Hello and welcome back to the Turning His Life Around blog tour! I am doing something a little different with this tour and, I’ve put together a running short story. This story happens a couple of years before Turning takes place, when Ian is learning he’s in love with Kane but hasn’t quite accepted what all that means for him yet, since Kane doesn’t return that love.
The story goes for all nine tour stops! You can start it at Charley Descoteaux’s blog and follow the rest of the tour from the link at the bottom.
Be sure to catch each one because everyone who reads all nine and can answer a scavenger hunt questionnaire based on the story will be entered to win $25 a Dreamspinner Press!
The sushi plate was empty and they both had eaten way too much. Despite the fact that he was driving and had no alcohol tolerance, Ian had given in and sipped at the cold, creamy sake Kane ordered. They’d both pronounced it delicious and decided to try to find some to buy and have at home.
There had only been one slightly sticky moment for Ian the whole meal. At one point, Ian had asked to taste Kane’s beef, so Kane had picked up a piece of it and held it out. Without even thinking, Ian had leaned forward and simply taken the bite directly off Kane’s chopsticks. Their eyes hadn’t left each other and Ian had wanted, so badly in that moment, to think of that in a romantic sense, as opposed to the friendly way they were. But then Kane had asked how he liked it and the moment was gone.
Now they were in the car, on their way to the new dance club Kane had heard about. “What’s it called again?” Ian asked, searching the neon signs for the one they were looking for.
“Clover. Or Leaf or something like that,” Kane answered, peering through the windshield.
Ian shot him a look. “That’s helpful,” he muttered, turning back. “OH! There it is. Clover Leaf.”
“See? I had it right. Just… had to put them together.” He laughed when Ian shot him the bird. “Yeah yeah, after we do some dancing.”
Ian snorted, then paid attention to navigating the parking lot. Despite still being fairly early on a Friday night, it was already filling up. “Are you sure this is a gay club?”
“I don’t know that it’s a gay club, but they’re supposed to be gay-friendly. We don’t have to stay if we don’t like it.” Kane leaned forward to look at the front of the building as they passed it.
Green neon covered the mostly brick façade, running around the base of the roof, down each of the corners and across the roof peak. Neon versions of four-leaf clovers sat on either side of the club name that sprawled across the front of the building and below it, a green awning welcomed club goers. Ian found a spot at the end of one row and parked his Toyota. He climbed out but before he could go around to Kane’s side, his friend had already gotten out of the car.
Together they started for the front door, their ankle boots crunching on the gravel. The thump of bass leaked through the glass double doors when they opened and outside, two very large, very serious-looking men stood on either side. One had to be at least six foot three and the other had another six inches on his partner. Ian looked up at the two of them and wondered if he was about to be frisked or something. Based on the looks of the one on the left, that thought made his cock twitch and start to fill and he managed to surreptitiously adjust himself before they got to the door.
“Good evening,” the one on the left said. Though large, it was obvious they were not so from overeating. Both looked just nicely fit in their tight green t-shirts and black pants. Ian’s eyes moved over the man’s body and he found himself appreciating what he saw. Fit, yes, but not overly muscular, just toned and it took Ian a moment to realize it, but the man was looking him over, as well. Ian blinked once, cheeks darkening and smiled up at him.
“Good evening to you,” Ian replied. “Is there a cover?”
The bouncer shook his head. “Not yet. Cover starts at eleven. Got I.D.?” he asked and Ian raised his eyebrows, but pulled out his wallet and driver’s license. He glanced over to see Kane presenting one to the other bouncer and his friend glanced over at him then raised his eyebrows. Ian’s dropped into a puzzled scowl and Kane sent a pointed look at the bouncer. Ian turned his attention back to see the man in front of him who was giving him a very interested look. “Here you go, Ian. Thank you.”
“Thanks…” Ian said, taking his license back and stuffing it back into his wallet.
“Jake,” the bouncer replied.
Ian smiled. “Thanks, Jake.”
“No problem.” Jake paused, eyes darting to Kane and back to Ian. His voice dropped. “I get a break in an hour… if you want to dance or something.”
Ian blinked again, his cheeks turning redder. “Uh, maybe. Thanks, Jake,” he answered, clearing his throat.
He turned when Kane cleared his throat to see a scowl on his face. Ian raised his eyebrows. “Problem?”
Kane blinked and shook his head. “No,” he answered shortly and they turned toward the door.
* * *
Remember, be sure to follow the whole tour to get the full story and a chance to win a $25 gift certificate at Dreamspinner Press.
One person who comments here will win an ebook of any of my backlist titles (any published prior to Turning). What is your favorite nightclub? If you haven’t been to one, which is your favorite literary one?
Follow the tour here: http://www.grace-duncan.com/turning-his-life-around-blog-tour-2
* * *
Can Kane recognize what’s right in front of him before he loses everything?
When Kane Harris’s world turns upside down, his lifelong best friend is the only one to catch him.
Years ago, Ian Kelly accepted Kane would never return his love, since he knows Kane believes he’s incapable of it. Ian is willing to settle for what he can get—a best friend, sometimes casual lover, and occasional submissive. He’s learned he can’t live without Kane, but he can’t let Kane know. Because when, not if, Kane confirms that Ian’s love will never be returned, Ian won’t be able to take it. But when Kane loses his job and asks Ian to step up their play to help him deal, Ian’s ability to hide his feelings falters. Then Kane starts his own computer security firm and asks Ian to join him, and Ian struggles further.
It’s not until they visit the exclusive BDSM club the Iron Door that things come to a head. Kane screws up big time, and he’s afraid he can’t fix it. He’s sure he’ll lose his best friend, his Dom, his everything… forever.
* * *
About Grace:
Grace Duncan grew up with a wild imagination. She told stories from an early age – many of which got her into trouble. Eventually, she learned to channel that imagination into less troublesome areas, including fanfiction, which is what has led her to writing male/male erotica.
A gypsy in her own right, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children – both the human and furry kind.
As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.
Find Grace here:
Website ◊ Facebook ◊ Twitter ◊ Youtube ◊ Goodreads
Some of my favorite shows were at the Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco, but it closed a couple of years ago. The Make Out Club in SF is kind of a cute venue!
New to me author. Just added a few books to my wishlist! Thanks for the chamce!
Thank you for the excerpt. I’ve never been out to a night club. I’m a homebody so I don’t usually leave the house except for work and grocery and stuff.
I can’t really say I’ve ever been to a night club.
There was a club in Philly back in the day called Egypt, it was pretty terrific 🙂
congrats AM Fassano
I never had a favorite night club.