Round and Round (26 page)

“Am I hurting you?” Angus asked without moving to get up.

“No. I like it.” Kevin stroked the back of Angus’s head and closed his eyes. Being held and loved felt amazing, and he didn’t want it to end for anything.

“You’ve been staying here for the better part of two weeks. Are you sure you want to get an apartment?” Angus whispered in his ear. “You could stay here with me.”

“I can’t. We need to take things a little slow for a little while.” Kevin stroked Angus’s cheeks. “My new apartment is just a few blocks away, and we’ll see each other whenever you’re off shift. But I need the chance to put my life back together after all that’s happened, and I need to be independent to do it. So much has happened and there is so much I want to do.” Kevin sighed when Angus backed away. “It isn’t that I don’t love you. I do. But I need a chance to get my feet under me again.”

“I see.”

“No, you don’t. I’m not pushing you away, not for a second, and don’t think I am. I need to be myself again so I can be a proper part of us.” Kevin sat up and kissed him. “I’m asking for a little time.”

“I can do that,” Angus said, his expression unreadable. “I suppose it’s too early. But I’m selfish and I want you here. I love having you in my bed.” Angus took care of the condom and then lay down on the bed. Kevin curled around him, a sticky mess and not caring in the least. “You know, you’re the first guy I’ve slept with all night where fucking wasn’t involved,” Angus said.

“You’ve never slept with someone before just because it was nice?”

“Only you, and you’re the only one I want to,” Angus told him, which pleased Kevin no end. “But I’ll give you all the time you need.” Angus put his arms around Kevin, gently stroking up and down his side. It was nice, soothing, the rhythmic caresses relaxing Kevin half to sleep. “I know what’s important. I didn’t before I met you, but I do now.”

“I think I do too,” Kevin breathed. He’d been so broken up about Ken, but Ken had left as soon as something better came along.

“I won’t leave unless you tell me to go,” Angus said softly. “That I can promise you.”

“I know,” Kevin whispered as his eyelids got heavier and heavier. “And I’m the same.”

“Good,” Angus said and held him a little tighter as Kevin drifted off to sleep.

February

“COME ON,
we’re going to be late. We spent too much time at the firehouse,” Kevin said nervously. He knew he shouldn’t have scheduled the initial run-through of the fire-simulator program today. There was too much going on. “Sorry to rush.”

“I know. But they loved the program at the station and wanted to spend more time with it. That’s good, right?”

“Of course it is, but I’m nervous enough tonight.” He had spent a lot of his extra time working with Angus and Zach on the program, and he was thrilled the firefighters liked it. They also offered great suggestions, which he wanted to incorporate before the next run-through. Still, it was lot in one day. “I have your long coat. It’s really cold outside, and I don’t want any of the special parts to freeze off.” He waited in the living room—their living room as of a month ago—for Angus to join him.

“Do I look okay?” Angus said as he came in the room, and Kevin forgot his own name.

He dropped Angus’s coat over the back of the sofa. “We’re not going,” he pronounced. “No way, no how.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Angus walked over to the nearest mirror.

“Nothing. I’m going to have to stand guard over you with every guy in the place.” Kevin wanted to pull off his tuxedo and lead Angus back to what was now their bedroom to slowly take off everything Angus was wearing—except the kilt, of course. That was staying right where it was. Kevin figured he could use it like reins while he rode Angus to bliss.

Angus chuckled. “No one is going to see me once they get a look at your handsomeness.” He strode over to him and tugged Kevin into a kiss. “Janice is counting on both of us. And you’re the master of ceremonies for this evening, so if you don’t show….”

“I know, but damn, you’re edible.”

“So are you,” Angus told him, which made Kevin smile. He knew he wasn’t as good-looking as Angus, but hearing and seeing that Angus only had eyes for him always had him walking on cloud nine. “Now let’s go, sweetheart.” Angus retrieved his coat and put it on while Kevin did the same. Then they left the house and walked down the stairs to the car.

As they rode, Kevin couldn’t help running his hand up Angus’s bare leg. When Angus growled for the third time, he pulled his hand away and let the man drive in peace… for now.

To say Angus was stunning was putting it mildly. The red and blue tartan plaid looked amazing, as did his white shirt and the socks that hugged Angus’s meaty calves. Of course the best parts were underneath all that, and God help anyone who tried to grab a peek. Kevin was definitely prepared to claw eyes out if necessary.

“Calm down, sweetheart. No one is going to touch what’s yours.” Angus patted his leg. “Just remember that tonight you’re doing something pretty special and helping people who need it. That’s why we’re there.” Angus parked and they got out of the car. As soon as it was locked, Angus joined him on the sidewalk and took his hand.

Searchlights filled the sky outside the brand-new Bronco’s, with its huge neon sign and laser projectors that made patterns on the building and sidewalk outside the door. The body of the arsonist had been found in the ruins of the club, outside the office area. Bull and Harry had decided to rebuild after the fire and to make the club better than ever. Lighting, sound—everything was state of the art. Angus had been brought in to help design the fire-suppression systems, and Zach and Kevin had designed a custom video and camera system that could project not only images, but could turn the crowd into cartoons and even create a custom comic book of the evening.

Janice met them at the door, looking stunning in a cashmere coat. “This looks amazing.”

“The official opening is tomorrow night,” Kevin said as they approached. He reached out to shake her hand but was tugged into a hug instead. Then Angus gallantly kissed her cheek. “But they agreed to let us have the club for the benefit tonight. Would you like a tour?” Kevin asked as they passed inside. Angus took their coats, and Janice took Kevin’s arm as he led her through.

“What is all that?”

“Lasers. They can project images onto smoke or the ceiling of the club. The video screens can also play videos, or they can be linked together so images seem to move around the club. There are cameras in the two corners of the room that take special images that are turned into computer caricatures. They can be inserted into a comic-book sequence that people can buy if they want.”

Janice looked around the space, which was a full story higher than the old club had been. “What’s the catwalk for?”

“It can be raised to the ceiling or lowered to become like a stage for dancers and things.” It was where the strippers would perform and go-go boys would dance, but he figured he didn’t need to go into that much detail. “Also, when it’s raised, security can watch the crowd from there to keep everyone safe.”

“We’re not having the auction from up there, are we?” Janice asked.

“No,” Kevin giggled. “We don’t want to give away the goods for free. The stage area over there is where we’ll hold the auction, but I do have dancers who will be using the catwalk. Advance tickets sold out a week ago, and we’ll be selling tickets at the door tonight.” At almost twice the price, and given that the website had been pegged, he expected people to start lining up soon. “It’s a cash bar.”

Angus tapped him on the shoulder. “I’m going to check on the waitstaff. Let me take your coats into the back,” he said, and he leaned in to kiss Kevin. “I’ll be back.”

Kevin watched him go and swallowed hard.

“I know just how you feel,” Janice said from next to him. “That’s one stunning man, with a heart of gold.”

“Yeah, he is.” Kevin pulled his attention back to Janice. “As Angus said, we’ll have waiters passing hors d’oeuvres for most of the evening. They aren’t going to be shirtless, but they’ll be sleeveless, to show a hint of muscle.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“We got all the food donated, and bar proceeds will go to the charity as well.”

“Hi, Janice,” Zach said as he hurried up with Tristan and Jeremy.

“You’ve all done an amazing job. How can I thank you?”

“You helped Kevin when he needed it. That’s thanks enough,” Zach said. “There are local news trucks outside. You two should go out there and talk to them. Bull will be right out to join you.”

Kevin wasn’t so sure how he felt about being on the news, but Janice took his arm. “Come on, young man, let’s make your television debut.” She led him toward the door, and Bull joined them. Once outside, Kevin was thankful that they wanted to talk to Janice and Bull primarily. He said a few words and let the others do most of the talking. When it was over, he was shocked at the size of the crowd waiting to get in. The word was obviously out, with a lot of the men in line wearing kilts.

“What will we do with all these people?” Janice whispered as they went back inside.

“Bull and his team will manage the front door. They’re really good at that. As people leave for the evening, others will be let in once we reach capacity.” Kevin was so excited he could hardly stay still. Angus returned, and Kevin excused himself. Janice smiled and nodded, continuing to look around.

“We’re going to open the doors soon and start letting people with tickets in. Is there anything else you need?” Bull asked.

“If you’re ready, then we are too,” Kevin said. Angus joined them and handed Kevin a drink. He downed it, the warmth spreading through him.

“Feeling better?” Angus asked, and Kevin nodded and handed the glass to one of the bartenders. Angus immediately took him into his arms and held him close. “Everything is going to be great. You’ve done an amazing job with this.” Angus kissed him as the music started and lights began to flash. “I’m so proud of you.”

Kevin moved closer, and Angus looked up. Suddenly the music shifted, slowing, and Angus began to move, propelling him slowly around the floor. As they moved, Kevin saw Zach drag Bull out onto the floor. Soon Jeremy brought Lowell, and Harry joined them with Tristan, the eight of them dancing together. Kevin kept glancing around, enjoying the fact that each of his friends had found love.

Angus touched his chin, and Kevin centered his attention on the man who filled his heart. For a few minutes there was just the two of them, moving and dancing on the nearly empty floor. “God, I love you,” Angus whispered. “You make each day special and never stop amazing me with your talent.” Kevin blushed and then blinked at the intensity in Angus’s deep cobalt eyes. They stopped moving, and Angus leaned in to kiss him. They got lost in the kiss until the music stopped and silence settled around them.

“I love you too,” Kevin said as he heard similar whispers around him. The club remained silent for a few seconds as they all basked in the glow of their happiness. Kevin could feel it like a warm hand on his shoulder.

Then he heard a door open and close and saw the waiters fan out through the room. It was time to open the club and start the next chapter in their lives, and as long as he had Angus, Kevin knew he’d be ready for whatever came next.

Bronco’s Boys: Book One

Former mercenary Bull Krebbs now heads up security at his nightclub in Harrisburg, PA. Working the door night after night, he’s seen it all. Though tough on the outside, he’s a little hurt that people find him unapproachable. Then he pulls a cute twink out of line to perform a random search, and he’s surprised when the guy giggles and squirms.

Zach Spencer, graphic artist, twink, and seriously ticklish, isn’t intimidated by Bull. He’s in awe, and when Bull saves Zach from being trampled on the dance floor, Zach finds his inspiration for the superhero in his graphic novel.

Soon Zach wants more and makes his move by asking Bull on a date. Though small, he has a backbone of steel. He’ll need it—their happily ever after is thwarted at every turn, including by Bull’s interloping mother showing up unannounced and enemies from Bull’s past threatening to pull him to the other side of the world.