open. He recognized both of his fathers’ tastes littering the room. Browns and soft shades of blues and green were sprinkled around the room elegantly. The large brown leather sectional sat in the middle of the room with a blanket thrown over it, facing an unlit fireplace with a television stationed above it. Two leather wingback chairs sat on the other side of the room with a table between them, an unfinished chessboard sitting on top.

Walking further in the cabin, he noticed the dining room off to the left of the living room. Denny and Bill might not be there but their home felt like they were. Cole walked into the kitchen and opened the cupboards, looking around. If he knew his dad Denny, tons of his favorite snacks would be hiding in the back. Whether he was there or not, there was always a snack in the cupboard that had his name on it. Cole smiled when he spotted the vanilla wafers sitting in the far right of the cupboard.

“Do you always go through people’s things when they aren’t home?”

Cole jumped and dropped the wafer he was about to put in his mouth, turning around to see Kane watching him. “Shit, I forgot you were still here.”

“Apparently.”

Clearing his throat, he picked up the wafer, dumped it in the trash and put the pack back into the cupboard to devour later when he wasn’t being watched.

“For your information, my dad and I have the same taste in snacks.” He had no idea why he felt the need to justify his own actions.

Kane grunted, but didn’t say anything else.

“What’s your fucking problem with me? We just met for crying out loud.”

“I don’t have a problem with you,” Kane answered. “Hell, I don’t even know you.”

“Then I guess I’m just not accustomed to your sunny disposition.” Cole wasn’t sure what the guy’s problem was, but he had been giving him the cold shoulder since they’d met only a few moments earlier. “Isn’t there somewhere else we need to go?” Cole asked Kane.

“Yup.”

Cole wiped off his hands on his jeans and walked out of the kitchen. “Then let’s go.”

“Hey, wait,” Kane said stopping him before he got too far. Cole turned around and looked at him impatiently. “You might need these.” He held up the keys waiting for Cole to take them.
Shit, I’m acting like a fucking moron. The guy is being nice and I’m acting like he’s a pain in my fucking ass.

Reaching out he took the keys from Kane. “Thanks.”

“Yup.” He nodded and walked past Cole out the door.

Cole’s eyes trailed from Kane’s wide shoulders down his back and waist, finally landing on the man’s ass. Yup, I can’t stay here too long. I’ve only been here for a couple of minutes and already I’m checking out the man’s ass. Get your shit together, Cole. Checking out Ryker’s ass was how I ended up in the situation I’m in now. I’ll just stick around for a couple of days, see my folks and move on.

Copyright © 2018 Giovanna ‘Gia’ Reaves 
​

Available for Pre-Order
Cole Bradford needed a new start for him and his unborn child. After leaving his ex, he goes to the two people who could center him: his parents. Promising himself that he would solely focus on raising his child, he’s completely blindsided by his sudden attraction for his parents’ boss, Kane Cartwright.
Kane Cartwright’s only focus is the successful management of his dude ranch, The Black Meadow. He’s satisfied with his life as a bachelor and does not want the responsibility of a lover or children. That is until the smart-mouthed New Yorker showed up at the ranch looking for his dads. And suddenly, Kane has found himself attracted to and wanting a man who’s pregnant with another man’s baby.
Omegaverse & Non-Shifter
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079SX1ZB9
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079SX1ZB9
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079SX1ZB9

Buy Link

I'm currently working on the last book in the One-Night series which is about Lucas and Tucker.  I do not have a release date for this as yet, but when I do I will announce it. It will be the end of this series but not the end of stories coming from this world, I have more planned with new and old characters you met in the previous books. I'm also working on the next chapter of  The Chief's Boy (Xavier & Nick) and will post it on my website as soon as it's completed. 

I'm also working on a short story that will be available for free on my website. It will be a 3.5 story connect to the One-Night Stand Series. This story will be about Julian and Mark and how they started dating. In the next coming months, I will on a new Omega Dragon series. I'm really excited about this one and my muse is itching to get started on this series.

The second book in the Pryde Shifter Series is very slow going specifically the writing process. But I expect it will pick up very soon. ​​

​I did it! I went to my first Gay Romance Literature Retreat (GRL), and I had a blast! Let me start by saying I was scared out of my mind. I had my fears and doubts about a couple of things, even with my excitement I didn't know if I wanted to go. Even though I'd bought my plane ticket and reserved my room. I'm glad that I was able to push through my fears and still got on the plane which was another fear. I hate flying. After arriving in Denver and waiting for my husband to get our rental car, my anxiety ramped up. My number one thought kept ringing in the back of my head. What if the authors whose books I've read and loved are not as lovely in person as they are in real life? It's been known to happen. I'm so pleased that I was proven wrong when I received my first hug from Sharon Johnson before I even checked into my room. I met her mom who was with her, and she met my husband and son. Sharon and I have spoken over the phone a couple of times, and she is just as beautiful in person as she was over the phone.

After checking into my room, I wanted to stay in there and hide. However, my biggest supporter and best friend (husband) told me no. As a matter of fact, he was adamant that the only time I was allowed to stay in my room was to shower, dress, and sleep. After all one of the main points of me going to GRL was to meet and get to know authors and readers that are just like me.  He was right if I stayed hidden the entire time I wouldn't be able to meet all the authors on my list. So without unpacking, I left my room.
​ 
On my first night, I met and went crazy over A.E. Via. If I haven't said it before I loved this woman, she beautiful and allowed me to hug her. Along with A.E. Via, I went completely crazy meeting authors I've read since I started reading M/M all those years ago. Slowly as the days progressed and the more comfortable, I became. My anxiety didn't disappear, but I didn't let it hold me back. As a new author, I felt welcomed, and that was a plus for me. I received and gave hugs. I learned a lot at GRL by talking, listening, and paying attention. I asked questions and was happy when no one looked at me like I was crazy and answered them. I not only met authors, but I met readers and was surprised when a couple recognized my name and had read my books (that had me smiling all weekend). There were still some authors I wanted to talk to but couldn't because to me they seemed larger than life.
 
My first GRL experience, I had more fun than I thought I would have. I gained friends and hope that it will continue for years to come. I plan on attending next and hopefully all the ones they have after that. Thank you to all the authors who allowed me to gush over you and work. Thank you for making me feel like one of you even though I'm a small fish in a vast ocean. Thank you to GRL organizers; Carol Lynne, Ethan Day, Teressa Emil, and Reese Dante for your time and effort in making GRL first timer readers and writers like myself feel welcome. And for a safe space where we could be ourselves and talk about M/M romance. I heard the word family so often throughout the weekend, and it really felt as if I was home among people who truly understood me.
 
Special shout out you to- A.E. Via, Sharon Johnson, Elizabeth Silver & Jenny Urban, Tempeste O'Riely, Taylor Rylan, Aria Grace, Harper B. Cole, J.C. Owens, Kiki Burrelli, Khadijah James, Evette Reads, and Wendy Lynn. I hope I did not forget anyone but if I did thank you :)

Do you have burning questions to ask one of the couples in my book? Well, here's your chance to interview that couple and get them answered. Choose one of the couples listed the one with the most votes will be chosen. Send me an email with the couple's name and your question for them. I can't wait to hear from you!
Jaxson & Christen Book One My One-Night Stand
Ethan & Tyler Book Two My One-Night Stand
Stephen & Brenden Book Three My One-Night Stand
Duncan & Jordan Pryde Pack Series
I will announce the winning couple at the end of the month. 

Check out my Facebook group! 
​https://www.facebook.com/groups/272352029941714/?ref=bookmarks

Hey guys, here is a sneak peek from my new novel I hope to have published this December. I'm really excited about this novel, it's an Alpha/Omego non-shifter story. Currently working on edits right now. It will also be the last novel I publish for the year. I'll be taking a couple of weeks off to get ready for GRL in Denver  happening in October. Even though it will be the last novel for the year I will still be working on my WIP for 2018 so I will still be a busy as ever. I also have my web series that I will be posting every month (the first chapter is already posted in the freebie section check it out and leave a comment) and a surprise from the My One-Stand Series I hope to have finished for Christmas.  Speaking of Christmas I will be sending out Christmas cards if you would like to receive one please let me know. I still haven't figured out if it the cards will be ecards or paper cards, I'm aware not everyone wants to give out their home address so it's a safe bet that it will be ecards. Again, leave a comment on your preference below. Okay, so here is the sneak peak.

“Yeah, let me get it,” Phoenix said as he pulled off the door and took the few short steps to another set of stairs leading to another part of the house.

Instantly, Lucius' eyes dropped to Phoenix’s tight firm ass. Keep your eyes and mind on your job, Luc. Protecting the sexy little mate is my top priority.

“You can follow me if you like, Mr. Payne,” Phoenix said, stopping mid step and turned to look at him.

Lucius slowly drew his eyes away and stared at the other man, he also didn’t hide the fact of what he was doing. “You can call me, Lucius,” he said after a few seconds of them staring at each other.

“I’d like to keep things strictly business for now if you don’t mind.”

“And what if that isn’t what I want?”

Phoenix looked away from him. “I’m not sure how to answer that,” he said looking back at him. “There’s someone else to consider in all of this.”

“Okay,” Lucius told him before adding. “I’m not going to force you into anything. I get that I’m not only getting you in this deal and that your daughter is part of the package. But I’m not going to hold back let me warn you now little Omega. I’m not going to fight what is happening or going to happen between us naturally. And I hope you don’t either.”

“I understand,” Phoenix said after a few seconds of silence before continuing up the stairs.
When Lucius walked through the front door, he wasn’t expecting his life to change he saw everything in the form of a job and nothing else. But meeting, Phoenix Harcourt changed everything for him, he had a mate to protect.

Yesterday, I got to witness one of the most beautiful moments in my families life. My little sister said the words "I do" to the man she fell in love with.  What I didn't expect was how emotional I would be. I helped her plan everything that was allowed to me as her matron of honor.  Now, that it's over and I've had some time to breathe, I realized a few things. Nothing stayed the same. My sister went from being the cute little kid who used to follow me around to a strong, loving, kind, and caring woman who has carved out a future for herself. My sister's beauty shines inside and out. I watched my father walk a confident woman down the aisle yesterday. As tears clouded my eyes, I realized how much I loved my baby sister and was overjoyed that I was there to be a witness to the beautiful moment.  It made it even special because I like my new brother-in-law. He is a very nice man who worships the ground my sister walks on, and he will love and take care of her. What more could I ask for? Weddings are beautiful no matter the gender.

Seeing two people who love each other make a life long commitment to each other. Just as I happily watched my sister who couldn’t stop smiling all day. I couldn’t help but look around at some of my family members who wouldn’t be happy to see two men or two women get married. Their views of marriage that stem from what they interpret from the Bible that marriage is only between a man and woman fills me with sadness rather than rage.  Sometimes I believe they know of love but don’t understand love. If they actually believe that marriage is the next step and the most beautiful thing to feel and known to anyone. Then should it care what gender it is? My answer is no it’s not. I truly believe in my heart the love is love, no matter the gender. I just wished a few people in y family would understand that.
​
I wish my sister all the love and luck in the world as hope that she continues to feel the same joy she felt yesterday for the rest of her life. 

Available Now!
​Blurb

They say your past always shows up when you least expect it. Brenden Smith made a promise to himself that he would never put his heart on the line again. He swore off romance after his last breakup. But what happens when the man he thought he was over shows up in his life with news he wasn’t expecting?
Stephen Young broke off his relationship with Brenden over a misunderstanding and miscommunication. Working for the FBI, he knew it was only a matter of time before he and Brenden would work together. Will they be able to cooperate and put the past behind them? Or will Stephen’s secret keep them apart? 

Stephen Young sat at the bar sipping his drink. He felt great, and nothing or no one could ruin his night. He’d been invited to Ethan and Tyler's wedding. The ceremony was held in Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton’s backyard. And the reception and after party took place at the Garden hotel owned by one of Mr. Hamilton’s business associates. He didn't know Ethan all that well, but Tyler he'd met and seen a couple of times a few months earlier when he’d worked on a case alongside Jaxson and Brenden. A case that also involved Tyler’s little brother, Christen, getting kidnapped.

Which was how he ended up getting an invitation to the wedding. He turned around on his barstool and rested his elbows on the top, examining the room. There were quite a few handsome men in the place.  Too bad they were straight as an arrow who knew how to hit a target on the first try. And if they were gay, they were no doubt taken by some equally handsome guy.

 Stephen's plan was to attend the wedding, then sneak out through the back door and be at home before anyone realized he was gone. But that didn't happen, one of the groomsmen in the wedding party had apparently gotten injured on his way to the wedding and was in the hospital with a busted knee. Tyler asked him to take his friend's place in the wedding.  Stephen and the guy were about the same size, and the guy's suit had fit him perfectly.

It should have felt a bit awkward being in the wedding party, but the Hamiltons had a way of making you feel as if you were a part of their family. To Stephen it seemed as if they were great at picking up strays and giving them a home. He shook his head at how swiftly Marylin Hamilton had thrown everything together. 
“I think this is the first time I've seen you dressed up,” a deep voice whispered in his ear.

Stephen turned his head to the side and locked eyes with the man he'd love to hate but never could. Brenden Smith, the man he once gave his heart to willingly and could never take it back, even if he wanted to. Brenden cleaned up exceptionally well; he had on a black suit paired with a white shirt with the top buttons opened, showing a bit of skin. His bowtie was undone and hanging loosely around his neck. He looked so good that Stephen wanted to undress him slowly.

Shit, I need to get laid. It's been too fucking long since I've been pinned up against a wall, or tied to a bed and fucked within an inch of my life. The last time that happen was with the man standing beside me.  Who knew Brenden was the one to bring that side out of me?

 “Don’t tell me, cat got your tongue?” Brenden chuckled, his warm breath ghosting over his ear caused him to shiver. “Your mouth rarely knows when to shut up.” His tongue trailing along the outer shell of Stephen’s ear. He could smell the vodka mixed with a hint of mint on Brenden’s breath and whatever cologne he was wearing.  Stephen swallowed discreetly, hoping to hide the effect that the older man’s scent was having on him.

Stephen rolled his eyes but did not move away, even though he knew he should. “What do you want, Brenden?”

“You, for one night,” he whispered trailing kisses down his ear and to his neck. “For one night, let me hold you again and hear you scream my name the way you used to.” Brenden nipped at Stephen’s neck lightly.
Stephen's mouth fell open, he exhaled deliberately, closing his eyes, enjoying the tiniest amount of tension draining from his body. He didn’t want to look around the ballroom to see who was watching them. He suspected no one knew about their past, but knew about the animosity between them. He opened his eyes and looked at Brenden’s lust-filled green eyes. He wanted the same thing—to feel Brenden on top of him, making love to him. But he had to find a way to resist the other man.

“You're either drunk or delusional.”

Brenden chuckled, “I’m neither of those, baby, just happy to see you.” He took Stephen’s hand, the one that wasn’t holding his drink, and rubbed it shamelessly on his hard cock. “Does that feel delusional to you?”
No, it doesn’t, Stephen thought. He didn't respond with words, his fingers traced Brenden’s cock deliberately. The other man closed his eyes and hissed. His hand went to the back of Stephen’s neck and he leaned in closer, resting his forehead against his. “Come on, use me for one night. We can fuck each other out of our systems. Just for tonight, then we can walk away from each other for good. No regrets.”

“You sound desperate,” Stephen whispered, lowering his eyes to Brenden’s lips.

“I am.” Brenden smirked. “And I know you want me, just as much as I want you.”

“How can you tell that?” he asked, looking up and into Brenden’s face.

“You haven’t told me to go fuck myself, yet. You’re never shy about putting me in my place.” Brenden chuckled.

“Why are you doing this?” Stephen asked.

“Are you trying to tell me you don’t want this? Because we both know you would be lying.” Brenden raised his head staring down at him.

“I’m not saying that,” Stephen defended. He tried to pull his hand away, but Brenden held on to it tighter.

“Then what’s the problem? You’re not seeing anyone, and neither am I. Like I said, one night to get each other out of our systems for good.”

“How are you so sure I’m not seeing anyone?”

Brenden smiled confidently, and Stephen wanted to hate him for it.

“If you were, you wouldn’t let me touch you,” Brenden told him. “One night, that’s all I need to completely get you out of my system, and you can do the same with me.”

Stephen was sure that even after one night he could never get Brenden out of his system. The man had left his prints all over his body years earlier. The truth was he wanted to be with Brenden, in more ways than one. He missed having the older man in his life, and it hurt when they had broken off their relationship years earlier. If that was his last chance to be with the other man, he wasn’t going to pass it up. He looked around the rest of the room, making sure everyone was busy and not paying them any attention. “What’s your room number?” Stephen asked.

Brenden tugged him gently off the barstool, not waiting for his answer. He set his empty glass down on the bar top then took Stephen’s drink from him, downing the rest. He slammed the empty glass down then looked at Stephen. “Come on,” he said as they started walking out of the room.

Stephen stumbled a bit as the alcohol took effect. Righting himself, they hurried to the elevator. The minute the door closed behind them, Brenden was on him. Stephen didn’t fight what was happening, he wanted it, he wanted Brenden with a fierce passion. It’d been so long since he was last touched with such wantonness. He was roughly pinned against the wall. Their kisses needy as Brenden devoured his mouth, licking and nibbling on his lips. It was familiar; his hands roamed everywhere he could touch. He wrapped his leg around Brenden’s hip and humped against the other man.

Brenden brought his hands down and gripped Stephen’s hips, stilling his movements. They stopped kissing only for the need to breathe. The elevator doors opened, and they exited. The entire time Brenden held on to his hand, leading the way. Stephen happily followed. Once they were in the room, they were back on each other again. Brenden had him pinned against the closed door. He started undressing Brenden, needing to touch his lover's hot skin.

“Off,” he breathed against Brenden’s lips. “Need to feel.” Stephen pushed Brenden’s jacket down his arms.
Brenden released him and backed up, their eyes never leaving each other as he continued undressing. He got his jacket off letting it fall to the floor. Stephen pulled himself off the door and stopped Brenden’s hand when he reached for his belt.

“Let me do it,” Stephen told him. Brenden reached up and touched the side of his face. “What?”

“You haven’t changed,” he whispered. Stephen blushed, and Brenden smiled. “I…” He started but stopped himself.

“What were you going to say?” Stephen asked as he went to his knees and looked up.

Brenden carded his fingers through Stephen’s hair. “It’s nothing,” he responded. He pushed his pants and underwear below his hips, releasing his hard cock. Stephen got dizzy for a second when Brenden’s aroused scent smacked him in the face. He licked his lips eagerly watching Brenden grip his cock. He applied pressure on the back of Stephen’s head moving his face closer to his erect cock. He smeared his precum on Stephen’s lips, teasing him. Without thinking, he moaned and licked his lips before swiping his tongue on the head of his lover’s cock.

Brenden groaned and Stephen hummed in sweet bliss. He was always greedy for Brenden’s cock in his mouth and ass. He opened his lips to take Brenden’s cock between his lips when he was grabbed by the back of his hair, pulling him away from enjoying his meal. His frustration building, he growled and looked up at the other man showing his displeasure.

The bastard has the nerve to fucking chuckle. Not to be deterred, he gripped Brenden’s wrist, guiding the other man’s cock into his mouth. Closing his eyes the second he felt the weight of Brenden’s cock on his tongue.
“All you had to do was ask for it,” Brenden told him, but Stephen wasn’t paying him any attention, he’d finally gotten what he wanted. He looked up at Brenden, who was staring down at him. One of his hands was caressing Stephen’s cheek. He’d missed the feeling of Brenden towering over him. The way the man was looking down at him with lust in his eyes. “Shit, I love the way your mouth feels on my cock. So hot… so fucking good.”

Stephen reached up with one of his hands and tweaked one of Brenden’s nipples. He groaned and his hips jerked, pushing his cock to the back of his throat. Brenden’s large hand gripped the back of his neck. His fingers tightened on his neck, guiding the movements. Brenden’s hips moved in tandem as he fucked Stephen’s mouth. Brenden was breathing heavily, his moans turned into groans and grunts the faster his thrusts got. Stephen loosened his jaw and allowed Brenden to use his mouth.

Brenden’s testicles slapped against his chin with each thrust. Stephen reached down and unzipped his trousers, taking out his cock and pulling on it. He was about to come. His throat would be sore in the morning from the sweet abuse it was experiencing. Fingers tightened on his skull, and Brenden grunted long and loud as his cum flooded his mouth. Stephen sucked and swallowed, trying with all his might to let none of his lover’s sweet essence leak from his lips. Cum spurted into his hand, he moaned around Brenden’s cock, and the taller man visibly shivered. His fingers caressed Stephen’s hair. He licked Brenden’s cock clean before letting it slip from his mouth. He opened his eyes and looked up, and their eyes met.

“You always knew how to make me weak just by using your mouth,” Brenden rasped and kneeled in front of Stephen, cupping his face. He licked from his chin to his lips, pulling him into a kiss. Stephen had missed this, missed feeling as if he belonged to the one man who owned his heart.

Stephen snapped his eyes open, waking from a deep sleep. He looked around the room and noticed that he was not at home and tried to remember what had happened the night before. Movement behind him alerted him to the fact he was not alone in the bed. Gradually, he turned his head and recognized the blond hair, as everything came rushing back to him in a flood.

The day before was Ethan Beaumont and Tyler Hamilton’s wedding.  Stephen closed his eyes and remembered Brenden asking that they sleep together one last time. Fuck, I gave into him so naturally. Which had led to them going to Brenden’s hotel room and spending the night fucking on every flat surface that was available. He would love to blame it on the alcohol he’d consumed at the bar, but he’d only had one drink before Brenden approached him.

He’d always loved being with the other man in the first place. Stephen waited for the feeling of regret, that he’d made a terrible mistake agreeing to sleep with his ex-lover. Nothing, he felt nothing. Brenden knew precisely how to make his body hum to his tune with every touch. Stephen opened his eyes and looked at Brenden once more and was glad that the man was still asleep.

Deciding it was best that he’d be gone before Brenden woke up, he carefully removed the covers and slipped out of bed. He looked around the room and gathered his clothes quietly, dressing as he made his way to the door. Stephen picked up his shoes and stood by the door, he turned to look at Brenden. He knew sneaking out was a spineless thing to do, but he couldn’t face Brenden right then. What could he say? Like Brenden said it was a way to get each other out of their systems. They might see each other again because of work, but other than that, nothing else was keeping them together.

That’s a lie, Stephen heard a voice say in the back of his mind. Something was keeping them tethered together. Stephen was keeping a secret from Brenden, a secret he hoped he would never have to reveal to the other man. He looked away and, quietly as he could, Stephen opened the door and slipped out, letting that part of his past close behind him.

Brenden snapped his eyes open the exact time the door closed quietly behind Stephen. He rolled over on his back, sighing and looked up at the ceiling. Shit, I fucked up.

Whatever happened between him and Stephen shouldn’t have happened, but it did, and there was nothing he could do to change it. Brenden chalked it up to drunken sex. He was happy for Ethan and Tyler and had drank a little too much the night before. He remembered admiring how good Stephen looked in his suit. It wasn’t like it was the first time seeing the other man dressed up, but there was something different about the way he looked the night before. Brenden remembered he was the one to start the conversation between them. It wasn’t his intention to offer that they should sleep together. He’d simply wanted to talk to Stephen.

While working on a case a few months earlier, Brenden had tried very hard not to be left alone with Stephen. Because he knew he was still attracted to the younger man, but he was also angry. He hoped that holding on to his anger was the best way to do things. That way he wouldn’t show how much he was still attracted to the other man. However, his attraction had won out. Brenden got out of bed and picked up his scattered clothes, throwing them on the bed.

He placed his hands on his hips as his eyes traveled around the room. The sex was excellent as always, from what he remembered. Brenden sighed and ran his hands through his short blond hair. He was feeling guilty for using Stephen, he still believed it shouldn’t have happened no matter how much he wanted the other man. He should have felt some sort of closure, it only made Brenden realize that things between them were not settled. Brenden was still a bit unclear about why they’d broken up five years earlier. He’d told Jaxson that they both wanted separate things, when in truth Brenden was hedging toward a commitment with Stephen. He’d been debating on asking for a transfer so they could be together.
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After they broke off their relationship, Brenden couldn’t get out of Chicago fast enough. That was the last time he saw Stephen until a few weeks earlier. Stephen hadn’t changed, he was still sexy as hell, his hair was a lot longer than the last time they’d seen each other, it added to his allure. His eyes were still the same mesmerizing violet that always seemed to eat him up whenever their eyes connected.

He couldn’t take it anymore, he wanted Stephen, and he was never one to deny himself of things he wanted. Brenden sat on the edge of the bed looking down, spotting his wallet on the floor. He grabbed it, then threw it on top of his rumpled suit.  His wallet flipped open, and Brenden furrowed his brows when he spotted the familiar gold foil wrapper edges sticking out of it. Picking up his wallet again, Brenden pulled out the packet and gasped, the condom he’d stuck in there the day before was still intact. Brenden threw it back to the bed and flopped down.

An unopened condom packet could mean two things. One, I fucked up royally and Stephen will be pregnant with my child. Or two, we used the condoms he brought.

Brenden sighed and sat up, he looked over to the wastebasket sitting next to the bed and sighed in relief when he saw the used condom in the trash can.

Crisis averted, not sure what I would have done if he would have gotten pregnant.

Brenden got up and got dressed. After what happened between him and Stephen he should’ve been able to move on with his life. But something told him that it would never be closed. He’d rarely dated since he and Stephen had called off their relationship. He looked back at the bed and remembered what had happened between them. The way Stephen felt and looked writhing beneath him still lingered freshly in his mind. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath before opening them again, looking at the bed one last time.
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It was time to move on with my life. Not sure what the fuck I was waiting for.

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