Temptations of Desire E-Book

Tempeste O'Riley

• Herausgeber: Dreamspinner Press
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 312

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

Beschreibung

Desires Entwined: Book Three Alexander James Noble is a gender fluid gay man who gave up on finding Mister Right a long time ago. He's not asking for much, though. He just wants a guy who loves all of him and appreciates his feminine form too. At the local LGBTQ center where Alex regularly volunteers, he meets Dal Sayer, an officer of the Milwaukee PD. Because he's been rejected one too many times, Alex doesn't trust the huge cop and the interest he shows in him, but once Dal sets his mind on something, he goes all out. Pushing aside his preconceived notions, Alex opens up just a little and soon caves. From their first date—while dealing with his father's failing health and his parents' demands for him to settle down and have children—Dal never takes his eyes off his goal of making Alex his. But proving to Alex he isn't like all the men who couldn't see him for who he truly was and only wanted to hide him away is harder than he thought.

Leseprobe

Readers love the Desires Entwined Series by TEMPESTE O’RILEY

Designs of Desire

“Designs of Desire is a tough realistic book that is touched by violence countered by the growing love between the two heroes.”

—Sensual Reads

“The characters of Seth and James were very well rounded and believable… I would be more than happy to read more books by this author…”

—The Novel Approach

“I found it a beautiful tale of unhappiness changed to romance and then love with a happy ending.”

—Rainbow Book Reviews

Bound by Desire

“I’d like to say ‘thank you’ for this little extra snippet of Seth and James.”

—Hearts on Fire

Desires’ Guardian

“It’s a great book to fall into and enjoy some really good characters.”

—Love Bytes (The Blog of Sid Love)

“This is my favorite in this series so far. I love seeing how these characters are growing, all of them. As individuals, as couples, as friends, and as a family.”

—MM Good Book Reviews

“I had a lot of fun reading this one, and I really CANNOT wait for the next one!”

—The Blogger Girls

By TEMPESTE O’RILEY

Grand Adventures (DSP Anthology)

DESIRES ENTWINED

Designs of Desire

Bound by Desire

Desires’ Guardian

Temptations of Desire

Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

Copyright

Published by

DREAMSPINNER PRESS

5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886  USA

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Temptations of Desire

© 2014 Tempeste O’Riley.

Cover Art

© 2014 Reese Dante.

www.reesedante.com

Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.

All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/.

ISBN: 978-1-62798-929-9

Digital ISBN: 978-1-62798-930-5

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014945930

First Edition September 2014

Printed in the United States of America

This paper meets the requirements of

ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (Permanence of Paper).

This story is dedicated to all those who are still searching to find a place where they fit in.

Temptations of Desire would have been impossible without the Sunshiny one, Thorny! Special thanks also to Dianne Hartsock, Rowan Jade, and Zahra Owens. You were all invaluable in helping me bring my beloved Alex and Dal to life!

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”

—William Arthur Ward

Chapter 1

ALEX NOBLEstared out his windshield as he pulled around to the back of the center and frowned. He hated not having help for deliveries like this, but since this was a personal donation, not a work-related one, he had to get along without. Of course, if his employer knew what he did every Saturday, Alex was certain he would support him, if not actually assist in some way. However, this was his gift to the center—a place he wished had existed when he was younger. Despite prejudice and the threat of limited funds, he hoped the center Cynthia Jazz and Kyle Corbin fought to build would make it.

Alex hopped out of the van, noting the teens over on the court playing three-on-three. Deciding not to interrupt their game, he opened the van’s sliding side door and started unloading items for the kitchen in the shelter part of the center. On his third trip, he was startled when a police cruiser pulled up next to his van. He hadn’t noticed any commotion, so he wondered what a cop was doing there, especially on an otherwise quiet Saturday morning.

With a shrug, Alex decided to brush off the cop’s presence and finish moving his supplies into the kitchen. Then he would begin the colossal task of creating a “home-cooked meal” for all the teens, young adults, and adults that would flow into the dining hall later that day. Gathering up the last few bags, Alex turned and shoved the sliding door shut with a nudge of one slender hip.

Again hip checking the button that would open the door without the use of his hands, Alex heard the thud and jingling of someone running up behind him. Tensing—the instinctive fear of who it was and what they wanted unnerving him completely—Alex spun around to confront the unknown person coming up on him fast. Instead of an attacker or one of the teens he had seen playing ball, it was the most gorgeous man, cop, Alex had ever laid eyes on. The stranger came to a halt in front of him.

Alex gasped, both frightened and entranced. His heart raced as he tried not to stare or shrink back. Neither option seemed wise right then.

The handsome man took a quick step backward, though, raising his hands up in a gesture Alex assumed was meant to calm. A small smile touched his lips, and what luscious lips they were. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you, but I think you’re who I’m supposed to be meeting here today.”

Alex tilted his head to the side as he took in the man before him. The sea-green eyes held such sincerity that he was intrigued, though the beefy arms, nearly half a foot in height he had on Alex, dark auburn hair, and adorable freckles dusted across his nose and upper cheeks nearly distracted him from what the man said.

“Why are you hunting for me?” Alex straightened up, trying not to let his lust show through in tone or stance. He knew most male cops were not appreciative of being hit on by other men, and he didn’t need any problems, though he was sure he could just stand there and stare for days and not get tired of gazing at the one before him.

“Are you Alex?”

An odd look passed over the cop’s chiseled face as he continued to stare. “Um, Alexander James Noble?”

“Yes, but I don’t know why I need a cop,” Alex snapped. Being rude usually wasn’t his thing, but cops worried him. In his experience, they always seemed to back the wrong people. Unbidden, his thoughts flashed back to the last time he was attacked for being gay—they let the attackers go and took him in instead. They’d released him immediately, but still….

“My name is Dal Sayer, and Mrs. Jazz wanted me to speak with you about the big dance next month. My brother and I are volunteering as security. She said you had keys and could show me the layout and such,” the cop explained, his words rushing out, his cheeks flushing lightly. Too freaking adorable!

“Oh, um, sure. Here, let me set this stuff down inside, and I’ll show you around a little.”

Alex turned and led Dal into the large stainless steel kitchen. “Cops as security? Here? What is she thinking?” he groused under his breath as he sat the last of the bags on one of the long wooden counters.

“Take it you don’t like cops much,” Dal said, an odd note in his deep, yet gentle, voice. He almost sounded sad, or maybe disappointed.

“Sorry,” Alex said, hating how easily his face flushed. Being a light-skinned black person meant it was always very obvious. “I. It. Um, never mind. Please forget I said that.” Giving Dal his best smile, he cleared his throat and tried again. “I’m glad they’re going to have security for the dance. Chaperones are great, but someone a little more butch and beefy might do well to stop any potential problems before they can even start.”

Dal’s booming laugh startled him out of his daydreams of winning such a man’s interest.

Alex realized that not only was he flirting, but he had been staring again. Quickly averting his eyes, he focused on where the keys sat and on not stumbling.

“Give me a min, ’kay?” He put the cold things away in the large industrial fridge before wiping his hands down the thighs of his dark jeans as he fought a serious case of nerves. Alex looked back up to face Dal, swallowing hard as he struggled to keep his voice even and firm. “Officer, let me show you the main areas, and then I’ll leave you to do whatever it is you need to do for party planning and security things while I get ready for later.”

“Dal, please. I’m not here in an official capacity.” The gentle curve of his sensual lips drew Alex’s eyes and held him captive until Dal cleared his throat.

“Dal.”

“Thanks, Alex.”

He simply nodded, not trusting himself not to make a fool of himself right then.

Showing Dal around didn’t take long. The large gym area they intended to use for the dance already held some of the decorations—they were all set to one side. The area had wood floors and high ceilings. Once decorated and with the music going, Alex was certain the kids would have a blast.

“The restrooms are down the hall here. You might have issues with smoking and, well, kids getting a little too friendly in there or out back. All the side rooms will be locked, so you won’t have to worry about those. Cynthia and Kyle are very strict about the kids respecting not only each other, but themselves too, so I doubt you should have too much trouble to handle.”

“Yes, she explained that, but something as simple as an ex trying to interfere with a new relationship can cause more than just hurt feelings. But don’t worry, we’re not here to cause problems or pass judgment. Rhys and I will only step in if it’s truly needed. All right?”

Alex nodded slowly. “Oh, okay.”

“I’ll have a look around and stop back by on my way out, if that works for you.”

“Cool. I’ll be, um, cooking. Bye.” Alex fled back to the kitchen, desperate to calm his heart and steady his nerves.

Once he put in his favorite mix and turned on the CD player, he got to work. Cooking always calmed him. Alex pulled out the pots, pans, and trays he would need. Setting the large mixing bowls down in his chosen baking area, he started measuring the ingredients for both cheddar-garlic biscuits and the crusty herbed garlic bread to go with the salad, pork and pot roasts, and various veggie dishes he planned for the day’s meal. After placing the tea towels over the bowls and setting them aside to rise, Alex cleaned up and headed toward the fridge to pull out the roasts. Each one got a dry rub before he put them back in the refrigerator to wait. He then danced over to the sink, washing his hands again, before heading for the baskets of fresh carrots, asparagus, onions, potatoes, greens, apples, and portabellas he’d brought.

A deep chuckle brought Alex out of his dancing and chopping. He spun around with a soft gasp, dropping the knife on the counter in the process, to find Dal, arms folded across his chest, resting against the doorframe, smirking at him. “Oh, no-no. Please don’t hold back on my account!”

Confused by the mix of lust and mortification running through him, Alex gaped at Dal. Snapping his mouth shut, he squinted his eyes, hands going to his slender hips. He huffed. “It’s my kitchen, and I can dance if I wanna.”

“Yes, you certainly may.” Dal winked and chuckled again. “I didn’t mean to disturb you. Just wanted to let you know I was done and heading out.”

“Oh,” Alex sighed, completely captivated by the sweet smile Dal was giving him. “Thank you. Did you find everything you needed?” Alex smiled, hoping it appeared flirtatious instead of nervous.

“I think I just might have,” Dal replied, voice deepening, eyes not moving from Alex’s.

Somehow the heat in that green stare made Alex wonder if there might be more to the simple statement than the specific words implied.

“Good. I’m glad, Officer.”

“Dal, please. And thank you, Alex.”

“Dal,” he barely got out. It sounded more like a whisper than anything. “You, you’re welcome.”

Dal opened his mouth to speak again, but the radio on his shoulder crackled to life, effectively cutting him off. He motioned Alex to keep quiet while he answered. Alex watched, fascinated at the change from shy, possibly flirting man to towering powerhouse as Dal became Officer Sayer in front of him. Alex bit his bottom lip, thinking unsexy thoughts to try to stave off his erection thanks to how hot Dal, both as a sexy man and delicious officer, made him.

Pulled out of his thoughts when Dal cleared this throat, Alex watched the sexy cop again. “I’ve got to go for now, Alex, but thanks for the tour. I hope to see you again. Soon,” Dal called to Alex as he looked back at him before hustling out the door.

Alex stood there staring at the spot where his fantasy man had just been, wishing he knew the man better or had some way to know how to run into him again.

Well, he thought, there’s always the dance….

“DAMMIT, DAL, what’s up with you today?” Rhys snapped at him. “You’ve lost count. Again.”

They were at the gym, and he knew he was supposed to be counting his reps while his big brother spotted him, but the most beautiful amber—flecked with small chips of gold and green—eyes he’d ever seen kept floating in front of him. Dal had always liked guys that were shorter, though he didn’t usually go for the more waif-like twinks like his brother. But then, he liked the delicate curves of a woman too—something his brother had never been interested in. Still, he needed to concentrate!

“Sorry. Maybe we should move on. I’m just not feeling it today.”

Rhys stared at him for a long moment. Dal knew he was being examined, but there was no way, he hoped, Rhys could know who had his mind and libido so distracted.

“How ’bout we call it a day and go grab a couple a beers?”

“Sure.” He flashed a grin as he sat up, grabbed his towel, and began wiping down the bench before standing and heading to clean up and change.

“Then you can tell me who’s got you all in a twist,” Rhys added once they were in the shower area, smirking as he dodged the towel Dal snapped at him.

“You know, you’re worse than mom with the gossip and busybody routine.” Dal grabbed his shower kit and walked off before Rhys could retaliate, as he was apt to do.

Once both men were clean and dressed, they headed to where their bikes were parked. Rhys’s black and chrome Harley Softail and his red Ducati Diavel stood out in a sea of generic cars and trucks in the parking lot.

“Meet me at Flanagan’s?”

Dal knew this was going to be unpleasant, but nodded and dutifully straddled his bike before heading out to their favorite pub on this side of town—probably in the entire metro area if he were honest.

By the time he arrived and got up the courage to go inside, Rhys had already grabbed two mugs of beer—Guinness for himself and a Murphy’s Stout for Dal—and snagged a corner booth. The grin he flashed told Dal just how serious his brother was about him spilling what was on his mind. He rolled his eyes, making sure Rhys saw him, and huffed as he flopped down on the other side of the booth.

“So dignified, Dal,” Rhys grumbled but smiled. “Now, take a couple a good pulls on your beer and tell me what’s got you so out of sorts. I haven’t seen you like this since….” Rhys bit the cuticle of his right thumb, seemingly lost in thought.

Taking a hearty gulp of his stout, Dal tried to think of a way to distract Rhys. “Ha, you just want to play yenta since your love life is so wonky right now. How is Chase, anyhow?”

Rhys’s green slit-eyed stare landed on him with a near-physical push. “I have no idea how Chase is. He works for me. Period.” Flexing his left hand repeatedly, Rhys stared down at his drink with what Dal knew was confusion and hurt.

He shouldn’t have asked that. He knew better. “Sorry, Rhys. That was low, even for me.”

Rhys looked up. His eyes seemed to clear as a small smile tugged at his lips. “It’s okay. But seriously. What’s really going on with you? Who is she? Or is it a he?” The last question came out so softly Dal barely heard it over the noise of the other patrons.

Dal looked his brother over a moment but decided that fighting with him over it wasn’t worth the headache, and well, he could use some advice. Maybe.

Dal lowered his gaze to the tabletop and breathed a deep sigh before he met Rhys’s eyes again. “His name is Alex. We’ve had roughly five minutes worth of conversation, most of which was about the upcoming dance you and I offered to bounce for. He’s, well, I don’t know what he is to the center. He was cooking when I was there, so I guess a cook or chef of some kind.”

“And by the soft tone of your voice and the glassy eyes, I’d say you’re smitten with him.” Rhys waited until Dal gave one tight nod to continue. “So, do you know anything about him? What’s he like? Do you want me to check him out?”

Dal’s head snapped up, glowering, or he hoped it was a death glare anyway. “You have enough man trouble, don’t you dare go hitting on Alex.” Dal could hear the growl in his voice but couldn’t care less. “He’s sweet and shy and has the most captivating amber eyes I’ve ever seen. His skin is so smooth it begs to be touched and is the most beautiful creamy cappuccino-like color.”

One side of Rhys’s lips turned up into a smirk. “So, he’s a pretty boy?”

“Yes. No. Ugh! Yes, he’s pretty, almost feminine in a way, yet all man at the same time. He’s the kind of person who would be beautiful and sexy either way, but he’s not like the kind of guys you usually go for and, just, you leave him alone.”

At that, Rhys let out a belly laugh the likes of which Dal hadn’t heard from his brother in a while. Not in a year or more, probably. “Don’t worry, I would never try to poach. You know better than that, little brother. But, what are you going to do about this Alex of yours?”

Dal couldn’t tell whether Rhys’s tone or the Cheshire cat grin plastered across his face annoyed him more, but he had no freakin’ clue what to do, so he settled for scowling at his brother. Not that it seemed to have any effect. Criminals, troubled teens, guys sitting in interrogation…. Sure, his “look” worked fine on them, but his brother? Nope! Besides, he hated the self-righteous look he was getting right then.

Finally, Rhys stopped grinning at him. “Fine, Dal, but I haven’t seen you interested in much of anyone in a long time. Not girl or guy, so yeah, if this guy is able to bring out your protective side like this after only five minutes, I’m going to say ‘hell yeah,’ go for it!”

“Rhys, I know nothing about him. I don’t think he likes cops much, considering he was initially hostile. I think that was more fear than anything, though, really, but no—” he grabbed Rhys’s free hand “—I do not want you to investigate him. Promise me, Rhys.”

Rhys waited a moment before grumbling but nodded his agreement.

Chapter 2

DALSTAREDat himself in the mirror, wondering what the hell was wrong with him. He’d actually agreed to go out to one of the clubs with a couple of his buddies—that part wasn’t so weird really, but the fact they were going to one of the loudest, most popular gay clubs in town was what had him all twisted up inside.

He was bi. He knew that. Most, if not all, of his friends knew it too, though he didn’t exactly advertise his preferences. But he didn’t usually go to gay clubs either. He rarely sought a trick or one “weekend” stand even, though it’s what he knew he would find if he danced and flirted at the club. Not that he never did the trick thing, he just hated how he felt later—lonely, unsatisfied. What he really wanted to do was find the courage to ask the sexy chef, Alex, out for a proper date. He had chickened out both times he had started to drive over to the center since they’d met. He wasn’t even sure when Alex would be there, but the overwhelming draw of the beautiful man refused to let him go.

Dal smoothed the tight dark green spandex T-shirt down, tucking it into his low-rise black jeans, buttoning and buckling them. He stood debating if he should leave the five o’clock shadow on his jaw or if he should shave when the buzz of his intercom went off, startling him. He pressed the button, and David’s voice came through. “You ’bout ready ta go? We want to get there before all the cute guys are taken.”

“Yeah, yeah, keep your knickers on. I’ll be right down,” Dal replied. He quickly grabbed his keys and wallet. After a moment’s thought, he sprinted to his nightstand and grabbed a couple of condoms and a travel packet of lube—just in case. After shoving everything into his pockets, he hurried down to meet David and Sammy.

“Oh damn!” Sammy slid a hand down Dal’s chest to pat his abs. “Don’t you look yummy. Does this mean you’ll actually consider hooking up tonight?” His eyes were lined, heavier on top, making his bright blue eyes seem even bigger and brighter than normal—Dal was sure that was the whole point but couldn’t imagine ever doing that to his own eyes. Just the thought of a pencil near his eyes made him want to squint and his eyes water.

“Don’t get your hopes up, Sam.” At Sammy’s affected pout, he smiled and explained, “I just need to get out of my apartment and do something fun.”

“What’s more fun than a little strings-free sex?” David asked, batting his lashes as he smirked at Dal.

Dal rolled his eyes as he shooed his friend out the door. “Yeah, yeah. Now who’s driving?”

“You are going to drink with us, officer, so we needed a DD. So we’re cabbing it, man.”

Before Dal could say anything else, Sammy grabbed one arm and David the other. Together they dragged him over to the idling cab waiting at the curb, practically manhandling him into the backseat.

DALLOOKEDup at the door to the club, freezing on the sidewalk for a moment. “Why am I doing this, again?” he whispered to himself, trying to figure out why he was so jumpy. Before he lost his nerve, Dal took a deep breath and followed his friends into the club.

The first thing that hit him was the loud, driving music. The second was the mass of writhing bodies on the dance floor, moving as if mating with their clothes on. This was the part that always got him in trouble; he never could resist a sexy man on the dance floor.

Tearing his eyes away, Dal headed with Sammy and David over to the bar to grab a beer before heading for the tables nearby.

Once the three men settled down, Sammy gestured wildly to the masses and smiled. “So, see anything tasty tonight, my man?”

“Oh, oh!” David squealed. “Look at that one,” he continued loudly, gesturing to a rather tall, muscular man who was staring their way. “Isn’t he delish?” The sigh that followed from both David and Sammy had Dal chuckling. They were so predictable in their tastes, having even shared a few conquests over the years thanks to how similar their tastes ran.

“I’m gonna go see if I can’t dance with him. See you ladies later.” Before Sammy or Dal could say anything, David was gone.

“Damn, he always spots the best ones first.” Sammy fake pouted. “Come on out to the floor with me, Dal?”

“Naw, you go dance and see if you can’t reel in some sexy cutie for yourself. I’m fine here.”

This time the pout aimed at Dal was real. He knew it but refused to budge.

“Oh fine!” Sammy snapped. “Be that way. I’m going to have some fun. You just sit here and be lonely, then.”

Dal grinned as he watched his two friends out on the dance floor, both quickly surrounded by all types of men—tall, short, thin, chubby, dark, light—but no one managed to catch his eye. He continued to watch, enjoying the show and music, through a couple more beers before seeing anyone that attracted him. The club chosen drew all kinds of people: gay, lesbian, bi, drag queens, and more. However, the vision in front of him was breathtaking. She wasn’t all that tall compared to the men around her, but she didn’t seem overly short either. He couldn’t get a good grasp of her height from such a distance. Her long chocolate brown hair was in spirals cascading down her back, stopping just above the most perfect ass he had ever seen. A shot of lust flashed through him, robbing him of breath and thought for a moment. Dal eagerly watched as she chatted animatedly with someone, her long thin hands gesturing wildly before she leaned in and pecked the man’s stubbly chin.

As she turned, he could see more of her face and body, and was stunned. She was simply magnificent. Alluring, somewhat androgynous, with high cheekbones and flawless, pale cappuccino-colored skin. Not overly curvy but so sensual in movement that his dick was painfully hard in the tight jeans he wore even as he tried to place her. Something about her seemed familiar, but he couldn’t think of any women or queens he knew who looked like her.

The tight flowing pants and open-neck wrap blouse accented what curves she had and made him want to go introduce himself, but he hesitated, knowing that if she was really a woman, she was probably not looking for a man. Not at a gay nightclub. Still, he couldn’t tear his eyes away or get his libido to calm.

After watching her for a while, he decided to get up and make his way over to her. What’s the worst that could happen, right? She says “No, thanks”? He had to meet her, though. As he maneuvered over to the woman, others kept pushing into his path, or grabbing him—well, his ass at least.

Before he could make it across the room to where his mystery woman had been, she disappeared. When he turned around to go back to the table, he saw her again, but this time she sashayed over near where he had originally been seated. She was making exaggerated gestures as she talked to a man he didn’t know and to David! Dal charged back to where his friend was, hoping to catch the woman before she vanished again, but missed her. Again!

“Where’d she go, David?” Dal bellowed, both in frustration and to be heard over the driving music. “The woman you were just talking to, where’d she go?”

“Dammit. Sammy and I brought you to a gay club for you to pick up a man, not for you to chase after some damn chick!” David snapped. “You can do that on your own time.”

“David!”

“She left, all right? She asked about the guy with me earlier—no, the cop with me earlier—and when I pointed you out, she took off. Weirdest thing too, as I thought she wanted to hook up with you the way she talked, but then suddenly split. Hey, what’s with you and flighty peeps, man?”

“Damn, damn, damn! And she looked so familiar too. Don’t suppose you caught her name?” Dal asked, doubtfully. He knew how often David asked for names…. Damn near never.

David shrugged then smiled. “But hey, I’m sure we can find someone to keep you company.”

Suddenly depressed, Dal went over and flopped down in the chair he had been in before, honestly surprised it was still open with the large crowd. With one large hand, he waved David back to the floor. “Naw, you go have fun. I think I’ll just people watch for a bit, man. Thanks, though,” he added, a weak smile accompanying his words.

“Your loss, man,” David said before clapping Dal on the shoulder, then heading back out to dance. It only took a moment before Dal lost him in the writhing mass of dancers.

As he stared out into the crowd, his mind wandered back to the woman, the woman who knew he was a cop and ran before he could make his way back to her. Knowing his mood wouldn’t improve anyway, he gestured to a passing waitress and ordered a double whiskey and another beer.

“ALEX!”

Alex set down his paring knife and slowly turned to face his employer, Mr. Dalton Harrison III. “Yes, sir?”

“Did you hear one word I said? Are you not feeling well?” The way Mr. Harrison’s emotions flashed across his face embarrassed Alex even more. He hated to worry people, especially his employer.

“No, sir. And yes, I was just distracted, my apologies.”

“Oh, stop apologizing, Alex. I am not angry or upset with you. I needed you to know that my dinner plans have changed. Seth Burns and his partner will be joining me this evening. Please make sure the Dalmore whisky is available for drinks. And wine, of course.”

Alex smiled to himself. “Yes, sir. Everything will be ready.”

“Good, now, do you want to tell me what had you so distracted?” The fatherly smile on Mr. Harrison’s face made him open his mouth before he’d even thought about what to say.

“N-no, Mr. Harrison. It’s nothing for you to worry about,” he quickly added.

“Dalton, please.” He sighed then grumbled, “You have worked for me for five years, and yet you won’t call me Dalton.” He moved over to one of the kitchen stools and sat, giving Alex the look he hated most. The one that always broke him when he didn’t want to talk about something.

“Don’t. Please, Dalton. I’m fine, and your dinner will be delicious, as always.”

“Of that, I have no doubt. But that doesn’t tell me what’s wrong—” Dalton looked him over carefully, then continued. “—son. You are not some servant to be brushed off and hidden away. Now, tell me what’s put that look on your normally sweet face.”

Alex closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before deciding it would be best simply to answer the man. Never managed to hold out against him before, so why bother trying now?

“I almost bumped into someone at the club last night. Someone who….” He trailed off, not sure how to explain things to Dalton. His employer had never had an issue with his quirks, a fact he thanked the stars for every day. However, he seriously doubted Dalton would understand his fleeing the man he desperately wanted. Hell, he wasn’t sure he could explain it to himself.

“Someone threatened you?” Alex could hear the question in the words, but the harshness took him aback momentarily. “They didn’t hurt you, did they? I won’t stand for that!”

“No, no. I’m not hurt.” At the raised eyebrow, Alex rushed to explain. “I promise. The guy in question never got anywhere near me. It’s just, I… I ran before he could figure out it was me.” He looked at Dalton, begging with his eyes for him to understand and not push more.

“Oh. Oh! This is someone you are interested in? Why run?”

“I was dressed, um, well—”

“Feminine? And you fear he wouldn’t accept you as you really are?” At Alex’s nod, Dalton continued. “Oh, sweet boy, if he’s worth anything at all, he will embrace all of you, regardless of how you feel or present yourself at the time.”

Alex knew he was blushing. He could feel the warmth creeping up his cheeks and down his throat, but he was determined to get through this conversation in one piece. “I know that, in theory, but finding a man to embrace my fluidity of gender is not as easy as you seem to think. Though, Kai agrees with you,” he added with a small grin. His best friend was constantly trying to get him to date. Of course, he had also been the jerk who convinced him to go out last night and almost got him caught by the hottie cop.

“The sigh is cute, Alex. You’re thinking of this guy again, aren’t you?”

I sighed? “Yes, but he’s a cop and not likely to risk his career and reputation on someone like me. Now, can we please get back to the plans for tonight? I need to get to work if I’m going to make you look fabulous to your guests, ya know.”

Dalton raised his eyebrows as a devilish grin spread across his face. “I know it will be, because you would never serve anything less than divine. Nevertheless, I still worry about you. You are not just my employee. We’re friends too. Aren’t we?”

Unable to help himself, Alex smiled and laughed. “Yes, we are, you crazy old man. Now get outta my kitchen so I can create something to delight your taste buds and impress your rich friends.”

Once he was alone again in the kitchen of the high-end loft his employer lived in, he released an explosive breath. He knew men who were okay with his dressing fem at times, but they either didn’t interest him or had issues with his not being trans or a drag queen—a strange fact he never managed to figure out.

Letting his mind wander, Alex thought back to the night before as he began his basic prep work. When Kai had invited him out, it had seemed like a good idea. Little had he known the hottie with a badge would show up at the club too. He had panicked when he had seen Dal staring at him from across the dance floor.

“Oh my God, Kai! He’s here!” Alex swallowed hard, trying to not scream or cringe.

“Who’s here, Lexie?” Kai looked at him as if he was crazy, but he knew what he’d seen, or rather whom.

“The cop I told you about,” he snapped. Who else would he be freaking out about seeing at a gay bar? Seriously! “He’s over there,” he continued, gesticulating wildly in Dal’s direction. “He’s staring at me, Kai. What if he—”

“Likes you? Why wouldn’t he?” Kai gave him his patented smirk, the one he usually found endearing but now only wanted to smack off his face. Hard!

“He’s a cop, Kai! Cops and gay and how I’m dressed do not mix. Remember what happened last time I was dressed like this and the cops were involved?” His mind again flashed to the asshats who had tried to jump him and the cops who accused him of public disturbance and of “asking for it.”

“Dude, not all cops are like those guys, and I heard one of them is in jail now himself, so don’t stress the cop thing.”

Alex took a long look up and down Kai, noting again how tall and strong he was. Kai was around six six, with a swimmer’s build and the most wicked hazel eyes he’d ever seen on a human being. He truly was a man’s man. “If I looked like you, maybe. But, God!”

“You know, there are guys out there who like pretty boys, ones who think how you dress is hot, right?”

“Yeah, well, tonight is not the night I show him the real me, Kai. I think I’m going to head out now. ’Kay?”

Kai gave him a small smile but agreed. Leaning in, Alex gave him a peck on the cheek before turning and heading around the dance floor, hoping not to intercept Dal. The entire time, berating himself for dressing how he felt instead of how society expected him to.