Last month I posted part one of A Kind of Beginning, my new short story featuring Rand and Will from A Kind of Truth and Benny from my newest release, A Kind of Romance. I was in San Francisco attending my son’s college graduation that weekend and I remember having high hopes to have all three parts ready to go. Alas… real life intervened. For those of you who missed parts 2 & 3 or perhaps missed the entire short, today is your lucky day! LOL. Here is the short story in its entirety. There are no spoilers here, but fair warning… part 2 is NSFW. 😉 Enjoy!

Lane Hayes xo

A Kind of Beginning – Short Story

Rand’s POV-

There was a cheerful vibe in Bowery Bagels that didn’t quite mesh with an average Monday morning. I supposed George’s sunny disposition made it feel that way most days. Today the heightened joyful air radiated around the small store, making me grin at every silly joke my employer told as I slathered cream cheese on toasted bagels before handing them off to George’s grateful customers. I snuck a peek at my watch. Nine fifteen. Fuck. I still had forty-five minutes till I was off. Happy joyous mood or not, I wanted out. I had a million things on my mind and none of them included bagels.

“Hey Rand, I’ll take a cheddar bagel with jalapeño cream cheese, lightly toasted. Oh… and be snappy about it.”

I glanced up at the grinning asshole on the opposite side of counter and flashed him my middle finger, making sure it was for his eyes only. Tim snickered then reached over to squeeze my cheek. I caught his wrist and twisted it hard enough to make him yelp.

“Knock it off. Why are you up so early? And better question… why are you here?”

“We need to talk. Have you looked at your phone?” he asked, pulling out his wallet.

“Put that away. It’s on me. And no, I’m working. Professional bagel masters do not fool around on their cellular devices when there’s toasting and cream cheese application to be done.” I shook my head in mock despair as I handed Tim’s order to Filipe to handle. “I worry about you. How are you ever gonna make it in the world, Timmy?”

“Ha fucking ha. I don’t know. What I do know is it’s time to grow up and move on, Rand. I know you love George, but it’s time to quit your part-time gig here and focus one hundred percent on your real one.”

“Thanks Dad, I’ll keep that in mind.” I snarked as I stole a quick glance behind my friend to gage the incoming stream of traffic.

George was holding court at the front of the store with a couple of old-timer and Jason was ringing up a family who’d just finished telling George they were visiting the Big Apple by way of Pittsburgh. The bagel rush was finally slowing down and if the day progressed as per usual, it would be this way until lunchtime. I’d be long gone by then, I mused. Thank God.

“Please do. I’m here because Mike called this morning at the crack of dawn…also known as eight-thirty in the morning, to let us know “Do It Like This” just hit number ten.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

We stared at each other for a long moment. This was huge. Astronomically huge. I had no doubt Tim checked our manager’s claim before he braved the cool windy April morning to tell me the news. This was our third single to break the top ten since our debut album was released six months ago. The building momentum couldn’t be ignored. Something special was happening here. Spiral was on the brink of making it big time.

If that was true, Tim was right. It was time to quit my part-time job at Bowery Bagels. I loved George, but I didn’t need the extra money or the diversion like I had when I first arrived in Manhattan a year and a half ago with a bassist, a drummer and a long shot dream to take our band, Spiral, to the top. Everything was different now. I had a boyfriend I loved, an incredible condo in the city and more money by my standards than I knew what to do with. My effort to keep perspective and not get ahead of myself by working for George and concentrating on the music had worked. Maybe. Or maybe I had Will to thank for that.

“You’re serious?” I whispered.

“I would joke about a lot of things, but not this. Congrats, man,” he said with a slow wicked grin.

“Right back atcha.”

I skirted the counter and yanked his elbow to pull him into a bear hug. He muttered my name into my shirt and smacked my arm, but I didn’t let go until he stomped on my foot and then punched my bicep. Hard.

“Back off, asshole.” Tim’s glower wasn’t particularly fierce.

He was a good-natured guy even on a bad day, but today his blue eyes sparked with a joy he couldn’t hide. And while his navy V-neck sweater, dark jeans and short dark blonde hair made him look more like one of Will’s classmates at NYU, the man was a talented drummer who’d worked his ass off to make Spiral a success too.

“Ow,” I complained, rubbing my arm theatrically.

“Boys! What’s going on here? I have four sons who may all be grown men now, but I remember how to sort out troublemakers,” George said, waving good-bye to his customer before toddling toward us.

George was a short, heavyset, balding man in his early seventies. He was a New York City legend, as renowned for his for his friendly service as he was for his savory bagels. Three of his four sons helped run the family owned business now. This store on Bowery was the original. And it was George’s pride and joy. Much like Spiral was mine, I mused.

Nonetheless, I didn’t know how to quit this guy. He’d taken me under his wing and offered counsel and guidance when I needed it most. He’d been unfailingly kind and supportive. I had to think of the nicest way to give my notice and somehow let him know how grateful I was to him. I swallowed, feeling suddenly overwhelmed. Now wasn’t the time. I felt oddly emotional. Onstage that was normal. In a bagel shop… not so much. I’d talk to Will first. He’d know what to do. I grinned at my boss and opened my mouth to make a smartass comment about Tim disturbing the peace, but something else entirely popped out instead.

“I quit.” Oops.

I swallowed hard and tried again, hopefully with more polish. George frowned and pointed his finger at me. I heard Tim’s “smooth, Rand”, but I kept my gaze on my confused looking boss. Actually, he didn’t look confused for long. A myriad of funny expressions flitted across his face. The last one was my favorite though… pride. He lunged for me, pulling my six foot two self against him in a hug that rivaled the one I’d given Tim earlier. When he finally released me, he shook Tim’s hand profusely and then ushered us toward a vacant table.

“Congratulations! Tell me everything. Don’t leave out a thing! Your parents must be so proud,” he gushed.

I shot a bemused glance at Tim but recovered quickly. “Thank you, Mr. G. I don’t really know how this works now but we heard our label is sending us on tour—”

“To Europe,” Tim supplied.
“What?” George and I asked in stereo.

“If you picked up your phone or listened to your messages, you’d know. We’re leaving at the end of May. First stop London. There are a few local shows and radio appearances coming up too. We need this guy twenty-four seven now,” Tim said in a serious tone to my boss. I wanted to roll my eyes, but hell… it was true.

“I knew your band was doing well. It was only a matter of time before this day came. Ezekiel, was telling me the other day he couldn’t believe you still worked here. He said your songs are on the radio every hour on the hour. This is very exciting. Very exciting indeed.”

“Yeah, but—I don’t want to leave you hanging. I can stay until you find someone to cover the early shift.” I winced when Tim kicked me hard under the table and mouthed “no you can’t”.

“Nonsense! I’m afraid you’re not easily replaced, but don’t worry about bagels. You’ve got other things to think about now.” Mr. G patted my hand reassuringly. “Go on now. You’re done with your morning here and I’m sure you’ll want to tell William your good news.”

I nodded, feeling strangely overwhelmed. Cutting ties at Bowery Bagels was symbolic. The end of a chapter and the beginning of something new.

“You’re right. I need to get going, but I’ll be in to work Thursday morning and hey—maybe I’ll find a replacement for you before then!”

George smiled kindly. “You’re a good man, Randall. A good soul. You’ll do great things one day. I can tell.”

 

Celebrations with Will invariably led to the bedroom. Nah, that wasn’t true. Sometimes they led to sex in the kitchen, in the shower or on the sofa. Today I didn’t care where or how, I only knew I needed to see him. I needed to connect with the piece of me that only belonged to him. If I could do it naked and writhing with him… even better. He didn’t pick up his cell or answer my text, but I figured he was probably too immersed in his music to look at it. I heaved in exasperation before calling Ed, our contact at Suite Dog Records, to get his take. He was so excited, I could barely get a word in edgewise.

“This is nutsville, man! Totally nuts! I’ve got to assign a team to get things organized for your tour. Cammy is taking over your PR work. She’s doing a great job and—”

“She is. It’s all incredible. I agree, but I…” I stopped at the corner of Bowery and 3^rd and gazed unseeing at the traffic moving uptown. I didn’t know how to formulate my question without sounding needy. Or insecure. Neither were attractive attributes. However, there wasn’t time for finesse. “What does this mean exactly?”

Ed whooped with glee before answering me in his thick Bronx accent. “Three songs going top ten on Billboard charts from a debut album means you’ve hit a fucking homerun. That baby is out the park, into the sky and halfway to the moon by now. You wanna know what that means, Rand? It means you’re gonna go buy yourself a bottle of Cristal on me and go celebrate ’cause the real show is about to begin.”

 

The strains of a piano floated through the condo when I opened the door twenty minutes later. I wasn’t sure Will would still be home, but my luck held. He was dressed in light blue pajama bottoms and one of my old Orioles T-shirts. He had a somewhat tragic case of bedhead, but fuck me, I thought he looked sexier than ever. I couldn’t figure out what it was about this guy that had me in knots. I couldn’t breathe around him sometimes. He was so damn beautiful to me. His soulful smile and calm demeanor kept me grounded in the best possible ways. I had a tendency to fly without checking my safety gear, but Will was always a step ahead of me.

I tiptoed toward him, standing just out of his vision. I watched his reflection in the windows as he leaned into his instrument with his eyes closed. His brown hair fell into his eyes. I itched to move the strands aside and kiss him. I caught my own reflection and grinned at the picture we made. My longish hair, dark jeans and the leather jacket that hid my inked arms screamed rock and roll. Or maybe “get a job”. I didn’t look like the kind of guy Will would fall for any more than he looked like my type. We were a mystery in many ways. But not in the ways that counted.

“You know I can see you, right?”

I chuckled softly before moving to stand behind him. He leaned back into my touch as I massaged his shoulders. I bent to nuzzle his chin, slipping one hand under his tee and resting the other to cup his semi-hard dick. Yeah, it was good to know I wasn’t alone in this, I mused as I pushed the elastic out of the way to palm him. He stopped playing and groaned, lifting his hips slightly as I curled my fingers around his girth.

“Baby, I need you. Bed. Now.” I unbuckled my belt and fumbled with my zipper. “I need to be inside you and—”

“We can’t,” he whispered. He stilled my roving hand and swallowed hard, before gesturing toward the kitchen.

Huh?

I furrowed my brow and stroked a little harder. A haze of lust and longing made it difficult for me to see straight now. I must have misheard him. “Yes, we can. I wanna fuck you, Will. I need—”

“If you don’t stop, I’m going to faint. Which would probably work for you two. You can stay right where you are and do the nasty while I lay here completely oblivious. If I’m lucky, I’ll come to in time to catch the end of the show.”

I spun around to confront the intruder sitting on a barstool at the kitchen island.

“Benny! Jesus, you almost gave me a fucking heart attack! What the hell are you doing here?”

“I’m hanging out with my best friend, William, who was about to get dressed and come fabric shopping with me.” He slid off the stool and sauntered toward us, brushing his blue tinged bangs aside in a curiously elegant manner. “Somehow I think he just got a better offer.

Will’s POV- (NSFW)

Rand’s expression was hysterical. He went from horny with his eyes half closed to wide-eyed and surprised. His ability to recover quickly always made me laugh. He rezipped his jeans slowly and made a production of adjusting his obvious hard on with a cocky grin. Benny chuckled at my boyfriend’s antics while I lowered my head to hide my certain blush.

“William, you didn’t tell me I was in danger of interrupting a booty call. I’m mortified,” Benny exclaimed theatrically.

He didn’t sound mortified in the slightest. He sounded highly amused. I swiveled on the piano bench to glare at Benny who set his hand on his heart and fluttered his eyelashes for good measure. Rand threw his head back laughing, then flopped gracelessly beside me. He snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me close, kissing the corner of my mouth before I could admonish either of them.

There was a time I didn’t think Rand and Benny had much in common besides me. They didn’t act or look anything alike. Nor did they share any interests. However, they had a measure of self-confidence and a fierce sense of righteousness I admired. And a wicked sense of humor. They both enjoyed pushing my buttons. Especially Rand.

I leaned into his side and rested my head on his shoulder, loving the scent of his musky cologne and something that was his alone. He may have been an unconventional boyfriend in many ways, but to me, he smelled like home. Rand was music, laughter, and all things childlike and wondrous. And he was mine. He was tall, lean and drop-dead gorgeous with longish dark hair, brown eyes and beautiful ink all over his toned body. He oozed rock star sex appeal when he was nowhere near a stage or a microphone. We couldn’t walk down the street lately without someone recognizing him. Random guys gave him fist bumps while their girlfriends flirted shamelessly. We’d been together for over a year and sometimes I still couldn’t believe how easy this felt.

Until he opened his mouth.

“Mortified, eh? Then you better scram, kid. I’m about to get this guy naked in record time and fuck—”

“Rand!” I dug my fingers into his knee to get him to shut up. He yelped with mock dismay, and then squeezed me tighter. “Can’t breathe,” I gasped.

“Me either. I need to talk to you. Alone,” he whispered. He nibbled on my ear then licked it before pulling back to glance up at Benny.

A series of facial gestures passed between them. I may not have been privy to the exchange but it didn’t take a genius to guess Rand was mentally shoving my friend out the door while Benny decided how long he’d stay right where he was to give him a hard time. I pushed at Rand’s chest and moved to the kitchen to join Benny. He was right. My plans had just changed for the morning, but I wasn’t about to be rude to my pint-sized, blue haired friend.

“Sorry Benny. Mind if I take a rain check?”

I stood on the opposite side of the island for the sake of modesty while Benny gave me one his signature once-overs with his arms crossed. I had him by at least six inches, but he had a way of making himself seem much taller than his five feet eight. Like Rand, he had a unique style all his own. Although my boyfriend wouldn’t be caught dead in the bright blue, snug fitted T-shirt with skin-tight jeans and fuchsia sneakers Benny was wearing now.

“Mmm. Well, since I’m not offering what he is, I suppose a rain check will do. Let me see when I can fit you in.” Benny pulled his phone from his back pocket and made a production of scrolling through his calendar while Rand huffed impatiently.

“I’m not getting any younger here, Ben,” Rand snarked. He sighed heavily as he stood and came to join us in the kitchen.

“Don’t be rude—oh, you’re right.” Benny narrowed his gaze and cocked his head. “Your eyes look tired. I found this new miracle cream. It works wonders. I may have some in my bag for you tr—”

“Benny, I love you like the little brother I never had and didn’t necessarily want, but I—”

“I know, I know. I’m leaving. It’s probably for the best. I would have been tempted to purchase delicious fabrics I can’t afford. I should head to the restaurant and see if I can pick up another shift or two. Moving into William’s old apartment was a brilliant idea, but it’s going to take me a few months to get used to being on a strict budget.”

Rand snapped his fingers suddenly and gave Benny a pointed look I knew well. Oh boy.

“Do you need a job?”

“Huh?” Benny and I both turned wearing matching incredulous expressions. Benny recovered first.

“What did you have in mind? Did you want to hire me on as an assistant in the bedroom? I could hand you the lube when you’re ready to—”

“Benny!” I smacked his arm and reached over to do the same to Rand who was cackling like a loon.

Rand pulled me close again, wrapping his arm around my waist so I couldn’t easily escape. Then he kissed my temple, my cheek and the corner of my mouth. I felt instantly warm all over. I threaded my fingers through his belt loop and nudged his side with my free hand.

“What kind of job are you talking about?” I prodded.

“Bagels. But I like Benny’s idea better. Maybe we should consider hiring him for lub—”

“I’m not laughing,” I said primly while Benny and Rand chuckled merrily at my prudish expression. “What about bagels?”

Rand turned so we stood chest to chest. He yanked at my hair and then crashed his mouth over mine. His tongue collided with mine enticingly, but he pulled back before either of us could get lost in the moment. Not that Benny would let us. He cleared his throat and waited until we looked over at him.

“Bagels?”

“Yeah, I quit. George needs a replacement pronto to work the early morning shifts and…”

I listened with half an ear while Rand went on about his hours and general duties, but I was still reeling from the news flash that he’d actually given his notice. I knew him too well. This meant something more than him being tired of waking up at the crack of dawn to slather cream cheese on toasted bagels.

“…so what do you say? You know George. He loves you already, Benny. He’ll hire you on the spot if you say you were interested,” Rand enthused.

“Hmm. Not my dream job but I could use the extra cash. I don’t know about waking up that early though.”

“It’s not that bad. Actually…it is that bad. You get used to it. Hey, come by the store Thursday to talk to him. No pressure. But don’t get your hopes up. Not everyone is capable of bagel mastery. It takes the right stuff. You may not have it,” he teased with a raised brow.

Benny rolled his eyes on cue and hefted his man bag over his shoulder. “Golly, I’d be devastated. Well, I suppose there’s no harm in talking to George.”

“Cool!” Rand smiled brightly. He swatted my ass playfully before skirting the island and slinging a companionable arm over Benny’s shoulder. I overheard his highly embellished praise of the joy of bagels as he escorted our friend toward the front door. “…all you can eat and you wouldn’t believe the variety of cream cheese blends. George is a genius.”

I rounded the corner and leaned against the foyer wall to better observe their exchange.

“And you’re an idiot,” Benny intercepted. “I’m not promising anything so don’t get excited.”

“But you’ll talk to him, right?”

“Sure, but I have to ask… why does it matter so much? He can find someone to replace you easily.”

Rand gasped. “I’ll pretend you didn’t say that. Look, it matters ’cause he matters. George is a good man and if I can do something to make life easier for him, I will. That’s all.”

 

“I take it back. You’re not an idiot. You’re a sweet soul, Rand,” Benny commented as he pulled open the door. “Now go be sweet to William or I’ll be pissed you ruined my fabric shopping excursion for no good reason. Will— oh there you are. Call me later… and tell me all about it,” he added with a wink.

The second the door clicked shut, Rand was all over me. He pushed me against the wall and threaded his fingers through my hair. He held my face in his hands lovingly before shoving his tongue down my throat. He was all heat and energy. The sudden elevated ferocity was a good indication he’d held back for as long as humanly possibly and was now officially at the end of his rope. I slipped my hands under his jacket and T-shirt and raked my fingernails over his back. He grunted in approval, bucking his hips against mine and leaving little doubt he was hard and ready to go.

We broke apart panting for air. I rested my forehead on his as I fumbled with his belt and zipper.

“Why did you quit?”

Rand pushed his jacket off and slipped his tee over his head in one fluid motion before doing the same to mine. He snapped the elastic band of my pajama bottoms and then yanked them over my ass with my briefs. I closed my eyes and hummed to sounds he was making as he squeezed my cheeks.

“’Do It Like This’ went to number ten,” he said with a growl as he ran a finger along my crack. He pulled back to lick that same digit and invite me to do the same. I obeyed.

“Oh my God, that’s amaz—” I paused as his finger nudged my hole.

“What’s amazing, baby? The song, the trip to Europe we’ll have to take this summer… or me?”

“Europe,” I joked.

Rand chuckled. “Liar. You love me. Admit it.”

He pulled me closer still and slipped his finger inside me. I moaned as I leaned into his touch. I had to feel him too. I shoved his jeans and briefs over his ass and went straight for his thick cock. I loved his sweet sigh of pleasure. It made me want to sink to my knees and suck him to oblivion. He wasn’t going to let me today. He needy something faster. Something dirty. I held his stare as I stroked him in a firm grip. He licked his lips. So fucking sexy. Everything about him screamed sex. The way he moved, sang, spoke. I could feel myself being pulled under. Hypnotized. He was saying something but I couldn’t hear words anymore without swimming for the surface. I wanted to be where the music was. Right here. Right now.

“Yes, I—”

He crashed his mouth over mine possessively, rocking himself into my grip as he tapped insistently at my hole. The pressure was building around us in a familiar swell. The kind that demanded quick release. But Rand was still talking. I swam above the haze in an effort to hear his words.

“I want you so bad it hurts. I’m literally aching with this… need. And I’m not just talking about my dick. Ah yeah… harder. Will, I want to bend you over that baby grand and fuck you senseless. I want to come in your ass and watch my cum drip from your hole. I want—”

“Rand, fuck me.”

He pulled back and stared into my eyes for a long moment before nodding. Then he pointed in the general direction of the piano.

“Go. I’m going to grab the lube.” He kicked his shoes off and stepped out of his jeans, grumbling good-naturedly as he moved naked toward the bedroom. “Geez, I didn’t take the offer of lube assistant seriously, but…”

I chuckled at his silliness, though it had the desired effect of keeping me grounded. I stepped out of my pajama bottoms and crossed the room to the piano as instructed. I ran my hand along the side of my sleek black instrument and considered the logistics of getting fucked over a piano. How was this supposed to work?

“No thinking allowed. Bend over, baby,” Rand commanded in an over-the-top lascivious tone.

I huffed in amusement as I observed my lover. He stood with one hand on his impossibly hard shaft and a bottle of lube in the other. I couldn’t decide if it was his cocky stance or the naughty look in this eye that turned me on, but fuck… I couldn’t form a sentence to save my life. I bit my lip and made a gesture I hoped he’d understand without a major explanation.

Rand grinned. Message received. He understood. But that didn’t mean he’d make anything easy, I mused as he moved closer.

“Will, look at me.” He waited for me to obey before continuing. His confident veneer slipped ever so slightly. There was a hint of vulnerability in his gaze I knew was for my eyes only. My heart swelled as I waited patiently for him to move or speak.

“What is it?”

“I love you.”

I cocked my head curiously and squinted at him. “I love you too. But why—”

“Because everything we do, we do together. Wherever this journey leads… it’s for us. Not for me. International tours, stadium shows… hell, maybe the fucking Grammys some day. This is ours. Everything. You understand?”

I didn’t realize my mouth was hanging open until he smiled kindly and set his thumb on my chin.

“Yes, I—”

“Shh.” He kissed my lips and positioned me so my hands rested on the side of the piano. “No more talking. I’ve got a raging hard on and lube all over my hand. Let me get to work. Spread your ass… yes, like that. Fuck, you look hot.”

And just like that the mood shifted again. The underlying emotion combined with physical need made for a heady combination. My vision blurred as he moved behind me. He rubbed his cock against my crack and slid a finger inside. I pushed back for more as I reached to stroke myself, using the dripping precum as extra lube while Rand gently stretched me open. His tender touch was in severe contrast to the dirty tale he was weaving. When he whispered a raunchy refrain about fucking me senseless while the neighbors watched, I looked back at him in alarm.

“Are the blinds closed?”

Rand snorted in disbelief and smacked my ass. “My game must be off. Geez Will! Yes, the fucking blinds are closed. Now relax.”

My half laugh quickly became a sigh when he pushed a second finger inside me. I grunted and leaned forward to rest my forearms on the piano. I relished the moment the burning sensation turned to intense pleasure. I could feel his cock riding my crack as he moved his fingers, expertly twisting them until I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Now.”

“You sure you’re ready for—”
“Rand, fuck me now!”

“Holy shit. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to your nasty—”

I pushed back forcefully just as he set pushed inside. We groaned in unison. The heat and the intensity were overwhelming. He grasped my hips and held me steady, leaning forward to kiss the back of my neck and my shoulder. When I reached for my cock and tilted backward to meet his tentative rocking motion, he bucked into me hard, and then wrapped his arms around my chest.

“What do you need?” he whispered, biting my earlobe.
“I need you to move.”

“Like this?” He pulled out almost all the way and surged forward ’til he was buried balls deep.

I cried out and shook my head. “Don’t fucking tease me. Move. Really move.”

And he did. He moved like thunder, consuming me as he pumped his hips frantically. I could feel his balls against my ass and his sweat on my back. I gripped the edge of the piano with my left hand and stroked myself with my right as I met my lover thrust for thrust. It wasn’t going to take much for either of us to lose it. The heat was too intense.

“Will. I’m gonna come!”

He clutched me close as he shuddered, spilling himself inside me. And I was right there with him. I cried out, trembling with the force of my release. My legs shook and my heart felt like it was beating outside of my chest.

We stood fused with sweat and cum until the aftershocks passed. Rand leaning on me while I leaned on the piano. I closed my eyes, then opened them a second later when he gently disengaged. He caressed my back, running feather light fingers along my spine before kissing my cheek.

I looked over my shoulder when he tapped his spent penis on my ass with a wicked grin. I snorted and rolled my eyes. He was so goofy sometimes. But I knew how he worked now. Well… sometimes. He was still a mystery to me in many ways. He was demanding. He pushed when he shouldn’t and asked for more than he deserved at others. However, his energy was too brilliant to ignore. And in a funny twist, it was complemented by his enormous heart. Rand loved bigger than anyone I’d ever met. To be the focus of his affection was not for the weak spirited.

I wasn’t just his focus now. I was his vision. And he was mine. Where one of us ended, the other began. He was right. Whatever happened with Spiral or with career in theater, if and when it took off… we were in this together. It was ours.

But Rand didn’t need or want any sappy clichés to cement our truths right now. He needed humor and the reminder to not let things get heavy. I cupped his ass and nibbled at his jaw before stepping aside and pointing at the piano.

“Since you were partially responsible for that mess, you get to clean it up this time.”

He gave me a wide-eyed incredulous look then narrowed his gaze in mock irritation. “Hey! That’s your jizz. I’m always the one cleaning the mess.”

“You’re always the one making the mess,” I said with a half-laugh as I stepped away.

I didn’t get far. Rand hooked his hand behind my neck and pulled me so close our noses touched. His teasing expression quickly turned serious.

“I meant what I said earlier. I love you.”

“I know, baby. I feel the same way.”

His smiled widened into Cheshire cat grin. “You called me ‘baby’. You never call me that. I like it. Say it again.”

“I love you… baby.”

Benny’s POV-

William pushed his hand through his hair distractedly as we turned the corner onto Bowery. It was a beautiful spring morning. The air was crisp and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I adjusted the strap on my red man bag when a fellow pedestrian knocked it off my shoulder. I was too intent on keeping up with the brisk pace my friend set as we hurried to the bagel store to be irritated.

“Rand is working for another twenty minutes. He told George you’d be stopping by. He left it pretty open, so if you—”

“What does “pretty open” mean?” I asked, placing my hand on his elbow to get William’s attention.

I was in danger of breaking into a sweat if he didn’t slow the hell down. Smudged eyeliner before ten a.m. was likely to give the wrong impression. The sordid “walk of shame” kind of wrong impression.

“I think he meant it’s casual. It’s not a real interview so there’s no reason to get nervous.”

William checked his watched again and lengthened his stride. I stopped suddenly in the middle of the sidewalk with my arms crossed. I was sure my expression would tell him all he needed to know when he turned around. But just in case… I gave him a thorough once-over when he glanced back at me.

“What’s the matter?”

“William, I’m not running a marathon to chase down a minimum wage part-time job at a fucking bagel store. Slow down. And while you’re at it, please tell me which alternate universe has me nervous about talking to George? He’s a sweetheart. He loves me already and he even told me he likes my hair. If you ask me, he’s the one who better do the selling if he wants me to toast carb biscuits before dawn.”

William burst into laughter and nodded. “You’re right. Not about George selling you on a job, but I get it. This is casual. The truth is I’m more nervous about what this means for Rand. For all of us. I can’t help wondering what happens next.”

I cocked my head to study my best friend. William was a damn tough cookie. He had a sweet exterior and a kind, unassuming demeanor but he was no pushover. And normally he wasn’t a worrier. At least not to the degree he was before he and Rand became a couple a year ago.

“So you’re nervous,” I said. “Why? Sure, there will be changes, but you’ll be part of it too. Rand isn’t going anywhere without you.”

“I know.” William gave me a brilliant smile. It was obvious to anyone paying attention that his rock star man loved him to pieces. I was relieved he wasn’t suffering from an unattractive case of insecurity.

“Well, what is it then?”

“I’m not afraid for Rand and me. We know what we have is solid and we’re both committed to making our relationship work. But… I don’t think he really grasps how big Spiral might become and—”

“Hang on.” I whipped my Tom Ford sunglasses from my nose theatrically and widened my eyes. “Are you really saying you think Rand is guilty of under-selling his band’s potential greatness? Honey, the man thinks low-profile means wearing a baseball cap. Backwards. He’s a ham, William. Please tell me this comes as no surprise.”

William threw his head back and guffawed merrily. “I know. He’s terrible. But—”

“That’s why you love him,” I finished in a syrupy tone. “I get it. So spill the beans. Why are you so wound up?”

“Change. That’s all. It’s not going to be the beginning of a busy year, Benny. It’s the beginning of a whole new life. This trip to Europe is the band’s first international tour, but it’s not the last by a long shot. We get stared at when we walk down the street. People take our pictures when they think we aren’t looking. But it’s nothing compared to what it will be like later. I’m not worried about Rand. He can’t wait,” William said with an indulgent smile. “It’s just… balancing my school work, his success and hell… buying groceries! This is going to be a challenge.”

“And dealing with reality is your job.”

He shrugged and gave a short nod before grumbling, “Yeah. Someone has to keep things real. God, it would have been so much easier if I was an accountant.”

I huffed in amusement before slipping my arm through his and guiding us toward the bagel shop a few yards away. “Then you wouldn’t be you. Come on. Let’s see about getting me another gig in the food biz while my best friends travel the world and hobnob with rock and roll royalty.”

William snickered appreciatively as he opened the door to Bowery Bagels.

Two things struck me immediately. The first was that it was still crowded in the store for mid-morning. These bagels were good, but the affable owner holding court with a group of customers near the wall of family photos was part of the store’s charm. The second was Rand’s expression when he spotted us from behind the counter. He looked like a love-sick puppy. One glance at William assured me the feeling was mutual. They had it bad, I mused. I could only hope someone looked at me like that one day.

“William! Benjamin!” George called. “Good morning, boys! How are you this fine Thursday?”

I waved at Mr. G before whispering in my friend’s ear. “I’ll go talk to George. Go greet your man. He’s got that spacey look in his eye, like he can’t decide if he wants to put you on the wall and stare at you or devour you whole.”

William didn’t bother with a comeback. He either knew I was right or he was too caught up in the grips of amour himself to be irritated with my snark. He nodded absently and made his way to the counter while I headed toward the short, balding older man standing nearby.

“I like the blue in your hair, Benjamin. It suits you,” George said.

His eyes twinkled merrily, lending credence to his claim. And that alone was why I agreed to come by Bowery Bagels this morning to talk about a job I didn’t really want. Sure, the extra few bucks would help, but I could easily take on another shift or two at my family’s restaurant. The difference was George. He was genuine. If he said he liked the electric blue highlights in my bangs, I believed him.

Everything about him screamed traditional, from his perfectly pressed collared shirt with the Bowery Bagel logo to his habit of asking and talking about family. I’d bet everything in my meager savings account he was standing by the large photo collage because he’d just posted a few new pictures of his grandchildren. Nothing about his fatherly countenance was forced or false. He was kind, friendly and best of all… he was accepting.

In the handful of years I’d known him since I was a student at New York University, George had never been anything but warm and welcoming to me. He made a point of complimenting my hair in every color and of greeting me by name whenever I came by. I didn’t bother correcting his assumption that my name was Benjamin. I had a feeling Beniamino would throw him off. Besides it would require an explanation about just how damn Italian I actually was and no one other than my mother and Nonna called me Beniamino. I preferred to keep it that way.

“Thank you, George. How are you?” I inquired politely.

“I’m very well, dear boy.” He turned to introduce me to the three older men as they gathered their belongings to leave.

I studied the photos while they said their good-byes. George’s four sons and their families were featured prominently alongside pictures of loyal customers and local celebrities. We had the same gallery at Johnny’s, my family’s restaurant. In fact, ours was so large it spilled into the adjacent hallway and up the stairs to the apartment where I’d lived until I took over William’s studio a month ago. Family, family, family. I couldn’t get away from it. If I wasn’t knee deep in my own, I was looking to borrow someone else’s. Hmph.

“This one here was taken last weekend at Abraham’s house. We had a lovely dinner. The children are getting so big now. That’s Sarah and Mic— Oh, don’t get me started! I’ll never stop and I know you’re a busy man, Benjamin. I think we have business to discuss!” He clasped his pudgy hands together and grinned.

I chuckled at his excited tone. It didn’t fit with early mornings toasting bagels in my estimation, but maybe he knew something I didn’t.

“We can make this simple, George. If you need me, I’ll help. I’ll even take over Rand’s hours.”

“So there’s no need to talk you into joining us? You’re sold already?”

“Yes. I’m sold. The hours here work well with the hours I work at Johnny’s so yes… if you need me or want me, I’m in,” I said with a smile.

“Wonderful! Oh that’s fantastic news! Abraham takes care of all the tax forms so I’ll have him get in touch with you and—” George pointed to a picture of a man in his mid-thirties with a small pot-belly. “—this is Abraham. I’ll have him come by tomorrow. Is that all right?”

“Sure. Who’s the man standing next to him?” I asked, gesturing back to the photo.

“That’s my son, Ezekiel.”

“Oh.” I moved in to study the photo more closely because damn…Ezekiel was freaking hot! I supposed there was a family resemblance in the brown hair and the shape of their eyes, but Abraham had the unmistakable look of a suburban da while Ezekiel looked… delicious. He was tall and lean with a light beard that added a layer of sex appeal I wouldn’t have associated with a Gulden until this very moment.

“He’s a Wall Street investor or something like that. I’m not sure of his job title but I do know he’s very successful. And he’s single. He finally broke up with his boyfriend. Or vice versa. It doesn’t matter. I never like that man. He was after Ezekiel’s money.” George cocked his head and gave me a searching look. “If you’re interested, I could—”

“No. Thank you, though. I don’t think it’s a good idea to date my boss’s son. When do you need me to start?” I smiled a little too brightly as I turned in an effort not to steal another look over my shoulder at George’s gorgeous progeny.

“Hmm. How about next week?” he asked.

George’s gaze was suddenly calculating. It was borderline hysterical. He obviously wanted to set his unsuspecting son and me up. The wheels were spinning so loud I could almost hear the conversation he was having with himself. “Call Ezekiel. Tell him to come by the shop at nine when Benjamin is here and—”

“Benjamin?”

“Oh sorry. Yes, next week is fine.”

I pasted a smile on my face and shook George’s outstretched hand. But try as I might, I couldn’t resist one more peek at Ezekiel Gulden. And fuck… George caught me. He glanced from the photo to our joined hands and back again.

Somehow I knew my fate was sealed. George was going to find a way, come hell or high water, to make sure I met Ezekiel. The extra squeeze meant marriage and children would be appreciated too. I wanted to laugh but I couldn’t. I didn’t necessary believe he was right in any way, shape or form, but I loved his romantic spirit. Romance was a kind of beginning. And everyone could use one of those.

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions in the 2014 and 2015 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in an almost empty nest.

Books by Lane Hayes (Dreamspinner Press):

Better Than Good, Better Than Chance, Better Than Friends, Better Than Safe, The Right Words, The Wrong Man & The Right Time

         A Kind Of Truth                       A Kind of Romance

 

         

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Website: http://lanehayes.wordpress.com

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Email:   lanehayes@ymail.com