Rob Colton's Blog, page 15
January 21, 2014
Noah's New Plan: Chapter 20
Here’s chapter 20 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan. The prompt I used this week was Murphy’s law.
"What are you doing?"
Noah tried to dodge Eli’s hand, but he wasn’t quick enough, and there wasn’t enough room in Eli’s truck to get away. The big man pulled his glasses off, folded them up, and set them aside.
Eli pressed his index finger between Noah’s eyes and began rubbing it up and down, pressing, massaging. “There that’s better,” he said softly. “Your brows were all furrowed. I was worried they might be stuck together.”
Noah rolled his eyes. He had every right to be stressed out. They were having dinner with Eli’s parents. Only this time, it was just Noah, Eli, and his parents. There would be no kids and siblings to distract them.
As far as he was concerned, Murphy had it right. “Whatever can go wrong, will.”
"Ready?" Eli asked as he replaced Noah’s glasses and adjusted them. His gaze locked onto Noah’s and he was quiet when he finally spoke. "God, you’re sexy."
The way Eli looked at him, Noah actually believed it. It was so earnest, it nearly took his breath away. He reached up, placed his hand on Eli’s face, and stroked the man’s beard. “You, too.”
Eli leaned in and pressed a kiss to Noah’s lips.
"Let’s go, babe."
* * * *
"It’s nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes."
Mrs. Holmes waved her hand, pushing away Noah’s hand. “It’s Sheila and John,” she said as she pulled Noah in for a hug.
Noah leaned into the hug and patted the woman’s back. It felt nice to be hugged. Once she let go, Noah shook Eli’s father’s hand.
"The game’s on," John said.
Noah started to follow John and Eli to the living room.
"Noah, I could use a hand in the kitchen."
He turned back towards Sheila. “Sure.”
Eli gave him a smile. Noah returned it, then followed Sheila into the kitchen.
She pointed to a chopping board and a bag of vegetables. “Why don’t you help me dice those?”
"Okay." Noah opened the bag. After giving the veggies a quick wash in the sink, he started chopping.
"Eli tells me you’re quite the cook."
Noah shrugged modestly. “I’ve always liked cooking. I find it relaxing.”
"He says I should get your chicken and dumplings recipe."
Noah smiled. “Yeah, Eli loved it. I usually have lots of leftovers, but he ate the whole pot. I thought he was going to lick the bowl.”
"Hmm. I guess I should just toss out my mother’s recipe. It’s apparently swill now."
Noah froze mid-chop. “Uh…”
A smile spread across her face, and Sheila snickered. “I’m teasing.”
Noah laughed nervously. “Okay…”
"I really would like the recipe."
"I’ll give it to Eli for you."
"Thank you… So, things between you and my son are pretty serious then."
"Uh…"
"He told me he’s seen you almost every day since Christmas."
"Um…"
"You two make such a sweet couple. I know Eli looks rough and tough, but he’s a gentle soul. You’re good for him. I think he’s good for you, too."
A sharp pain traveled up Noah’s finger. “Ow!”
Noah looked down at his hand. A surge of blood bloomed from a cut in his finger. How the heck had he done that?
"Oh!" Sheila cried as she hurried to Noah’s side. She took the knife from Noah, and wrapped his finger in a towel, yelling, "John!"
Noah wanted to die of embarrassment. Not only had he cut himself because he wasn’t paying attention, but now Eli’s burly biker of a dad was wrapping a Winnie the Pooh band-aid around his finger.
"You’ll live." John’s lips curled up in a smile.
* * * *
Eli tried his best not to laugh.
Noah looked like he wanted to die as Eli’s father tended to his cut. His face had gone completely red. He was so freaking adorable, Eli just wanted to pick him up, and put him in his pocket.
Tonight Noah was spending the night at his place for the first time. It was a big step. They always slept at Noah’s house. That Noah agreed to sleep over at Eli’s was huge. It meant their relationship was progressing. If he could get away with it, he’d make an excuse to his mother and skip out on dinner. The sooner he could get Noah into his bed…
"Okay." Sheila clapped her hands together. "Excitement over. Why don’t we just order some Chicken Shack?"
Noah winced. “I’m sorry I ruined dinner.”
"Don’t worry about it." She gave Noah a pat on the back, then picked up the phone to order take-out.
John took the box of band-aids and left the room.
"I have never been more embarrassed in my life," Noah mumbled once he and Eli were alone.
Eli took Noah’s hand in his. He pressed his lips to the band-aid.
"Ew." Noah tried to pull his hand away.
Eli crinkled his nose. “Band-aids stink.”
"Then stop kissing it."
Ignoring Noah’s protests, Eli pulled him close and wrapped his arms around his boy. “I can’t wait to get you home tonight.”
Noah sighed and relaxed into Eli’s embrace. “Yeah.”
"My mother didn’t grill you too bad, did she?"
"Well, let me tell you, it was bad enough I needed to create a diversion." Noah held up his bandaged finger, and wiggled it around.
Eli laughed, a loud belly laugh that resonated throughout the room, and Noah joined in.
Looking down into Noah’s pretty brown eyes, Eli knew. It was the right time.
"Noah…"
Noah met his eyes, and gulped. “Yeah?”
"I l-"
And then his mother walked into the room. “Chicken will be here in thirty minutes.” She looked between the two men. “Did I interrupt something?”
* * * *
The Wednesday Brief bloggers have a new web site. You can now read a snippet of all of the free Wednesday Briefs stories in one place, then jump to each site to read the entire post. Check out all the free stories!
January 19, 2014
The Evolution Of The Wednesday Brief Flashers
Warning: Probability of being Flashed is High! Every Wednesday, a group of authors - and it is an eclectic group - post free fiction as a give back to their readers and fans. There are ‘rules’ and …
January 16, 2014
Guest Post: Christopher Koehler
Please welcome Christopher Koehler to my site. He’s here to promote his recent release Settling the Score, Book 4 in the CalPac Crew series. The book can be read as part of the series, but also reads well as a stand-alone. Today we have an interview with Christopher. Read on to get to know Christopher a bit better.
Interview
Hi, Rob, thanks for having me today.
Did you always want to be a writer?
In a way, yes, I think I did. My parents tell stories of me filling notebooks with the kind of loopy squiggles that the pre-literate think is cursive script. In high school I filled the margins of my notebooks with ideas and notes. In college I finally got serious about carrying a notebook for just for writing ideas. Katherine Kurtz, author of the Deryni novels, relates that the idea for Deryni Rising came from a dream, and that’s what inspired me to take my daydreams seriously.
So I waded through grad school, still writing down ideas as they struck me and developing the most promising ones, even as I researched and wrote a dissertation in the history of science (evolution and genetics) that struck me as increasingly surreal. I hit the point when I realized that academic writing sucked all the joy out of writing, and that was the most damning thing I could say. I finished because my husband promised to kill me if I didn’t, but even by then I knew writing was what I needed to do, not academia. I still spent ten years as an adjunct instructor even as I struggled to unlearn the academic high style and learn to write in a way that was actually interesting to more than ten people in the world.
How did you get started writing m/m romance?
It’s funny, I never set out to write romances, and when I was much younger—say, high school or so—I had the worst attitude toward the romance genre. I suppose I thought it was devoid of challenging content, and who knows, maybe back then, it was. Somehow I doubt it was as bad as I thought.
Then I read one of those hair-raising statistics about the average American reading less than one book per year. I think there’s a graphic going around Facebook these days with similarly dire information. Anyway, the point was that even among the college-educated, the average person doesn’t read.
Then it occurred to me that someone reading even the pulpiest of pulpy romances, if that persona read one per week, at the end of a year has read fifty-two books. Fifty-two vs. none, and of course these days as a writer of m/m romances I know just how nuanced and challenging a romance novel can be. I know that sounds like a pat answer, but I’ve read any number of brilliant romance novels.
As for m/m, once a I read a story that feature two male protagonists, I was hooked. I mean, c’mon. It was the closest I’d ever come to any story that reflected my life.
What were your early influences either in this genre or any other?
In fantasy and science fiction, the aforementioned Katherine Kurtz, as well as David Eddings. If you know his work, you can probably find traces of him, particularly in my humor. I’m a huge fan of Gail Carriger’s work.
In m/m romances, the first novels I read were Urban and LaRoux’s Caught Running and J.L. Langley’s The Tin Star. Another early influence was ZA Maxfield’s Crossing Borders, and to this day ZAM’s not only a major influence but also one of my closest friends, not just in writing but in life.
What is the hardest part about writing for you? The benefits?
The hardest part about writing for me these days is breaking away from the tried and true. When I first started the CalPac Crew books, I second-guessed myself in terms of what I tried structurally and the places I went with the plot. I was terrified when I submitted it and second-guessed myself the entire way. Five books later (four CalPac and First Impressions, an unrelated stand-alone) and it’s time to challenge myself with new approaches to m/m and in new genres. I’m scaring myself again and that’s a good thing.
The benefit? I’m doing what I love and I get paid for it. The reader feedback makes my day, if not my week, and some readers have become friends. I actually make a point of visiting one whenever I see my inlaws because she lives nearby. How cool is that?
Do you find you put a lot of yourself into your characters or is fiction just fiction?
Oooh, good question. The simple answer is no. My characters are fictitious. A more nuanced answer is, every one of my characters has a part of me in him or her, and yes, that includes Herculine Jameson and Lady Fellatia Manblower.
Tell us a little about your story. Did you something specific inspire you to write it?
Settling the Score tells the story of the cox’n of the CalPac Crew. For those who’re unfamiliar with the sport of rowing, the cox’n is the short person sitting the back of the boat who’s the only one who can see where the boat’s going. In the world of California Pacific College (CalPac), that person is Stuart Cochrane. He’s been patient through three books while everyone else has found a HEA. It’s his turn, which in part explains the title.
But it’s also the story of Philip Sundstrom, the older brother of Brad, the “bad guy” in Rocking the Boat (book #1). Philip’s not as straight as he appeared, and he and Stuart make an unlikely pair. Situations ensue that will either drive them together or pull them apart.
I’m an out rower myself and listed as available to be contacted platonically in the rolls of the Gay and Lesbian Rowing Federation. One day, a collegiate rower contacted me…
Do you have any writing quirks? (ie computer has to be facing a certain way, cup of coffee on the left, certain music playing, etc)
I’m all about the quirks. I write at one specific Starbucks, and only that one (unless I’m traveling). I feel better if the Frappuccino is on the left, but I can tolerate it if it’s on the right. I listen to music, but it’s usually one song on repeat. After a while, I’ll switch songs, but the new one will be on repeat for an indeterminate about of time, too. I’m sure by now a picture of the writer is becoming very clear….
What’s next on your plate? What are you working on?
I’m working on a YA novel that will hopefully serve as a bridge story to a rebooted CalPac Crew series. I’ve told the stories I want to tell with the current cast of characters, with the exception of maybe a holiday story or a wedding story for one of the couples. However, in the process of coming up with a new crew, one of the characters told me in no uncertain terms that he was HIV+.
So how did a college student on the novice team contract HIV? Probably had to in high school. So that’s the story I’m working on. Given the cavalier attitudes of the early 20somethings toward safer sex and HIV itself, it strikes me as timely topic, as well. I came of age in the 80s, so the whole thing baffles me. Yeah, I’m a dinosaur, sue me.
Blurb
Stuart Cochrane and Philip Sundstrom make an unlikely pair. Philip’s brother, Brad, can’t imagine his brother with another man, let alone with the coxswain he razzed throughout his college rowing career. But somehow they settle into a relationship that works as Philip helps Stuart navigate the pressures of deciding between medical school and competing for a spot on the national rowing team. In turn, Stuart helps Philip with his problems at work, where he’s faced with a rebellious board of directors.
Yet soon enough, the pressures take their toll. Stuart comes to resent the easy way Philip spends money, while Philip worries about Stuart’s time commitments. He’ll do anything to come to the rescue, including spending his money to grease the rails for Stuart, but Stuart resents the rich so much it drives a wedge between them.
Then Stuart finds himself facing the greatest crisis of his life. There’s only one person he can turn to—but Philip has his own demons to battle in the form of his board trying to frame him for their own unethical actions. Will Philip be able to aid Stuart while he extricates himself from his board’s trap, or will his divided attention cost them both everything that matters?
Buy links
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4472&cPath=55_387
Author Bio
Christopher Koehler learned to read late (or so his teachers thought) but never looked back. It was not, however, until he was nearly done with grad school in the history of science that he realized that he needed to spend his life writing and not on the publish-or-perish treadmill. At risk of being thought frivolous, he found that academic writing sucked all the fun out of putting pen to paper.
Christopher is also something of a hothouse flower. Inside of almost unreal conditions he thrives to set the results of his imagination free, and for most of his life he has been lucky enough to be surrounded by people who encouraged both that tendency and the writing. Chief among them is his long-suffering husband of twenty-two years and counting.
When it comes to writing, Christopher follows Anne Lamott’s advice: “You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.” So while he writes fiction, at times he ruthlessly mines his past for character traits and situations. Reality is far stranger than fiction.
Christopher loves many genres of fiction and nonfiction, but he’s especially fond of romances, because it is in them that human emotions and relations, at least most of the ones fit to be discussed publicly, are laid bare.
Writing is his passion and his life, but when Christopher is not doing that, he’s an at-home dad and oarsman with a slightly disturbing interest in manners and other ways people behave badly.
Visit him at http://christopherkoehler.net/blog or follow him on Twitter @christopherink.
January 15, 2014
Guest Post: Alicia Nordwell
Please welcome Alicia Nordwell! She’s here to talk about her new release, Protecting Bear. I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek and it’s a great book. Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a gift card!
First off, thanks for hosting me, Rob! Today I thought I’d let visitors find out a bit more about Bear and Kameron’s favorite foods. You’d think, since I’m the author that the food I included would be my favorites, right? Nope, no way. These guys came up with their own preferences. Kameron’s choice makes me shudder just to think about eating, lol. Don’t forget to check out the new excerpt and comment for your chance to win the $10 Amazon gift card. The winner will be chosen randomly from the commenters and then announced on the final stop back at my blog on January 20th. Don’t forget to leave your email, or I won’t be able to contact you.
The Guys’ Favorite Dinner
Steak au Poivre
2 Tenderloin Steaks, no more than 1 ½” thick
Salt
1/2 Tbsp. Whole Peppercorns
1/2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
1/2 tsp. Olive Oil
1/4 cup Cognac
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Take the steaks out of the fridge 30-60 minutes prior to cooking. Sprinkle with salt. Crush peppercorns. Coat both sides of steaks evenly on both sides. Mix butter and olive oil in a pan until it begins to smoke. Gently place steaks in pan. Cook medium rare, 4 minutes on each side. Place steaks on plate, tent with foil.
Drain fat off pan, but do not scrape. Off the heat, add cognac to the pan and ignite. Shake pan gently until flames die down. Return pan to medium heat, add cream. Bring to a boil and whisk until sauce coats the back of a spoon. Add up to a teaspoon of cognac, and salt, to taste.
Spoon sauce over steaks and serve.
Why?
Me: So, why’s Steak au Poivre your favorite meal?
Bear: College guys don’t live on steak so it was definitely a luxury. Nothing beats a seared, juicy steak covered in sauce. I damn near lick the plate clean anytime I get to eat it.
Me: Ew. Yeah, probably not a good idea if you want to be allowed back in the café.
Bear: It’d be worth it. Men love their meat after all.
Me: Ughs. Don’t wink at me, that’s just wrong!
Chili Dogs
1 lb. Ground Beef
1/2 lb. Ground Sausage
1 Onion, chopped
1 Garlic Clove, chopped
2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1 Tbsp. Flour
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Salt
1 Tomato, chopped
1 can Kidney Beans
Hot dogs
Hot dog buns
Toppings: Cheese, Cottage Cheese, extra onions
Combine the ground chuck, sausage, onions, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned, stirring the meat to break it up as it cooks. Drain the pan drippings. Stir in the chili powder, flour, sugar, oregano, salt, and stir well. Cover pot and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes and beans, and simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes.
Grill the hot dogs and warm the buns. Place hot dog in bun, cover in chili and topping of choice.
Why?
Me: So why chili dogs? *shudders*
Kameron: They’re messy, but good. I like mine spicy with shredded pepper jack cheese.
Me: But it’s stilla hot dog. They’re gross.
Kameron: Only if you don’t use high quality wieners!
Me: Oh dear lord! You’re both on fire today, aren’t you?
Kameron: Always!
Synopsis: Bear has horrible luck with guys. Kameron seems like a good guy, but Bear thought his ex was a good guy too. He turned out to be a drug dealer. Kameron isn’t who Bear thinks he is, though, and Vilem’s enemies are looking for Bear. They want to… talk.
Excerpt: Crashing cymbals and cannon blasts greeted Kameron when he walked in the door. Bear laughed at the shock on Kameron’s face.
“I’m surprised you even heard me knock!”
“1812 Overture,” Bear said. He turned down the speakers on his laptop. “My problem client is being a pain in the ass again. Sometimes the energy release in the music helps keep me from cracking my computer screen.”
“Okay.” Good smells wafted from the greasy bags in Kameron’s hands. Bear’s stomach rumbled. “I’m glad you’re back. I’m starving.”
Casually, over their hot dogs, Bear decided to deal with Kameron’s distraction. His constant fidgeting was worse than usual, and Bear knew that there was something on his mind that Kameron was reluctant to talk about. Normally the man inhaled his food, needing a large amount of food to keep that big body moving… and damn could he make it move. “So, did your partner have any news for us?”
Kameron’s mouth dropped open again.
“Ew, man, I didn’t need to see that. Swallowing is important, very important.” Bear smirked. Kameron flushed. “You really think I didn’t realize you were going out every other day around dinner time to pick up food, and come back with a little wrinkle in your forehead?”
Kameron frowned.
“Yeah, that one,” Bear said.
“I just need to know what’s going on.” Kameron wiped his mouth. “The phone is a burner purchased with cash. I never call from the same place or too close to the apartment.”
Bear nodded. “I know you’re being safe. I like the idea of having someone to fall back on for information, too. Jimmy’s still out of commission, and the last time the captain called all she would say was to sit tight. It’s frustrating when you’re kept in the dark, even for you own protection.” Bear wasn’t above getting that dig in. Kameron winced.
Available for purchase at:
Author Bio:
Alicia Nordwell is one of those not so rare creatures, a reader turned writer. Striving to find something interesting to read one day, she decided to write what she wanted instead. Then the voices started… Yep, not only does she talk about herself in the third person for bios, she has voices in her head constantly clamoring to get out. Fortunately for readers, with the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided for her own sanity to keep writing. Now you can find her stories both free and e-published! Oh yeah, she’s a wife, mom of two, and lives in the dreary, yet ideal for her redhead complexion, Pacific Northwest. Except for when she disappears into one of the many worlds in her head, of course!
January 14, 2014
Noah's New Plan: Chapter 19
Here’s Chapter 19 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, This week’s prompt was a knife. I’ve been exhausted as of late, so this week is going to be a shorter chapter.
"He what?"
Eli froze mid-cut. He stabbed the knife into the loaf of bread, and turned to stare at Noah.
Noah nervously twisted his lips, then pushed his glasses up his nose. “I shouldn’t have told you.”
"You’re damn right. Because now I have to kill the smug bastard."
"Eli—"
Eli cut him off, shaking his head. He refused to hear it. The dick had gone too far this time. “No, Noah. He does not get to come to your job and threaten you.” He cursed under his breath, mumbling to himself, “I should have known he wouldn’t have stopped.”
Noah narrowed his eyes at Eli. “What do you mean, you should have known.”
Shit.
Eli hadn’t intended to tell Noah about Derek coming to pay him off. Now that Noah was looking at him with those pretty brown eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to lie. “He came to see me a couple of weeks ago. He offered me money to dump you.”
"He what?" Noah shouted. "I’m going to kill that bastard!"
Eli scrunched his face, mimicking Noah’s earlier response. “I shouldn’t have told you.”
Noah laughed, and smacked Eli’s arm. “Stop that. Be serious.”
Eli grabbed Noah and pulled him close. “Just trying to lighten the mood.”
When Noah rested his head on Eli’s chest, Eli just held him. Damn, he loved the way the little man felt in his arms.
"Why doesn’t he want us seeing each other?"
Eli thought about it for a moment. “I’d say it’s because he’s jealous. He doesn’t want anyone else having you.”
"But he doesn’t even want me. He left me."
"Now that someone is showing interest in you, it’s making him crazy. Basically, he’s a dick."
"So, what are we gonna do about him?" Noah caressed his hand across Eli’s chest. He slid his fingers across Eli’s uniform shirt, then under the collar of his undershirt, toying with the hairs there.
Eli’s cock started to go hard. It pressed against his zipper, bending at an uncomfortable angle. He had to reach down and adjust himself. They were supposed to be making dinner, but he couldn’t think straight with Noah touching him like this. He’d been asked a question, but he couldn’t remember what it was.
"Forget about that asshole," Eli growled.
Noah licked his lips. “Make me.”
Hell yeah he would. Eli picked Noah up, and carried him off to the bedroom.
* * * *
"So, when are you going to bring your young man around again?" his mother asked.
Noah was actually older than him, though he had a vulnerability that made him seem younger to Eli. For someone in his early forties, he looked good. Eli supposed all those years of staying healthy—to keep Derek interested—paid off.
"Well, I think you all overwhelmed him at Christmas. Besides, we’re trying to keep things casual."
"Casual? You don’t spend Christmas with ‘casual’. Have you told him you love him yet?"
The woman didn’t beat around the bush. “Jesus, ma.”
"What?"
"He just got out of a long-term relationship. I don’t want to push him. We’re letting this happen naturally."
"Bring him over for Sunday supper. I’ll work on him for you."
"I’ll try to set up something. But no working on him.”
"Of course, dear."
* * * *
The Wednesday Brief bloggers have a new web site. You can now read a snippet of all of the free Wednesday Briefs stories in one place, then jump to each site to read the entire post. Check out all the free stories!
January 7, 2014
Noah's New Plan: Chapter 18
Here is Chapter 18 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan.
Noah frosted the cinnamon rolls, humming softly as he drizzled the sweet glaze over the tops. The smell of the freshly backed pastries filled his small apartment, and brought a smile to Noah’s face.
The tips of his fingers stung as he picked up one of the hot rolls and set it on a plate. He blew on his fingers, then snagged three more.
Noah carried the plate into his bedroom.
Eli lay in Noah’s bed still asleep. The sheet and comforter covered the lower half of his perfect body. Noah found himself mesmerized by the patterns of hair on his muscular chest and belly. Even the man’s myriad of tattoos were fascinating. It was something he’d never found attractive before. The same with Eli’s shaved head and beard.
Perhaps his tastes were evolving. He certainly found Eli attractive. Maybe there was more to it than just physical attraction…
"Are those for me?"
Eli watched Noah through heavy eyes.
"Freshly made."
"Mmm. Breakfast in bed." Eli lifted the covers, beckoning Noah join him.
As Noah slid into the bed, he couldn’t help but sneak a peek at Eli’s crotch. The man’s thick penis lay flaccid against his thigh. Noah found his mouth watering, and it wasn’t from the cinnamon rolls.
Noah and Eli sat back against the headboard, snuggled up together. They enjoyed their breakfast in comfortable silence. Except for the sounds of Eli’s happy humming and lip-smacking.
Derek never had time for snuggling or breakfast in bed, even when their relationship was new and exciting.
Leaning against Eli’s shoulder, he ate his cinnamon roll.
He wasn’t so sure if this was something he wanted to get used to…
But it sure was nice.
* * * *
"Have a nice afternoon, Mrs. Roberts."
Noah handed the woman the copy of Fifty Shades of Gray she’d put on hold. He tried to balance his smile with the urge to laugh. He’d always thought of her as a stuffy old bat. Maybe after reading a few chapters of the book, she’d loosen up a little.
He loaded up the cart with the returns and set it aside for Nicholas.
"Noah. I need to speak with you."
Noah closed his eyes and sighed. He really didn’t want to talk to Derek right now. The last time he saw his ex was the morning Derek caught him in bed with Eli. That was a memory he absolutely did not want to re-live.
"I’m a little busy at work, Derek."
Derek looked around the library. There were a few people reading and a couple of people using the computers, but it was mostly empty. He turned back to Noah and shot him an annoyed look. “Busy. Right. Have one of your kids man the desk.”
Noah grit his teeth together. He spoke quietly, trying to be discreet. “Stop telling me what to do. I may not be some high-paid attorney, but I still have a job to do here.”
"I indulged you for far too—" Derek stopped mid-sentence. He plastered that smile on his face. The fake one that Noah hated. "I’m not here to argue with you."
"Noah?" Nicholas walked up to the counter, giving Derek a withering glare. "Do you need help."
"No, Nicholas. I’m fine. I’ll be in my office."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." Noah turned to Derek. "Come on. Before I change my mind."
As Noah led Derek away, Nicholas called out. “If you’re not back in five minutes, I’m calling Eli.”
* * * *
"What are you doing with that man?"
"Eli?" Noah leaned back against his desk. "We’re dating."
Derek shook his head in disgust. “I can’t believe you let him touch you. He’s a filthy animal.”
"You don’t even know him. I’d appreciate it if you left him out of this."
Derek began to pace the floor. “I don’t want you seeing that man.”
Noah’s mouth dropped. Who did Derek think he was, telling Noah who he could or could not see. He lost that right when he walked out. “You don’t get a say in who I see.”
"I’m only looking out for you. I know what’s best for you. I was the one who took care of you."
"Maybe. And maybe I let you. But I’m on my own now. I make my own decisions. Are you jealous?”
"Jealous? Ha. Don’t make me laugh."
"You are jealous.”
"Why would I be jealous of that piece of trash?”
"First of all, he’s not trash. He’s a kind, generous man. He lets me be myself, and he likes me for who I am. He cares about me, about my feelings…"
He loves me.
Noah didn’t say the words, but as he thought about Eli, he knew it to be true.
Derek snorted. “He’s a man. The only reason he sticks around is because you’re an easy lay.”
The jerk was just trying to provoke him, but Noah wasn’t going to take the bait. “That only proves you know nothing about the man.”
Derek’s face went red and he pointed his finger at Noah’s face. “I don’t want you seeing him!”
"Well, I didn’t want you screwing what’s-his-face while we were still together. I guess neither of us gets what we want."
Derek stopped and stared Noah down. “You’ve changed.”
"I suppose." Noah reached up and adjusted his glasses.
"Not just the glasses, or your hair. Your attitude. You’ve developed quite a mouth."
"Thank you."
"That wasn’t a compliment."
"I know." Noah walked to his door and opened it. "Now get out of my office."
* * * *
The Wednesday Brief bloggers have a new web site. You can now read a snippet of all of the free Wednesday Briefs stories in one place, then jump to each site to read the entire post. Check out all the free stories!
January 3, 2014
Timber Pack Chronicles
As part of my push toward the release of Enforcer: Timber Pack Chronicles Book 2, I am posting a new edit of Timber Pack Chronicles: Book 1 to GayAuthors.org.
http://www.gayauthors.org/story/Rob%20Colton/timberpackchronicles
A new chapter will go up every couple of days until the complete story is posted.
This will be followed by a Paperback and eBook release, which includes a brand new cover, designed by Slumberus. Chris did an amazing job on the cover and I am excited to share it with everybody.
December 31, 2013
Noah's New Plan: Chapter 17
Here’s chapter 17 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan.
Happy New Year!
Noah’s knees felt weak with every step he took. He nearly dropped the platter of cookies not once, but twice.
One would have thought he was walking to the electric chair, and not to the home of his boyfriend’s parents.
He’d planned on bowing out, but Eli wouldn’t have it. The man had showed up at his house after work yesterday, then spent the night at his place.
In truth, Noah didn’t want to be alone on Christmas day, but he also felt strange about spending the day with Eli’s family. He didn’t know if they were really at a stage in their relationship where they should be meeting family.
Noah spent Christmas Eve baking and decorating sugar cookies. Cut in holiday shapes, Noah iced each one, making sure they were precise and perfect. He chose the best of the batch to bring with them.
The rest of them Eli had devoured as they sat on the couch and watched A Christmas Story. It wasn’t one of Noah’s favorite holiday movies, but Eli loved it. He watched it every year, he said.
"Hey." Eli shuffled the gifts he carried to one arm. The other hand moved to the back of Noah’s neck. "You got nothing to worry about, babe."
"Yeah." Noah blew out a breath. He looked at the stack of presents on Eli’s arm. "I should have bought gifts for your parents."
"Don’t worry about it. The cookies are plenty."
"Am I under-dressed?"
Under his coat, Noah wore khakis and a blue argyle sweater vest over a pink button-down shirt.
Eli laughed. “Babe, I’m wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. You make me look like a bum.”
Noah smirked. “Yeah, at least you’re not wearing your ‘sorry ladies, I like dick’ or your ‘choking hazard’ shirt.”
Eli pushed open the front door, and held it open for Noah. Noah stepped into the house, and immediately wanted to turn around.
"Eli!"
An older woman met them at the door. Slightly plump, she had rosy cheeks, and brown hair. This could only be Eli’s mother. Noah saw where he got his eyes from. She had the same dark eyes as her son.
She hugged Eli, kissing him on the cheek. With an enormous grin on her face, she looked at Noah, fixing her hair and smoothing down her shirt. “Introduce me.”
"Mom, this is Noah Anderson. Noah, is my mother, Sheila Holmes."
Noah pushed his glasses up his nose and tried to give his friendliest smile. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.” He held out his hand, but Sheila bypassed it, going straight for a hug.
"I am so glad to finally meet you," she said, not letting Noah go.
Finally? Had Eli been talking about him to his parents? And for how long?
"You, too." Noah patted her back and after another moment, she finally let go.
"John!" she called out. "Eli is here."
The house was filled with life. Not only were delicious smells wafting throughout, it sounded like the home was full of people. He could hear people talking and laughing. Noah hadn’t realized there would be so many relatives here. He glanced over at Eli, who had a big, goofy grin on his face.
"Thank you for having me," Noah offered. "I made these for you." He held up the tray of cookies.
"Oh, you shouldn’t have."
"Hey, bro." A man rushed by, chasing a toddler.
"That’s my brother, Jack," Eli explained. "I lose track of which kid that was. He’s got too many."
Sheila smacked Eli’s arm. “Don’t mind him. Come on in.” She took the gifts from Eli, then took the tray of cookies from Noah, and wandered off.
Eli shrugged off his coat, then helped Noah out of his. After Eli hung them in the front closet, Noah followed him into the family room.
There were several kids sitting on the floor, around the Christmas tree, playing with new Christmas toys. An elderly woman sat on the sofa with two younger women.
A colossal, imposing man pushed up from a recliner, and waded through the kids and people on the floor. The man looked like an older version of Eli, though more rugged. He had graying shoulder length hair. His forearms were covered in old-school tattoos. Tough and rough, he looked like he just stepped off a Harley.
He held out his hand to Noah. “John Holmes.”
"Noah Anderson." Noah shook his hand. John’s grip was firm, squeezing Noah’s hand to the point of pain. Noah guessed the man didn’t know his own strength.
"Welcome." After shaking Eli’s hand, he returned to his chair, and turned his attention back to A Christmas Story, playing on the big screen TV.
Noah discreetly flexed his fist, trying to restore circulation.
Eli cleared his throat. “Everyone, this is Noah.”
Noah lifted his hand and waved. “Hi.”
* * * *
Eli knew Noah was overwhelmed. Between his brother, sister, and their spouses and a hundred kids, the house was overrun. Then there was his grandmother, father, and mother.
They treated Noah like any other member of the family, which was a good thing. Other than his mother, his family wasn’t really touchy-feely.
Noah sat between him and his brother Jack at the dinner table. His mom really went all out. She had cooked all of his favorites, and plenty of it. The food was fantastic, and Eli stuffed his face.
After dinner, everyone retired to the living room to let their food digest, before dessert.
While they sat around, Eli opened the gifts from his parents. He wasn’t surprised when his mother gave Noah a gift to open, a restaurant gift card. Eli could tell it made Noah uncomfortable, since he hadn’t brought them anything.
Eli put his arm around Noah’s shoulders. He looked down at his little man and couldn’t help but smile. When Noah lifted his gaze and caught his eyes, Eli’s heart skipped a beat. Damn, this gorgeous man was his. Before Noah could react, Eli leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.
A small smile ghosted Noah’s mouth as his eyes darted around the room. With blushing pink cheeks, Noah returned his gaze back to Eli. “Thank you for today,” he whispered.
Eli would have done anything to get his little man to look at him like that. That was when he knew he was in love with Noah Anderson.
He whispered back, “Anytime, babe.”
* * * *
The Wednesday Brief bloggers have a new web site. You can now read a snippet of all of the free Wednesday Briefs stories in one place, then jump to each site to read the entire post. Check out all the free stories!
December 29, 2013
Coming Soon: An American Lamb in Europe
I have received the final cover and blurb for my upcoming Dreamspinner Press release, An American Lamb in Europe.
The novella is in the final stage of the editing process and should be released in February. Once I have a final date and links for pre-orders, it’ll be posted here.
Blurb:
Jamie Anderson knows you need to look before you leap, but he forgets it often enough to land in trouble. When his brother and only remaining family member disappears, he doesn’t think twice about quitting his job as a dental hygienist to travel to the Czech Republic to search for him.
Rescued by the sexy, mysterious Tomas in a small city near the German border, Jamie enlists his help in locating Rudy. Soon Jamie realizes the man knows more than he’s sharing. When Jamie demands Tomas tell him the truth, Tomas reveals he’s a vampire. Horrified the man he’s fantasized about is a monster, Jamie struggles with the fact he still needs Tomas’s help to find Rudy.
Jamie never expects their search will land him in the middle of a vampire turf war.
Cover:
December 27, 2013
Guest Post: M.A. Church
Please welcome M.A. Church, who is here to promote her new release, Wrapped in Leather.
"Most welcome, bondage, for thou art a way, I think, to liberty."
- William Shakespeare
Hey everyone! I’m M.A. Church and I’m here to talk about my latest release, Wrapped in Leather. It’s the first in the Wrapped Up series. Wrapped in Leather is about two men exploring a relationship involving their love of leather, BDSM. One of the things Toshi has to answer for himself is: What is a submissive?
A submissive is a person who makes a conscious choice to give up some or all control of their life to another person—a Dominant or a Top. Dominance and submission is about a power exchange between two consenting adults. It is about the control within the dynamics of that relationship, whether it be a full time 24/7 relationship, or a casual meeting, or a part time arrangement.
Choosing to be submissive means to allow someone else to control your body and behavior within the preset limits you and that particular person, i.e. the Dominant, have agreed upon. Submission is not a sign of weakness; some of the most successful and strongest people are true submissives.
Submission is not about passiveness, it is not about being a doormat—most submissives are intelligent and well-balanced people just fulfilling their basic desires to submit and to give up control. Submission is not about kinky sex and whips and chains—though those things can and do play a part in our lifestyle, it is much deeper than just that, and comes from the heart. Submission is a choice, and a wonderful gift to the Dominant—it should never be entered into lightly, even in a casual situation at a party or gathering.
~Photo courtesy of Gregory Anton http://rav-photography.com
Many thanks to the model, Ben.
Buy link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4567
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4568
Release date: January 3rd
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Blurb:
To celebrate his decision to take the next step with his boyfriend Ian, Toshi Baylor plans a romantic evening at their favorite steak house. Toshi starts the special weekend with a bang by surprising Ian at home with lunch. There’s a bang all right, but it’s between Ian and another guy.
Jase Taylor’s auto repair shop and the BDSM club, Wrapped Up, keep him busy while he waits for Mr. Right, instead of Mr. Right Now. He’s a Dom, but playing with the club’s submissives isn’t providing the usual stress release. After a day from hell, he deserves a good meal at his favorite steak house.
Toshi and Jase find a mix-up with their reservations: a table for Baylor, not Taylor. When Toshi invites Jase to dine with him, they discover a mutual affection for leather and a shared belief that trust must be earned.
Before they can explore their common interests, Toshi suffers a series of attacks by vandals. Jase’s protective instincts kick in, but both wonder if it can lead to anything permanent.
Excerpt:
Jase placed his hand on Toshi’s arm, halting the smaller man. “Okay, as I was saying… Why not meet me sometime at the gym? You wouldn’t have to work out alone then, and neither would I.”
Toshi stopped hunting his car keys and looked up at Jase. “Really? I’d like that.”
Jase held his helmet under his arm. He really didn’t want Toshi to leave without knowing when he’d see him again or having some way to contact him. That alone surprised him, but he didn’t question the impulse, just went with it.
“Tell you what, let’s exchange numbers and I’ll call you… well, hell.” Jase wasn’t letting Toshi go without knowing something. “Why don’t you meet me tomorrow at three? We can work out.”
Toshi fiddled with his keys. “I, ah, yeah. That sounds good. Three it is. Just go easy on me, man. It’s been two weeks, at least, since I worked out.”
Jase zipped his leather jacket, debating how to answer, then threw caution to the wind. Better to see how Toshi would react now than later. “Going easy isn’t in my vocabulary. That’s not who I am. I push—that’s what I do. But I won’t push you any harder than what you… need.”
Toshi’s mouth opened slightly. “Oh. I, ah… I, oh. Three, right? Yes, I’ll be there.”
There was no mistaking the look of lust that flashed in Toshi’s eyes, and Jase felt himself respond. “Give me your phone.” After Jase programmed his number, he handed the cell back to Toshi. “Dress in street clothes and bring whatever you work out in. After we’re done, we can shower there, then grab something to eat or… whatever. And Toshi, I enjoyed tonight. Very much. Call me if you can’t make it.”
Jase put on his helmet and his leather gloves. He noticed the way Toshi eyed the leather he wore—that was promising—before he flipped the visor down. He looked at Toshi—both of them standing there, staring at each other. He made a point of glancing down at the front of Toshi’s pants, to where a nice bulge showed, before walking away.
Just as he started the bike, he saw Toshi hurry to his car. Jase pulled out and passed in front of Toshi’s car. He stopped, one foot on the road to balance himself. Toshi was just sitting there, doing nothing. Jase’s grin was hidden behind the visor. It looked like he had Toshi’s attention. He lifted his hand, making the motion of starting a vehicle. When Toshi’s car started, he nodded and drove off, very satisfied with what he’d seen so far.
He glanced in his rearview mirror as headlights turned in the opposite direction. He’d bet Toshi was a submissive but had no real training. That need was there, though. He’d seen glimpses of it during dinner and at dessert. It had been a while since he’d played with anyone who wasn’t in the lifestyle, but Toshi showed promise. If he wasn’t very much mistaken, they shared a common interest… leather.
Author bio:
M.A. Church lives in the southern United States and spent many years in the elementary education sector. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two children. Her hobbies are gardening, walking, attending flea markets, watching professional football, racing, and spending time with her family on the lake.
But her most beloved hobby is reading. From an early age, she can remember hunting for books at the library. Later nonhuman and science fiction genres captured her attention and drew her into the worlds the authors had created. But always at the back of her mind was the thought that one day, when the kids were older and she had more time, she would write a book.
By sheer chance she stumbled across a gay male romance story on the web and was hooked. A new world opened up and she fell in love. Thus the journey started. When not writing or researching, she enjoys reading the latest erotic and mainstream romance novels.
My links:
Blog: http://machurch00.blogspot.com
Twitter: @nomoretears00
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Church/173797619379487
The Harvest FB fan page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/theharvest00
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5141393.M_A_Church
