by
James Vicksburg should be happy that he's finally achieved acting success on Broadway, but his conservative senator father controls what he can do and who he can love. When James's baseball idol, Mike Cooper, meets him backstage after his show, the mutual attraction is palpable. The two begin what they think is a secret affair, but James quickly learns that nothing stays hidden from his vindictive father for long.
James is torn between his growing love for Mike and his desire to protect him from his father. What he doesn't realize is that Mike has his own plan to fight for James's happiness, even if it means losing each other.
- 1 To Be Read list
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Editors:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-F, M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 5
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Bisexual, Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 26-35
Protagonist 2 Age: 36-45
Tropes: Blackmail, Coming Out Later in Life, Criminals & Outlaws, Find Love and Come Out, First Time, Forbidden Love, Hurt / Comfort, Meet Cute, Most Mindblowing Sex Ever, Out for You, Slow Burning Love
Word Count: 62000
Setting: New York City, The Hamptons (New York)
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Same Universe / Various Characters
Mike had left instructions with security to escort James to the box upon his arrival. Now, Mike was pacing, checking the stocked bar and adjusting the air temperature, wanting everything to be perfect. He was bending over the mini-refrigerator to retrieve a water bottle when he heard footsteps behind him. He straightened and turned, happy to see a beaming James wearing a team baseball jersey, sunglasses, shorts and backwards baseball cap. Mike thought he would combust. The guy was so cute.
“You didn’t have to stand up,” James said. “I was enjoying the view.”
Mike snickered and walked over to embrace James. Like the last time, he could smell James’ skin and hair, and he reveled in touching James’ strong back muscles as he held him for a moment. “You look nice.”
James rolled his eyes. “I look like every other guy here.”
Mike grinned at the comment. “Trust me. You don’t.”
*****
READ MORE“Since we’ve confessed that we’re interested in more than friendship, maybe you could give me a little something that gets the ball rolling?”
James quirked an eyebrow. “Huh?”
Mike scratched the back of his neck with some nervousness. “Does it sound too weird to ask if you’d back up from the camera so I can see your chest?”
James jerked his head back, startled before grinning. “Mike Cooper…are you trying to turn this into a sex chat?”
*****
Mike chuckled and pulled the container of pastries, breakfast potatoes, sausage and fried eggs from the bag. “Mm. That does smell wonderful.”
“If you say so,” James said. “Half the dogs in the city followed me here.”
Mike ignored the barb, retrieving the clear plastic cup that contained James’ beverage. “Yuck. Some green, slimy thing made its way into the bag.”
“That’s my kale smoothie,” James clarified, grabbing the cup from him.
Mike rolled his eyes. “I hope I won’t be tasting kale later when we’re in my bed.”
James was taken aback, then pretended to huff. “Presumptuous, aren’t we?”
Mike shrugged. “Not especially.”
*****
Mike smirked. “I don’t care that you’re modest when you’re by yourself. But when you’re with me, you’ll be an exhibitionist. So, take your clothes off, please.”
James crossed his arms in mock protest. “Such a voyeur. My God. Fine—after you.”
Mike laughed before throwing his baseball cap onto the kitchen table and pulling off his jersey. Before James could comment, Mike unzipped his jeans and shucked both them and his underwear down his legs and off his feet, leaving him only in white athletic socks.
James clicked his tongue. “Wow, stunning. What brand of socks are they? I can’t take my eyes off them.”
“Brat,” Mike chastised, reaching over and tickling James until he was crying from laughing so much.
COLLAPSE
