Doc Cedarwood by @meganslayer ~ #gayromance #doctor #erotic #romance #looseid

Doc Cedarwood by Megan Slayer 

Single Father Society, Book 5

Full Length Novel

Contemporary, M/M, Anal Sex

From Loose Id Publishing

Cover Art by April Martinez



Can an accident and a rim job lead to a lasting love?

Aiden Connor wasn’t looking for a date. Sure, he wanted one, but relationships seem to be too difficult to maintain. He’s an ER doctor and doesn’t have time for commitment…that is until he runs over a curb and needs a new rim for his sports car. The mechanic isn’t anything like he expects, but could be the one man he needs if he’s willing to open his mind and heart.

Matt Phillips equated dating with disaster, but sees himself as an eternal optimist. When he sees Aiden, he wants to give relationships a try. Every cell in his body screams to get the sexy doctor naked and in his bed. But Matt has demons and addictions he’s still working through. Will he fall prey to his past or learn and move forward with the hot doctor?

Available now!

http://www.loose-id.com/single-father-society-5-doc-cedarwood.html

https://books2read.com/u/3LrP2D

EXCERPT: ©2017 Megan Slayer, All Rights Reserved

Aiden watched Aaron leave Matt’s room and a pang of jealousy hit him. He’d just gotten to know Matt and the connection was real. Was Matt that kind of guy who made everyone feel invited? Was he the type to click easily? Aiden scrubbed the back of his hand across his mouth. Man, he was overthinking things. The situation with Matt was new and fragile. Suck it up and stop expecting something so fast. But could he listen to his own advice? He ducked into Matt’s room and hoped for the best.

“Hi.” Matt sat on the edge of the bed. He’d managed to put his jeans on and wrangled a button-down shirt over his shoulders. “I really don’t like this thing.” He waved his arm in the sling. “Motherfucker, that hurts.”

“Which is why you’re not supposed to.” Aiden helped him finish putting the shirt on. “Don’t do that again without help.”

“Then be my help.” He wriggled his eyebrows. “I don’t want to be snarled up in this sling. I like to move.”

“You’ll be able to move before you know it. It gets easier.” He stood beside the bed and folded his arms. He sounded like a damn greeting card. “You’re waiting on the paperwork?”

“Yeah. I’m glad to get rid of the IV. I hate that stuff. You said saline, but it could’ve had something else mixed in.” Matt shook his head. “When you know addicts, you vow not to be like them. I don’t mind a beer every so often, but never pharmaceuticals. If I can’t have control, I’m not doing it.”

“Makes sense, I suppose, but it wasn’t mixed with anything. You like pain but on your terms.” Aiden notched his chin in the air. “Have you ever considered getting implants? The discs or whatever? They give me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about them.”

“Wow. No.” Matt struggled to his feet, wobbled, then sat back down. “I like the art and the pain, but I’m not into dermal anything. I’m also not used to being upright. Wow.” He leveled his gaze at Aiden. “I can’t stay here. I need to get out.”

Aiden recognized the pleading in Matt’s voice and couldn’t argue. He believed the best healing took place when the patient was the most comfortable—and usually at home. “The attendant will be here in a few with a wheelchair.” He paused. “It shouldn’t be much longer.”

“Are you leaving?” Matt asked.

“Yeah, soon. I’m late for a nap.” He didn’t move. He had to deal with his twinge of jealousy concerning Aaron. “I saw your business partner came back. He’ll take you home, right?”

“Yeah.” Matt toyed with the edge of the sling. “Would…would you be interested in stopping by my place? Say it’s to check on me or because we’re friends and we want to talk. I don’t care. Just come by.”

“Aaron isn’t staying with you?” He’d hate to impose.

“He’d love to be, but I told him no.” Matt tipped his head. “What do you think?”

“I think you’re supposed to have someone staying with you for the first twenty-four hours in case you have complications. You should have Aaron sleep over for a precaution.” He hated arguing and encouraging Matt to be with Aaron.

“Then you come over. We’ll talk more and you can watch me all you want. I’d planned on asking you to take me home so we could get to know each other better.” Matt reached for Aiden. “It’s forward and pushy, but it feels right to ask you.”
 

Christmas in Cedarwood by @meganslayer ~ #gayromance #singlegaydads #romance #contemporary #erotic

Christmas in Cedarwood by Megan Slayer  

with Bonus Story ~ Single in Springdale

A Single Father Society novella

from Loose Id Publishing

Contemporary, Holiday, M/M, Anal Sex, masturbation, May/December Romance

Christmas in Cedarwood
Two men, one kid, and the frayed nerves that come with the holidays… Can they make it through to Christmas without a blow-up?

Colt Harrison knew when he met Ashley Willis that he’d found the one man for him. He loves Ashley’s son, Wyatt, as if he were his own. But the stress of living together, compounded with buying a home and adopting pets, has worn him down…not to mention the aggravation that comes with the diner he owns. He wants to make Christmas special for his family, but how can they have a great holiday when Colt’s never home?

Ashley’s got a two-week vacation from his job at the elementary school teaching art. All he wants is time with Colt and Wyatt. He loves Colt, but not the long hours spent at the diner, especially around the holidays. Can he be honest about what he wants from Colt and keep the man he loves?

Anything is possible if they embrace the magic of Christmas.
Bonus story included!

Single in Springdale

Can two lonely hearts find their way to each other despite the odds?

Dr. Isaac McLean knows he’s not supposed to lust after a patient, but there’s something about Len Connor that he can’t forget. His laugh? His strong will? His sexy body. But will Len want to be with his former doctor?

Len Connor wasn’t looking to get back into the dating scene, but a chance meeting with Isaac at the animal shelter has him thinking otherwise. Isaac is sweet, funny and oh, so handsome. But he’s also at least twenty years younger than Len. Will this cougar get his cub and have a happy ending? Or will the relationship fall apart before it gets started?

http://www.loose-id.com/christmas-in-cedarwood.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Y2RTNS/

https://books2read.com/u/m0xdZA

* * * * *

EXCERPT: ©Megan Slayer 2017, All Rights Reserved

“I hear bells,” Wyatt shouted. “Here comes the horses!”

Colton made quick work of cutting down the third tree. Ashley returned with Tyus’s dad. “I got help,” Ashley said. “He’s got tags, too.”

Colton dragged the third tree to the path and with help, hefted the two bigger trees onto the back of the wagon. He plunked the third one on top, then followed Ashley up the steps. He sagged onto the seat and draped his arm around Ashley. Wyatt bounced up to where Tyus sat.

“You didn’t have to do that.” Ashley shook his head, then kissed Colt’s cheek. “I love it, though. We’ll have to buy extra ornaments. We don’t have enough.” He snuggled up to Colt. “Oh well.”

Colt rode the rest of the way to the barn in silence. He had so many other things he wanted to say to Ashley, but not yet. He wanted them to be alone. Wyatt might be up with his friend near the front of the wagon, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t listening.  The wagon stopped and pitched Ashley and Colt forward a bit. Colt stood first, then tugged Ashley to his feet. “Go ahead and pay for them. Tell the girl I paid for the one with the bows. She’ll understand. I’ll tie them onto the cars.”

Wyatt jumped off the wagon. “Can we get a pizza?”

“Sounds good.” Colt nodded. “Why don’t you order a couple on-line and pick them up on the way home.” He squeezed Ashley’s ass. “We’ll eat while these dry out in the garage, then we can decorate when we’re done.” He kept Ashley closer and dropped his voice to a whisper. “Once we’re in bed, I’ll decorate you.”

Ashley shivered. “Yes.”

He kissed his boyfriend and sighed. God, he loved this man.

Out Now ~ Doc Cedarwood by @MeganSlayer #contemporary #mm #mmromance #doctor #novel @loveunleashed

Doc Cedarwood by Megan Slayer 

Single Father Society, Book 5

Full Length Novel

Contemporary, M/M, Anal Sex

From Loose Id Publishing

Cover Art by April Martinez

Can an accident and a rim job lead to a lasting love?

Aiden Connor wasn’t looking for a date. Sure, he wanted one, but relationships seem to be too difficult to maintain. He’s an ER doctor and doesn’t have time for commitment…that is until he runs over a curb and needs a new rim for his sports car. The mechanic isn’t anything like he expects, but could be the one man he needs if he’s willing to open his mind and heart.

Matt Phillips equated dating with disaster, but sees himself as an eternal optimist. When he sees Aiden, he wants to give relationships a try. Every cell in his body screams to get the sexy doctor naked and in his bed. But Matt has demons and addictions he’s still working through. Will he fall prey to his past or learn and move forward with the hot doctor?

Available now from Loose Id - http://www.loose-id.com/single-father-society-5-doc-cedarwood.html

EXCERPT: ©2017 Megan Slayer, All Rights Reserved
Aiden watched Aaron leave Matt’s room and a pang of jealousy hit him. He’d just gotten to know Matt and the connection was real. Was Matt that kind of guy who made everyone feel invited? Was he the type to click easily? Aiden scrubbed the back of his hand across his mouth. Man, he was overthinking things. The situation with Matt was new and fragile. Suck it up and stop expecting something so fast. But could he listen to his own advice? He ducked into Matt’s room and hoped for the best.
“Hi.” Matt sat on the edge of the bed. He’d managed to put his jeans on and wrangled a button-down shirt over his shoulders. “I really don’t like this thing.” He waved his arm in the sling. “Motherfucker, that hurts.”
“Which is why you’re not supposed to.” Aiden helped him finish putting the shirt on. “Don’t do that again without help.”
“Then be my help.” He wriggled his eyebrows. “I don’t want to be snarled up in this sling. I like to move.”
“You’ll be able to move before you know it. It gets easier.” He stood beside the bed and folded his arms. He sounded like a damn greeting card. “You’re waiting on the paperwork?”
“Yeah. I’m glad to get rid of the IV. I hate that stuff. You said saline, but it could’ve had something else mixed in.” Matt shook his head. “When you know addicts, you vow not to be like them. I don’t mind a beer every so often, but never pharmaceuticals. If I can’t have control, I’m not doing it.”
“Makes sense, I suppose, but it wasn’t mixed with anything. You like pain but on your terms.” Aiden notched his chin in the air. “Have you ever considered getting implants? The discs or whatever? They give me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about them.”
“Wow. No.” Matt struggled to his feet, wobbled, then sat back down. “I like the art and the pain, but I’m not into dermal anything. I’m also not used to being upright. Wow.” He leveled his gaze at Aiden. “I can’t stay here. I need to get out.”
Aiden recognized the pleading in Matt’s voice and couldn’t argue. He believed the best healing took place when the patient was the most comfortable—and usually at home. “The attendant will be here in a few with a wheelchair.” He paused. “It shouldn’t be much longer.”
“Are you leaving?” Matt asked.
“Yeah, soon. I’m late for a nap.” He didn’t move. He had to deal with his twinge of jealousy concerning Aaron. “I saw your business partner came back. He’ll take you home, right?”
“Yeah.” Matt toyed with the edge of the sling. “Would…would you be interested in stopping by my place? Say it’s to check on me or because we’re friends and we want to talk. I don’t care. Just come by.”
“Aaron isn’t staying with you?” He’d hate to impose.
“He’d love to be, but I told him no.” Matt tipped his head. “What do you think?”
“I think you’re supposed to have someone staying with you for the first twenty-four hours in case you have complications. You should have Aaron sleep over for a precaution.” He hated arguing and encouraging Matt to be with Aaron.
“Then you come over. We’ll talk more and you can watch me all you want. I’d planned on asking you to take me home so we could get to know each other better.” Matt reached for Aiden. “It’s forward and pushy, but it feels right to ask you.”

Out Now ~ Ripples in Cedarwood by @MeganSlayer ~ Single Father Society, Book 2 ~ #mmromance #singledad #LGBT

Ripples in Cedarwood 

Book 2 in the Single Fathers Society

Loose Id Publishing

Novella

M/M, Anal Sex

An Amazon and AllRomance Ebooks Bestseller!

One never intended on being a father and the other isn’t looking for a relationship, but they’re about to find out what they want and what they need might be the last thing they expected.

Steve Moore wasn’t planning on being a dad. He envisioned a life of teaching and professional swimming. Fast forward a year and he’s the guardian of his ten-year-old sister. He wants love and passion, but who wants to date a guy with a family?

Farin Baker believed love wasn’t in his cards—until he takes his nephew to swimming lessons. One glance at the water-slicked hunk teaching the class has him thinking about jumping into the dating pool once again. He’s ready for a fresh start and a hot guy for his bed.

Will these two men find heat between the sheets or will the guardianship situation be the biggest detriment to them finding happiness?

Available at these fine retailers:

loose id: http://www.loose-id.com/single-father-society-2-ripples-in-cedarwood.html

allromance ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ripplesincedarwood-1859398-149.html

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ripples-Cedarwood-Single-Father-Society-ebook/dp/B012UF3MAW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1438126392&sr=8-9&keywords=megan+slayer

Excerpt:

©Megan Slayer, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Farin drifted his gaze over the man. He liked tall men, and this one was at least five-eleven. Thin, but not too thin. When he glanced back at Farin, he offered him a good look at his face. Chocolate-brown eyes and a dimple. Goodness fuck, the man had a dimple.

The tips of Farin’s ears warmed and his neck prickled. Shit. He shouldn’t be ogling the swim instructor. He was a dirty old man who needed a date.

The guy clapped his hands. “Okay, you guys. The others will be here shortly. I want you and Gage to do laps. Show me you’ve been practicing your breathing.” He put his hands together and dived into the water. He barely made a splash and moved through the pool like a fish. When he surfaced, droplets glistened on his body and accentuated his strong form.

Farin’s jaw slackened. The man was so hot and even better wet. He’d read plenty of books describing characters as poetry in motion, but he’d never believed something like that was possible until he saw the swim instructor. Or was he the coach? Farin wasn’t sure.

By the time Gage and the other children climbed out of the pool, an hour had passed. Farin barely noticed. He’d been too engrossed in watching the teacher.

Gage wandered up to Farin, leaving sloshy wet footprints in his wake. “Hey, Uncle Farin. Are you in there?” He waved his hand in front of Farin’s face. “Uncle Farin?”

“Sorry.” He focused his attention on Gage. “I was thinking.”

“About a guy?” Gage’s eyes widened. “Dad always says he’s thinking when he’s really thinking about Jordan—or when I’m in trouble. I’m not in trouble, right?”

“I don’t think you are.” He handed his nephew the towel. “It looked like you were having fun. You’ve got the backstroke down pat.”

“It’s my favorite one.” Gage draped the towel over his head. “I’m going to change. Mr. Moore wanted to talk to you once we’re all done. I don’t know what about. He’s in the changing room, so I can’t get into any trouble.”

“Oh.” Farin tucked his tablet into his bag, then stood and stretched. His ass ached from sitting on the hard bleacher, and his back had stiffened from being hunched over. Part of him wanted to follow his nephew into the changing room to monitor the situation. The rest of him wanted to check out the swim instructor. The wet trunks left little to the imagination, but Farin wanted to unwrap him and check out his package.

Farin blinked. No—no dirty thoughts about the swim teacher. Squelch the dirtiness before it overtakes you. Time to let his head, not his heart and libido, lead the way. If only his libido would agree to the decision. He’d screwed himself over one too many times by thinking with his dick. This guy had to be about nineteen at best and way too young. Farin sighed. He was thirty years old. He needed to start thinking about settling down and planning for retirement, not finding a date.

Out Now ~ Superhero by Megan Slayer

Superhero by Megan Slayer 

Hiding in Plain Sight Series, book 1

Novella

Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

M/M, Anal Sex

MLR Press

He can levitate objects and predict the future, but no one knows his powers...until he finds a man worth fighting for.

Chase Bender moves objects with his mind and can read the immediate future. If anyone found out the man behind the mask had a lot in common with the regular man character, they wouldn't believe him. What's a man with super hero abilities supposed to do to get a date?

Dylan Foreman isn't interested in jumping into the dating pool, but can't deny the attraction when he meets Chase. Can the burning lust between a simple book keeper and a man in spandex, and sporting a cape really last?

Available from MLR Books:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/Bookstore.php?bookid=MSSPHERO

At AllRomance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-superhero-1777466-349.html

At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Superhero-Hiding-Plain-Sight-Book-ebook/dp/B00VR032QQ/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1429824817&sr=8-14&keywords=megan+slayer

Excerpt, ©Megan Slayer, 2015, All Rights Reserved

Dylan.

He shouldn’t say anything. Should keep on walking.

“Hi there. Do you come here often?” Hell. Of all the things he could’ve said, Chase picked one of the worst pick-up lines…ever.

Dylan’s eyes narrowed. “Do I—we’ve met, haven’t we?”

“I’m sorry. I’m horrible at manners sometimes.” Chase offered his hand. “I’m Chase. We met at the Riley party.” He dropped his voice to a whisper. “I’m Mind Bender.”

“Oh!” Dylan’s eyes widened. “I hadn’t recognized you…but I bet that was the point.” His cheeks burned bright red and the color spread down his neck. “Can I say that was a good show, or will I get you into trouble?”

“Won’t get me into trouble. I appreciate the kind words.” Chase nodded to the cart. “I needed to get a few things. Care to walk with me, or are you nearly done?”

“I’m trying to get my shopping done while Nathan’s at swim camp.” Dylan gripped the cart. “The kid is a fish.”

“He’s your only child?” Chase pulled up beside Dylan and walked the rest of the way down the frozen food aisle.

“Just one. My partner and I couldn’t decide on another one.” Dylan’s blush deepened. “It’s a long story.”

“But I bet it’s a good one.” Chase missed being able to converse with other adults. The people at the store were okay, but they weren’t Dylan. The spark from the party hadn’t been in his imagination. He and Dylan seemed to be able to talk quite well.

“The story has its good parts, but there are bad parts, too.” Dylan stopped. “How much more do you have to buy?”

“Truth be told, I’m done.” Chase grinned. “I didn’t need much.”

“If you’re done, do you want to grab a cup of coffee? The little shop allows carts. I’ve only got a few more things to get.” Dylan flexed his fingers on the cart handle. The indentation of a wedding ring was evident, but not deep. Divorced? Split up? Chase wanted to know and yet, he didn’t want to ask.

“I’d like that,” Chase said. “I’ll pay for my things while you finish, then meet you at the coffee shop in, what, ten minutes?”

“Sounds good.”

Paying for his items didn’t take the entire ten minutes. For once, the lines at the store moved quickly. Chase tucked his change into his wallet. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gotten through the line in less than fifteen minutes. He pushed the cart to the coffee shop. Most of the tables were empty and one of the booths was free. He pushed the cart behind the booth and plopped onto the wooden seat.

His skin prickled. Being around Dylan heightened his senses. What was it about the dad that kept him on the edge? He eased his phone from his pocket and switched the ringer to silent. If anyone needed him that bad, they could wait. As he sat there, the salt shaker began to levitate. Oh fuck. He grabbed the glass container and held it to the table top. No, no, no. His powers weren't allowed to go haywire. They weren't. 

Out Now ~ Home to Cedarwood

Home to Cedarwood 

Single Dads Society, Book 1

By Megan Slayer

M/M, Anal Sex, Masturbation

From Loose Id

27,000 words, Novella

An AllRomance Ebooks Bestseller!!

An Amazon Bestseller!!

Colin Baker owns a book store and he’s back in Cedarwood with his son. He’s looking for a new start after a bad breakup, but he never expected that start to include his old crush, Officer Jordan Hargrove. Jordan hasn’t come out, but if he can score with Colin, then he’s all in. He’s dreamed of hot nights with the quiet man.

After a speeding ticket and some hurt feelings, sparks fly between the bookstore owner and the police officer, but Cedarwood is a small town with small town values, and a gay couple isn’t what the town expects. Colin’s created a support group for single gay fathers and he feels he’s making some difference in Cedarwood. Some folks in Cedarwood are fine with these two men reconnecting, but some aren’t.

Will the naysayers be enough to drive Colin and Jordan apart, or will they make their way together in this small town?

Available from these retailers:

http://www.loose-id.com/home-to-cedarwood.html

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XK8PZCM/

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hometocedarwood-1802906-149.html

And now for an excerpt:

Copyright © Megan Slayer, 2015, all rights reserved

“Hello. Welcome to the Single-Fathers group. My name is Colin Baker. I own the Books Comics Vintage and Memorabilia Bookstore on Main Street. I’m thirty years old, gay, and I have a son. I’ve been single for the last year, and I’m not sure I’m ready to start dating, but I’m positive I’m tired of being alone.” Colin rubbed his hands together and stood behind the podium. He hated being the center of attention. Being terminally shy, he preferred to play the role of the wallflower. Then he and his partner adopted their son. Everything changed when they welcomed Gage into their lives. He gripped the top of the podium. 

“I’m glad you’re all here.” Colin folded his hands to hide the shaking. “I created this group for the single gay parents in the Cedarwood area—especially the guys. As you know, Cedarwood isn’t exactly welcoming to the LGBT community. There aren’t many of us, but I figured we all need a support system. Feel free to add your name to the outreach list and invite anyone you think might like to attend. In this group, we share our stories and support each other. Now I’ll open the floor.” 

He stepped away from the mic and made his way down the steps of the stage. Meeting in the basement of the former Reserved Church of the Open-Minded worked better than he’d expected. People knew the building, but no one seemed to care if anyone gathered there—unless the people were gay. The church for anyone who wanted to worship only lasted long enough for a sign to be erected. Bad for the church members but good for Colin and his group, which now only numbered five. He grabbed one of the chairs and listened to the others in the group share their stories. 

He’d been asked once if the group was intended to hook up the single fathers. Colin smiled at the time, but inwardly seethed. God. Yes, they were single, but not everyone wanted to hook up. Okay, that wasn’t true. He wasn’t interested in a hookup. After Nicolas, he dreaded jumping back into the dating pool. But the loneliness wouldn’t go away. 

Two and a half hours later, the meeting broke up. He helped put the chairs away, turn off lights, and locked the building. The guys in the group were a good bunch. Everyone seemed interested in the problems of the others. Some of the men made headway in their love lives. Some didn’t. Some were happy to be in Colin’s not-yet-ready-for-dating camp. 

Despite the town’s location outside Cleveland, the population only numbered around six thousand. Most people worked in the bigger city and spent their weekends in Cedarwood. People moved to Cedarwood for the schools and the safe small-town feel. The children tended to live idyllic lives. The kids belonging to gay parents were the subject of bullying more than some of the other children. He knew because he’d heard stories from his son. 

Colin drove home to the duplex he shared with his brother, Farin. The light shone in the living room of his half of the building. Farin must’ve brought Gage home for the night. Colin checked his watch. Nine p.m. Shit. He’d stayed out fifteen minutes past his son’s bedtime. He preferred to be home before Gage went to sleep in order to kiss him good night. He strode into the house and dropped his coat and keys on the chair by the door. 

“Heya.” Farin stood. He rolled his shoulders and groaned. “I’ve been on that couch for the better part of forty-five minutes. Gage and I read every book he’s got on every superhero known to mankind.” 

“He likes his superheroes.” Colin rubbed his temples. “Police too. I don’t know why. I tried to get him interested in baseball, but that hasn’t worked.” 

“It’s a phase. Remember how I used to get silly over fire trucks?” Farin patted his brother’s shoulder. “I was five, but I loved those trucks. But we were talking about Gage. He hit the hay ten minutes ago. He didn’t want to go to bed. When I asked him why, he said there’s a kid at school giving him hell. He didn’t say hell, but you get the idea.” 

Colin pointed to the chair. “Sit. He hasn’t said a word of this to me. What’s going on?” 

“Okay.” Farin perched on the edge of the armchair. “Some kid in his class—he wouldn’t say who—has been talking crap to him. Saying his dad is gay, so he must be gay. Kids are rough at that age.” 

“He’s seven.” A dull ache grew behind his eyes. The next thing he knew, the kid would be teasing Gage because he was adopted too. His younger brother definitely inherited the listening gene. Where Colin moved first and thought second, Farin knew how to get people to talk. Apparently he’d worked his magic on Gage. 

Farin rested his elbows on his knees. “Don’t let it bother you. Kids say stupid shit all the time. I talked to Gage, but he wanted me to keep quiet. He just wants to know that Dad has his back, but he’s scared to talk to you because he’s worried you’ll get upset. Let him know you’ll go in and talk to the principal too, if that’s what needs to be done.” 

“You bet your ass I’ll talk to the principal.” Colin bit back his anger. He hated the way the residents of Cedarwood refused to accept the differences in society. So some people were gay. Who cared? 

“Calm down before you do or you’ll blow a gasket and get yourself into trouble.” Farin left the chair and headed to the front door. “Give Gage a kiss, tell him it’s cool and you and Uncle Farin love him. If you need help, I’m right over there.” He saluted Colin, then headed out the door. 

Colin jumped up from his seat and ascended the stairs two at a time. When he reached Gage’s bedroom, his son was already asleep. The kid did have a talent for crashing once his head hit the pillow. He kissed Gage on the forehead and whispered, “Love you, big boy.” 

Colin crept out of the room and left the door open a bit. He went back downstairs long enough to lock up and turn off the lights. He paused at the picture window. The lights of Cedarwood twinkled against the dark sky. In the silence of the night, the small town was almost pretty. He should’ve been happy to live in the community. The schools were all located in one central campus and the sports programs were highly ranked. The graduating classes featured only around a hundred and twenty-five kids each. A person could still shop in town and get everything needed in one trip down the main drag. The cost of living wasn’t horrible, either. But the cost of living in Cedarwood as a gay man rose by the minute. He managed to fuck himself over doubly by co-owning the lone bookstore in town. The people wanted the books, comics, and collectibles he sold, but that didn’t stop them from making derogatory comments. 

He raked his fingers through his hair. He wasn’t part of the star baseball team and he wasn’t the naive kid from high school anymore. He had a kid, a business, and a life. He’d worry about Gage’s problems at school in the morning. Maybe by then he’d have a fresh perspective or better advice to give his son. Maybe. 

* * * * 

The next morning, Colin stood at the island in the middle of the kitchen and drummed his fingers on the faux marble surface. Two months into school and his kid was late…again. 

“Come on, Gage. You’re late.” He glanced up the back set of stairs one more time The light glowed on the wall from the second-story bathroom. “What are you doing up there?” 

Gage rounded the corner and bounded down the stairs. “Sorry, Dad.” He kept his head down. “My belly hurts.” 

“Really?” Colin stopped Gage on the steps. “I heard about the kid at school. Besides, you’re only a week away from the Halloween parties. You love those parties.” 

“Harvest parties. We can’t have Halloween ones. It’s against the law.” 

“It’s not against the law.” Probably against something else, but Colin didn’t want to discuss that with Gage. “So talk. What’s with the kid at school?” 

“Uncle Farin blabbed.” Gage ducked under Colin’s arm. “He wasn’t supposed to talk to you. He promised.” 

“You do realize your uncle and I talk about everything?” Colin followed his son into the kitchen. “So spill your guts, kid.” 

Gage stared at Colin. He might have been adopted, but the way the kid glowered at him, he could’ve sworn Gage shared the same gene pool. With the same blond hair, blue eyes, and thick lashes, Gage reminded Colin of a miniversion of himself. 

Colin squatted in front of his son to put them at eye level. “What did the kid say?” 

“That my dad is a fag.” Gage stuck out his bottom lip. “Why would he do that? You’re a dad.” 

Colin sighed. “Okay.” He needed to explain the situation in order for Gage to understand. “Some people say mean things. No matter how hard you try to get away from them, they’ll always be there.” God, did he know that lesson well. He’d tried to shake the memories of the guy from high school who insisted on making his life hell. 

“What do I do?” Gage rested his hands on his hips. “Uncle Farin said to ignore him.” 

“That’s a good idea. Don’t let him know you’re upset. It’s hard because you’re going to be mad, but once he realizes you’re not going to react, the kid should stop,” Colin said. Unless you have a secret crush on the guy being the dick. He shook his head. He wasn’t about to tell his son that little tidbit of information. 

“Fine.” Gage picked up his tennis shoes. “But I’m already late. Why don’t you just let me skip today?” He grinned and batted his lashes. “A mental health day, like you say you want to have?” 

Kids were such sponges. He’d have to remember to think before he spoke in the future. “No mental health days. Grab your book bag. You have art today, don’t you? You love art.” 

Gage yanked his bag from the hook. “I do.” He hurried past Colin and headed out to the garage. 

Colin picked up his tablet, wallet, and keys. He’d get Gage to school late, but at least he’d conned the kid into going. He locked the back door, then climbed into the car beside his son. 

Once the garage door opened, he backed out of the garage and closed the door. Colin eased the rest of the way down the driveway, then turned onto the street. He glanced at his son’s reflection in the rearview mirror. 

“I’m going to take you in to school and write the excuse then, okay?” Colin asked. He barreled down the back road to the school complex. The speed limit sign read twenty-five. He snorted. Did anyone actually drive that slow anymore? He checked his speed. Thirty-nine. Fuck. He tapped the brake. He needed to get his head in the game and pay attention. The speed limit was there for a reason, not a suggestion. God. He was a dad and getting his kid to school safely should’ve been utmost in his mind. 

Colin let off the gas and continued down the road, but something in the mirror caught his attention. Red and blue lights. What the hell? Realization washed over him as he recognized the reason for the lights. A cop. Fucking balls. He’d been caught speeding. He pulled over to the side of the road and parked. 

“What’s wrong, Dad?” Gage asked from the backseat. 

“Daddy went too fast on this road and the cop is calling me out. I was wrong. I was speeding.” He sighed and leaned back in his seat. Shit. Of all the times to screw up, he had to do it in front of his kid. 

“Sorry, Dad.” Gage curled up in his booster seat. 

“Me too, kid. Now you’re superlate.” Colin pressed the button to roll down the window, then reached across the dash to the glove box and retrieved his registration. 

“Excuse me, sir.” A shadow darkened the window. “License and registration, please?” 

Colin slid the card from his wallet. “Here you go.” He refrained from looking at the cop. Not because he disliked cops, but because the shame of his actions washed over him in epic proportions. He’d been speeding, in a school zone more than likely and with his kid in the car. 

“Do you know how fast you were going, sir?” the officer asked. 

“Probably twenty miles over the limit.” He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. 

“Thirty-nine in a twenty. This is a marked school zone. The lights were flashing.” 

“I’m sorry, Officer.” Colin opened his eyes. The stress was no excuse to be a jerk. “I was trying to get my son to school and wasn’t paying attention. I accept responsibility for my actions.” And I’ve learned my lesson. 

“I see.” The cop paused. “Colin Baker? I knew a guy named Colin Baker when I was in school. We played ball together. Huh. Well, I’m going to give you a ticket. Give me a moment.” 

Colin slid his gaze to the officer as the man retreated to the cruiser behind Colin’s car. He didn’t need to read the man’s badge to know his name. He’d recognize that body anywhere—Jordan Hargrove. Why in the name of God did the guy who’d featured prominently in all Colin’s high-school fantasies have to be the guy who was currently writing him up for breaking the speed limit? 

The dull ache from the night before developed behind Colin’s eyes. So much for being a good role model for his son. Horrible fucking luck.