“I really would like to get to know you, Mallory.” His voice husky in my ear. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, I’m sorry.” I’m already kicking myself for turning him down. “That’s okay, I’ll ask again tomorrow, and the day after, I’ll get you to say yes in the end.”
But just when they’re about to get everything they ever hoped tragedy strikes leaving Mal alone and adrift. Putting his past behind him Mal stumbles upon Cooper’s Ridge. Changing his name to Carter, he takes a chance, becoming a bartender at The Last Drop Inn, and embarking on a new life.
Local attorney, Dan Mortimer, has finally found and captured the heart of Cooper’s Ridge’s newest resident, Carter.
“I was coming in to see you, and maybe get you to agree to dinner with me. C’mon Carter it’s only dinner, I’m a nice guy I promise.”
But when Dan’s college friend comes to town to recuperate after a horrible car accident, it seems the most important men in his life may have something to answer for. And just how far will an evil, conniving, homophobic mother with a vendetta go to bring them all down?
Here Without You is a gay ménage story with plenty of hot sex and strong language and is therefore suitable for readers aged 18 and over.
“Can I see you again? Tonight? Please, Mallory, give me another chance.” He smiles softly, making my heart skip a beat.
“I can’t do tonight. I’m here ‘til ten o’clock.” I look over my shoulder, and my boss is scowling at me, his arms folded over his chest. “I’ve got to get to work. I’m sorry, Archer. Maybe another day.” I scurry away, avoiding eye contact with my boss and serve the next customer.
“I’ll be here at ten, Mallory,” Archer calls out as he walks out.
“This isn’t a pick-up joint, Halston. Get to work,” Mr. Kowolski mutters to me before stomping back to his office.
Carl looks at me and gives me a smile. “He’s a hot guy, rich too. You should go for him.” He winks and carries on serving.
The day is long, and I’m hot and sweaty by the time I finish. All I want to do is go back to my room and get under a cold shower. The night has cooled down, but even in darkness, the heat is suffocating. I walk out the kitchen door and see Archer waiting for me. He smiles and pushes off from the wall. I look at his long legs clad in denim tonight, and a tight-fitting short-sleeved shirt shows off his broad chest, making me swallow hard.
“You shouldn’t have come out again, Archer. I’m tired and in desperate need of a shower and my bed. Can we take a raincheck?” I ask quietly as he approaches me.
His green eyes darken as he looks me over. “I’m here now, and I can offer you both of those options if you’d like to come back to my place.” His voice is deep and husky as he steps into my space.
“Huh? I don’t think that’s a good idea. We don’t know each other.” I struggle to speak as I inhale the crisp citrus scent of his cologne.
“What better way to find out more.” His mouth is so close to mine I can feel his warm breath washing over my dry lips. I slide my tongue over my lower lip, dampening it or maybe trying to capture his flavor. My eyes flutter as I feel his mouth brush over mine, a touch so light I could have almost believed I imagined it until I hear him sigh.
“Shit,” I mutter under my breath. My heart beats frantically in my chest as I crave for his touch.
“Come back with me, Mallory.” His words resonate in my chest, making my refusal impossible. I nod my head and let him take my hand. “Thank you,” he whispers.
Excerpt two
When I walk into work, it looks like there’s an intervention about to take place. Kes, East, and Denver are all here as well as Shelley and the new bartender, Paris.
“Hey, guys. What’s up?” I step up to them and see the huge grins on their faces. “Why are you looking like goons?”
“We thought we’d come in and say hi. Y’know, just a catch-up.” Kes keeps smiling as he laughs.
“Oh really, you just happened to drop by. Right, fine. I’ll play along.” I narrow my eyes because I damn well know why they are here. “How are you keeping, what’s new?”
Denver smiles and looks me over. I remember I’ve got the same clothes on as last night, but I don’t think they would know that. “Oh, we’re all good, y’know. Getting along with the joys of parenting, what about you? What’s new with you?” His grin is devilish.
“I’m good. Nothing much to say. I’ll just get to the office and start on the banking.” I walk past as East looks at me and catches hold of my arm and looks at my neck. His finger nudges the neckline of my shirt and drags it away.
I tug away from him as he laughs. “Fuck off, East!” I scowl and move on.
“He’s got a hickey!” He smirks, and the rest of them all burst out laughing.
“Come on, Carter, spill the beans! What’s going on with you and the hot lawyer?” Kes is still laughing but stops when I shoot him a back-off look.
But as I think of Dan and the amazing morning, I can’t help grinning. “It’s going well. That’s all I’m going to say.”
“Congratulations, Carter. Happiness looks good on you. And if it’s Daniel who is making you happy embrace it, buddy.” Kes smiles again.
“Yeah, we’re only messing with you. It’s been great to see you smile more.” Shelley hugs me and drops a kiss on my cheek.
The rest of the day drags as I watch the door. Dan said he’d try to come in, but he didn’t say when.
“Stop staring at the door. If he said he’ll come, he will.” Paris sighs at me and nudges me with his elbow.
“I’m not staring. I just glanced over when you happened to be looking at me,” I grumble.
“You keep telling yourself that,” he jokes, then looks up and smiles. “It looks like your man is here.”
I whip my head around and gape as I take him in, striding towards me, his eyes fixed on me and only me. I gulp and stare. His dirty-blond hair is in its rough-and-ready state that just makes me want to run my fingers through it. His amber eyes blaze with gold flashes as he looks me over. I drink in the fitted white T-shirt stretched tight over muscles I have traced with my tongue. His blue, well-worn jeans mold his long, strong legs, the muscles flexing as he gets closer.
His eyes flicker down to my mouth as I dampen my bottom lip, making him copy my action. Fuck! He is hot as shit!
“Hey, baby,” he murmurs as he reaches the bar.
“Hey, you,” I whisper back as we both lean over the polished wood bar. Our mouths touch, and I hum against his soft, but oh so firm, lips. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
When we pull apart, I notice the room has gone quiet as everyone stares. I look at Shelley, and she fans her face.
“Holy fuck, you two are hot as hell!” She looks around and laughs. “I think they just got their Hollywood moment, that was straight out of the movies.”
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