tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70812108471477520142024-03-13T20:27:18.128-07:00The world of K.C. WellsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger56125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-79402868046388534502019-08-19T01:17:00.000-07:002019-08-19T01:17:20.243-07:00ICYMI... Episode #1 of Sexting the BossLast month, I shared the first episode of my new serialized book, Sexting the Boss. the only people who got to read it were my newsletter subscribers.<br />
(This is where I point out that when it comes to newsletters? I am <i>not </i>the kind of author who sends one out month after month. Generally, I only send them when I have a new release, or exciting news.)<br />
<br />
Well, Episode #2 is due out this week, so.... I'm sharing the first episode <i>only</i>. And if you want more, then just pop along to <a href="http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT">http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT</a> and join us!<br />
<br />
So sit back, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy Episode #1.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDzkYnT6rFk/XVpZTibdNhI/AAAAAAAABbs/wp1jMIAW5o8n5oobk_faGFZx4pMqcPTyACLcBGAs/s1600/Boss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDzkYnT6rFk/XVpZTibdNhI/AAAAAAAABbs/wp1jMIAW5o8n5oobk_faGFZx4pMqcPTyACLcBGAs/s320/Boss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A moment of distraction was all it took. One moment, and then reality strikes long enough for Chandler Mitchell to realize the awful truth - he<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 48px;">’</span>s just sexted his boss.<br />
He<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 48px;">’</span>s gonna fire my ass.<br />
So he isn<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 48px;">’</span>t really surprised to get the email requesting his attendance at a meeting Monday morning.<br />
Fuck. Canned for sure.<br />
But when he's invited into the boss<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 48px;">’</span>s office, Chandler is confused to see Stu Ganford<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 48px;">’</span>s obviously good mood.<br />
The good news? His ass is safe. He<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 48px;">’</span>s not about to be fired.<br />
The bad news? The boss wants to make some changes...<br />
Maybe Chandler<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 48px;">’</span>s ass isn<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 48px;">’</span>t as safe as he thinks.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Episode
1</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Since when did it become so difficult to get laid on a
Friday night? So what if I wasn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t
in the mood to go out? There had to be plenty of guys in my area who wanted
some action, right?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Wrong. No one on
Grindr was ticking my boxes. As a last resort, I</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’d called up Ste. I’d figured he was a safe bet. He
says he’s bi, and that amounts to turning up at my apartment whenever he wants
to get fucked or suck a dick. Like I’d say no to that, right? But this was one
of the few times I’d called him—and he was throwing me over for football.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Aw, come on, Ste. You know you wanna.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Maybe, maybe not. But there’s football on TV, and…”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Football? Was he
freaking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kidding</i> me? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And you’re gonna pass on my dick for </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">football</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” I wasn’t gonna back down. I had a severe case of
blue balls, and that meant I was gonna fight dirty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I bet I could make you change your mind,” I wheedled.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">He snorted. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Not unless you’re suggesting coming round to my place
and letting me sit on your cock while I watch the game. Mind you, the rest of
the guys would probably love it. We might end up being the half-time
entertainment.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">That did it. This
was a challenge, and I was more than ready for it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I unzipped my fly,
shoved my jeans down to my knees, and pumped my already meaty dick a couple times.
Had to get it looking its best for the camera, right? Then I grabbed it around
the base, holding it erect while I got the camera ready. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Click</i>. I checked the photo, liking how my cock filled the frame,
then hurriedly sent it to Ste, along with the message, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘Thinking of you.’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Tell me you don’t want a piece of that,” I told Ste
confidently, still lazily tugging on my shaft. Victory was mine. I could
picture him drooling when he got the photo.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Piece of what? You’re not taking no for an answer
tonight, are ya?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Goddamn snail mail.
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Just check your inbox. Sent you a
little something.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Ste huffed. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Fine.” I could hear the TV in the background. “Okay,
what I am supposed to be looking at?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The photo I just sent you.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Nope. No photo here. And before you ask, I just
refreshed. Sorry, Chandler. Whatever you sent is out there somewhere in the
ether. And now I’m gonna watch the game. Have a good night.” Bastard was
laughing as he disconnected.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I stared at my
phone. If he didn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t get it, then who
did?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Before I could
fathom that out, my phone pinged. When I saw the email from Stu Ganford, I had
to admit I was puzzled. Since when did I get emails from the boss on a Friday
night? I opened it, and was no clearer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Meeting in my office, Monday morning at 9.00.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Huh?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">For one thing, it
wasn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t his usual
format. Stu Ganford was a succinct man, I grant you, but one-line emails were
not his style. Signing it Stu wasn’t his style either.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">What the fuck is going on?</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I read it again,
only this time a terrible idea began to dawn. Stu</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">…. Ste…..</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Oh God. Sweet Jesus, I didn</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t. Tell me I didn’t.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I clicked through
my sent messages, and Holy Mother of God, there it was.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’d sent a dick pic to Stu Christ Almighty Ganford. Who
now wanted to see me in a meeting.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I sagged into the
couch, the phone dropped onto the seat cushion beside me. Well, that was it.
Goodbye, job, Hello, unemployment. And I could kiss goodbye to any positive
references. Employers who received explicit photos of staff genitalia tended
not to write about them in glowing terms for future employers.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">As if in response,
my erection wilted, my balls shriveling. I was well and truly fucked.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">It took me a moment
to realize my phone was buzzing. I glanced at the screen apprehensively, in
case Stu had decided he couldn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t
wait until Monday. Thankfully it was Dean, a coworker. I connected the call
absently, my mind still on Stu’s email. “Hey.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I forgot to mention today that I’m having a BBQ
Saturday, and you’re welcome to come. I know it’s a bit last minute and all.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Dean was an okay
kinda guy. We chatted about sports and movies, he</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’d tell me how many girls he was banging, and I’d tell
him how many guys I was screwing. Really symbiotic relationship.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Right then a BBQ
was the last thing on my mind.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sorry, but I’ll have to pass.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sure. Like I said, it’s last minute, so I get it. You
going out tonight with the rest of the gang? Rachel, Joey, Phoebe, Monica…?” He
snickered, like he always did every goddamn time he said it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I don</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t know which I hated more—my name, or the fact that
everyone felt they had to make a joke out of it. So my mom loved Friends. So
what? Except right then I was in no mood for Dean’s laughter at my expense.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I really don’t need this. In fact, the joke is
wearing pretty fucking thin.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I thought I heard
Dean choking. A moment later, he was back. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You okay, buddy?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">And just like that,
I regretted my outburst. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sorry,
Dean. I… I got a lot on my mind.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Wanna tell me about it? A problem shared, as they
say.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I deliberated
telling him for all of two seconds. I had no one else to talk to, for God</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s sake. “I… might have just sent Stu Ganford a photo
of my cock.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Okay, this time he
was definitely choking. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Jesus
fucking Christ, Chandler!”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It was an accident! I was sending it to someone else.
Come on, don’t tell me </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">you</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ve</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"> never done it.
Because I</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ve seen your
phone, remember?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sure, yeah, I’ve sent a girl a dick pic, but I’m
always real careful when I’m sending.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It was one letter different, that’s all.” One goddamn
letter that was gonna cost me my job.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Maybe he won’t get the message. Maybe he won’t see
it.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Bless his
optimistic little heart. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">maybe</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"> he already saw it,
and emailed me to say he wants to see me Monday morning.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Aw shit. Really? That’s too bad.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Too bad? You do realize he’s gonna can me for this,
don’t you? Because once I step into that office come Monday, my ass is grass
and he’s a fucking lawnmower.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Dean sighed. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Looks like there’s nothing you can do, except hope
he’s feeling lenient. You might get away with a reprimand.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah, and pigs might fly outta my butt.” I’d had
enough. I had a whole weekend to come of thinking about Monday, and I was
already depressed as hell. “I’ll see you Monday morning, okay? Until I get my
marching orders.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Try not to think like that. You don’t know what’s gonna
happen.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Yes, I do</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">, I thought as I disconnected the call. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And it</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s not gonna be pretty.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What do you mean, I can’t see him?” This was driving
me nuts. “He asked to see </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">me</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">, this morning.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I know that,” Fiona explained with more patience than
I would’ve had in the circumstances. “But as I told you this morning—and on
each of the…” She glanced at her notepad. “…four occasions you’ve asked to see
him, Mr. Ganford is very busy. When he’s ready to see you, he’ll let you know.”
She went back to peering at her monitor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">There was nothing
to do but go back to my desk and wait for another unspecified period of mental
torture. I glanced at the clock on the wall in the hallway. It was already four
in the afternoon. The office closed at five, for God</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s sake. Was he gonna keep me waiting until the end of
business?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">And then it hit me.
Of course he was. It was his way of making me sweat.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Damn him. It was
working.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I sat at my desk,
trying to focus on my insurance reports. Like that was possible. When five o</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’clock came, people got up and headed out of the
office, exchanging comments and wishing me a good evening. Dean said nothing as
he strolled past, but he patted my shoulder twice. When I caught sight of Fiona
walking toward the door, her purse over her shoulder, I sighed with relief.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">He</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s gone.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"> Then I realized I</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’d have to go through the whole process again the
following day. If he hadn’t been about to fire me, I’d have sued him for mental
cruelty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">The irony of the
situation was not lost on me. As bosses went, Stu was drop dead gorgeous. Short
brown, neat hair, brown eyes, a permanent five o</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’clock shadow, and this sexy lopsided smile that
always did things to my insides.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Okay, I</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ll admit it. My boss was hot.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Chandler.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I glanced up and
froze. Stu stood at his office door, his jacket and tie removed, the top two
buttons of his pale blue shirt open. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sir?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">He beckoned with
his finger. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“My office. Now.”
Then he disappeared behind his pale wooden door, leaving it ajar.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Fuck. This was it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I shut down my
computer, tidied my desk, picked up my jacket and bag, and trudged along to his
office.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Close the door.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I shut it behind
me, and waited. Stu pointed to the empty chair facing his desk, and I hurriedly
sat down. Disconcertingly, my knees were shaking. I put my jacket over them,
then balanced my bag on top.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu walked over to
his filing cabinet and opened the top drawer. To my surprise, he removed a
bottle of whiskey and two glasses. He glanced over at me. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Drink?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I think I need one,” I croaked.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu chuckled,
before pouring two good measures. He handed me a glass, then sat in his big,
wide chair. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well, well, well.
You certainly surprised me.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I said nothing, but
sipped the whiskey. He probably had this whole speech worked out.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I suppose you know why I sent for you.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I sighed. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Because I accidentally sent you a dick pic.” There
was no point being coy anymore.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu paused, his
glass halfway to his mouth, his forehead creased in a frown. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Accidentally?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Wait—what?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Before I could get
my head around the implications, Stu put down his glass. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I see.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">No</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">, I wanted to yell. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You don</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t see</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">. Because I was just starting to figure
it out. But some inner voice kept me quiet.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well, in that case…” Stu leaned back in his chair.
“In ordinary circumstances, I would be informing you that your employment here
was at an end.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I took a mouthful
of whiskey before trusting myself to speak. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ordinary circumstances?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu smiled, and his
eyes glittered. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“As you might have
realized by now, these are </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">not</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"> ordinary
circumstances. What I am about to propose will mean the continuation of your
employment here—if you agree to my terms.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">My breathing
caught, and I put down my glass.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I can see I have your full attention, so I’ll come to
the point and I’ll be blunt. You get to keep your job, as long as I get to fuck
you.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I blinked. He wants
to</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">…. I fought hard to maintain my self-control.
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">This is a dream, right? The kind of
dream you never want to wake up from.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I licked my
suddenly dry lips. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You get to… fuck
me?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu nodded. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Whenever I want. Wherever I want.” That smile hadn’t
dimmed. “I’m aware this amounts to blackmail, but I’ve done my homework when it
comes to you, Chandler. I don’t think what I’m proposing could be called rape,
do you? That implies without consent, and I don’t feel that would be an issue,
do you?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">My first thought
was that my boss knew me a helluva lot better than I thought he did.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I should add at this point that accepting this
proposal will neither help nor hinder your possibilities for advancement in
this company.” Stu locked gazes with me. “You don’t get to rise through the
company just because we’re fucking. Any advancement would be purely on merit.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">God, every time he
said </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘fucking’, my brain
did a default to an image of me spread out on his desk, while he plowed into
me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I struggled to keep
my mind on topic. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You… you could
have anyone you want. There have to be hundreds of guys out there who’d be
willing to bend over for you.” And I was one of them. In a heartbeat.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But I don’t want ‘hundreds of guys’, he air quoted.
“I want you. On tap, as it were. At my beck and call. These are dangerous times
we live in, as I’m sure you can appreciate. I never know if the person on a
screen is the one who’ll turn up at my door. I prefer to take risk out of the
equation. You’re a known quantity. You’re gay. And you like sex.” He grinned.
“You wouldn’t believe the conversations that reach my ears. And apart from
that, I have you over a barrel.” His eyes shone. “I’d rather have you over my
desk. Or over the back of that couch over there.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t have a choice, do I?” Not that I wanted one.
There was no way I was about to tell him he was offering me all my dirty
fantasies on a plate. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Let him think he
has the upper hand.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Is that a yes?” Stu got up from his desk, walked
around it, and came to a halt beside my chair. He cupped my chin, tilting it
until I was staring up at him. “If you’d rather not do this, then we’ll call it
a day and you can leave when you’ve worked off your notice. I’ll even give you
a reference.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">The last part took
me by surprise. I definitely hadn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t
expected </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">that</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I gazed at his
lips, so pink and full, and damn it, I was imagining them around my cock. My
heart hammered. I didn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t
want to leave. And I wanted him.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Quick mental
calculation. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I get to keep my job, and
get fucked by my hot AF boss.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">No-brainer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You do know this is illegal, right? #metoo ring a
bell?” One last attempt not to appear </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">too</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"> eager.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s eyes gleamed. “You have no proof of this
conversation. There’s no one around to overhear us. Hence that barrel I have
you over.” His fingers caressed my cheek. “It won’t be an onerous task, I
promise. And I’m not exactly unskilled. Put it this way. I’ve never had any
complaints.” He bent over and whispered into my ear, “Not that you’re in a
position to complain anyway.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Fuck, he smelled
amazing. And okay, I</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’ll be honest.
Right then he got me wondering about his skills. Especially with his tongue…</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Whoa boy.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"> I had to rein in my libido. Drooling was not exactly
a sign of reluctance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu straightened
and regarded me steadily. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well?
What is your answer?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I took a deep
breath. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I accept your
terms.” Which was a damn sight milder that me clearing his desk with a sweep of
my arm, bending over it and dropping trou.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Stu</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s smile widened. “Excellent. Then I see no point in
wasting time, do you?” He let go of my chin and slowly undid his belt.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">I glanced down, my
heartbeat climbing even more when I got a glimpse of his bulge.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0cm 11.5pt 0.0001pt 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">This was gonna be a
stretch. Then a thought occurred, and me being me, I couldn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t keep my mouth shut. “Just one last question. I get
to fuck you too, right?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-50232375545970064932018-12-14T03:48:00.000-08:002018-12-14T03:48:59.295-08:00Okay, NOW I can share...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Okay, you’re going to have to bear with me, because
this is going to take a while…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t talk much on social media about my dad. There
are a few reasons for this, and most of them have to do with the fact that
sharing hurts. But we’re past that now – well, maybe not, but I can write about
it now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of you will remember my Dad’s paintings. He started
painting again when he and my stepmum, Hache (aka Wicked Stepmother – it’s a
joke, btw – she’s wonderful) were living in Montpellier in France. Every time
he finished a painting, I shared it on Facebook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Which brings us to a couple of years ago…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dad and H decided they wanted to move back to the UK.
He’d been diagnosed with lung cancer, and again, some of you will remember my
posts as he went for check-ups after surgery, and was given the all-clear. BUT…
his health was not good. Getting around was proving more and more difficult. We’d
known about his arthritic hip for ever, and walking was painful. By the time
they came to move, Dad was getting around in a wheelchair and sleeping on the
recliner sofa because climbing stairs was too much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I went out to France to help them move back to the UK.
They’d talked about where they wanted to live, and after some discussions, they
decided on the Isle of Wight. The Hubby and I went to investigate rental properties
for them, but the plan was always that when they sold their house in France,
they’d buy a place on the island. Eventually, we found a ground floor flat
about twenty minutes away from us. They managed to cram everything into it, and
life got into a routine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One result of the chemo was that Dad’s spine started
to curve. No way to stop it. Sleeping on the recliner was now a permanent
thing, because he couldn’t lie flat. Hospital scans proved difficult. And Pain
became a new permanent feature too. There were some good points. They bought a
mobility scooter, so Dad could get around, and it was great to hear about them
going for a pint in Newport, and discovering one of our favorite cafes. But
then things took a new course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They sold their house, and were able to find one not
far from where they’d been living. Once they’d moved in, a stair lift was put
in. Dad has had psoriasis for as long as I can remember. So when the spine curvature
got worse, the skin on his back was so thin that his backbones started breaking
it. We’re talking painful sores which got so bad that District Nurses had to
visit to dress them. The hospital also arranged for a hospital bed, but it
proved so painful that it was used once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By the end of November, the nurses were visiting three
times a week, and it was obvious his sores weren’t healing. In fact, they were
getting worse – and spreading. Previously, Dad’s life had been reduced to
reading and sleeping, but pain was making both those things more difficult.
Oral morphine was a way of life, and trying to find the right mix of pain
killers to make life bearable became the goal. A life he didn’t want to live anymore…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is never a good time to let go of someone you
love, but Dad made it clear that he couldn’t go on like this. What stopped him?
The effect it would have on H. What pained him most was that her life was
reduced to caring for him. Basically, she had no life. So when I received an
email from him, saying that he hadn’t found a way to go yet, but not to be
surprised if he did…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then November 26<sup>th</sup> came. I was hosting a
two-day Facebook event, with forty authors taking over. Ninety minutes before
kick off, H called to say Dad had been taken into hospital. He’d lost all the
strength from his arms, and they suspected a severe infection. My thanks to the
authors who supported me, not knowing more than where he was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And as for what happened in the hospital?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was an up-and-down time. Days when his antibiotics made
him so nauseous, he couldn’t eat. When the morphine made him sleep. When they weighed him, and said he weighed ninety pounds. But after a
week, the antibiotics stopped, he started eating, and he looked so much better.
The turning point was a visit from a consultant from the Mountbatten Hospice
here on the island. The upshot was that his pain management would be changed –
and they would find a way to bring him home. He’d have carers visiting three to
four times a day, and he’d be permanently in a hospital bed, but he’d be home.
For the first time in a long while, he was comfortable, because treatment of
the sores had stopped, and that had been the cause of a lot of pain. There was
nothing they could do anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We all knew he was coming home to die, but… he was
positive. He said knowing it was coming made him feel powerful. He asked H to
buy him a cigar for when he got home. Why the hell not? I figured, whatever he
wanted, he’d get. He was also talking about finishing his book. We had no idea
of how long was left, but it wasn’t imminent. He’d be around for Christmas. We
thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The hospice staff were wonderful. They rushed funding
through for Dad’s care package, and he was looking forward to Monday. That’s
the Monday just passed, by the way. We dashed around like mad things last
weekend, getting the house ready for him. There were a few last-minute hiccups,
but Monday arrived, and we waited for him to come home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By five-thirty, I was beginning to wonder why I hadn’t
heard anything. I called H, who said he was awaiting transport. Then the call
came. He’d been taken back to the ward, because his blood pressure dropped
through the floor, and his sats were low. They said they’d try again, because
Dad was insisting he wanted to go home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We knew what that meant. He wanted to die at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I got in a taxi and hurried to their home. It wasn’t
until seven-thirty that we got a call. He was on his way. When I asked how he
was, I got a cautious ‘okay’. Fifteen minutes later, the ambulance arrived. Two
men brought the stretcher into the house – and as soon as we saw him, we knew
he’d already gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Apparently, one of the men told him he was home, and
got a response. He died before he got through the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m going to stop there, because now I’m a mess again.
We have no idea when the funeral will be, because…well, red tape… but it’ll get
sorted. H is doing okay – I think she’s doing incredibly well, actually – and there
are others to consider too – my sister, my mum…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is a small network of friends who have known
what is going on, and they’ve been wonderful. I’m so lucky to have the Hubby,
who has been a rock. Parker Williams and Sue Brown have been checking up on me,
and so many friends have been sending messages of support and love. Needless to
say, writing is not that high up on my agenda right now, and Dreamspinner Press
have been awesome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My dad…. A very intelligent man, with a sharp wit. An
extremely creative man who composed, painted, sewed, cooked… whatever he turned
his hand to, he did exceedingly well at it. But a man who hated what his life
had become, so maybe this was the best way after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLHJ2SOM7I/XBOWLBzO_ZI/AAAAAAAABXI/295-mmMihjkJLqaHqyrBw53puWXW2T5LwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dad%2BSelf%2Bportrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLHJ2SOM7I/XBOWLBzO_ZI/AAAAAAAABXI/295-mmMihjkJLqaHqyrBw53puWXW2T5LwCLcBGAs/s320/Dad%2BSelf%2Bportrait.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: FR;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: FR;"> Barrie Peter Jones.
August 1945 – December 2018<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-24540972952344111652018-02-02T05:33:00.000-08:002018-02-02T05:33:39.902-08:00A free short - but you may need tissues... and NSFWBack in December 2012, I wrote a thousand word post for a Dreamspinner newsletter. I came across it yesterday, and thought I'd share it. Of course, I couldn't resist tweaking it a little, and added nearly three hundred words in the process...<br />
<br />
Surrendering Sam<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kevin
opened his eyes slowly as the mattress dipped. <i>What the fuck</i>...? He rolled over and found himself staring into
Sam’s clear green eyes, gazing back at him warmly. Sam’s tousled blond curls,
unruly as always, were pressed into the pillow beside him as Sam stared at him,
a slight smile playing about his lips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kevin
let out a yelp, his body stiffening uncontrollably, even as his heartbeat began
to race. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What...
what are you... ?” Anything else he’d wanted to say escaped him, as Sam cut off
his words with a fierce kiss, his arms reaching around Kevin to pull him tight
against that lean, lanky body, Kevin unable to prevent the heartfelt groan
which rolled out into the stillness of the silent room. Sam’s tongue teased the
seam of his lips until Kevin opened for him, eagerly accepting the welcome
intrusion. Sam’s low moan of appreciation reverberated through him, and yet
somehow Kevin found the strength of will to pull back slightly, his eyes wide
as he gazed at his husband, unable to look away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I-I
don’t understand,” Kevin stammered out, feverishly drinking in the view before him.
“How did you....” He shook his head, forcing himself to squeeze his eyes tight
shut for a second. Slowly he opened them once more: Sam’s eyes danced with
amusement. Kevin stared at him in amazement. “You’re really here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam’s
customary wide grin grew even wider as he took hold of Kevin’s hand and brought
it, leisurely but inexorably, down to his thick cock which was already hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Believe
I’m here now?” Sam’s voice was hushed as
he wrapped Kevin’s hand around his length, pushing his hips so that the shaft
slid through the tunnel of his fist. Kevin moaned softly to feel Sam’s silken dick
glide fluidly through his fingers. <i>Fuck,
it had been so long...</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam
groaned. “Oh baby, fuck, I’ve missed this!” He pushed Kevin impatiently onto
his back, pulling his cock free of his husband’s eager grasp. Then he rolled on
top of him, and their lips met in a frenzied kiss. Kevin inhaled deeply, breathing
him in. It really was Sam: the smell of his favorite shampoo still clung to his
curls, and when Kevin buried his face in Sam’s neck, there it was, that
familiar musky scent, the one that always filled his sense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He’d
missed that so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kevin
reached up and cupped Sam’s cheek. “I still don’t understand how you’re‒”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam
laid a gently finger against his lips. “Shh. Let’s not waste time, all right?”
He shifted down Kevin’s body, and Kevin arched up off the bed when his cock was
surrounded by wet heat. He cupped Sam’s head, holding him there lightly while
Sam took him deep, until he was unable to hold back any longer. He thrust in
and out, hips rolling, and Sam took everything he had to give, moaning around
his thick shaft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam
pulled free, and rubbed his hand unhurriedly over Kevin’s chest, his nipples
growing taut as fingers whispered over them. Sam moved lower, kissing his
belly, circling Kevin’s navel with his tongue, before licking a trail down to
his pubes. He brushed his fingers softly past Kevin’s balls to stroke the
delicate skin there, one single finger circling his hole, pressing eagerly
against it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kevin
needed no second invitation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stretching
away for a second, he reached into the bedside drawer for the lube, forgotten
these last few weeks. He snapped the lid open, then dripped the viscous liquid
down over his balls, to where impatient fingers slid through the silky fluid,
before sinking deeply into Kevin’s body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
loud groan was torn from Kevin as his husband stroked deep into him, making him
ready. Kevin pulled Sam down into another fervent kiss, drawing up his long
legs to wrap them around his husband’s waist, his ankles crossing at the small
of Sam’s back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Now,
love, fuck me now,” he demanded, reaching for Sam’s cock and slicking it with
the remnants of lube which coated his hole, guiding him, his body eagerly
awaiting the invasion. Sam let out a long, lingering groan as he slowly pushed
into him, his cock filling him, stretching him, until all Kevin knew was
Sam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
fuck, yes!” Sam thrust deeply into him, punching the air from his lungs, and for
a moment, the burn took Kevin’s breath away. He forced himself to relax, pulling
Sam down against his body, their lips meeting once more in a hungry kiss, which
became one in a long line of kisses as Sam proceeded to fuck him, hips bucking
wildly, his rhythm awkward at first. But soon their bodies remembered as they
slipped into their long-established rhythm, Kevin pushing up to meet Sam’s
thrusts, no passive lover but his equal in passion, as both men strived for
their mutual climax.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
God, I love you so much!” Kevin cried out as he felt his orgasm approach, his
body tightening around Sam’s cock. Trapped between their bodies, his dick
erupted, covering them both. Sam pushed out a loud groan as he pulsed heat into
Kevin’s willing body, pushing him over the edge into oblivion, tumbling, crying
out in ecstasy as he came. Sam’s cries mingled with his, his lips meeting
Kevin’s in a fiercely possessive kiss, the two men unwilling to let go of each
other, even for a second as Kevin’s body held Sam prisoner within him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Love
you, baby.” Sam whispered into his ear as their bodies pressed against each
other, slick with perspiration, still deep inside him. He lay stretched out on
top of Kevin, his slight weight a welcome burden. Kevin reached up to run his
fingers gently through the unruly curls, his eyes wide with wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
still can’t believe...” His words died away as Sam’s mouth fastened on his,
Sam’s lips soft and warm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam
murmured into his mouth. “Sleep, baby.” The lassitude which flowed through
Kevin’s body suddenly pulled him towards sleep, and Kevin fought it, not wanting
to let go, for fear of losing him. But his eyelids grew heavy, and he sank into
the welcoming embrace of sleep, the feel of Sam’s lips upon his a lingering
memory as he slipped deeper and deeper into its velvety depths...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
sound of the curtains being drawn roused Kevin from his slumber. He stretched
in the bed, arms above his head, as he turned toward the window. His mother was
standing there, her expression careful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Morning,
sweetheart,” she said, reaching for the cup of tea that she’d placed on the
dresser behind her. “It’s already ten. Everyone’s here.” Those grey eyes rested
on him, and Kevin noted, not for the first time, that she seemed weary. He sat
up in bed and took the cup, careful not to spill its contents over the soft
cream sheets that covered the bed. They were Sam’s favourite bed linen, a
present when they’d gotten married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“How
come you let me sleep?” he demanded to know, wiping at his eyes and stifling a
yawn. For the first time in a while, he actually felt rested, at peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her
gaze came to rest on him once more. She indicated the window with a brief nod
of her head. “Sam’s here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
with that, the feeling left him. Silently, he climbed out of bed and made his
way slowly to the window. He looked down as the men below carefully slid the
coffin that contained his husband onto the waiting trolley, ready to bring him
into the house, to where his family and their friends were waiting for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He
turned to his mother, his expression calm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s
okay, Mum,” he said with a gentle smile. “I’ll be downstairs in a moment to say
goodbye.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-63391698630346785362017-04-19T08:42:00.000-07:002017-04-19T08:42:05.391-07:00They don't speak for meThere's been a lot going down in the MM community lately.<br />
And there it is. That word - Community.<br />
It hasn't felt like a community. And why? Division. A lot of division.<br />
<br />
It seems no sooner had one drama left us, than another raised its head, more ugly than its predecessor.<br />
And suddenly, mission statements are appearing left, right and centre, from authors who want to make it clear that whatever has been said, they didn't agree with it.<br />
Hence the title of this post.<br />
<br />
All these authors who spoke out in numerous posts? And you KNOW the posts I mean. The ones that got us all angry, incensed, madder than hell...<br />
<br />
<b>THEY DO NOT SPEAK FOR ALL OF US.</b><br />
<b>And they certainly don't speak for me.</b><br />
<br />
I'm an ally. What do I mean by that?<br />
I support LGBTQ rights.<br />
I share posts on everything that affects this community.<br />
I'm not an American, but when the US administration proposes plans that will hurt my LGBTQ friends, you're damn straight I'll share resistance to it.<br />
<br />
I've read some <i>amazing </i>posts this last week, from authors who wrote pieces that had me in tears.<br />
All I could do was share, because the authors in question were the ones under attack, and they had every right to shout out their hurt / outrage / rage at what had been put out there.<br />
<br />
One author put it very well. he said these dramas had proved useful, as a means of shedding so-called 'friends'. Because let's face it, you soon learn who you can rely on in a crisis, right?<br />
<br />
So I'm not saying 'Let's calm down now. It's over. Let's get along.'<br />
Because you know there will be another drama along soon enough.<br />
What I <i>am </i>saying, is, let's stand together.<br />
<br />
I was choosing swag to give out at various cons this year. One of them was chosen deliberately, because I felt it was never more apt.<br />
What is it?<br />
A rainbow keyring, with the words 'WE STAND TOGETHER' embossed on it, along with the Equality symbol.<br />
And if you see me at EuroPride / ShiMMer / GRL / RT - ask me, and you can have one.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-26725691553337142582017-04-06T00:50:00.000-07:002017-04-06T02:16:19.655-07:00Let's talk.... COFFEECoffee takes various guises in my house.<br />
There's the instant variety, which is what the hubby makes for me first thing in the morning when he wants me to wake up and get his lunch ready...no, really. Because once I'm awake? I'm Tigger. Yup. Bouncy. I like this brand. it took me a whole lotta tasting to find one that didn't taste like... bleh. It's also what he makes for me in the evening.<br />
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Then there's the stuff I make as soon as he's left for work. In a coffee pot. Glorious. I LOVE my coffee machine, even if Wulf Godgluck named it Fluffy and it stuck...<br />
That is what fuels my brain throughout the day when I'm writing, and it's usually all gone by the time he gets home. Then we're onto the instant.<br />
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<br />
And then there are the Espresso coffee beans I keep in the fridge. I grind them in the little contraption you see below. It's older than me. Really. It belonged to my parents, Mum got custody of it when they divorced and then she gave it to me when it was all rusty inside and she hadn't used it for years. She did warn me it would need taking apart and cleaning thoroughly.<br />
(Hubbies DO have their uses :-) )<br />
I used to have a stove top coffee pot, until we moved to the island and it got left behind, because the new hob was an Induction hob, and it would have been useless. A few years later I found an Induction-safe version. Bliss.<br />
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<br />
So why am I talking about coffee. Two words - The Hubby.<br />
You see, lately, he's been working on a site, getting new build houses ready. I made the suggestion one day that maybe he'd like to take my Starbucks insulated mug - 20oz - with him, full of hot instant coffee, made strong.<br />
This went down really well. So well, in fact, that he does it every day.<br />
I should point out here that this man is a Tea Drinker. Lifelong. Coffee just happens to be a convenient way for him to keep warm on site. MY coffee. (This is important, right?)<br />
<br />
Fast forward to this morning.<br />
I go to make him his coffee, and.... no coffee.<br />
*stares into empty tin*<br />
"Have we run out of coffee?" I ask.<br />
"There's another tin on the cupboard," he calls from the lounge, where he's sitting glued to the news on his phone.<br />
I open said cupboard, and... no coffee.<br />
"Er...where?"<br />
Silence.<br />
"Oh. it's not coffee, is it? It's that tin of hot chocolate."<br />
*stares into empty tin again.*<br />
"Listen," he calls again. "You don't need to make coffee for me. I have a flask of hot water, I can make tea."<br />
*STARES at empty tin.*<br />
No, I can't. Really.<br />
I walk into the hall where I know he can see me. He smiles. "Honestly, it's okay. I'll do without."<br />
"I'm really glad about that," I say, sarcasm dripping from my tongue.<br />
He stares back at me for a second or two. Then he gets it. "You've got coffee, right?"<br />
"Uh huh." I walk back into the kitchen, trying <b>not </b>to think that he thinks it's all about him, that the poor soul will make do with the tea he drinks EVERY DAMN DAY while his wife, the coffee drinker, will have to leave her writing at some point to go shopping for coffee.<br />
Tries not to stare into the cupboard where there is box upon box upon box of tea....<br />
<br />
Trust me, it was funny at the time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-28533971007337107552017-03-30T02:07:00.000-07:002017-03-30T02:07:05.778-07:00Personal Changes is now in Audio!Book #2 of the Personal series, Personal Changes, is now out!<br />
Cornell Collins - aka Matthew Lltoyd Davies - has done a fantastic job, following on from making it Personal which came out last year.<br />
<br />
The blurb is below, but this is the important bit. I'm having a giveaway!<br />
If you'd like to get the code for this audio book, please leave a comment below. Have you read the series? Are you waiting for the final novel, Personal Challenges, due for release on April 7?<br />
<br />
For some reason best known to themselves, Audible have put this one under the category of Erotica. Not Gay and Lesbian. Not LGBT. All of which makes it a little difficult for fans of the genre to find it. And yes, I've told them this - three times now - but so far, nothing has changed.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rick Wentworth has had enough of one night stands and quickies in clubs. It takes a night of uncharacteristic hedonism to make Rick admit what he really wants - someone to love him. But for that to happen, he needs to make some changes. Rick can do that. After all, what's the alternative? And when he meets a guy who ticks all his boxes, he can't believe his luck. His boss Blake Davis, and Blake's fiancé Will Parkinson, however, aren't convinced. They want to know more about Mr. Perfect, and their instincts are keener than Rick's. Both men want to protect him. As it turns out, they needn't have worried. Rick has a guardian angel...</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When Angelo Tarallo sees Rick for the first time, it's a match made in Heaven, as far as he's concerned. And when he rescues Rick from danger, it gives him the opportunity to get to know the man who has captivated him. Before long, it's plain to both men that this could lead somewhere. But when Angelo's traditional Sicilian family finally discover what he's been hiding from them for so long, an ultimatum spells heartache for the lovers - and worse.<br />Also contains a MMM scene.</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You can find it on Audible <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Personal-Changes-Audiobook/B06XGN66DW">here</a> or on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Changes/dp/B06XGPRN2L">here</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
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So... get commenting!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-87436479956688468902017-02-13T01:09:00.000-08:002017-02-13T03:58:03.689-08:00Happy Valentine's Day from Will and Blake! **NSFW**Sorry, folks - I've been so busy writing Out of the Shadows, a Dreamspun Desires novel, that there wasn't time to write a Valentine's Day novella this year.<br />
But...<br />
I'm over half way through writing Personal Challenges, the last book in the Personal series, and the story starts over the Valentine's weekend.<br />
So... here's the first chapter. Please be aware, this is pre-edits - and enjoy!<br />
<br />
Personal Challenges - copyright 2017 K.C. Wells<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Chapter One</span></b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">February,
2016</span></i><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Blake Davis glanced up from
the couch as the door to the waiting room opened, and grinned at Ed Fellows and
Colin Reynolds. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What time do you call this?” he said
quietly, so as not to disturb Sophie who was curled up asleep in his lap, her
precious rabbit cuddled up to her. He knew this peaceful state wouldn’t last
long: she’d been dozing on and off during the six hours since they’d arrived at
the hospital. He peered at the clock on the wall. “I phoned you hours ago.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Ed
gave him a sheepish grin. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We thought you’d ’ave loads of people ’ere,
to be honest.” He gazed at the empty room. “Where is everyone?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Sophie
chose that moment to make a cute noise, and Colin looked like he</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’d
melted into a pile of goo. “Aww. She’s adorable.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Ed
turned to his fianc</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">é and snorted. “When she’s sleepin’, yeah.
When she’s awake, that’s another matter.” He met Blake’s gaze and winked. “We
don’t call her Cyclone Sophie for nothin’.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Blake tried to suppress his
laugh. Ed had done his fair share of babysitting during the last two years, and
he always looked the same by the time Blake and Will arrived home</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">—exhausted. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Rick and Angelo have been and gone, as have Lizzie, Dave and the
kids. They would have stayed longer, but Molly was cranky and they think Justin
is coming down with something, and didn’t want to risk him being in the
hospital.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Where’s
Will?” Colin asked, sitting at the other end of the couch, his gaze focused on
Sophie.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake smiled. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“In the delivery room with
Donna. He asked if he could be present and she said yes.” He was glad one of
them got to witness their little boy’s entry into the world. Will had been
buzzing about it for weeks.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed stared. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“She still in labour? ’Ow many
hours is it now?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake ran his fingers through his hair, raking over his scalp. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“She’d already been in labour for an hour when I called you two.
At least there are no complications this time.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie wriggled in his arms and Blake knew the peace was at an
end. She yawned and opened her eyes, blinking. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Papa, is he
here yet?” she asked, her voice heavy with sleep.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake stroked her long, brown hair. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“No,
sweetheart, not yet.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">She pouted. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You said he would be here when
I woke up.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Daddy is
with Donna right now, and it shouldn’t be long,” he told her, hoping his words
were prophetic.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie sighed and turned her head. When she caught sight of Ed and
Colin, all trace of fatigue vanished. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Uncle Ed!
Uncle Colin!” Impatiently she squirmed off Blake’s lap and clambered down from
the couch to run toward Ed, her rabbit clutched in one hand.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed crouched and caught her in his arms, swinging her up into the
air. Sophie giggled and screamed with delight. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“’Ow’s my
favourite girl?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake tut-tutted. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Don’t let Molly hear you say
that. Or Mandy.” Ed’s niece Mandy adored her uncle, and whenever Blake and Will
attended family gatherings, they’d notice how the five year old clung to him
like a limpet.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed cuddled Sophie to him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“This ’ere is
my favourite little girl.” He glanced at the soft toy in her hand. “Are you
still playing with that rabbit?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake coughed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Mr. Bunny, if you don’t mind.
And he goes everywhere with her. It’s a wrench on those days when Will throws
him in the washing machine.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie curled an arm around Ed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s neck. “Daddy
gives him an in-jection, so he can sleep while he gets washed.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed bit his lip. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh he does, does he?” His gaze
met Blake’s and he smirked.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake shook his head. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You should
see him. He has a syringe that we use for injecting brandy into the Christmas
cake.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Colin stared. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Really?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yep. He
injects Mr. Bunny’s paw so he won’t feel a thing while he’s in the washing
machine. You should have seen her the first time we washed it. She sat on the
floor in front of the machine the whole time, and when it paused during the
rinse cycle and there was Mr. Bunny, pressed against the glass door…” He could
still recall her anguished lament that Mr. Bunny was drowning. That was the
last time they’d let her anywhere near the washing machine during its cycle.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’m going to
have a baby brother,” Sophie announced, beaming.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Is that
right?” Ed said with a wide smile.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yes, but
Papa says he has to sleep in his own room.” She scowled. “I want him to sleep
in </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">my</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> room.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“My turn for
a hug?” Colin asked from the couch, his arms held wide.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s frown disappeared and she
held out her arms to him. Ed passed her over, and she sat on Colin’s lap,
snuggling up against him, clutching Mr. Bunny.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I remember
when you were a baby,” Colin told her. “You didn’t sleep well sometimes. Maybe
Daddy and Papa want you to get a good night’s sleep. Because </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> think Sophie gets a bit cranky when she doesn</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’t get enough sleep.” He tickled her, and she giggled. When he
stopped, she turned her face up toward his.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I have a
picture of my brother. Do you want to see it?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Colin frowned. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“A picture?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie stretched out her arm toward Blake and made a grabbing hand
gesture. Blake reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He withdrew a
folded card. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“It’s the twenty week scan. She was so excited when
we showed it to her, and she kept asking to see it so often that I just keep it
on me.” He handed her the card and she opened it with a happy little noise,
holding it up to show Colin.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed was watching his lover with a fond expression. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Before you ask, we are not ’avin’ one, all right?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Colin jerked his head to stare at Ed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Excuse me?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I see ’ow
you are when you’re around kids, and the answer is no. You may be nearly thirty-five,
mister, but I’m nearly forty, and that’s too bleedin’ old to be startin’ a
family.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake cleared his throat and nodded toward Sophie.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s eyes widened. “Oops. Sorry.”
The little girl appeared not to have noticed his swearing, staring at the scan.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Colin gazed serenely at Ed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You have me
all wrong. The joy of other people’s children is that you get to hand them
back.” He grinned. “But yes, I love being uncle to Mandy, Ben and Lucy. Your
nieces and nephew are wonderful.” Colin winked. “I value my life with you much
more. I think having children might curtail certain… activities, if you get my
drift.” He glanced at Blake with a grin. “Or have I got that part wrong?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake snorted. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Don’t get me started.” The
number of occasions he and Will had been caught mid-coitus when their bedroom
door opened and Sophie wandered in, having awoken from a bad dream. He adored
his daughter, and he couldn’t wait to hold their son in his arms, but he was
under no illusions: lovemaking was going to be on the back burner for a few
months to come.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The door opened and Will entered, green scrubs over his clothes.
He walked over to Blake, who rose to meet him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Is
everything okay?” Blake asked quickly.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will nodded. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Donna is fine, and we have a
beautiful seven pound, ten ounce baby boy.” His eyes shone. “And he is </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">so</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> beautiful, babe.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">” Will looked tired but
radiant.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake took his husband in his arms and held him close, their
cheeks pressed together. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I love you,” he whispered.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will put his arms around him and leaned into him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Love you, too.” Then he chuckled and drew back, grinning. “By the
way, Donna says she hopes that’s the last one, and that we don’t intend to keep
on enlarging the Davis Empire. Her surrogacy days are at an end.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake frowned. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Is she really all right?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will gave a slow nod. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“She’s just
exhausted. I think this pregnancy was hard on her. She </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">is</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> nearly forty, after all.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">” He smiled. “Her
words, not mine.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake stroked Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s cheek. “You look tired too.
Can we see the baby yet?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“He’s in the
Maternity unit, along with all the other babies. We can go stare at him through
the window.” He turned, seeking Sophie. “And there’s my little girl.” Will bent
down and Sophie climbed off Colin’s lap and ran to him, throwing her arms
around his neck. He scooped her up and held her close, nodding to Ed and Colin
with a warm smile.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’m not
little,” she insisted, waggling several fingers in Will’s face. “I’m nearly
four.” </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“That’s
right,” Blake agreed. “You’re a big girl, aren’t you?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’ve got an
idea,” Ed announced. “Why don’t you all go look at the baby, and when you’re
done, we’ll follow you back to your ’ouse, pack an overnight bag for Sophie,
and then she can come stay the night with me an’ her uncle Colin.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s brow knitted. “Why?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed gave a patient sigh. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Because you’re
both tired, and you could use a quiet night together. And tomorrow is Valentine’s
Day, right? Why not spend some of it in peace and quiet? We can bring her back
later, or bring her here for visiting time, whatever.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Won’t that
spoil your plans for a romantic day?” Blake asked.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Colin snorted and stood up from the couch. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Romance? He’s bought a Dine In For Two meal from Marks &
Spencer’s, and there’s a new DVD of the England vs Wales Rugby World Cup match
from last year, already waiting on top of the DVD player.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will grinned. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, be still my beating heart.
Sounds like the honeymoon is over, guys.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed did an eye roll and Colin laughed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I do believe a wedding comes before a honeymoon, right? We might
manage that, one of these days.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed gave him a mock glare. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Shut it,
you. It’s not like we’re in any ’urry, is it?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Colin leaned across and kissed him on the mouth. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Absolutely.” He straightened and faced Will and Blake. “But we
really don’t mind having Sophie for the night.” He gazed at the little girl in
Will’s arms. “Do you want to come and sleep at our house tonight?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s face lit up. “Can Tigger
sleep on my bed?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed laughed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Like that cat would sleep
anywhere else when you’re around.” He peered at Blake. “See? No problem. And it’s
not like we’d have to go miles out of our way to follow you, is it? You only
live a mile down the road from us.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will kissed Blake on the lips. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Say yes,
babe.” He leaned in closer and whispered, his breath tickling Blake’s ear. “And
we can make love all… night… long.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You’re
tired,” Blake remonstrated.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">It was Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s turn to do an eye roll. “Tired,
maybe, but I’m not dead, and when was the last time we got the chance to…” He
gave Sophie a glance before continuing. “Spend a night being as loud as we
want,” he concluded.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s libido roared into life. “You’re
on,” he informed Ed and Colin, before taking Will’s hand in his. “Now let’s go
see our son.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He led his husband, daughter and best friends out of the waiting
room, his heart full of joy.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Our son.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Goodnight,
sweetheart.” Blake kissed the top of Sophie’s head. “Have you got Mr. Bunny?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Here he is!”
she announced triumphantly, holding aloft the off-white soft rabbit whose fur
was already starting to thin in several places. She looped her arms around
Blake’s neck, still holding onto Mr. Bunny. “G’night, Papa.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake breathed her in, the smell of soap, clean cotton and the
faintest whiff of chocolate. He narrowed his eyes. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“And what were you and Daddy doing in the kitchen just now?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s eyes were huge. “How did you
know we were eating choc—” She clamped her hand over her mouth, blinking
furiously.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Sophie
Elizabeth Davis!” Will put his hands on his hips and gave her a hard stare. “Did
you just tell on me?” Before she could react, he kissed her cheek. “It’s all
right, sweet pea. I’m sure Papa already knows we’ve found his chocolate stash.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie giggled as Blake let out a loud theatrical gasp.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">From the front door, Ed laughed his head off. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Serves Papa right for not hiding it well enough.” He held out his
hand. “Okay, Princess, time we got you to bed.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Sophie did her customary pout. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Daddy lets
me stay up late because I’m nearly four.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed guffawed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yeah, nice try. That cute
bottom lip may work on your daddies but it doesn’t work on me an’ Uncle Colin.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You speak
for yourself,” Colin murmured beside him. “I was all for letting her watch some
cartoons before bed.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed gave him a warning glare but it was too late. Sophie clapped
her hands together and all but bounced across the hall carpet into Colin</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s arms.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake shook his head. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Nice one, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Uncle</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Ed.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">” Their daughter gave them a
cheery wave as Colin carried her out to the car.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Sorry, guys.”
Ed looked crestfallen.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will grinned. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“We’ll just refuse to feel
sorry for you tomorrow when you tell us how long it took the pair of you to get
her into bed.” When Ed continued to stare at them, Will laughed. “Oh, come </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">on</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">, you</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’ve babysat for us before. You
can’t act all surprised now.” He copied Sophie’s cheery wave. “Good night, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Uncle</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Ed.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ed turned and walked out of the house, mumbling under his breath
about last time he</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’d attempt to do something nice
for </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">them</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The door closed, and Blake listened to the sound of the car
pulling out of the driveway. He sighed when Will slipped his arms around his waist
and rested his chin on Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s shoulder.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I suppose we
need to start thinking of names,” Will said before kissing Blake’s ear.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">A shiver ran through him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Now? Do we
have to do it </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">now</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will chuckled and kissed a trail down Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s neck. “Well, I did have a few other activities in mind.” He
rubbed Blake’s belly in a leisurely circle. “Dinner, for one thing.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake was about to complain when his stomach growled.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“See?” Will
kissed his cheek. “Light the fire and I’ll bring us in something to eat on the
couch. Nothing too heavy. I have plans for you later.” He patted Blake’s arse
and left him to go into the kitchen.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake set about his task, his dick growing stiff at the thought of
Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s plans. He lit the gas fire, watching the flames grow higher as
he set it to the required level. When the thought struck him, he couldn’t hold
it in.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Do you ever
regret our decision to have kids?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">A moment later Will was at the lounge door, staring at him, his
forehead furrowed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Is that a serious question?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake sat back on his haunches on the rug. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Colin got me thinking, that’s all.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“What—not
wanting kids because it could ruin their sex life?” Will gave a short laugh. “You
make it sound like we never get to fuck.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Not as much
as we did before Sophie arrived.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“And that
bothers you?” Will came into the room and sat on the arm of the couch. He
folded his arms. “Come on, Blake, out with it.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake met his husband</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s gaze. “Okay
then. There are times when I miss </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">us</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">—being able to spend a day
making love if we wanted to, not caring if we made a lot of noise, no matter
what room we chose to fuck in—but as for regretting that little girl being in
our lives? Never.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You want to
know what I think?” Will smiled. “I think it makes those times that we do get
alone, even more precious. Remember when we bought this house, and Sophie went
to stay with Lizzie and Dave for a week while we sorted it out?” His smile
widened. “I think we christened every room.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake grew warm at the memories. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Not to mention
the garden.” Then he shivered. “Even if I did freeze my arse off. I mean, who
makes love outdoors in </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">December</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">, for God</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s sake?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will rolled his eyes. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You were in
the hot tub, babe. I hardly think that counts as the great outdoors.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake huffed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“There were bits of me that
felt the chill, I seem to recall.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will got off the arm of the couch and strolled over to where he
knelt. He bent low to kiss Blake on the mouth, the kiss deliberate and sensual.
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Then maybe we should make the most of tonight. Because very soon,
life will change for both of us.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“What did you
have in mind?” Blake murmured against his lips.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I was
thinking some dinner, a shower together, and then the pair of us on the couch.
At least we can start there.” Will grinned. “What do you say?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake pointed toward the kitchen. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Get in there
and rustle up something to eat. Time’s a-wastin’.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will laughed as he headed back into the kitchen. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yes, sir.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“How many
hours do you think we have?” Blake called out.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“No idea, and
I don’t care, as long as we spend as many of them as possible naked,” Will
called back.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake could get behind that plan.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will strolled into the bedroom just in time to catch Blake staring
at his naked reflection in the wardrobe mirror door as he finished drying off
from his shower. Will grinned. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Well, I wouldn’t throw </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">that</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> body out of my bed, that</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s for sure.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake turned his head and narrowed his gaze. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You’d better not. I know people.” He dropped his towel onto the
carpet.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will gave a theatrical gasp. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Did you just
threaten me?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake gave a slow nod. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“So play nice
and maybe I won’t make a couple of phone calls.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will chuckled and crossed the room to stand behind his husband. He
regarded Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s reflection, reaching around him to leisurely
stroke his chest and belly, deliberately ignoring his dick. “That is one sexy
man.” He kissed Blake’s neck, loving the current that rippled through his lover’s
body. Will played with Blake’s nipples, delighting in the shivers he created.
Blake’s gaze was riveted onto his reflection.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will licked a trail up his neck and caught Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s earlobe in his teeth. He tugged gently on it, while he tweaked
the stiffening nubs. “Yeah, you like watching us in the mirror, don’t you?” He
grabbed hold of Blake’s hair and jerked his head back so Blake was staring at
them both. “Look at this sexy body.” With his other hand he caressed Blake’s
taut belly. “It’s been more than ten years, and yet you’re still as lean and
hard as you were the night of your thirtieth birthday.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake chuckled. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, I don’t know about that.
Gravity and age will have their way eventually.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will kissed his neck, knowing all too well how much it turned
Blake on. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yes, but you take care of yourself.” Blake put his
head back against Will’s shoulder, a low moan escaping him as Will pinched his
nipples harder now. Will whispered into his ear. “I haven’t forgotten how much
you love it when I take charge.” He ground his hard cock against Blake’s arse,
his own breathing matching Blake’s when Blake pushed back, arms reaching back
to stroke Will’s sides. “Watch. Watch my hands stroking your body. Watch how
your cock rises, how it’s already showing precome.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“That
surprises you?” Blake gasped, hips slowly rotating as he tried to hold Will
steady while he rubbed his arse against Will’s hot shaft.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will slid his hands lower to stroke the tops of Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s thighs. “Look. See how beautiful you are? See these gorgeous
thighs? Know what I’m going to do? I’m going to spread them and fuck you, deep
and slow and hard.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">A loud groan rolled out of Blake. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Fuck, yeah.
Want that.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will traced over the warm skin to grab Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s arse, squeezing the firm globes and pulling them apart. “This
is mine tonight.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Shudders coursed through Blake. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yes. God,
yes. It’s all for you.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will pressed his erect dick between Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s arse cheeks and rocked his hips, his shaft sliding through the
hot crease while he listened to the noises pouring from Blake’s lips that spoke
of need, desire and pleasure. He loved that they were both versatile, but he
also knew how much Blake loved it when Will took a more dominant role. There
was a reason their four poster bed had steel rings fitted to the posts, after
all.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He grabbed Blake around the throat and jerked his head back to
kiss his neck, this time sucking on the fragrant skin there, knowing he was
going to leave a mark. <i>My mark on him</i>.
Fuck, that turned him on.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Touch me,”
Blake whispered.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will chuckled against his neck. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">am</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> touching you.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">A low growl rumbled out of him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You know
what I mean, you bastard. Touch my cock.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will tut-tutted. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“My my, such language. I’m glad
you don’t use that filthy mouth when our daughter is around.” He rubbed Blake’s
belly in strong, slow circles, still avoiding his dick that curved up, solid
and delicious-looking.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake inclined his head and kissed Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s neck, murmuring between kisses. “Please, Will. Please. Touch
me.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will slid one hand down over that firm torso and grasped Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s cock around its base while he wrapped his arm over Blake’s
shoulder to hold him across his chest. “You’re hard, Mr. Davis, and it’s
turning me on. Fuck, I want to be inside you so badly right now.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Want that,”
Blake whispered. “Want your dick in my arse.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will began to pull faster on Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s cock. “Look
at this beautiful cock.” Blake’s low cries and moans were music to his ears. He
pushed Blake roughly until he was up against the mirror, and then Will used his
feet to nudge Blake’s legs apart. He got down on his knees, spread that
gorgeous arse and pressed his face between the hair-covered cheeks to lick the
tight pucker he knew awaited him.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s reaction was almost
instantaneous. He pushed back, tilting his arse, his hands flat to the mirror. “Fuck,
yeah. More.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will chuckled and set about his task of driving Blake out of his
freaking mind.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">It didn</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’t take long. Less a couple of
minutes of tongue-fucking and Blake was begging.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Please,
Will. Now. Please. </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Please</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Not that Will wanted to delay the inevitable. He tugged Blake
toward the couch at the foot of their bed and sat down. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Come on. Ride me.” Ordinarily he wanted Blake’s talented mouth on
his dick but they were both too close. He wanted to shoot his load inside
Blake. Will held his cock steady while Blake sought the lube from a nearby
drawer. Will was vibrating with need.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake slicked up his dick and then sat astride him, guiding Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s shaft into position. He sank down onto the hot, bare dick and
both of them groaned. No sooner was Will buried inside that tight channel than
Blake began to bounce on his cock, his hands holding onto the back of the
couch.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“You are so
beautiful,” Will gasped out as Blake rode him hard and fast, impaling himself
over and over again. He shoved up into Blake’s heat and fucked him, Blake
meeting his thrusts with loud cries and groans as he begged Will to fuck him,
to fucking </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">take</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> him.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“That’s it,
babe,” Will cried out, thrusting up into him. “Let me hear you.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake moaned and placing his hands on Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s chest, he bent down to kiss him, their mouths meeting in a
heated collision, both of them feeding each other their sighs and groans of
pleasure.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Fuck, I’m so
close,” Blake gasped out.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Not yet,”
Will flung back at him. “I don’t want you coming yet.” He wrapped his arms
around Blake and pulled him down into a lingering kiss, Blake rocking slowly on
his shaft, feeding him sounds of urgent need. Will cupped Blake’s chin and
locked gazes with him. “On your back, babe.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake nodded and eased himself off Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s shaft. He lay down on the couch and pulled his legs up toward
his chest, exposing his glistening hole. Will knelt before him, spread him wide
and thrust all the way into him, shoving him back against the seat cushions. He
snapped his hips and fucked Blake, his body slamming up against Blake’s arse,
his hand wrapped around Blake’s cock, hand and dick keeping pace with each
other.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, yeah,
like that,” Blake yelled, clutching his knees, almost bent double as Will’s
thrusts increased in speed and force. Their cries grew loud and harsh, and
within minutes Blake’s dick erupted over his chest. He shuddered, his body
jolted, and the tightening muscles around Will’s cock were enough to have him
filling Blake’s arse with his come. Will leaned in and kissed Blake, his
breathing ragged, his heartbeat pounding, his dick still wedged inside his
husband.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake held Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s face in his hands. “Ten
years on, and you still rock my world.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will kissed him, unwilling to pull out and break their connection.
He chuckled. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Ten years on, and my knees are complaining about
carpet burn.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake cackled. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Do I need to order some knee
pads?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will snorted. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’m not that old.” Carefully,
he pulled his softened cock free of Blake’s body. “And if you get come on this
couch, you’ll be the one cleaning it.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake burst into laughter. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, really
feeling the love here.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Will kissed him again, this time slow and sweet. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“How fast can you get it up again? Because the night isn’t over
yet.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Blake grinned. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“If my incentive is that
beautiful arse of yours, then a lot less time than you might think.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">If the twitch Will</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">’s dick gave at that was
anything to go by, it was going to be a long, long night.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He was really going to owe Ed and Colin, big time.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Coming Soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Personal Challenges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Will and Blake couldn’t be happier. They have a
beautiful little boy, Nathan, and Sophie finally has the little brother she’s
been demanding. But all is not bliss in the Davis household. Coping with
reality is going to change all their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rick and Angelo are sick and tired of trying to get a
wedding organized. If it was up to them, they’d be married already, but Rick’s
mother has plans and they keep getting bigger. Angelo can see problems on the
horizon: big, traditional Italian wedding and gay do not go well together.
Something’s got to give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Colin receives an unexpected call from an ex, with bad
news. He feels compelled to help, regardless of the consequences. Ed loves
Colin’s big heart and supports him in his efforts, but when the truth comes
out, he finds it difficult to keep a lid on his emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As the coming months unfold, the friends are going to
need each other more than ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-80775118769340549652017-01-16T17:06:00.000-08:002017-01-16T17:06:48.796-08:00That's it. All of them. Finally.Now I really know it's the end.<br />
The last Collars & Cuffs book to be produced as an audio book, has finally made it onto the shelves.<br />
<br />
For weeks, Parker Williams and I have been inundated with messages from readers, all wanting to know the same thing:<br />
"Why isn't there an audio book for Dom of Ages? Have we missed it?"<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
For some reason, #7 got... forgotten. When Endings & Beginning came out, with a change of narrator in Joel Leslie, it occurred to us that somehow Dom of Ages had been missed in the changeover. So when Dreamspinner approached Joel, he was delighted.<br />
<br />
I got the new this evening when he posted on Facebook - I could hear the excited squeal from over here in the UK!<br />
So that's it. All eight books are now available in audio, and the series is finally at an end.<br />
<br />
And in case you missed them, or you're new to the Collars & Cuffs world, here are all of them, together at last...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioQUJBMm-7Y/Utu_brQjtdI/AAAAAAAAAw8/8vzhQyzZAlMn1NymkqE6xH0iA2uzFKaQwCPcB/s1600/AnUnlockedHeartORIG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioQUJBMm-7Y/Utu_brQjtdI/AAAAAAAAAw8/8vzhQyzZAlMn1NymkqE6xH0iA2uzFKaQwCPcB/s320/AnUnlockedHeartORIG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An Unlocked Heart: <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sexuality/An-Unlocked-Heart-Audiobook/B00SI4725Q">Audible US</a> <a href="http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Erotica/An-Unlocked-Heart-Audiobook/B00SI582U4">Audible UK</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R62XLnmDcPU/UtvAJh1rIQI/AAAAAAAAAxI/YrxJDCl5XcEcxNszkNgfOlfySCCceSVLACPcB/s1600/TrustingThomasFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R62XLnmDcPU/UtvAJh1rIQI/AAAAAAAAAxI/YrxJDCl5XcEcxNszkNgfOlfySCCceSVLACPcB/s320/TrustingThomasFINAL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trusting Thomas: <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sexuality/Trusting-Thomas-Audiobook/B00TP2SHDG"> Audible US</a> <a href="http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Erotica/Trusting-Thomas-Audiobook/B00TP3FFAI">Audible UK</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv6XcAp9oeY/UtvAzeHsACI/AAAAAAAAAxU/18oTPTaBIJ0ljLYlIqmJL80wSUxwdxV7QCPcB/s1600/SomeonetoKeepMeFS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv6XcAp9oeY/UtvAzeHsACI/AAAAAAAAAxU/18oTPTaBIJ0ljLYlIqmJL80wSUxwdxV7QCPcB/s320/SomeonetoKeepMeFS.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone to Keep Me: <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Someone-to-Keep-Me-Audiobook/B00W2F9YQC">Audible US</a> <a href="http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Erotica/Someone-to-Keep-Me-Audiobook/B00W2FL5VE">Audible UK</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyzWXOFGjTg/U50cfiiqzjI/AAAAAAAAA0s/DJY0yoFs77ceeUv0SJmIdLWwcinDnYJNwCPcB/s1600/DancewithDomination%255BA%255D3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyzWXOFGjTg/U50cfiiqzjI/AAAAAAAAA0s/DJY0yoFs77ceeUv0SJmIdLWwcinDnYJNwCPcB/s320/DancewithDomination%255BA%255D3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Dance With Domination: <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/A-Dance-with-Domination-Audiobook/B00XBNSWJY">Audible US</a> <a href="http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Erotica/A-Dance-with-Domination-Audiobook/B00XBOGG32">Audible UK</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ul43nY9kd0/VNnL0XlAcTI/AAAAAAAAA5o/AvuQks8pCYEfcjirT7PBt5zkF2gxWYsxgCPcB/s1600/DamiansDisciplineFS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ul43nY9kd0/VNnL0XlAcTI/AAAAAAAAA5o/AvuQks8pCYEfcjirT7PBt5zkF2gxWYsxgCPcB/s320/DamiansDisciplineFS.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Damian's Discipline: <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sexuality/Damians-Discipline-Audiobook/B0108GFCFS">Audible US</a> <a href="http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Erotica/Damians-Discipline-Audiobook/B0108GSR5A">Audible UK</a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--j1Z4HkDpQA/VgW9tA0JCII/AAAAAAAAA-k/llEj62IpvkMi88Uci7fO7qwT2qTc9ZgBwCPcB/s1600/MakeMeSoarFS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--j1Z4HkDpQA/VgW9tA0JCII/AAAAAAAAA-k/llEj62IpvkMi88Uci7fO7qwT2qTc9ZgBwCPcB/s320/MakeMeSoarFS.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make Me Soar: <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Make-Me-Soar-Audiobook/B01ACLVMSA">Audible US</a> <a href="http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fiction/Make-Me-Soar-Audiobook/B01ACLWP9K">Audible UK</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UT0x_ECEgIY/VoFeVXYJ5MI/AAAAAAAABCg/TkWnSYy_I38R8lp4Sod4hSJLtr15Z9nswCPcB/s1600/DoA%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UT0x_ECEgIY/VoFeVXYJ5MI/AAAAAAAABCg/TkWnSYy_I38R8lp4Sod4hSJLtr15Z9nswCPcB/s320/DoA%2Bcover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dom of Ages NEW <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sexuality/Dom-of-Ages-Audiobook/B01N21STTN">Audible US</a> <a href="http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Erotica/Dom-of-Ages-Audiobook/B01MS6UDVP">Audible UK</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_fDVHJldn0/V6If_ZOWTdI/AAAAAAAABIc/6BneQSw71Xs8x8lNaqZwFbeU7t8QpwqcQCPcB/s1600/EndingsandBeginningsFS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_fDVHJldn0/V6If_ZOWTdI/AAAAAAAABIc/6BneQSw71Xs8x8lNaqZwFbeU7t8QpwqcQCPcB/s320/EndingsandBeginningsFS.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Endings & Beginnings: <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Endings-and-Beginnings-Audiobook/B01M25VUV8">Audible US</a> <a href="http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fiction/Endings-and-Beginnings-Audiobook/B01M9CAR7X">Audible UK</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of course, it isn't really the END end. You'll meet Eli & Jarod in our new BDSM series, Secrets. The first book, Before You Break, will be out in May, and we hope to provide you with a whole new set of men to fall in love with.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank you for being a part of the Collars & Cuffs journey. We hope our boys will stay with you for a long time to come.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-50808041341279599302017-01-04T09:59:00.000-08:002017-01-11T07:30:50.199-08:00COMPETITION TIME! Making it Personal now in Audio!I have FIVE copies of Making it Personal to give away!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m62yJcBjcT4/WGY38wsUrhI/AAAAAAAABMM/TxnoVtXshQ4FpmriaSOFCvYRjssWdfUXgCPcB/s1600/Audiobook%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m62yJcBjcT4/WGY38wsUrhI/AAAAAAAABMM/TxnoVtXshQ4FpmriaSOFCvYRjssWdfUXgCPcB/s320/Audiobook%2Bcover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This was only released just before Christmas, and I'm really pleased with the narration.<br />
I have codes both for Audible.co.uk. and Audible.com<br />
To win a copy, simply answer this question...<br />
What gives away Blake and Will's relationship to Blake's would-be girlfriend, Melissa?<br />
Five winners will be announced on Wednesday 11th January!<br />
<br />
The Book<br />
<br />
Blake Davis is in the closet. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">And he’s going to stay that way. Because if his father
finds out he’s gay, Blake could lose everything he’s worked so hard to achieve
during the last six years as CEO of Trinity Publishing, the fastest rising star
in the publishing firmament. Not that coming out wouldn’t solve a couple of
problems. Maybe then his father would stop trying to set him up with yet
another empty-headed, social-climbing girlfriend. And better still, Blake could
stop using that escort agency when he wants a night of hot sex with a cute guy…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Will
Parkinson has had a tough life so far, but he’s back on his feet. Okay, so he’s
working as an escort – with ‘benefits’– to pay off his student loans, but that
does have its advantages, such as the really hot guy who hired him. Yeah, Blake
rocked his world last night – several
times. So imagine how Will feels when he arrives to be interviewed for
his dream job as PA in a publishing company, and the guy who’s hiring is…..
Blake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
then things get really complicated….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Series</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In audio <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Making-It-Personal-Audiobook/B01MU12WPZ">Making it Personal</a></span></div>
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e-book and paperback Buy links</div>
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Book 1 Making it Personal <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Making-Personal-K-C-Wells-ebook/dp/B00DG9E0YE">Amazon US</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Personal-K-C-Wells-ebook/dp/B00DG9E0YE">Amazon UK</a> <a href="https://payhip.com/b/4fQu">Payhip</a> </div>
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Book 2 Personal Change <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHIRQ6O">Amazon US</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HHIRQ6O">Amazon UK</a> <a href="https://payhip.com/b/TM1S">Payhip</a></div>
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Book 3 Personal Secrets <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ICUPFOG">Amazon US</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ICUPFOG">Amazon UK</a> <a href="https://payhip.com/b/7P8Z">Payhip</a></div>
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The short stories Personal Tales <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Tales-K-C-Wells-ebook/dp/B01NCSF29H">Amazon US</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Personal-Tales-K-C-Wells-ebook/dp/B01NCSF29H"> Amazon UK </a> <a href="https://payhip.com/b/tRrK">Payhip</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-38830983788513812842017-01-03T04:13:00.001-08:002017-01-03T04:13:30.758-08:002017 - and writing plans!Every couple of months I have a Skype chat with Lynn West from Dreamspinner Press. The subject of conversation? What I'm writing next for Dreamspinner.<br />
But then there are also my self published books...<br />
<br />
So I thought I'd let you in what what I'm planning, though I should add at this point - my plans tend not to be written in stone but on an Etch-A-Sketch! In other words - subject to change!!<br />
<br />
This month I'm working on a Dreamspun Desires title, and all I'm going to tell you is... Beauty and the Beast. (I know, already there are some of you out there thinking about singing teapots and dancing candlesticks, right?)<br />
I'll be working on another Dreamspun later in the year, a tale of BFF.<br />
<br />
In between, I have a story to two ex-army buddies who meet up after 20 years. I've even written a sort of blurb to give you an idea of that one..<br />
Dale and Terry served together in the military. They watched out for each other, even saved each other's necks a few times. They were like brothers. Except when they got out, real life got in the way and it's been twenty years since Dale and Terry parted company.<br />
Terry's son is the only positive thing he has to show for the last twenty years - three failed marriages have left him resigned to being a bachelor. The one constant in his life? His memories of his army buddy. Not a day goes by when he doesn't remember his pal Dale.<br />
Dale has finally tracked Terry down. For nearly a week, he's sat in his car, trying to summon up the nerve to go knock on Terry's door. He has so much to tell his old pal, about his failed marriage, his twin children - and the fact that he came out. Only one thing keeps Dale going - his hopes.<br />
God, he hopes for so much. Now if he can only get out of the goddamn car and go knock on that door...<br />
<br />
I'll be working on Secrets #2 with Parker Williams this year, and you may get a surprise when you learn who one of the main characters is...<br />
<br />
For my self published titles, I have three things I'd like to accomplish before the year is out.<br />
The fifth Lightning Tale, is all about Kaden, the bartender from Trust Me and Love Me. (I can hear all those readers who were going, "KA-DEN! KA-DEN! KA-DEN!" back when Love Me came out... LOL)<br />
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Secondly, it's about time I wrote my first ever thriller. I first had this idea in the summer of 2014, and yes, I need to write Fatal Designs.<br />
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Eight year old Carl Denniger Jr stands at his father's graveside, while his mom falls apart and everyone takes about police and drugs and guns. Daddy wasn't a bad man and what people are saying? Just isn't true.<br />
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Seventeen years later, Carl Jr is now Travis, taken from the US by his grandparents to give him a new life. At the age of twenty-five, he is one of the UK's most sought-after and innovative garden designers. When Benjamin Driscoll wants Travis to design a series of gardens for his sprawling country estate, Travis likes what he sees - both the job and the man. Ben is forty-four, very attractive, and if Travis's gaydar is working, he likes men. As the gardens take shape, so does their relationship.<br />
<br />
Until the day Travis hears from his 'uncle' James, his late father's partner. James has kept in touch, and when he sees a photo of Ben, he makes a startling statement. Ben looks like Matt, the third partner in their business - Matt, who disappeared when his father died. And when James does some unconventional digging, what he finds shocks Travis to the core. The bullet that killed his father was not police issue. Someone else killed Carl, and all the evidence points to Ben / Matt.<br />
Travis has to know - is he sharing a bed with his father's murderer?<br />
<br />
And finally...<br />
There's the fourth Island Tale, Uncharted Waters. The cover is all done, and no, I'm not sharing that yet. Let's just say some of you *might* recognize one of the models...<br />
<br />
Jake and Finn Torrance have only recently moved to the island. Jake's a photographer setting up his new business, while Finn is a computer software designer who knows Sam. When Sam gets them an invite to a party, not long after they've moved to the quaint little village of Niton, they jump at the chance. A party means men, new toys to play with... Jake and Finn love to play, but only when they're together, and when they're done, the toys go back into the box and the married couple get on with their lives - until the next new shiny toy appears...<br />
When Jake spots the cute man chatting with Taylor, the host, he can't resist flirting with him. The fact that Eric is straight isn't about to stop him. And when his husband catches Jake in the act, he has to agree Eric is definitely their type. But Finn advises Jake to leave him alone: it's obvious Eric doesn't want to play.<br />
A few hours - and a lot of alcohol - later, Eric finds himself in an unexpected predicament when two guys come on to him. The kiss that follows blows his mind.<br />
Eric's world is about to be turned upside-down.<br />
<br />
So, there you have it, a taste of what's (hopefully) to come this year.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-78292212091228483312017-01-03T03:02:00.001-08:002017-01-03T03:06:31.897-08:00Another way to find my books...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I'm not going to
mention That Site.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I'm just going to
say that as of now, I'll be making my books available via Payhip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">To start off
with, the three Personal series novels and the Island Tales series are
available here. And look out for an e-book coming soon, Personal Tales - it's
the two shorts, More than Personal and Strictly Personal, in one volume.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Right now I'm
working on the final book in the Personal series, so if you haven't read them
and want to catch up, here's a good way to do it! For the next seven days, all
the books are on offer - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">30% off!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">To take advantage
of this offer, visit my Payhip page...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://payhip.com/KCWells">https://payhip.com/KCWells</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">It's so simple!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Choose your book
and add it to your cart. If you want more than one, return to the main page and
add some more. When you're done, click on apply coupon code and enter
SPECIALOFFER (upper case no spaces) into the box and click apply, and you'll
get the 30% discount.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.0pt;">I've had some questions
from readers, so maybe sharing what I told them will help answer any questions
you might have.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-size: 14.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Do I need a Paypal account to
buy via Payhip?</span></strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.0pt;">No. Although the payments are processed by Paypal, you don’t
need an account. There is an option to just pay with a debit or credit card.<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-size: 14.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Why are your prices in GBP?</span></strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.0pt;">My prices are in GBP because I’m in the UK, and using GBP as my
currency means I don’t get stung for currency conversion fees by Paypal. My
prices on Payhip are equivalent to the list price on other retailers.<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-size: 14.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Do I have to be in the UK to
place an order?</span></strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.0pt;">No. You can order from anywhere in the world, Paypal will
automatically convert the currency for you.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-47912094040847953802016-12-30T02:28:00.000-08:002016-12-30T02:28:19.588-08:00Another year over... (well, almost...)Yeah, it's that time of year, when we reflect on what's happened, and consider making New Year's resolutions...<br />
Hmm. That got me thinking. What have I accomplished this year?<br />
The biggest event for me was the end of the Collars & Cuffs series. Parker Williams and I were sad to bring it to a close, but in the end we were pleased with Endings & Beginnings, the final chapter.<br />
Only, it wasn't really the end. We left room for the start of a new series, Secrets, and you don't have all that long to wait to see what we've been up to - Before You Break is out in late May. We're waiting with bated breath to see what you think of it.<br />
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I started off 2016 with See Me, the third in the Lightning Tales series. This was <i>allll </i>about the drag queens, gurl! I loved writing it.Later on I released the fourth tale, Love Me, which was very different. This was important to me, because the main character, Aaron, was based on a real person.<br />
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<br />
2016 was also the year of Debt, a tale of a teacher who finds himself in a NYC exclusive brothel, where he meets Nikko, who is definitely not what he appears to be.<br />
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I got to go to Italy for the first time! Verona was amazing, but meeting all those readers who knew who I was? That was mindblowing. I'm looking forward to the release of Debt in Italian next month. This will be my second translation with Dreamspinner Press - A Bond of Three was released in April, produced by Sidh Press.<br />
2016 was definitely the year of the translation! All the Personal series are now available in French, German and Italian, and I'm so proud of this. I'm going to be sending my team of wonderful translators a new manuscript at the start of 2017 - the final book in the Personal series, Personal Challenges. Two of the Lightning Tales are now in German, and the first book in the series is going to be released very soon in Italian. Waiting for a Prince and September's Tide, books #1 and #2 of the Island Tales series, are now in Italian, and the third tale, Submitting to the Darkness, is being translated as I type.<br />
September brought my very first Dreamspun Desires story! I had so much fun writing The Senator's Secret, and I think that comes across in the writing. I have two more planned, and I'll be starting the next one in a matter of days.<br />
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2016 was also the year I took my first steps into the audiobook world. I released Teach Me (Lightning Tales #1) in October, and just before Christmas, I released Making it Personal, #1 in the Personal series. This is an exciting move for me, and I'm hoping to release more in 2017.<br />
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The end of the year has been mixed. My Christmas story, Saving Jason, did really well with readers who wanted a low-angst, romantic, warm story about two men falling in love. I really enjoyed writing it, and the vast majority of people who reviewed it have been extremely positive.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hiw0S67jjNc/WEbjD2nvwRI/AAAAAAAABK4/_8WjqefjL8gwx-GJekPGQL9w1LMTSqqSQCPcB/s1600/Saving%2BJason%2B600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hiw0S67jjNc/WEbjD2nvwRI/AAAAAAAABK4/_8WjqefjL8gwx-GJekPGQL9w1LMTSqqSQCPcB/s320/Saving%2BJason%2B600.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
December also brought the release of the sequel to my first ménage, A Bond of Three. I was really pleased with the way A Bond of Truth came out. Strong characters, a twist near the end... The reviews so far have been really good, but... yeah, it's not doing so well. In fact, that's an understatement. All I can do is try not to look at Amazon, keep my head down and keep on writing.<br />
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So, what's coming from me in 2017?<br />
Well, apart from the aforementioned Il Debito, I have two releases planned so far from Dreamspinner. Step by Step will be out in March. Sorry for all you lovers of angst - this one probably won't be to your liking. It's a tale of men falling in love, and if it came out with little in the way of obstacles for them? All I can say is, that's the way it is. *grins* And in May it's the turn of Before You Break.<br />
Before the year ends there will be one more Dreamspun Desires, and maybe another book.<br />
Right now I'm working on Personal Challenges, but this is the year I finally get to write my first thriller, Fatal Design. I came up with the idea for this one back in the summer of 2014, and the cover was produced then. It's time to get the damn thing written!<br />
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So what with all the writing, translations and audiobooks, it's going to be a busy year!<br />
In March I'm going to be attending the Salon du Livre book fair in Paris. Looking forward to that!<br />
Phew! 2017 is going to be exciting! I hope to see your comments and reviews throughout the year - I love getting feedback.<br />
Have a great start to 2017. May it be a good year for you and all those you love.<br />
Peace, Joy, Hope - and most of all, LOVE for 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-28068359228961809732016-11-26T01:53:00.001-08:002016-11-26T01:53:49.125-08:00COMPETITION TIME! Help me celebrate four years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Today marks four years since my first book was published by Dreamspinner Press! Back then, I had no idea how I'd make out as an author. I certainly didn't envisage having so many books out over the next four years. It still feels like yesterday, receiving that e-mail from Elizabeth North, offering me a contract for Learning to Love: Michael & Sean.<br />
So, I'm in the mood to celebrate!<br />
I'm giving away ten Amazon $10 gift cards. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning one is to leave a comment below, telling me what your favorite KC Wells book is so far, or which book you can't wait to read, or who you think NEEDS to be in a book!<br />
I'll let the competition run for a week, and then I'll pick ten names at random.<br />
So get your thinking caps on...and GOOD LUCK!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-4357392910947056992016-10-12T15:45:00.001-07:002016-10-12T15:45:27.828-07:00What's new, pussycat?Yes, I know it's a song by Tom Jones....<br />
<br />
I thought I'd share what's on my agenda for the next few months... Take a breath...<br />
<br />
Right now, Parker Williams and I have nearly finished the first book in our new BDSM series, Secrets. This is called Before You Break.<br />
<br />
Six years ago, Ellis walked into his first briefing as the newest member of London’s firearms unit. He was partnered with Wayne and they became fast friends.<br />
<br />
About a year ago, Wayne noticed a change in his friend. Ellis’s temper become erratic and he flew off the handle easily. Wayne also saw the bags under his eyes, which told him Ellis wasn’t sleeping. And it got worse as time went on. When Wayne sees Ellis is at breaking point, he knows he has to act.<br />
<br />
He invites his friend to the opening of the new club, Secrets, where Wayne has a membership. He wants Ellis to glimpse the lifestyle before he approaches him with his proposition. Wayne wants to take Ellis in hand, to control his life, because he wants his friend back and he figures this is the only way to do it.<br />
<br />
There are a few issues, however. Ellis is straight. Stubborn. And sexy. Can Wayne control himself enough to be what Ellis needs? Or will he be surprised when he finds out what Ellis actually requires?<br />
<br />
<br />
When that's done, there's a short Tantalus story in the Damon & Pete series that needs finishing. This one is called Limits, and it's set during the Folsom Street fair in San Francisco.<br />
<br />
After that? My Christmas story, Saving Jason.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When David Monsall is given the task of finding a
suitable soup kitchen so his company can improve their PR, he realizes he needs
help. He turns to Jason Garton, the owner of the coffee house that David visits
every morning. Funny how it took David so long to notice all the food and
beverages Jason gives away to the homeless. Because until then, Jason had been
almost invisible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But the more David learns about him, the more
intrigued he becomes. There’s something about the selfless, lonely older man
that pulls David in, and what began as work becomes so much more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THEN, I finally get to write the last book in the Personal Series - Personal Challenges... You get to see what Will & Blake, Rick & Angelo, and Ed & Colin have been up to...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Will and Blake couldn’t be happier. They have a
beautiful little boy, Nathan, and Sophie finally has the little brother she’s
been demanding. But all is not bliss in the Davis household. Coping with
reality is going to change all their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ric and Angelo are sick and tired of trying to get a
wedding organized. If it was up to them, they’d be married already, but Ric’s
mother has plans and they keep getting bigger. Angelo can see problems on the
horizon: big, traditional Italian wedding and gay do not go well together.
Something’s got to give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When Colin’s first boyfriend tells him he hasn’t long
left, Colin wants to be there for him. AIDS has finally caught up with Ray and
Colin takes a leave of absence to spend time with him. Ed loves Colin’s big
heart, but his generosity of spirit is putting a strain on their relationship.
All Ed can do is be there to support his fiancé.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As the coming months unfold, the friends are going to
need each other more than ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">In mid-December, the sequel to my first fantasy, A Bond of Three, is released. This one is called A Bond of Truth - and WAIT until you see the gorgeous cover that Garrett Leigh has done for me!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It is twenty years since the Bond of Three
returned to Teruna. The kingdom of Kandor, once Teruna’s enemy, seeks help and sends
its finest warrior, Dainon, on a diplomatic mission. A solitary man since his
wife and child died, Dainon is unable to explain why an encounter with a young
man on a beach rocks his world to its core.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Prince Arrio of Teruna has always been
attracted to men but has never acted on it—until he meets Dainon. Headstrong
Arrio goes after what he wants, despite his fathers’ advice. But when Prince
Kei arrives unexpectedly, Arrio finds himself drawn to both men. Is history
repeating itself?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Prince Kei has his first taste of freedom,
and is shocked when the visions that have plagued him since childhood become
reality. The three men embark on a voyage of discovery. No one has foreseen the
day, however, when the arrival of a stranger threatens to destroy their bond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In the New Year, I'll be writing my next story for the Dreamspun Desires line, Out of the Shadows - and that's all I'm giving away right now. ;-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So... do you think I have enough to keep me busy for a while?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-46538570095702446062016-08-24T10:20:00.000-07:002016-08-24T10:20:08.920-07:00It's competition time!What's the prize, I hear you say?<br />
I'm giving away an audiobook! To win a copy of First, narrated by the wonderful Gregory Salinas, all you need to do is leave a comment below.<br />
It can be on any of my books, or maybe a story that you think I need to write...<br />
I'll let this competition run until September 10th, so you have a while.<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; padding: 0px;">
It's taken Tommy Newsome a while to get his head around being gay.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
Growing up in a small town in Georgia hasn't prepared him for the more liberal life of a student at the university in Athens. Add to that the teachings of his parents and his church, and you have one shy young man who feels out of his depth. Working on his daddy's farm hasn't given him any chance of a social life, certainly not one like the clubs of Atlanta have to offer. Not that Tommy feels comfortable when he gets to sample it - Momma's lectures still ring loudly inside his head.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
All that changes when he goes to his first gay bar and sets eyes on Mike Scott.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
When Mike's not behind the bar at Woofs, he's busy with his life as adult entertainer Scott Masters. Twenty years in the industry and the times, they are a-changing. Mike's not had much luck in the relationship department, but as his mom is fond of telling him, you keep fishing in the same pond, you're gonna reel in the same kind of fish. Maybe it's time for a change.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
And then a beautiful young man asks Mike to be his first....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FcdkAcEu5gc/V73WzgQ-bXI/AAAAAAAABIw/gO8YrK2xPpcCWPzDA_avVf_wU6OorrwoACLcB/s1600/51M%252BiH%252Bw4QL._AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FcdkAcEu5gc/V73WzgQ-bXI/AAAAAAAABIw/gO8YrK2xPpcCWPzDA_avVf_wU6OorrwoACLcB/s1600/51M%252BiH%252Bw4QL._AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-3425250952142115932016-08-03T09:29:00.000-07:002016-08-03T09:29:35.674-07:00Competition time!I have ONE copy of a very special coloring book to give away.<br />
Only, this is a NSFW version.<br />
<br />
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/this-is-the-most-nsfw-coloring-book-weve-ever-seen-and-its-brilliant_us_5697df5fe4b0b4eb759d876f<br />
<br />
To be in with a chance of winning it, simply leave a comment below.<br />
It can be about your favorite K.C Wells book or series, maybe a story you think I NEED to write, like, NOW!<br />
A character.<br />
A couple.<br />
<br />
I'll leave this running until August 14th. So get commenting! And good luck.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBO_njLfdxY/V6Ibv2vAbBI/AAAAAAAABII/ahEe6aK5hEwH46uZGhuacQH54WH6lFwcACLcB/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBO_njLfdxY/V6Ibv2vAbBI/AAAAAAAABII/ahEe6aK5hEwH46uZGhuacQH54WH6lFwcACLcB/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-5911815738872013852016-07-15T16:15:00.001-07:002016-07-15T16:15:48.882-07:00Why .99c books are going to kill the industry<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">...and why, in a while, your favorite authors will no
longer be writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Today I was reading a
post in Facebook about readers who were discussing whether a book was worth the
price of a cup of coffee. Yes, really. A line caught my eye. I had to read it
twice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><i>"It's particularly distressing to see authors telling their audiences they should never pay more than 99c for a full length novel."</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">The reaction of the post's readers was understandable: why would an author shoot themselves in the foot like that?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Now, before I continue, let me stress - there is a place for a book price at .99c. Maybe it's for the first weekend when it's released, or maybe when it's the first book in a series, for a limited time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">But that's not the case anymore, is it? I see more and more books out there at this low price. But how?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Ask any author - publishing a book COSTS. Editing, cover design, marketing... If you're a full time writer, you can't afford to price your books like this. So why are there so many? Do these writers not value their own work?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Just this week, I'll admit, I got very depressed about this situation. Already, established writers in my genre are trying to get back into the workforce. Why? Because they can't compete. They spend months crafting a book, getting it professionally edited, paying for a professional-looking cover - and for what? Poor sales because readers want books that cost them next-to-nothing. Are we going to get to the point where authors can no longer afford to write, because their reasonably priced and well written books aren't selling, left on the shelf by the demand for cheap - or free - reads?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Don't get me wrong. There are a LOT of readers out there who will always pay what a book is worth. They are the same readers who realize not all authors can control what price their publisher sets on a book - and they're fine with that, because they know what they're paying for is a good, well written story.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">When I read the comments today, it was obvious I'm not the only one who feels strongly about this, In fact, I wanted you all to read them - so here is a wide selection from readers AND authors (who are readers too, don't forget.)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><i>"I have to bite my freaking tongue every single time I see a brand new novel on Amazon for .99. It drives me crazy, and I believe it's going to be the death of this industry."</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><i>"Readers are being conditioned to expect low prices. it's the reason so many publishers are going under and why so many writers are flooding back into the workforce."</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"I've seen 20 books for .99. No wonder readers think 3.99 for a novel us over priced. Frustrating for those of us who are trying to survive in this business."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Consumers didn't demand novels for .99. Authors, trying to undercut other authors, gave them novels for .99. In doing so, they've conditioned readers to expect that price point."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Totally agree that the 99c novels are killing this industry. If it's on sale for a day or so, that's different but the ones that release at 99c? Madness. And although the 99c authors might get lots of visibility, they won't even be earning much on Amazon because of the lower royalty rate on cheaper books. They'd probably earn more if they priced it at 2.99+ and sold less copies, so not only are they feeding into the culture where readers expect to get a novel for 99c, they're also shooting themselves in the foot."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"We were all paying $7.99 for paperbacks back in the 90s when that amount of money was actually worth more, and no one was throwing fits (especially not when a hardcover was $24!). People have gotten so cheap and entitled. smh."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Something has to give if writers and publishers can't make enough profit because of piracy or readers refusing to pay more than 99c for a novel. If they're not prepared to pay, then they can't expect the same amount of work put into a book, in terms of editing and cover art. (They'd still complain of course) But decent writers and publishers are too proud to put out shoddy books. In the end it becomes not worth the work and expense to publish at all."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Authors are to blame for this trend. If they value their own time and work they would not devalue their books or ask that others do the same. It has become a double edged sword with the readers gaining everything and the authors losing all."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"There's this unspoken belief that ephemeral materials are not worth the same as physical items. Because books are electronic, customers don't value them; they aren't "real". They don't see the amount of work it's taken to create this "not-real" book."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"When they hold a paperback or hardback in their hands they can SEE that it's work. It weighs half a kilo. Every page has words packed onto it. Suddenly there's no problem paying $10-$20 for it."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>
<br />"Most of those "authors" telling people not to pay more than .99 for a book are not professional authors. They are those who simply published a book on Amazon and call themselves authors. Professional authors put the time, money, and effort into their craft and it's worth more than .00/ Each professionally written and edited books takes hours/months to produce. It's worth way more than what is being dictated by a certain big outlet to publishers as being a reasonable price. I'm praying that readers will continue to support their favorite authors. It's a struggle. Not many make it and a lot of them quit even though they've got a tremendous talent."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And some suggestions...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<i>"I think there should be more solidarity amongst authors to cross-promote each other's works and help the industry flourish with better works as much as possible. Isn't it how it's supposed to be? More than the price, the story matters which can hook me till the end."</i></div>
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<i>"If more authors would commit to appropriate pricing it would help."</i></div>
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Some valid points are made here, Sure, readers are demanding more and more .99 books - but who gave them the taste for it in the first place? There is blame on both sides.</div>
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Where is this going to end? I have no idea, But if changes aren't made, I can tell you now: some of your favorite authors will be disappearing - and it's already happening...</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-15570262461511272612016-05-31T01:23:00.000-07:002016-05-31T01:23:24.530-07:00BDSM researchAt the MM Romance Meeting in Verona this weekend, I talked about writing BDSM.<br />
One of the things I stressed was the importance of research, be that books, articles, blogs, visits or talking to people for whom BDSM is part of their life and therefore know a whole lot more than I do.<br />
Someone once said to me that if an author hadn't experienced BDSM for themselves, they shouldn't write about it.<br />
I disagree.<br />
Everything I write gets seen by someone who does know what they're talking about. They give advice, technical hints, you name it... That last comment made me nervous when a VERY experienced Dom told me he was going to read An Unlocked Heart, the first book in the Collars & Cuffs series.<br />
So imagine how I felt when his first comment to me when he'd finished it was, "Wow. You write BDSM how I live it."<br />
I think he would have laughed if he'd seen the major fist pump I did.<br />
<br />
At the meeting this weekend, someone in the audience asked me to list the books I consult on a regular basis, so here they are.<br />
My first port of call is always Jay Wiseman if I'm writing a scene and I want to get the technical stuff right.<br />
The Leatherman's Handbook has been re-released a few times, and is definitely worth a read.<br />
Where Jay Wiseman is mostly about the technicalities, Charley Ferrer is more about the emotions.<br />
Urban Aboriginals and Leathersex - well, the subtitles speak for themselves...<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-81312489484683089712016-04-29T10:30:00.001-07:002016-04-29T11:06:46.674-07:00First Birthday - an erotic short story about Mike and Tommy<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">First Birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">© K.C. Wells 2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Okay, so Mike was
sulking. But damn it, today was his birthday and he’d thought his fiancé would
have planned something nice, but <i>nooo</i>.
Tommy hadn’t even mentioned it. Mike had been subtle—obviously too subtle—and
had left a conspicuous bright red circle around the date on the calendar in
their kitchen. No hints, nothing. Okay, so it wasn’t like forty-four was a
milestone or anything, but still…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He’d kept quiet
about it the entire day, waiting to see what transpired. But with each passing
hour he grew more despondent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He’s forgotten. Fuck</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. When lunch came and went, and still nothing, Mike
was truly in a funk. He’d done his best to carry on conversations like
everything was normal—like hell it was—but he figured something in his voice or
manner must have gotten through when Tommy had up and left, saying something
about last minute grocery shopping for some ingredients for dinner. Mike had
waited until he could no longer hear the car, and then he’d called Mom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Hey, I was going
to call you tonight.” The sound of her voice lightened his mood. “Happy
birthday, baby!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike couldn’t hold
back any longer. “But that’s just it, Mom. It isn’t a happy birthday.” He knew
he sounded like a petulant teenager, but damn, it was his first birthday with
Tommy, and he’d wanted it to be…special.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After a brief
pause, Mom cleared her throat. “Okay, out with it. What’s going on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a rush it all
spilled out of him. Mom listened without saying a word. When he was done, she
was silent. “You still there?” he joked half-heartedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Baby, he’s young.
He’s barely twenty. Kids that age have a mind like a sieve. You’ll see. When he
remembers, he’ll be so mortified, he’ll probably make it up to you by going all
out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Am I expecting
too much of him?” Mike was doing his best to make sure Tommy had enough time
and space for his studying. Living with someone after so many years alone was
taking some getting used to, but Mike felt things were going well. They’d
adjusted to their new routine: Tommy commuted to college during the week, and
at weekends they stayed with Mom while Mike worked at Woofs. Though that had
brought its own… issues. Mike hadn’t realized how loud they were in bed, until
that first morning when his mom had made a dry comment about investing in earplugs
for future visits. Tommy’s face had been a picture…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Sweetheart, just
remember one thing, all right? Tommy loves you. Why, the love fairly shines
outta that boy when he so much as looks at you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That shut him up.
She had a point. Here he was, complaining about a stupid birthday, and yet he
was lucky enough to have that beautiful man in his life, in his bed, in the
home they were making together. “I guess I’m making too much of it,” he said
quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It’s normal to
expect our loved ones to remember things like birthdays and anniversaries. But
this is the first one, right? I guarantee, if he sees how unhappy you are, he
won’t forget again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shit. Mike didn’t
want that. “If he doesn’t mention it, I won’t say a word. Because this would
really upset him.” Tommy had enough on his plate, what with his studies and
missing his parents. Oh, he never said as much, but Mike wasn’t stupid. He knew
Tommy had called his momma when it had been their wedding anniversary. Not that
he’d gotten very far. It was obvious his daddy had answered, and he’d
apparently cut off the call. Tommy had been silent all evening after that, and
finally Mike had taken him to bed, cradling Tommy to him until he relaxed
enough to fall asleep in Mike’s arms, his head on Mike’s chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You know him
best, baby. Just play it by ear.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was sound
advice, he knew that. Then something occurred to him. “Wait a moment. I got
nothing in the mail from you today. So where’s my birthday card from you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Aww, shoot. I
thought I’d mailed it in plenty of time. It should be there by tomorrow at the
latest. I’m sorry. I guess your day can only get better, right?” She chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“That depends on
what Tommy’s cooking us for dinner,” Mike replied darkly. “Until I know that,
all bets are off.” He said goodbye and ended the call. It could only have been
about fifteen minutes later that he heard the car crunching over the gravel
driveway. In spite of his earlier mood, the fact that Tommy was home lifted his
spirits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The doorbell
ringing was a surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike walked toward
the front door, smiling to himself. “Did you forget your key?” he called out as
he pulled open the door. The sight of Tommy in a pair of sinfully tight jeans
and a skin-tight blue T-shirt was enough to send a jolt to his dick, but the
pizza box Tommy held was something of a mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before Mike could
say a word, Tommy smiled. “I’ve got your pizza, Mister. That’ll be sixteen
dollars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What. The. Fuck?</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Excuse me?” Mike
stared in confusion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy stared right
back. “Your pizza delivery? The one you ordered? And it’s still sixteen
dollars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Okay, that was it.
The world had gone mad—or at least his fiancé had. “What are you playing at?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy sighed, a
heavy sound that rolled out of him. “You never had a guy deliver a pizza
before?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then it hit him. <i>Well fuck me for being a dumbass.</i> How
many times had Mike done the ‘cute pizza delivery guy gets pounded’ scene early
on in his former career? Then it really hit home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy was acting
out a role. Tommy had clearly seen such a video. <i>Aw. How sweet is that?</i> Then another thought occurred to him. Tommy
knew exactly what he was doing, which could only mean…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy was looking
to get fucked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hoo boy</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Mike started to grin. This was shaping up to be a great birthday after
all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He stepped aside
and gestured toward the kitchen. “In there, please. Leave it on the counter.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy eased past
him and walked into the kitchen, that firm ass looking deliciously tight in
those jeans. There was something a little odd about his gait, however, but
before Mike could say anything, Tommy put down the pizza and turned to face
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“That’ll be
sixteen dollars, thanks.” Tommy bit his lip, a habitual gesture that Mike knew
only too well by now. His fiancé was uncertain how things were going to
progress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike knew <i>exactly</i> what was about to transpire, and
he was aiming to enjoy every minute of it. He did a quick mental check as to
the nearest supply of lube and realized there wasn’t any. Oh well. He’d have to
improvise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike folded his
arms across his chest. “Uh uh. Before I pay for it, I want to know what’s on
it.” He grinned. “So let’s talk toppings.” His cock stiffened in his jeans as
he contemplated what was about to happen, and where. They hadn’t fucked on the
kitchen table yet. <i>About time we gave it
a baptism.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy opened his
eyes wide. “Toppings?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yeah, Mike was
going to have some fun before he let Tommy know he was onto him. “Yup. Start
talking.” Heat was spreading through him, more blood heading south to his dick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy swallowed.
“Well, there’s ground beef and Italian sausage…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike licked his
lips. “My favorite toppings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“And then there’s
peppers and mushrooms…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Oo, more favorite
toppings.” Mike didn’t take his eyes off Tommy, noting the flush the crept up
from beneath the neckline of his T-shirt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“And finally
there’s three different types of cheese,” Tommy said before drawing a breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Boy, you have <i>all
</i>my toppings.” Mike gave a sad smile. “That all sounds quite delicious. There’s
only one problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“There is?” Tommy
appeared startled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike nodded. “I
don’t have sixteen dollars on me right now. So either you take the pizza back
or…” He licked his lips once more, only this time he did it slowly. “I give you
a few toppings of my own.” He unfolded his arms and slid his hands down his
body to his crotch, making sure Tommy’s gaze followed them. He stroked the granite
outline of his cock through his jeans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy’s breathing
sped up. “I’m sure we can come to an… arrangement.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Oh, I’m positive
we can.” Mike grinned. He moved closer until he could feel the heat rolling off
Tommy’s magnificent body. Mike reached out and stroked Tommy’s thick biceps,
making him shiver. “Starting with you showing me how well you can kiss.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy’s eyes shone
and his lips parted. “I… I can do that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike couldn’t wait
a second longer. He cradled Tommy’s head in his hands and kissed him on the
lips, his tongue a heat-seeking missile as he plunged into that gorgeous mouth
and devoured him in a brutal kiss. Tommy moaned, his own tongue battling with
Mike’s, all hunger and lust. Mike backed Tommy up against the cabinet and
rocked against him, letting Tommy feel just how <i>fucking hard</i> he was making Mike. Tommy’s low groan sent more heat
racing through him, and when Tommy pushed back, making Mike aware of his own
rock-hard length, Mike wasn’t prepared to wait any longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He broke the kiss,
grabbed Tommy and pulled him over to the wide wooden table in the middle of the
kitchen. Then he spun Tommy around until Tommy was falling forward, his arms
outstretched to stop his descent. Mike took advantage of the situation to reach
around to the front of Tommy’s jeans and unfasten them. Tommy’s breathing was
harsh and loud in the quiet kitchen. Mike gripped the waistband of his jeans
and pulled them down roughly over Tommy’s hips, revealing his bare ass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike laughed. “You
thought of everything.” He shove the jeans down to Tommy’s ankles and then
straightened to run his fingers lightly over the firm globes of flesh, until
they encountered…. Mike stilled, his fingers caressing the plastic snuggled
between his cheeks. “Just how long have you had that butt plug in for?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“A few hours,”
Tommy panted. “I wanted… to be ready for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Aw, how
thoughtful,” Mike said with a calm he didn’t feel. His body was vibrating with
the need to be inside Tommy. He pulled open the nearest cabinet and grabbed the
bottle he knew was there. Tommy twisted to watch and his eyes widened when he
saw the olive oil. Mike chuckled. “You forgot the lube, however.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy shook his
head. “Packet of lube…back pocket of my jeans,” he pushed out breathlessly as he tugged off his T-shirt and flung it aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Perfect.” Mike
knelt down to pull off Tommy’s tennis shoes and jeans, before delving into the
pocket for his prize. Once he had it, he was back, grinding his solid cock
against Tommy’s ass cheeks, pushing it into the crack. Tommy pushed back,
spreading his legs wide, a low whimper escaping his lips. Mike put the packet
on the table top and slid his arms around Tommy’s waist, shoving him until he
was bent over the table. “Ready to get fucked?” he whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Lord, yes,” Tommy
ground out. “C’mon, Mike, fuck me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His shy student
was certainly coming out of his shell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike groaned, removing his shirt which he dropped to the floor. “You
know I fucking love it when you beg.” He shoved down his jeans and squirmed his
way out of them, tore open the packet with trembling fingers and dumped a load
of lube onto his rigid dick. With one hand he eased the butt plug from Tommy’s
snug channel and with the other he guided his slick cock into position. Tommy
moaned, a visible shiver coursing through his body. Mike waited, the mushroom
head pressed up to that beautiful, tight, glistening pink pucker. He breathed
deeply. “Reach back and spread your cheeks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy did as
instructed, and then all the breath left Mike’s lungs in a whoosh of air when
Tommy pushed back, impaling himself on Mike’s thick shaft. “Oh, Mike, that’s so
good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Oh my fucking God</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. It seemed like Tommy couldn’t wait for Mike to be
inside him either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The plug dropped from
Mike’s hand to the floor. He grabbed hold of Tommy’s hips and slid nearly the
whole way out of him, only to push back inside in one long thrust, filling him
to the hilt. “Like that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Y-yeah, just like
that,” Tommy stammered, his back arching. “Fuck me, please. Hard.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You got it,” Mike
growled, and proceeded to fuck his lover with long, deep thrusts, his body
slapping against Tommy’s ass. The table inched its way across the floor with
each thrust. The sensation of his bare dick gripped by hot, tight heaven was
exquisite. “Love how it feels when I slide into you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I l-love it too.”
Tommy’s breathing hitched and he gulped in air. “Feels… feels better when you’re
bare inside me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike had to agree.
They’d waited for six months before ditching the condoms, but when the tests
after that were still clear, they hadn’t hesitated. God, that first time… It
had taken all Mike’s efforts not to come within minutes of entering Tommy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He stared down to
where his cock slid into Tommy’s tight ass, glistening with lube, thick and
veiny, and knew it wouldn’t be long. “I love this view,” he said with a loud
groan. “Watching me split your beautiful ass.” He started to pound harder,
slamming into Tommy now, his ass cheeks rippling from the impact. Mike pulled
Tommy back onto his shaft. “Come on, baby, fuck yourself on my cock.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy’s cry rent
the air as he pushed down hard on Mike’s dick, burying it inside him. “Close,”
he gasped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“That’s it, babe,
come on my cock. Let me feel it when you come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy let go of
his ass cheeks and tried to gain some purchase on the table top, but his
fingers scrabbled against the wood. Mike grabbed his hands and pulled them to
Tommy’s back, pinning his wrists and anchoring himself for the finale. Four
deep, hard thrusts and Tommy was coming. Mike’s cock was held in a hot vice,
Tommy’s channel rippling around his shaft, his body shaking. Mike let go of his
arms and covered Tommy with his body, his own orgasm jolting through him as he
shot his load deep inside his lover. They were both crying out, nonsensical
babblings as both succumbed to their mutual climax. Mike slipped his arms
around Tommy and held him close, feeling the tremors that shook him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Wow,” he said,
his voice cracking on that one syllable. Little by little the tiny jolts of
ecstasy dispersed, leaving them both breathing deeply. Mike waited until his
heart rate was back to near normal before easing out of Tommy, who rolled onto
his back with a groan, shifting farther onto the table, legs still spread,
knees bent, feet flat to the table top. Mike crawled up onto the table between
his legs and covered Tommy with his body, both of them damp with perspiration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Next time, we do
this on a padded surface,” Tommy said, staring up into Mike’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“There’s going to
be a next time?” Mike could only hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy grinned.
“Wait until you find out what I have planned for the holidays.” He looped his
arms around Mike’s neck and pulled him down into a soft, lingering kiss. “Happy
birthday,” he sighed into Mike’s mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike kissed him
again, slowly and thoroughly, before peering into those striking green eyes he
loved so much. “Admit it. You came up with this because you forgot my
birthday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy laughed.
“Damn, I’m good. You really believed I’d forgotten?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike propped
himself up on his elbows and stared. “You mean, you didn’t?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy shook his
head. “Uh uh. Your present is all nicely wrapped and waiting for you in the
bedroom. Of course, you’ll have to find it first, but I’ll drop you some
hints.” He waggled his eyebrows. “If you play your cards right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Then what gave
you the idea for this?” He gestured to the pizza box on the counter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There was a
moment’s pause. Tommy locked gazes with him. “I guess… I didn’t want you to
get… bored.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike knelt upright
between Tommy’s legs, unable to tear his gaze away. “Bored? Why in God’s name
would I be bored?” His gut clenched.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy shifted
against the table, chewing his bottom lip. “Aw, c’mon on, Mike. I know what
your sex life used to be like. You were a <i>porn
star</i>, for goodness, sake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well fuck</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike climbed down
off the table, held out his hand to Tommy and helped him to his feet. They
stood there in the kitchen, naked as a jaybird, and Mike put his arms around
Tommy. “You need to listen,” he said earnestly. “Nothing—and I mean <i>nothing</i>—I did on set, in twenty years,
compares to what I feel when we make love. You got that?” He fixed him with a
steely gaze. “I have never felt so connected to another man the way I feel when
we’re together. It’s like you’re a part of me. I don’t want you ever to think
that our sex life is boring, because I intend making love to you for a great
many years to come, until I can’t get it up any more.” Tommy giggled and Mike
smiled. “And then I’ll start taking the little blue pills, because, I, Mr.
Newsome, am addicted to you. Of course, by then, you won’t be Mr. Newsome.
You’ll be Mr. Scott.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I will?” Tommy’s
voice was husky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes, you will,”
Mike said decisively. “And I guarantee I’ll still be learning new things about
you even then.” He pulled Tommy tight against him. “I love you, Tommy. You were
made for me, baby, just like I was made for you.” He cupped the back of Tommy’s
head and drew him closer until their lips brushed softly. The kiss was gentle,
loving and just about perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When they parted,
Tommy sighed. “I love you too, Mike. Sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Don’t be. Just
think about all the fun we’ve had finding out that I am definitely <i>not</i> bored.” Mike grinned. “But I do have
one important question.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“What?” Tommy’s
large green eyes were focused on him, his body still.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Is there really a
pizza in that box, and if so, does it really have all those toppings on it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy laughed, the
sound filling the kitchen. “Oh, I surely do love you. And to answer your
question, yes, it’s like I described it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike let out a
whoop. “Well, come on, then! What are we waiting for?” He let go of Tommy and
picked up the pizza box. When he found Tommy staring at him, clearly perplexed,
Mike grinned. “Pizza in bed, anyone? It <i>is</i>
my birthday, after all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy laughed and
followed him out of the kitchen. “Sure, why not? After all, you’re the one who
does the laundry.” He stopped Mike at the door with a kiss to his cheek. “And
you’re the messiest eater too.” He darted ahead out of the reach of Mike’s hand
and into the bedroom, still laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike walked
slowly, grinning to himself. <i>We’ll see if
he’s still laughing when his dick is covered in pizza sauce.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>If this is the first time you've met Mike and Tommy, you can find their story <a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6882">here</a> in First, from Dreamspinner Press, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-K-C-Wells-ebook/dp/B0155KSKJC">here</a> from Amazon.com</i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-27814960526316371502016-02-12T06:11:00.002-08:002016-02-12T09:48:24.807-08:00It's Valentine's!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngtb0qbVs1Y/Vr3nN209t-I/AAAAAAAABDg/Y78JWl1jxzE/s1600/love-rainbow-heart-glitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngtb0qbVs1Y/Vr3nN209t-I/AAAAAAAABDg/Y78JWl1jxzE/s320/love-rainbow-heart-glitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Love is in the air...<br />
<br />
So to celebrate, I'm giving away three paperbacks - the first three Lightning Tales!<br />
And here they are! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPHTFBrUdD4/Vr3nzFqGECI/AAAAAAAABDo/StFxCZXCui4/s1600/2016-02-12%2B14.01.10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPHTFBrUdD4/Vr3nzFqGECI/AAAAAAAABDo/StFxCZXCui4/s320/2016-02-12%2B14.01.10.jpg" width="179" /></a><br />
<br />
What do you have to do to be in with a chance of winning?<br />
Leave a comment! It can be on which is your favorite KC Wells book, your favorite couple, fave series, maybe a book you'd like to see in the future...<br />
You have until the end of Valentine's Day to take part.<br />
I'll mail the books to the winner.<br />
So... get commenting! And don't forget to leave an email address!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-18245139102610261462016-01-17T08:02:00.000-08:002016-01-17T08:02:13.578-08:00The other side of K.C. Wells...A while back, I had an idea.<br />
(Yeah, I get a lot of them, but this one was a little different.)<br />
I had an idea for a novel, and when I shared it with a good friend, what came back was an email with all his thoughts on the subject.<br />
I quickly realized this wasn't merely a novel - this was an entire series!<br />
The series would be called Leather, only it was nothing like Collars & Cuffs. No, this was grittier, hotter, more SM than the safe world of BDSM that lies within the walls of Collars & Cuffs. The emphasis wouldn't be on romance, but on the world of leathermen.<br />
It's all the fault of John Preston and his amazing book, Mr. Benson. That's what got me thinking about the new series in the first place. Except that brought with it a problem.<br />
I really wasn't happy about writing it under the name K.C. Wells, because it would be <i>that different.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And so Tantalus was born.<br />
I wrote one short story, Summer Heat, as Tantalus, and let a few people in on the secret. I intended to write the sequel soon after, but then other books got in the way, and I didn't release After until last week.<br />
Only in the meantime, there had been a whole slew of authors revealing that they were not who people thought they were. Now, I hadn't once claimed that Tantalus was a gay man. In fact, I hadn't said anything about Tantalus's gender at all. But yeah, I got to thinking...<br />
<br />
Yesterday I met up with a small group of MM authors and readers, and I told them all about Tantalus. I wanted their advice on a very pertinent question: should I come clean? Should Tantalus 'come out', as it were?<br />
They were really helpful, and after discussing it for a while, I made the decision to tell you all.<br />
And now I have no idea why I was so worried!<br />
The response has been very positive. One author said, "About damned time!"<br />
<br />
So that's it. *grins* I still plan to write the Leather series - in fact I was thinking about that all morning - but I'm not sure when that will appear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_2oc9-XKFI/Vpu6HwJj5wI/AAAAAAAABDI/88q1VEZFELo/s1600/tantalus%2Bbanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_2oc9-XKFI/Vpu6HwJj5wI/AAAAAAAABDI/88q1VEZFELo/s320/tantalus%2Bbanner.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can find me here - if you so wish - and there are links to the two short stories. Once I'd written about Pete and his hunky, sexy neighbor Damon, I realized there's a story here too.<br />
This is going to get interesting....<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/Tantalus-1603064599937503/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-3076451662849457952016-01-15T01:27:00.001-08:002016-01-15T01:27:09.078-08:00Coming Soon - See Me (Lightning Tales #3)I thought I'd introduce you to Adrienne with a snippet ... (This is the first draft, by the way...)<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.75pt;">
Excerpt from See Me (Lightning
Tales #3)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Adrienne addressed the
audience. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So, you all like my outfit?” When the applause grew louder, she
grinned. “Yeah, it cost a lot of money to look this cheap.” She moved toward
another table amid more laughter to peer closely at a woman’s jewelry. “Oh,
that’s a beautiful necklace, honey.” The woman thanked her and she nodded,
bringing her hand to her neck to touch her choker. “People often compliment me
on my necklaces. I tell them, thank you, it’s so people don’t notice that I
have an Adam’s apple—or a penis.” Her eyes shone.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Raucous
laughter erupted from a couple of the tables and Adrienne sashayed in their
direction. She glanced back toward the curtains and called out, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hey,
girls, we’ve got ourselves another rowdy, sex-starved audience again.” She
turned to her audience and grinned. “I’m going to have trouble with you, aren’t
I?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why don’t you get on
with it?” a guy called out from the table nearest to her.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Adrienne
arched her eyebrows once more. She held up a finger and wagged it, tut-tutting
into the mic. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Now, honey, please, let me do my job. After all, I don’t go to
Walmart and tell you how to do yours, now, do I?” There were gasps from around
the table, and the guy who’d commented gaped at her, his face turning red.
Adrienne flashed him a polite smile before moving to the next table, where Ric
and the others were seated.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Connor
picked up his phone and held it up to take a picture, Instantly Adrienne struck
a dramatic pose in front of him, her hands framing her face. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Like
this?” </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Connor
pressed the icon on his screen but nothing happened. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Damn,
it didn’t flash,” he whispered to Ric, who peered over his shoulder to see if
he could help. They tried again, but still nothing.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Adrienne
kept the wide smile pasted on her face, speaking out of the corner of her
mouth. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Come
on, come on, boys, I’ve got a show to do.” Connor tried once again, with no
success. Adrienne twisted her head to look at the diners around her and batted
her long eyelashes. “Just talk amongst yourselves for a minute, please. We’ve
got someone from the technically challenged brigade here. There are some boys
having problems with their… equipment.” </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Laughter
broke out and Connor mumbled under his breath, cursing his phone. When the
flash failed to materialize, Adrienne broke the pose and put her hands on her
hips. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“For
God’s sake, will you just take this picture before my beard grows back?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Connor
flushed, while all around him people laughed loudly. Adrienne winked at him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s
all right, honey. I’m sure you make up for your ineptitude in other ways.” She
leered as her gaze traveled up and down Connor’s body before fanning herself
rapidly. “Damn, he’s a pretty one.” She met Ric’s gaze. For one second her
expression froze, but the reaction was over so quickly, Ric was sure he’d
imagined it. “I’m sure those fumble fingers of his are good for </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">something</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">, right?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Ric
almost choked on his drink.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">She
leaned seductively toward him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You having a good time, sugar?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, si—I mean, ma’am.”
For some reason Ric was flustered, his heartbeat racing.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Adrienne
straightened and skewered him with a lethal stare. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Were
you just about to call me Sir?” There was a glint in her eyes as she gestured
to her elaborate costume. “Do you imagine,” she said, enunciating slowly, “that
I bought all this shit so you could call me Sir?” She looked to the rest of the
audience and gesticulated with her hand, her tongue doing a slow rotation
inside her cheek. Ric wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole when
more discordant laughter ensued. He braced himself for the verbal onslaught he
felt sure was coming, but for some reason Adrienne appeared to take pity on
him. “It’s okay, sweetie,” she said, her voice cloying. “Just next time, get a
stronger prescription for those contacts, okay?” Before Ric could even think of
a comeback, she’d moved on to another table.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">She
stopped at a table where the occupants seemed to be celebrating a birthday,
judging by the remains of a cake still bearing candles and the empty champagne
bottles. Adrienne smiled sweetly at the five people seated. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So
who’s the birthday boy—or girl?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That would be me.” The
speaker was a woman in her late forties, as far as Ric could estimate, but it
was difficult to judge under all that make-up. “And why aren’t you singin’
yet?” the woman slurred. “We didn’t come here to listen to you being a bitch.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Speak for yourself,
honey,” the guy next to her muttered under his breath, which earned him a
current of laughter from those near enough to hear. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">The
woman ignored him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So go on, then—sing. You’re s’pposed to
have this fantastic voice, so let’s hear it.” She smiled smugly. “Or are you
one of those queens who can only lipsynch?”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Adrienne</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s
eyes flashed. She glanced at the audience. “Excuse me for just one moment,” she
said sweetly, still flashing that smile. Then it was back to the woman, and the
smile changed, her voice deepening, a definite masculine edge to it. “Bitch, if
you don’t hush and let me get on with my act, I will rip that make-up right off
your face and put it back on properly.”</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">There
was a second or two of stunned silence before the audience erupted into a loud
burst of laughter and applause. Adrienne grinned at them, and then blew a kiss
to her victim. She moved back to the front of the stage and gestured to her
beautifully made up face. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 4.75pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Speaking of make-up, you
don’t imagine that I can just go to my local CVS and buy my supplies there, do
you?” She shook her head. “Uh uh. I have to go buy theatrical make-up if I want
to look this good, because believe me, Covergirl does not cover boy.” </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: -36.0pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.75pt; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">The women in the audience laughed louder
than the men.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.75pt; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Release date late January / early February...</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRfQ5zKQOOc/Vpi6oTDeiYI/AAAAAAAABCs/igrTPlTrzJE/s1600/see%2Bme%2Bjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRfQ5zKQOOc/Vpi6oTDeiYI/AAAAAAAABCs/igrTPlTrzJE/s320/see%2Bme%2Bjpg.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-74470781522079289432015-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:002015-12-28T08:00:43.589-08:00Surrendering Sam - a short readI wrote this toward the end of 2012. It first appeared in a Dreamspinner Press newsletter. It's 1,000 words, but you may need tissues Just saying....<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kevin
opened his eyes slowly as he felt the mattress dip. <i>What the fuck</i>...? Rolling over, he found himself staring into Sam’s
clear green eyes, which were gazing back at him warmly. Sam’s tousled blond
curls, unruly as always, were pressed into the pillow beside him as Sam stared
at him, a slight smile playing about his lips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kevin
let out a yelp, his body stiffening uncontrollably, even as his heartbeat began
to race. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What...
what are you... ” Words escaped him as Sam cut off his words with a fierce kiss,
his arms reaching around Kevin to pull him tight against that lean, lanky body,
Kevin unable to prevent the heartfelt groan which rolled out into the stillness
of the silent room. Sam’s tongue teased the seam of his lips until Kevin opened
for him, eagerly accepting the welcome intrusion. Sam’s low moan of
appreciation reverberated through him, and yet somehow Kevin found the strength
of will to pull back slightly, his eyes wide as he gazed at his husband, unable
to look away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I-I
don’t understand,” Kevin stammered out, feverishly drinking in the view before him.
“How did you....” He shook his head, forcing himself to squeeze his eyes tight
shut for a second. Slowly he opened them once more: Sam’s eyes danced with
amusement. Kevin stared at him in amazement. “You’re really here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam’s
customary wide grin grew even wider as he took hold of Kevin’s hand and brought
it, slowly but inexorably, down to his thick cock which was already hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Believe
I’m here now?” Sam’s voice was hushed as
he wrapped Kevin’s hand around his length, pushing his hips so that the shaft
slid through the tunnel of his fist. Kevin moaned softly to feel Sam’s silken
prick glide fluidly through his fingers. <i>Fuck,
it had been so long...</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam
groaned.”Oh baby, fuck, I’ve missed this!” He pushed Kevin impatiently onto his
back, pulling his cock free of his husband’s eager grasp. Reaching down, he
brushed his fingers softly past Kevin’s balls to stroke the delicate skin
there, one single finger circling his hole, pressing eagerly against it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kevin
needed no second invitation. Stretching away for a second, he reached into the
bedside drawer for the lube, forgotten these last few weeks, and snapping the
lid open, he dripped the viscous liquid down over his balls, to where impatient
fingers slid through the silky fluid before sinking deeply into Kevin’s body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
loud groan was torn from Kevin as his husband stroked deep into him, making him
ready. Kevin pulled Sam on top of him, drawing up his long legs to wrap them
around his husband’s waist, his ankles crossing at the small of Sam’s back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Now,
love, fuck me now,” he demanded, reaching for Sam’s cock and slicking it with
the remnants of lube which coated his hole, guiding him, his body eagerly
awaiting the invasion. Sam let out a long, lingering groan as he slowly pushed
into him, his cock filling him, stretching him, until all Kevin knew was
Sam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
fuck, yes!” Sam thrust deeply into him, punching the air from his lungs, and
Kevin reached up to grab him, pulling Sam down against his body, their lips
meeting once more in a hungry kiss, which became one in a long line of kisses
as Sam proceeded to fuck him, hips bucking wildly, his rhythm awkward at first.
But soon their bodies remembered as they slipped into their long established
rhythm, Kevin pushing up to meet Sam’s thrusts, no passive lover but his equal
in passion, as both men strived for their mutual climax.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
God, I love you so much!” Kevin cried out as he felt his orgasm approach, and
Sam’s loud groan as he pulsed heat into Kevin’s willing body pushed him over
the edge into oblivion, tumbling, crying out in ecstasy as he came. Sam’s cries
mingled with his, his lips meeting Kevin’s in a fiercely possessive kiss, the
two men unwilling to let go of each other, even for a second as Kevin’s body
held Sam prisoner within him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Love
you, baby.” Sam whispered into his ear as their bodies pressed against each
other, slick with perspiration, still deep inside him. He lay stretched out on
top of Kevin, his slight weight a welcome burden. Kevin reached up to run his
fingers gently through the unruly curls, his eyes wide with wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
still can’t believe...” His words died away as Sam’s mouth fastened on his,
Sam’s lips soft and warm. Sam murmured into his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sleep,
baby.” The lassitude which flowed through Kevin’s body suddenly pulled him
towards sleep, letting him sink into its welcoming embrace, the feel of Sam’s
lips upon his a lingering memory as he slipped deeper and deeper into its
velvety depths...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
sound of the curtains being drawn roused Kevin from his deep sleep. He
stretched in the bed, arms above his head, as he turned toward the window. His
mother was standing there, her expression careful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Morning,
sweetheart,” she said, reaching for the cup of tea that she’d placed on the
dresser behind her. “It’s already ten. Everyone’s here.” Those grey eyes rested
on him, and Kevin noted, not for the first time, that she seemed weary. He sat
up in bed, reaching for the cup, careful not to spill its contents over the
soft cream sheets that covered the bed. They were Sam’s favourite bedding, a
present when they’d gotten married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“How
come you let me sleep?” he demanded to know, wiping at his eyes and stifling a
yawn. For the first time in a while, he actually felt rested, at peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her
gaze came to rest on him once more. She indicated the window with a brief nod
of her head. “Sam’s here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
with that the feeling left him. Silently, he climbed out of bed and made his
way slowly to the window. He looked down as the men below carefully slid the
coffin that contained his husband onto the waiting trolley, ready to bring him
into the house, to where his family and their friends were waiting for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He
turned to his mother, his expression calm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s
okay, Mum,” he said with a gentle smile. “I’ll be downstairs in a moment to say
goodbye.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-10030304161343627982015-11-03T05:40:00.001-08:002015-11-03T08:17:54.402-08:00Let's talk about ... Cheating<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="37b0s-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$37b0s" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFjRUAF-QM0/Vji5SXq3i0I/AAAAAAAABBc/X8Y9EfeKanY/s1600/CHeating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFjRUAF-QM0/Vji5SXq3i0I/AAAAAAAABBc/X8Y9EfeKanY/s320/CHeating.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span data-offset-key="37b0s-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$37b0s.0:$37b0s-0-0" style="color: blue;">I read an interesting thread on cheating on Facebook.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="37b0s-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$37b0s" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: blue;">One reader made the point that cheating happens in real life, that life isn't perfect.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="eif2q-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$eif2q" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="eif2q-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$eif2q.0:$eif2q-0-0" style="color: blue;">Another felt that if the relationship was bad, i.e. abusive, then maybe the idea of cheating was not so abhorrent. But if it was simply a case of one partner being unable to keep his hands off someone else, then definitely - no.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="eif2q-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$eif2q" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: blue;">What amazed me was how vehement some people were about the issue. They might get all the way through a book but as soon as the element of cheating reared its head, they wouldn't finish, or, what was worse in my mind, give it a really low rating. Not because it was a badly written book, you understand, but because there was CHEATING in it. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">I understand that cheating isn't necessarily sexual. You can cheat emotionally on a partner by longing after someone else, even secretly. </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="eif2q-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$eif2q" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div style="color: #373e4d;">
<span style="color: blue;">I have a couple of friends whose story I would LOVE to write, but you know what? It's not gonna happen. Because the way they live isn't 'conventional' and to many, all they would see is cheating. When First was released, I waited for the reviews with a mixture of anticipation and dread. I'd done my best to get across that Mike having sex with guys on camera was NOT the same thing as him being in a relationship with them, that this was his job. Okay, so he's chosen a job where he gets paid to have sex. Does that mean he's not entitled to want a loving partner too?</span></div>
<div style="color: #373e4d;">
<span style="color: blue;">Let's go back to my friends. They're in the industry, and they are walking proof that, so long as they are first in the other's heart, they understand that sex elsewhere isn't an indication of anything other than two guys having a little social fun. It's all about what the "contract" the couple has (hopefully) talked through and set up. They made it clear that neither of them is quite monogamous in inclination; they are well matched that way. And because it's understood that sex outside the relationship is not forbidden, then it is no longer 'cheating' on the odd occasion that it does happen. And knowing them as I do? I don't doubt for ONE SECOND that they love each other and that they are indeed first in each other's hearts</span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">Surely people are able to think past a simplistic pigeonhole box that defines something. Surely we can raise ourselves above that...</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Having said that? Maybe not.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="eif2q-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$eif2q" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: blue;">Okay, time for some home truths here.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="eif2q-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$eif2q" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: blue;">Partners cheat on each other. They get found out. Sometimes they're forgiven, sometimes not. If they do forgive, they work through their problems, work on making their relationship better, overcoming obstacles... Surely these are all elements of a good story. Without some conflict - unless you specifically want to read something low-angst and feel-good - a story would end up being a damn sight shorter and a whole lot more boring. And if you're invested in a book, in the characters, why would you put it aside if one of them cheated? </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="dqgn-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$dqgn" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: blue;">The story matters. How it's written. The language it uses. The emotions it evokes. </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="altvn-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$altvn" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="altvn-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$altvn.0:$altvn-0-0" style="color: blue;">If you've had a bad experience with cheating, don't let that color your enjoyment of what might be a brilliantly written book. And don't let your emotional baggage color how others might view the book.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="8m2fu-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$8m2fu" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: blue;">I'm sorry, but shit happens. That's life. That's <i>real</i> life. How many times have I read a comment that a storyline wasn't real? </span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
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<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="8jf1j-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$8jf1j" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span data-offset-key="8jf1j-0-0" data-reactid=".or.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$8jf1j.0:$8jf1j-0-0" style="color: blue;">Maybe some things are just too real for some readers.</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081210847147752014.post-20584454820503097692015-10-11T07:06:00.002-07:002015-10-11T07:06:39.471-07:00Facebook is spoiling my birthday!!!!It's now 15.03 and the birthday wishes on my Facebook page are still appearing, over 240 at this point.<br />
This is WONDERFUL, by the way. A huge thank you to everyone who has wished me a happy birthday, sent pics of cakes (with files in them - LOL) naked men with cake covering any bits that might offend FB's delicate sensibilities.....<br />
What does p*** me off, however, is the post that keeps popping up from Facebook - "Enjoy your special day!"<br />
I'd enjoy it a helluva lot more if I was able to THANK all these people!!!!<br />
*breathes deeply* *counts to ten* *counts to twenty cos ten sure ain't workin'*<br />
<br />
This is me thanking everyone. I CAN see all your posts - I just can't reply to them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJwM6NSEhr8/Vhps26A5wDI/AAAAAAAABAk/EyZLpxinyAE/s1600/Thank%2Byou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJwM6NSEhr8/Vhps26A5wDI/AAAAAAAABAk/EyZLpxinyAE/s320/Thank%2Byou.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2