Crawl into Bed with A Bear, A Kitty...and....

Crawling Into Bed With

A Kitty, A Bear, and a Good Book

* crawls across the bed*  *pauses*  Hmmmm....This poses quite a dilemma.  Do I curl up with the bear or the kitty? In the middle? On the left or the right? Havan? What do you think?

 (Havan)*looks at my muse pointedly* Oh you know my answer to that question *criss crosses at foot of bed and opens my arms to Lee*

*nods* You're absolutely right. *grabs a pillow and tosses it to the foot of the bed* The view is awesome from down here.  *snuggles up and puts my head in Havan's lap*  Important things first, are these sheets silk or cotton?

(Talon) 450count cotton, *scowls* wow and you brought Havan too? Oh yeah forgot… handcuffed. Its’a getting a little crowded in here Bear.

(Tom) Good think we got the California King then huh?  And Egyptian cotton totally absorbs everything.

(Princess) Move over Tom. *crawls in next to her brother and Tom* He forgets Talon is a package deal sometimes.

(Talon) This here is my twin sister Princess, *hugs her*

(Havan)*Hello...this is the most gorgeous filled bed I've ever seen!

Of course I brought Havan...Hey now, Havan! That doesn't mean stop petting me!

(Havan)*plays with Lee's hair* Never happen *kisses*

Hello, Princess. So pleased to meet you. This is really cozy...who's...um...Hey! That's my foot!  *gulps* So...interview... questions... what was I supposed to...Havan! *psst- whispers* These two are so sexy...the visuals are distracting me. What's the next question?  Oh, yeah... Right.

(Havan)*tugs on Lee's ear*

OW!  Was that really necessary? Yes, dear. *rubs head* What are you wearing?

(Talon) Stop it *smacks Tom’s hand away* I was wearing these really cool and uber comfy bright neon yellow-n-white boxer briefs by ‘Get me off” but dammit Tom keeps yanking them down around my thighs. Go pull on Lee’s shorts awhile… WAIT scratch that, *scowls*

(Havan)*growls*

(Tom) I think Lee and Havan would be happy to be nice to me.  Although you do look really good in that color. Come sit in my lap and I promise no more yanking. On the underwear. For now.

(Princess)  *Rolls her eyes* they’re always going at each other

*eyes widen* This is so much better than that interview where Talon made me watch porn....Ouch! Quit pulling my hair!

(Havan)*Oops...sorry honey...totally on accident *giggles and twirls Lee's hair in my fingers again*

What are we snacking on in bed while we read tonight?

(Talon) I don’t know but I don’t think that what I had was nearly as good at what you and Havan are eating right now… No Tom, I don’t count as a snack…

(Tom) I happen to know what my kitty likes. And don’t be vulgar, I am a gentleman. Red grapes. Pu Pu platter from that little Chinese place down the street. And Mountain Dew for my boy.

*aside to Havan* Were we eating?

(Havan)*shrugs and eyes our guests* I can't remember what I had an appetite for before...um...

I think I forgot to chew.  They're so pretty together. If I open this nightstand drawer, what will I find?

(Talon) *slaps hand over my eyes* I can’t look… *slaps other hand over Havan’s eyes* she’s not allowed to look.

(Havan) Hey!

(Tom)  Oh please! *opens drawer* An e-reader. Pens and pencils and paper. A dreamcatcher. And a little teddy bear to keep him company when I’m not here.

(Talon) *peeks then scowls* You hid the paddle again?

(Tom) *slow evil grin* Oh, you'll be seeing it soon enough...

I think the dogs are due a new chew toy

(Princess) See what I mean?

(Havan) So am I really the only one who has golf balls in my nightstand drawer? Huh...go figure...

*eye roll* Please. Have you seen Havan's bag? There's no way you could fit anything in that drawer she hasn't already seen, bought in three colors, and used ingeniously.

(Havan) *blushes* Okay Lee...not everyone knows about the cookie cutters and pastry bag incident...

Unless it’s a Cordon Bleu cook book.

(Havan) Hey! *sighs* No...that's fair...

Why is there no tequila in there? I could really use a nice icy shot of tequila right now. Do you roll up in the blankets like a burrito, or kick the covers off during the night?

(Talon) I just kick my feet out... but have you ever slept with a Bear? There is no kicking them off… I said kicking not getting... down Bear!

(Tom) He’s a cover hog. But he generates heat like nobody’s business, so we manage.

 (Talon) *grin*

(Princess) It never ends between these too and I have to live with this.

*snickers* Nice...Can I put my cold feet on your calves to warm them up?

(Talon)  I was gonna do that to you?

(Havan)*Excuse me?!?!

Are you insane? No freaking way will you get away with that.

Havan)**growls*

(Talon) Who’s gonna warm up my feet? Is Havan any good at foot rubs?

(Havan)* I love rubbing my muse's...feet *smiles sweetly*

(Tom) *Growls* Talon. That’s one. Keep it up and you won’t be sitting down tomorrow.

(Princess) *snort*

Havan is very good at everything she does...too bad for you.

(Havan)*awwww...love my muse! *kisses* Talon...don't make me pull out the catnip...my muse has never complained about me...

What are we reading?

(Talon)  Talon and the three bears… once upon a …

(Princess) *takes away the three bears stories and hands her brother the correct book*

(Talon)  wrong book…

(Tom) Three bears? Does that mean I get three kitties? We will definitely need a bigger bed now.

Wait...before we read...three bears, + three kitties + one twin + Me + Havan =  one heck of a big bed. Is there even a word for that? *closes eyes & snuggles into Havan*

(Havan)*holds my muse and hums happily*

Go on...read me a story.

Quantum Mates: What Torin Wants

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KM9Q9W

A new life on the Quantum Transport Research Project is what Raffe Landau is hoping for, what he found was a lover with a rare and similar condition of mutation that makes everyone else untouchable. But there’s a reason the space station has laws that forbid anyone touching either of the TorinLee twins and when they’re attacked, Raffe knows he’s to blame. But the only way to protect the young man he’s fallen in love with is to stop touching him.

Torin has ever known human touch. That is until Raffe came along and it’s not just the touch. Raffe makes him feel things he never knew existed. So when Raffe pulls away, not only does he not understand, it’s not allowed. Raffe’s about to find out that what Torin wants Torin gets.

On my best behaving Blog - http://talon-ps.com/

It’s ME – Uncensored!! - http://talon-ps.blogspot.com/

Find me on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Talonps

Talon’s Bear (Tom Webb) - http://tom-webb.blogspot.com

Tantalizing Tuesday: Making Up

Flash Fiction for 5/3- Making Up

  

Making Up

by Lee Brazil

"You think you can do no wrong, don't you?"

Chris's scorn raked over old wounds. Good let him be angry.  Stan was sick of pretending to be friends with his ex. He'd engineered this meeting to resolve that issue.

"It's not my opinion of myself that bothers you." Stan scowled at his critic. "It's my opinion of you that riles you. Anyone would think it was your money we're talking about. You're a tightfisted miser, Chris." Money had been at the root of all their fights back then, too.

"Your boundless ego ceased to be amusing three bounced checks and an over the limit gold card ago." Chris scribbled something on a note pad.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Stan shifted forward to hide the way his dick responded to Chris's display of emotion. Too many memories of angry make up sex that melted into tender apologies battered at him. "Don't I pay you to take care of all that shit?"

"One of the bounced checks was written to me."

"So you don't work for me now?" Stan darted from his chair and dropped into Chris's lap.

"No."

"Then there's no reason I can't do this, is there?"

Like My flash? Check out the others:

Naomi Shaw: http://naomisfantasies.wordpress.com

Bonni Sansom: http://bonnisansom.blogspot.com/

Molly Synthia: http://mollysynthia.com

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com

Leann Mitchell: http://leannmitchell.blogspot.com

Julez S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/

Venus Cahill: http://venusbookluvr.blogspot.com

Cyril J. Michael: http://authorcyriljmichaels.blogspot.com

Havan Fellows: http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

Angelia Dawson: http://angelicadawson.blogspot.com

Don Abdul: http://don-abdul.blogspot.com/

Benjamin Russell: http://incubuschronicles.blogspot.com

ER Pierce: http://erpierce.com

Dianne Hartsock: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/tantalizing-tuesday-5/

Gemma Parkes: http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/

Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com/

New Excerpt: The Man Trap

The Man Trap

 coming 

June 1

from Breathless Press

Excerpt 

I heard the rustle of movement as he became aware of my presence, heard his whispered protest to go hide somewhere else, but I ignored it. I could only remember the dreams that had tormented me for over a year, of warm, firm lips and dreamy gray eyes. I couldn't see his eyes in the darkness, but—

I dragged him quickly into my arms and, before common sense could prevail, bent and pressed our lips together. It wasn't my first kiss. I'd been kissing girls since my first party at twelve, and even at seventeen I had acquired some skill in the department, but...this kiss felt different. The textures of Alexi's mouth enthralled me, the flavor of his response was addictive, and I had no idea where the experience was going to end. Instead of seducing, sampling, or even plain enjoying the kiss, I was flung headlong into a maelstrom of emotion and confusion. Alexi's kiss was the best kiss of my life, and the most terrifying.

We broke off the kiss to breathe, and that's when the fear overwhelmed me. I pushed the door open, slipping out without ever saying a word. I wanted to kiss Alexi, yes—all the rest of the shit that went along with kissing? Being gay? I didn't need that. Alexi made me doubt myself. What scared me most was that kissing him made all the bad things seem worthwhile.

I'm pretty sure Alexi had no idea who had kissed him in that closet at the beach cottage, but I was damned sure I'd like to kiss him again. His tongue slicking his lips like that tempted me to repeat the experience right here and now in the bright light of day where he couldn't possibly mistake me for some stupid football player.

First, though, I had to get him to relax a bit and maybe tell me about the wedding ring. He still darted nervous glances around the shopping center, and I finally, reluctantly, released his arm as we approached the coffee shop. We ordered at the walk-up window, and as we waited patiently for the barista to produce his basic cup of black coffee and my iced mocha, I strove to achieve casual as I asked, "So, what have you been doing since high school?"

He met my eyes briefly, then twisted about to stare off across the parking lot to the opposite side of the strip mall. He leaned his slim, compact body on a hip against the counter, and I couldn't help taking advantage of his lack of attention to look my fill. Tight-fitting, faded-nearly-white jeans molded the firmly muscled legs and flat abdomen. I noted the button fly of his jeans with approval. Yeah, I can't help it. Levi 501s are a trigger for me. I wished I could retrace my visual path physically, with my trembling hands, my tingling lips. A gray short-sleeved shirt open over a simple white T-shirt completed his Saturday casual attire.

 Once I had finished my survey and my gaze meandered up to his face, he'd apparently had enough of the cars in the lot, and I found him watching me instead. His moist lips parted and his eyes sparkled. I nearly kissed him again right then, too aroused to care about observers. I didn't even care about the wedding ring right then. Marriage clearly wasn't on his mind either. It wasn't only that he was still sexy and attractive. He still wanted me. I saw the desire behind the sparkle and it sent me right back to those high school days, only this time without the stupid part of me that didn't want to want another man in my bed.

The barista fortunately interrupted my eye sex with our order and I remembered I was supposed to talk to Alexi, not visually inventory the places I was tempted to kiss.

New Release! It's Raining Men Round Robin Story

For a bit of fun, The It's Raining Men Group wrote a round robin story. 

It grew in paragraphs and quips from a story starter by Tom Webb. 

Available for Free Download 

from ARe and Smashwords

Tuesday Tease # 5

Tuesday Tease #5

No Such Thing As Bad Publicity

"How did you expect me to react?" Axel's voice rose as he continued. " Be thrilled the big rock star deigned to fuck me?"

"If fucking were all it was about, I wouldn't have bothered calling." The air sizzled with Griff's fury. "I've been lonely on tour. I wanted you three months ago. I want you now."

"Not interested."

"Why are you doing this to us?" Griff sighed wearily, leaning against the rough brick of the apartment building.

"There is no us."

"You're just pissy because I didn't call sooner."

"I am not pissy. I'm hurt." The last was whispered so softly Griff almost missed it.

The simple phrase rang with the truth, even through the phone. "You saw the Spanish photo shoot." Nothing else could explain Axel's attitude.

"Along with the 'Griff and Jake Kiss and Make Up" headline."

"Axel, you know that's just publicity. Jake and I are over. I want you, not him. Let me come over?"

"You're standing outside, aren't you?"

Griff slung his guitar over his shoulder and smiled at the door. "I got your message." He glanced at the plant that used to hide the spare key. "Where's the new hiding place?"

"It's unlocked."

Like My Flash? Check out the others

Naomi Shaw: http://naomisfantasies.wordpress.com

Julez S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/

Sherry Palmer: http://michellechatton.blogspot.ca

Venus Cahill: http://venusbookluvr.blogspot.ca

Muffy WIlson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com

Molly Synthia: http://mollysynthia.com

Don Abdul: http://don-abdul.blogspot.com/

Kharisma Rhayne: http://www.kharismarhayne.com/

Dianne Hartsock: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/tantalizing-tuesday-4/

ER Pierce: http://www.erpierce.com

Havan Fellows: http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

Cyril J. Michael: http://authorcyriljmichaels.blogspot.ca/

Gemma Parkes: http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/

Cassandre Dayne: http://cassandredayne.wordpress.com/

Bonni Sansom: http://bonnisansom.blogspot.com/

Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com/

Benjamin Russell: http://incubuschronicles.blogspot.com/

New: Blurb for The Man Trap

The Man Trap

by 

Lee Brazil 

coming June 1 

m/m contemporary romance 

from Breathless Press 

BLURB

Simon Harris has proclaimed his bisexuality loudly since college, despite never having dated a man. While his family and friends laugh, he knows the truth: there is one man he's always been attracted to. Once, fear kept him from acknowledging that attraction. No more. The next time he finds himself wanting to kiss a guy, he's going for it.

Alexi Manetas has never gotten over his schoolboy crush on Simon. When Simon graduated, Alexi moved on. He may not have pined for Simon, but he never forgot, and  always, lurking at the back of his mind, buried deep in his heart there's been Simon and the hope that they would meet again.

A little help from an old lover and a busybody sister-in-law brings Alexi and Simon together, but Simon's fears might still tear them apart

Welcome Guest Sue Brown

I’m sitting on my sofa humming along to Hawaii Five-O.  Next to me the doggy is snoring. The kids are in bed. And I’m rambling because I have to discuss whether men can write romance.

Yes.

There we go.

Of course men can blinking well write romance. Are you insane?

Okay, well, what am I going to write for the next 450 words?

Look, if you know me at all you’ll know that I get really cheesed off when people say you can’t do something because of your gender.  Women can’t serve on the frontline, men can’t be nannies, women can’t write m/m, and men can’t write romance. It’s all tosh. Gender discrimination works both ways and it’s just as wrong whichever way it is applied.

Have you ever read something so beautiful that your heart feels like it’s been torn in two? No wait, that sounds wrong. It doesn’t sound romantic. But it was poetry to my soul. I wish I could have written it but my soul is not that romantic.

“I looked through your eyes with you, Dustin. Tried, from my

perpendicular perspective, to capture the same images you caught.

And I wondered as I looked with you, could I see from your

perspective? Could I abandon the passion that you have and still

nourish myself on the pain of that forfeiture? Could I hold my fear as

the highest of my emotions and line all others up behind it?

I could not, and when I realized that, you were gone. The cup

half empty, the croissant broken but otherwise untouched. Only the

motes showed me the trail of your passage.

And yet, here I am, still so desperately in love with you.”

I read this last night, from Listening to Dust by Brandon Shire. It is the most beautiful poetic love story. A traditional m/m romance, heck no, much more than that.

Do you think that men can’t write romance? They’ve been doing it a while.

“Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? 
Thou art more lovely and more temperate: 
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, 
And summer's lease hath all too short a date: 
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, 
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd; 
And every fair from fair sometime declines, 
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd; 
But thy eternal summer shall not fade 
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest; 
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade, 
When in eternal lines to time thou growest: 
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, 
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.” (Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day)

Do you still think men can’t write romance?

You see, I could talk until I’m blue in the face, but then you won’t see for yourself. Lee Brazil *Hi, Lee*, Andrew Grey, John Goode and Christopher Koehler, are guys who write gorgeous romances. The range and depth of feeling in their books makes this girl’s (what! I can be a girl) toes curl. I could pick quotes from all of their books. But then I’d be rereading their books til midnight and I want to get some sleep. Sure, men write thrillers and crime, sci-fi and fantasy. But they can write romance as well and don’t let anybody tell you any different.

Sue’s Bio: Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn't following their orders, she can be found at university listening to lecturers discuss long-dead theologians. In her head, however, she's plotting how to get her cowboys into bed together; she just hopes the lecturer doesn't ask her any questions.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The series was boring; the kissing was not. She may be late to the party, but she's made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

Complete Faith: sequel to Morning Report.

For Tommy Bradley, a hand working on the Lost Cow Ranch in rural Texas, admitting his sexuality is impossible, even if his bosses, Luke and Simon, are gay—Tommy has spent his entire life hiding the truth from his homophobic parents. Then Tommy meets pastor Noah Taylor in Luke’s father’s hospital room, and his difficult secret becomes that much harder to keep.

Noah is unlike any man of God—or any man—Tommy’s ever met. For one thing, his congregation is made up primarily of GLBT individuals and their families. For another, he isn’t afraid of the attraction he feels toward Tommy, and he makes his intentions very clear. But Noah won’t hide his sexuality or his love from the world, and he won’t start a relationship with Tommy while Tommy hides his, either. Faced with the choice of losing Noah or coming out to his parents, Tommy takes his first steps out of the closet.

 But Tommy isn’t the only one facing challenges. Thanks to an outpouring of hatred from Pastor Jackson and a group of ranch owners, Noah must cope with the possible loss of his church and his livelihood.

Tantalizing Tuesday # 4

Welcome to another Tantalizing Tuesday! 

I've got a little snippet for you today- a taste only...

"Come home with me."

If the words had held any passion, Jerry would have gone. But Max's flat voice indicated he could care less what Jerry's response was. Jerry avoided looking into his eyes, afraid they would be equally expressionless.

"I can't," he mumbled dejectedly.

"Because of Kelley?" Max continued to block his access to the door.

"We're just friends."

"Then why not come with me for the night?" Max extracted a cigarette pack form his pocket.

"I said no." Anger crept into his words. Jerry shifted, casting nervous glances at his window. If Kelley saw him, he'd never hear the end of it. His room mate knew how he lusted after Max.  It was stupid to let the opportunity to be fucked by the man of his dreams slip through his fingers just because he wanted to be special.  

"He waiting for you?" The cigarette pack scraped Jerry's jaw as Max pulled him close. "What will he think of this?"

Demanding lips crashed down on Jerry's and his lips parted of their own accord. Max's kiss was masterful, all encompassing...and not at all expressionless.

Max withdrew with a self-satisfied smile, and waved up at the lit window before leaving.

Enjoy my flash? 

Check out the others! 

Naomi Shaw: http://naomisfantasies.wordpress.com

Lee Brazil : http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com

Bonni Sansom: http://bonnisansom.blogspot.com/

Julez S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/

Venus Cahill: http://www.venusbookluvr.blogspot.ca/

Dianne Hartsock: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/tantalizing-tuesday-2/

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com

Sherry Palmer: http://michellechatton.blogspot.ca

ER Pierce: http://www.erpierce.com

Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com

Gemma Parkes: http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/

Jp Arhcer: http://jp-archer.blogspot.com

Leann Mitchell http://leannmitchell.blogspot.com

Cyril J. Michael: http://authorcyriljmichaels.blogspot.ca

Don Abdul: http://don-abdul.blogspot.com/

Molly Synthia: http://mollysynthia.com

Benjamin Russell: http://incubuschronicles.blogspot.com/

Havan Fellows: http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

Sinful Sirens Blog Hop

And we have a winner! 


vitajex(at)aol(dot)com


has been notified by email. 


Thank you to everyone who stopped by and commented. 

SINFUL SIRENS BLOG HOP

Hosted by Guilty Pleasures and Under the Covers

Blog hop runs from 12:01 AM May15th through to 11:59 PM May 20th, 2012.

Are you a Sinful Siren?

Sinfully Scorching Reads?  

Oh yes...I've got some suggestions for you...

Try this one: 

The son of a wealthy business man, Mark Addison is an expert at chess and hiding. Mason Grant labors with his hands in a menial position; he's open about who he is and what he wants in ways that terrify Mark. Their paths shouldn't have crossed, but now that they have...

They came from different backgrounds, yet each adheres to his own version of family duty and responsibility. One would make any sacrifice for his family's well being. For Mason Grant that means leaving school at sixteen and working hard while living as a man of integrity to set an example for his brothers.

The other would sacrifice anything to keep his family life calm. If that means hiding who he really is from his high society, narrow-minded parents, then that's what Mark Addison will do. He just wants to run his shop, host a few tournaments, play a few games of chess.

When Mason meets fussy, precise chess tournament director Mark, he isn't expecting much more than a few hours of uncomfortable sleep in his car while his brother plays.

One disdainful look from Mark changes that. 

Buy Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/marks-opening-gambit

Some sparks are flying in this one... 

So- on to the important part, huh? 

What are we giving away this week? 

I have a $25 i-Tunes gift card.

 (That's like cash!  You can get so many things from i-Tunes!) 

It could be yours. 

How you ask? Simple...

Leave me a comment, which includes the following:  

1.  Your email (must contact you if you win, right?) 

2.  Sirens are Creatures of myth- they lured sailors to their deaths...Tell me..what's your favorite mythical being? 

3.  Bonus Entry- Tell me the sirens weapon of choice in their destruction & the singer who could lure you to your death with the power of song... 

Find More participants here: 

http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/heat-up-your-summer-sinful-sirens.html

The Man Trap June Giveaway

Good morning! Time to announce the winners! 

1st draw- pendant and ebook- Angel Martinez

2nd draw- ebook - jayhjay

Winners have been notified by email and 7 days to claim there prizes. 

Thank you to everyone who participated. AMara has more fantastic jewelry designs at 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FreiaInguz

The Man Trap Fabulous Giveaway Contest Runs from May 18 to June 1st 1 winner will receive pendant and an e-copy of the book 2 winners will receive an e-copy of the book Hot Air Balloon Ride pendent.....   http://freiainguz.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/a-hot-air-balloon-ride-the-pendant/ Rules Must leave comment and email address to enter the drawing. Comment must answer the question: What would be your perfect first date? Entrants must respond to email contact within 7 days to claim prize Those who sign up for the news letter will be entered twice in the drawing. (This includes all current newsletter subscribers) Winners will be announced on the original post on June 1st, and notified  via email. (This Post!) Winners will be selected via random number draw.  The Man Trap by Lee Brazil Breathless Press Contemporary M/M Available June 1st, 2012 www.breathlesspress.com Alexi is the reason, other than an unrequited crush on Brad Pitt, that Simon can say with certainty that he is bisexual.  He let Alexi go once;  it's a mistake he's determined not to repeat.  Excerpt: Alexi and Simon's first "date" ... "Shouldn't I get to have a say in this decision you've made not to explore what's been between us since high school?" His voice was level and calm in the darkness, but I could tell by the tension in his grip my answer was important. "I just can't, not with a kid involved." The excuse sounded lamer and lamer every time I said it, especially out loud. "Let me be the judge of what's appropriate for my child, Simon. Turn here. I have a place in mind where we can go and talk." We drove in silence for a while. I followed Alexi's directions and steered into a parking lot. We had arrived at our destination. Bemused, I turned to face him. "A winery? At this hour of the day?" His joyous smile chased away some of the depression that had been my constant companion for the past month. A dreamy expression deepened the gray of his eyes. "Yes! This is something I've always wanted to do, and..." The determined look on his face made me brace myself for his next words. "You can't run away if we're up there." Up there? What the fuck did he mean? Never underestimate the power of a pretty smile. Forty-five minutes later, I clung to Alexi's hand, visions of death floating through my head. We sipped hot cocoa as a magnificent, terrifying, beautifully colored balloon inflated above the basket that would carry us and a few other passengers in an hour-long sunrise tour of the Temecula wine country. I am not afraid of heights. I fly regularly, look out the windows of high-rise buildings, and I've even stood at the top of the Washington Monument as it swayed under my feet while I gazed out across D.C. A hot air balloon, though, was something else. A fragile bit of nothing between me and a freefall through the frigid morning air to earth. No engine, no seatbelt, no protective barrier to prevent disaster. I forced myself to release Alexi and pretended interest in the inflating operation. The focus helped me gulp down the rising nausea. A few other couples stood about waiting as well and in short order we were on board and rising gracefully into the early morning gloom. As though by unspoken agreement, we all headed to separate corners, ensuring each couple the utmost privacy. The gentle breeze ruffled our hair, and I shoved aside my doubts about a relationship with Alexi, determined to enjoy the moment. The sheer ethereal beauty of the rising sun over the orchards and vineyards below swept fear away and I tugged Alexi back against my chest, resting my chin on the top of his head as together we absorbed the moment. Silky black curls tickled my nose and cheeks as locks of hair clung to the bristle of five o'clock shadow. The scent of his citrusy aftershave or shampoo, whatever it was, teased my nostrils. I inhaled deeply, pretending to myself that the fresh air was what sent ripples of pleasure through my body. I waved away the glass of champagne and orange juice, the traditional breakfast of balloonists, according to the pilot, but Alexi accepted it willingly. I held him in my arms as we floated leisurely above the rolling hills with their lush vineyards dappled with ranch buildings and country estates, all colored by the brilliant glow of reds and oranges from the rising sun. Drifting here and there, time had no meaning, and as we dipped close to the top branches of a gnarled citrus grove, the pilot harvested a few sun-kissed fruits. Sipping his champagne, Alexi turned in my arms and gazed up into my eyes. His touch skimmed along the bristle of my jaw, and I tensed a bit, and then relaxed under the soothing touch. He twined his fingers through the hair at the nape of my neck and tugged lightly to bring my lips down to his. In this dream-like setting, I gave no consideration to the pilot, the other passengers or the flimsiness of the basket we stood in. I settled back against the edge and pressed our lips together. His were cool, wet and sweet from the icy champagne. As my lips parted over his, a few drops of the bubbly champagne passed from his mouth to mine, followed by tiny darting forays of tongue. I cannot deny Alexi's kiss aroused me, the evidence of my interest ground firmly against him, and a hard cock rubbing against my thigh left no doubt about how affected Alexi was. This kiss transcended the physical; Alexi in my arms felt right in ways no one else ever had. In this atmosphere, rejecting the possibilities the future held felt foolish beyond compare. In the glow of the early morning, with the peace of the dawning day before us, anything seemed possible. Alexi withdrew his mouth slowly from mine, pausing to breathe across my lips, words I could barely decipher over the noise of my heart. "I have more than a hundred different kisses I've saved to share with you, Simon. That was one." Feebly, my brain made a last attempt to force logic on my heart, "Gregory..." Warm moist lips trailed from my chin across my jawline, and I winced, seriously regretting the failure to shave. "Six months, you said." Six months? What the hell was he talking about? Mellowed by the experience, wits dulled by the passion between us, I couldn't fathom his meaning. "What?" "You said you never had a relationship that lasted more than six months. Give me six months. In six months, if we're still dating, we'll add Gregory to the equation. Until then..." He tapped a finger against my mouth to keep it shut, I suppose so he could keep talking, but apparently he overestimated my ability to function while he touched me, because I immediately stopped listening. That warm touch, the gentle pressure, enticed. I couldn't resist. I had to taste. I licked and curled my tongue around the digit, then sucked his finger gently into my mouth. His eyes widened and he stopped talking abruptly, before jerking away suddenly. I agreed. I would have agreed to anything at all to experience those hundred kisses. As our mouths came together again, I decided that instead of firing Jeannie, I would give her a raise. 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New Cover Art: Less Than All

Coming June 16th 

from Lee Brazil and 

Silver Publishing