Andrew Grey's Blog, page 38

In Bed With The Boss Available at Amaon and ARE

The anthology I did with Ryan Field that features The Photographer's Assistant is available at Amaon and at All Rmance eBooks.. Also Don't forget Love means... Family releases on Friday!!!!!

 Here are the links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Bed-Boss-ebook/dp/B006OBUG3A/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1324420929&sr=1-11

All Romance:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-inbedwiththeboss-661528-144.html

    

New Release Today

Today Ravenous Romance released In Bed with the Boss an anothology with Ryan Field that contains my story The Photographer's Assistant.  Also don't forget that Love Means... Family releases on Friday December 23.  Two releases in a single week.  (My head is spinning)

Blurb: 

In these emotional tales of love and attraction at the workplace, two best-selling authors explore complicated -and sometimes steamy!- relationships between employee and boss.

In THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ASSISTANT, best-selling author Andrew Grey sets the backdrop for successful Christian, a nationally known erotic photographer, and his assistant, David , the efficient but demure type who is always there for his boss... Will these two star-crossed lovers ever find a way to come together?

In Ryan's Field's THE ARRANGEMENT, it's 1962 and Toby has just moved to New York to start a new job in advertising. He's hoping to find a social life, but Toby wasn't expecting his over-sexed boss to use Toby's apartment as a love nest so he can sneak around with young men behind his wife's back! Toby wasn't expecting to fall in love with one of his boss's young men either. With all the secrets Toby's cheating boss is keeping from everyone, will Toby be able to live with the lies and infidelities for long? Or will Toby find the strength to stand up to his awful boss and do the right thing for the young man he loves?


Read an Excerpt:  http://andrewgreybooks.livejournal.com/100867.html

Purchase a copy:  http://www.ravenousromance.com/anthologies/in-bed-with-the-boss.php#productDescription

New Release on Monday

I recently did an anthology with Ryan Field called In Bed With Tthe Boss.  This anthology releases Monday from Ravenous Romance.  This is the first time I've worked with them and I'm anxious to see what you think.  So here's the cover and an excerpt. 

Excerpt from The Photographer's Assistant

“Move that light just a little more to the left,” Christian said as he paced around the room, looking at the photoset from every angle. “Okay,” he added almost to himself. “David, stand right there,” he pointed, and David did as he was asked. He’d been working as Christian’s assistant for about three months now and he knew better than to question anything, even though he could see that to really test the light and shadow, Christian needed to have David lie on the bed. Not that David would have second thoughts about doing that. Fuck, if Christian asked, David would be naked and have his legs wrapped around Christian’s waist in two seconds flat. The man was a genius, and David Weatherby found his boss the hottest, most intriguing man he’d ever met, but Christian Pierre Coulliet, the foremost erotic photographer in the country barely noticed him at all. Not that David could blame him. No one had ever really noticed him, and certainly not for his looks, which were plain and extremely ordinary. David Weatherby was invisible, especially around here, where gorgeous men paraded through the studio wearing only ripped t-shirts, skimpy briefs, or more likely nothing at all.
“Is this what you want?” David asked, moving slightly so Christian could check to see how the shadows fell.
“No,” Christian said absently, still looking for what was wrong. David could tell him, but he’d found out the hard way that it was best if he let Christian figure it out. The man was as temperamental as they came. “Move that light just a shade to the left,” Christian said absently, and David moved it just to the right. Christian grunted before standing up and smiling. If he’d been wrong, he could have played a mistake, but David could sense what Christian wanted and he gave it to him.
A knock sounded on the studio door, and David moved out of the set and toward it to answer, knowing that Christian hadn’t even heard it. “I’m Stavros, Mr. Coulliet’s expecting me.”
David stepped back and let the olive-skinned beauty enter the studio. He had deep eyes and carefully trimmed stubble on his high, sculpted cheekbones. Christian’s camera was going to love him. “Stavros,” Christian called with a smile on his face as the model approached him. The two men shook hands. “We’re ready for you. This is David, my assistant. It’ll be just me and him during the shoot, so I don’t want you to be nervous or intimidated. What I do is very intimate. You and I are going on a journey that will result in some amazing photographs that people will remember for years.”
Stavros swallowed, and David could see Christian intimidated him a little, but that wasn’t unusual. Christian intimidated almost everyone, but he was a master at putting them at ease and getting the absolute most from his models. “What do I need to do?” Christian walked to his camera, and David stood just outside the ring of lights that encircled the white-sheeted bed. “Should I start clothed?”
“No,” Christian answered without turning around. “Behind the curtain in the corner are packages of black briefs; put on a pair and lie face down on the bed.” Christian didn’t even look at him as he spoke, and David could see the man’s nerves begin to ramp up. Without being asked, he walked to where Stavros stared at Christian and lightly touched his hand.
“Right this way.” David showed Stavros where he could change, and waited until he came out from behind the screen. “You look great,” he told the model, and motioned him back toward the bed. “Lie with your face down, but facing him. Christian is the best, and you’re amazingly beautiful.” David didn’t have to lie, because Stavros was stunning. And when he stepped into the light and descended onto the bed, his skin shone and played off the stark white sheets and the small strip of black fabric around his waist.
“That’s perfect,” Christian nearly purred, and the camera began shooting. “Lovely, now look up at me.” The small click of the camera shutter sounded. “Perfect. You’re absolutely perfect.” Christian kept shooting and moving. “Let your arm hand off the edge of the bed and turn to look at me.” Christian kept taking pictures, and David stood back and away, but close enough to be there if Christian needed anything. “Lovely.” Christian moved closer and then backed away, taking photograph after photograph. He had Stavros moved in a number of ways, on his stomach and then onto his back, taking dozens of photographs. “I need you on your stomach again after your slip off the briefs.” Stavros complied, and Christian began taking more photographs. “That’s lovely, you look superb,” Christian crooned in his deep voice as he moved to the foot of the bed. “Lift your head to look at me.” The shutter sounded softly. “Now lift your hips,” Christian said, and Stavros complied. “Perfect,” Christian told him. “Look at me like you want me, yes, like you want to get fucked more than anything in the world.” The model’s expression shifted, and David could see exactly that. Without words, he could see that was exactly what Stavros wanted. He looked wanton, glistening with sweat from being under the hot lights. “That’s it. All you want right now is a big, thick cock sliding right into your body,” Christian said in his resonant voice, and Stavros shuddered. “Is that what you want?”
“Fuck, yes,” Stavros muttered as Christian took picture after picture from all angles. “I want you to fuck me right now,” Stavros muttered, and David shifted back slightly where he couldn’t be seen and adjusted himself before trying to clear his mind and remember that this was a photo shoot.
“Not yet, pretty one,” Christian said and continued taking photographs. “Roll onto your side.” Stavros did as Christian asked, his cock hard and bobbing as he moved. “That’s lovely, arms over your head and stretch your body for me. Make yourself look as long and tall as you can. Reach for the headboard.” The camera never stopped. “Perfection.” Christian took picture after picture, and David stood mesmerized by what Christian got his models to do and how he made them look.David watched as Stavros writhed on the bed, Christian’s sultry voice telling him what he wanted, and Stavros moving exactly that way. “Lie on your back,” Christian told his model as though they were making love, and Stavros did, running his hands over his skin as Christian continued shooting. David had seen this many times before. Stavros was in a world of his own, where it was only him and Christian. Stavros reached out for Christian, and he continued shooting as Stavros descended into passion. Before coming to work for Christian, David had never dreamed that something like this was possible, but Christian lured all his subjects in with just the sound of his voice, and for the last three months David had gone along for each and every ride.

A Present in Swaddling Clothes Now Available for Kindle

Hello everyone. I just found out that A Present in Swaddling Clothes is now available at Amazon for Kindle. Here's a link if it helps.

http://www.amazon.com/Present-Swaddling-Clothes-ebook/dp/B006HTUP58/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323035818&sr=1-1

A Present in Swaddling Clothes Now Available.

My latest Christmas story, A Present in Swaddling Clothes is now available at All Romance eBooks.  Unfortunately its not available at Amazon yet.  For kindle users, if you'd like a copy, you can purchase at either Dreamspinner, Rainbow eBooks, or All Romance and download the MOBI format.  When you transfer the file to your Kindle, it acts just like the file downloaded form Amazon.

Blurb:
Josh held baby Vivien when she took her first breath in the world, and he has loved every breath she’s taken since. Now Vivien needs a home—a “for real” forever home, and Josh would love to be the one who takes her in. But Josh’s partner, Sammy, isn’t a fan of children of any size or stamp. Will Josh have to choose between being a lover or a parent, or will Josh’s niece work her baby magic on Sammy, giving them all the best Christmas present of all?

Purchase from Dreamspinner Press

Purchase from All Romance eBooks

Purchase from Rainbow eBooks

Now Available - A Present in Swaddling Clothes

My new Christmas story for 2011 is now available from Dreamspinner Press. Every year I write a holiday story and this one was inspired by my sister's new baby.  I hope you like it.

Blurb:
Josh held baby Vivien when she took her first breath in the world, and he has loved every breath she’s taken since. Now Vivien needs a home—a “for real” forever home, and Josh would love to be the one who takes her in. But Josh’s partner, Sammy, isn’t a fan of children of any size or stamp. Will Josh have to choose between being a lover or a parent, or will Josh’s niece work her baby magic on Sammy, giving them all the best Christmas present of all?

Purchase from Dreamspinner Press

Excerpt:
“You have a girl,” the nurse said, and then she motioned for Josh to come over. “She’s beautiful and perfect.”

“Her eyes are closed,” Josh said as he looked down at the crying, openmouthed baby. The nurse turned down the light, and the tiniest baby Josh had ever seen opened her big blue eyes, and Josh felt his heart begin to melt. The nurse lifted the baby and handed her to Josh, who looked down into that beautiful little face, feeling a tear run down his cheek. Turning around, he showed Nicky her daughter. She couldn’t hold her because they had to finish the surgery, but Josh let Nicky look. “She’s gorgeous, Nicky.”

“She is that, and her name is Vivian.”

“Hello, Vivian,” Josh said softly, greeting his niece with a smile. He knew she couldn’t smile up at him, but she stopped crying and her eyes closed. “Is something wrong?” Josh asked.

“No,” the nurse said indulgently. “She’s falling asleep. She’s had a hard time of it too.”

Josh nodded and watched the precious child as he held her, waiting for the doctors and nurses to finish with Nicky. Josh sat on the stool he’d occupied earlier and let Nicky gaze at her daughter. “You did good, Nicky, really good.” Beyond that Josh didn’t know what to say, and his throat closed around his words. He was holding a new life in his hands. Josh had held babies before, but never like this, and the entire experience sent ripples up his spine when he thought about it. This was his niece, Nicky’s daughter, and as close to a child of his own as he was ever going to come. “Happy Thanksgiving,” Josh said to Nicky with a grin. “I can’t think of anything anyone could possibly be more thankful for than this little one.” Nicky didn’t answer, she simply smiled and stared at her baby.

The nurse took Vivian from Josh and carefully cleaned her up before placing her in a fresh blanket and handing her back to Josh. It was a good thing his partner, Sammy, wasn’t there; he hated the sight of blood. Eventually, once the incisions were closed, they checked Nicky over thoroughly before wheeling her to recovery and then into a room, where Josh was finally able to let his sister hold her baby. Once she was, Josh left them alone to get acquainted, and so Nicky could nurse Vivian.

In the hallway outside the room, Josh pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Sammy, it’s me.”

“Is everything okay? You’ve been gone such a long time. Nicky and the baby are okay, aren’t they?” The questions flew off Sammy’s nervously excited tongue.

“Yes. They’re both fine. She gave birth by Cesarean, but they’re both fine now. Nicky’s feeding the baby, and I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know what was happening. Both mother and baby are fine and healthy. It’s going to take Nicky some time before she’s 100 percent, but Mom is coming to stay with her.”

“She called a few minutes ago,” Sammy told him. “She said she’s on her way and she should be there in a few hours.”

Relief flowed through Josh. He knew Nicky was exhausted, but so was he. He had stayed up with Nicky through the long hours of her labor, and he hadn’t slept in over twenty-four hours. He hadn’t felt it until now, but with the adrenaline wearing off, he could barely keep his eyes open. After yawning, Josh told Sammy that he’d be home as soon as he could before hanging up the phone. Next, he called some friends of Nicky’s and gave them the good news. He had a whole list of people that he’d been given to call and dutifully made all the calls before pushing open the hospital-room door and peering inside. Nicky was resting back on the bed with Vivian in her arms, and both of them looked as though they were asleep. Josh motioned to one of the nurses, and she came inside and took Vivian to the nursery so Nicky could sleep.

Josh went in as well and leaned over the bed to kiss Nicky on the forehead.

“Are you leaving?” she asked.

“Yes. I’m going to try to get some sleep, and I’ll be back tomorrow morning. You get some sleep and take care of that beautiful niece of mine.”

“I will,” Nicky said with a smile. “You get some rest too.” Nicky took Josh’s hand and squeezed it. “Thank you so much for being here. It meant the world to me.” Nicky began to cry, and Josh handed her a tissue from the bedside table.

“You know I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. I’m never going to have a child of my own, so I intend to spoil yours rotten.” Josh gave her his best grin, and Nicky smiled behind her tissue.

“You’re too good to me,” Nicky said, dabbing her eyes.

“No, I’m not. The world’s just too hard on you,” Josh said before kissing her again. She released his hand, and Josh walked toward the door. “Call if you need anything, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I will,” she promised, and as Josh left the room with a wave, he saw Nicky flash him a smile. Josh made it to his car and began to drive home. He stopped along the way for coffee more than once before pulling in front of his and Sammy’s home, a little more than an hour north from where his sister lived in Baltimore. Josh hadn’t been sure if Sammy would be home from visiting his family yet, and he smiled when he saw Sammy’s car parked in its usual spot. Getting out, Josh walked toward the front door, and it opened as soon as he stepped onto the porch. Once he stepped inside the house, Sammy closed the door and then pulled Josh into a hug. “I have soup for you, and Mom sent some Thanksgiving dinner home along with some of her fresh bread.” Sammy refused to let him go even while he talked, and Josh rested his head on his partner’s shoulder, already feeling the urge to sleep beginning to take over. “Come into the kitchen and eat, then we’ll get you up to bed.”

Josh was too tired to answer and simply let himself be led by the hand into the large and immaculately clean kitchen. Josh took a seat at the table, and Sammy moved around the space, opening drawers and cupboards. Josh had no real idea where anything was in this room of the house. He and Sammy had decorated the house together and done most of the work required to bring their century-old house back from near wreck and ruin. A warm bowl of turkey soup with a cream base was set in front of him, and Josh looked to Sammy with a grateful smile. “I love this,” he said and felt Sammy’s hand on his shoulder.

“I know you do. That’s why I made it.” Sammy smiled at him and sat at the next seat with a cup of tea. “How did it go?”

“It was rough,” Josh told him as he started to eat, the rich, creamy soup sliding down his throat, comforting from the inside. “The baby wasn’t coming, so they had to do a Cesarean. Nicky’s sore, but she’s doing okay. How was Thanksgiving at your mom and dad’s?”

“It was nice. They both said to say hello and to tell you that Nicky is in their prayers. Mom also sent lots of leftovers, and she baked you a special pumpkin pie.” Sammy took a sip from his cup, and Josh smiled. Mona always took care to make Josh’s favorites. He knew where Sammy got his love of food. In many ways, Sammy was the male version of his mother because, like Mona, he said love with food.

“I’m sorry I missed it,” Josh said quietly. He knew everyone would understand.

“I know, but you had something more important to do. They’ll see you around Christmas, and they said they’ll be down for the Christmas party in a few weeks. Mom asked if she should bring some of her homemade caramel corn, and I told her to bring whatever she’d like.”

“Tomorrow I’m going to ask Nicky to come. She and the baby can spend the night in the guest room. She’ll be ready to get away by then, and I’ll have the chance to spend some time with Vivian.” An image of her precious blue eyes looking up at him in the delivery room flashed in his mind. Josh knew he would never forget that moment as long as he lived.

Taking another sip of soup, Josh gazed at Sammy and saw a touch of fear in his eyes. He knew what that meant and had been expecting it. “Just don’t expect me to… do… anything with the baby. I’m allergic to dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, children, and I like it that way.”

“Sammy. Vivian is adorable. You’re going to take one look at her, and she’ll have you wrapped around her little finger.”
Sammy shook his head stiffly. “Babies scare me, you know that. They’re so small, and I don’t know a thing about them.” He shook his head again. “I know you’ve talked about children a few times, but I never realized you were that serious. They scare me to death, and don’t get me started on the pooping, peeing, diapers. Oh, and let’s not forget the puke and projectile vomiting. No.” Sammy continued shaking his head the entire time.

“I didn’t say we needed to adopt or have a child of our own. You told me how you felt about children when I first met you, and I’d never try to make you do anything you really don’t want to do.” Josh took Sammy’s hand. “But you know Nicky is going to need help with Vivian.”

“I know. You’ll need to help, and I’ll help too. Just don’t expect me to actually hold or take care of her. Once she’s older, I’ll show her how to cook and we can bake cookies and cakes together, but while she’s at that spit-up stage, she’s all yours.” Sammy grinned, and Josh went back to his soup. Once the bowl was empty, Sammy placed a plate with a piece of pie in front of him, and Josh took a bite of Sammy’s mother’s pie and groaned softly as the creamy pumpkin slid down his throat. “By the way, before I forget, Terry called yesterday, and he said they just got in a lamp that he thought we’d like. There are pictures on the web. It looks really nice, and I asked him to hold it until you could take a look at it. It’s a newel-post lamp, and it’s never been electrified. It looks like it needs some work, but he says it’s nothing we can’t do. I thought it would look great in the parlor.”

“Can we look at the pictures tomorrow?” Josh said with a yawn as he finished his pie. Now that he’d eaten, his bed was really calling to him.

“Of course. Terry said he’d hold it until Monday for us,” Sammy said, and Josh pushed back from the table. “Do you want to go right up to bed?” Sammy asked as he took the dishes to the dishwasher.

Josh covered his mouth as he yawned. “I think so.”

“I’ll be up soon,” Sammy said from the sink as he finished cleaning up the kitchen. Josh walked up the stairs and into the room they used as a family room. He and Sammy entertained a lot, so the main floor included the formal living room, parlor, and dining room as well as their kitchen. They used the extra bedroom upstairs as their television and media room. After turning on the television, Josh lay down on the sofa and turned on the Food Network. It wasn’t long before his eyes began to drift closed, and soon he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Let’s get you to bed,” Sammy said softly as he reached over and turned off the television.

With a sigh, Josh forced his legs to work and walked into the bedroom, yawning almost the entire time. After cleaning up in their en suite bath, Josh stripped down and climbed into their bed with crisp, fresh sheets that Sammy must have changed just today.
Sammy took good care of him, there was no doubt about that. They both worked, but Josh’s days were much longer, and his job as a food-systems engineer involved a lot of travel. Sammy worked close to home, and early in their relationship, Sammy simply took over taking care of their home. With Sammy, everything had a place, and Josh could always find what he was looking for.

The bathroom light switched off, and Josh heard Sammy’s footsteps in the now dark room. The door to the closet where they kept the dirty-clothes basket opened and closed. Then Josh felt the bed dip, and Sammy joined him. They didn’t curl together like they used to. After almost fifteen years together, they rarely cuddled in bed anymore. Sammy usually complained that it made him hot and sweaty. Sammy did lean close to him, his warm hand stroking Josh’s cheek, and then Josh felt Sammy’s weight shift as he was kissed good night. “Love you,” Sammy said before kissing him again.

Josh returned the kiss. “I love you too.” He felt Sammy hug him for a few seconds, and then Sammy rolled over onto his side, and Josh did the same. They had a good life together. They were settled and very happy. Sammy took good care of him, and he took care of Sammy. Sure, some of the passion had gone out of their relationship after fifteen years, but that was to be expected.

 

Great Review for Love Means... Healing

Dawn at Dawn's Reading Nook gave a wonderful review for Love means Healing.  Dawn said:  This is a series that will leave you breathless at the end and eager for more. Love Means...Healing will deliver a roller coaster of a ride for the reader. One minute you are mourning the loss of Cliff and the next smiling as Len finds he can love again as his heart heals. I was dismayed when it ended and had to run off to the author's website to see when the next farm story is coming out. Now that I got my fix again, I am finding I need more of this wonderful series. :-)

Red the entire review:  http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-personal-review-for-love.html

Seven months ago, Len Parker lost his partner of more than twenty years, and he isn’t sure how to feel about his blossoming attraction to Chris, one of his farmhands. Hesitant and still hurt, Len remains aloof and distant until he’s goaded into teaching Chris to ride.
Fresh out of a thirty-year career with the Marines, Chris can explore his sexuality openly for the first time in his life, but what he needs more than anything is peace. He’s convinced Len doesn’t like him until he digs a little deeper, and then, armed with hope, Chris sets out to prove that love can provide the healing he and Len so desperately need.

Reading at Ravenous Nights in New York

Hey everyone!!!!  I will be reading at Ravenous Nights on Friday December 2.  December's Ravenous Nights is at The Happy Ending Lounge,  302 Broome Street, in New York, from 8:00 to 10:00 PM.  If you're in New York, stop in, I'll be reading form my new Christmas story A Present in Swaddling Clothes, as well as other stories.  I'll also be giving away some books and other goodies.

I hope you can make it

Review for Love Means... Healing

Tom from A Bear on Books gave Love Means... Healing a wonderful review.  Tom said:  I fell in love with the characters in all of Mr. Grey’s Love is… series, and have been waiting for Len to get a story of his own for a while. This is a sweetly sentimental tale, perfect for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. There is healing and romance, and the maturity of the characters is respected throughout this tale. These two men are so lovingly drawn, and the respect Mr. Grey has for them shines through.

Read the entire review: http://tom-webb.blogspot.com/2011/11/five-short-and-sweet-tales.html?zx=a96c3c5cd41d2587

Love Means... Healing is Now Available!

Love Means... Healing is now available.  I really hope you enjoy it.  I'm attaching popular links for your convenience.  Happy reading!!!

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Means-Healing-ebook/dp/B006CBFH22/ref=zg_bs_172503011_5

Dreamspinner Press:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2633

All Romance eBooks:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lovemeanshealing-644175-145.html

Rainbow eBooks:  http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5430

Blurb
Seven months ago, Len Parker lost his partner of more than twenty years, and he isn’t sure how to feel about his blossoming attraction to Chris, one of his farmhands. Hesitant and still hurt, Len remains aloof and distant until he’s goaded into teaching Chris to ride.
Fresh out of a thirty-year career with the Marines, Chris can explore his sexuality openly for the first time in his life, but what he needs more than anything is peace. He’s convinced Len doesn’t like him until he digs a little deeper, and then, armed with hope, Chris sets out to prove that love can provide the healing he and Len so desperately need.

Excerpt
“Couldn’t sleep, so I got up and went for a ride,” Len answered and went right back to work. He really didn’t want to talk about it, and Len knew Geoff would understand. The clomping of horse’s hooves on the concrete told him Geoff had moved on, and Len continued filling the wheelbarrow before wheeling the mess to the mulch pile. On his way back, he passed Eli walking his horse out into the yard.

“Morning, Len,” Geoff’s partner of six months called with a bright smile on his face.

“Morning, Eli,” Len answered with more energy than he felt. “Do you have a class this morning?”

“At ten. I have most everything ready,” Eli answered before mounting. Len pulled off his cap and waved it at the two of them as they started their ride. He saw them both wave back and heard the conversation and laughter fade as they got farther away. Placing his hat back on his head, he went back to work. As he finished the stall, Len heard tires crunch on the gravel drive outside, followed by the sound of truck doors closing and then footsteps on the gravel and into the barn. The tractor started with a deep rumble in the equipment shed.

“Morning, Len,” Lumpy called from the doorway of the tack room, the list of tasks in his hand. “Pete’s gonna get those last hayfields roll-baled before it rains. Where do you want us to put them when we’re done? You said yesterday that we didn’t need it.”

“You can leave it in the fields. The Hansens are going to take it all. They enlarged their dairy herd, and he said he’d be happy to take whatever we have. I’ll call and tell him he can start picking up the bales in a few hours,” Len said, and he saw a curious look on Lumpy’s face, like he wanted to ask something, but wasn’t sure if he should.

“I’ll tell Pete and then get on the list.” Lumpy looked the sheet over. “I’m gonna start with those fences, and I’ll let you know if I find anything that needs fixing. See you this afternoon,” Lumpy added before walking out of the barn and getting to work. Len climbed the stairs to the full hayloft and opened the only trap door that wasn’t covered by hay. Lifting a bale, he dropped it through the door to the barn floor below.

“Len, I can get that for you,” a voice behind him said, making him jump. Len landed near the edge of the door and nearly lost his balance. Big hands caught his arm, pulling him back from the brink and against a hard, firm body before both of them fell against the stacked bales of hay, with Len caught between the hay and Chris, the hand Geoff had hired a few weeks earlier. The scent of fresh hay mixed with the smell of soap and man, and for a second Len remembered what it felt like to be held and went with it until his thoughts cleared.

“You scared the shit out of me,” Len said, pulling away before storming toward the stairs.

“It was an accident. Christ, I only came up to help. There’s no need to take my head off!” Chris retorted louder than was needed, and Len heard the whap and thump as a bale was flung to the floor below. Len descended the stairs in a huff. He wasn’t angry with Chris, not really. It was his reaction whenever he got close to the man that kept throwing him.

At the bottom of the stairs, Len stopped. He could hear Chris moving around, heavy footsteps stomping on the loft floor, the thump of the bales as they fell with more force than necessary, but more than anything he could see the man’s chiseled face and bright, intelligent eyes, which looked as though they’d seen things Len could never understand. Chris also had a body that had seen hard physical work for years. Chris appeared to be nearing fifty, the way Len was, but Chris didn’t look like any other fifty-year-old Len had ever seen. Not that it mattered. Len was not going to find out if the muscles beneath Chris’s flannel shirt were as large as they looked, or if that glimpse of dark hair that sometimes peeked over the top of his shirt extended further. That was not going to happen. Len pushed the images out of his mind as he stomped out of the barn toward the house, figuring he might as well make breakfast. It would give him something to do, and everyone would be hungry in an hour or so.