“I am?” Ryan folded his legs up under his body. The frown seemed to fade a bit.
“I’ve had a crush on you since school. Senior year. But see, I wasn’t sure if I was gay. No one attracted me the way you did, so I wrote the feelings off. I liked girls.” Gage sighed. “When I went to college for those three years, I went to a lot of clubs and raced on the side. I liked the clubbing and the guys there, but being a gay racer isn’t exactly popular. I wanted to be like you and be confident in who I am, but I also wanted to be with you.” He hesitated. Explaining himself seemed so much easier when he’d practiced in front of the bathroom mirror. “I know who I am and who I want. If you’re not interested, then be honest and tell me.”
Ryan eased off the tailgate of the truck and stood in front of Gage. “My parents hate that I’m gay. My sister and brother-in-law made it a sport to make fun of me for my sexuality. Some of the drivers who know are chill about it, but others won’t sit anywhere near me during the drivers’ meeting. I’m glad I came out, but it’s not always the most exciting place to be. Are you sure you want in that club?”
“If I get to be with you? Yeah, I do.” Gage stepped closer to Ryan and hooked his index fingers in the belt loops of his jeans. “I’m not doing this just to get in your pants or to experiment. I like you, Ryan Dane. I don’t give a shit if your parents aren’t fine with it, and last I checked, your sister doesn’t run your life. I’m not in this for the short run. I want to go the distance.”
Ryan bridged the gap between them and placed his palm on Gage’s chest. “You’re poetic when you’re trying to get a date.”
“Is it working? I don’t know how else to ask you out.” Gage covered Ryan’s hand with his own and bit back a sigh. Having Ryan touch him was heaven. He met Ryan’s gaze. “Will you go on a date with me?”
“Isn’t that kind of what we’re doing already?” Ryan inched closer. “A date?”
Gage nodded. So they were on a date. He’d had the gumption all along. Holy shit. He stared at the deep blue flecks in Ryan’s icy blue eyes and basked in the warmth of Ryan’s breath on his cheeks. He wanted to bottle this moment and keep it forever.
“I’m probably crazy from the heat and hunger, but yes, I’d like to go out with you on another date.” Ryan grinned then met Gage for a kiss.
The moment Ryan’s lips touched Gage’s, sparks shot through Gage’s system. His thoughts frayed and every nerve ending buzzed. He’d waited for this moment for so long.
Gage eased his fingers from his belt loops and wound his arms around Ryan’s strong body. Having Ryan against him was so sweet. Like they were meant to be together. He allowed Ryan to push the kiss deeper and to swallow his moan. Sweet Jesus, yes.
Ryan broke the connection first and rested his forehead against Gage’s. He stuffed his left hand in Gage’s front pocket. “If this is your idea of a first date, I can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for a second one.”
He laughed. “I thought of maybe a movie, dinner, dancing... or smashing fenders in a race. Something like that.”
“Works for me.” Ryan dragged Gage backward until they both leaned against the rear fender of the truck. “Good things come to those who wait. Maybe that’s what we needed to do... wait for the right time to do this.”
“Yes.” Gage nodded. He’d taken the leap and found the sweetest landing spot in Ryan’s arms. They’d had a first date, and now, he owed Ryan a second. Could life get any better? It could. He’d been given the green flag with Ryan to start the relationship, and he wouldn’t quit until they reached the checkered flag together.
Chapter Five
Six months later...
Gage fiddled with his necktie and cursed the item of clothing. Whoever had the idea of making neckties and expecting men to wear them had to be missing a few screws. He fought to get the knot right, and when he couldn’t, he tossed the tie onto the bed. Whatever.
“How’s it coming?” Ryan strode into the bedroom and eased up behind Gage. “Not so good. Here, let me.”
Ryan turned Gage around and lifted Gage’s collar. “I learned how to do this when Grandfather Collins couldn’t get the knot and my grandmother was already at the church helping the ladies’ guild. He used to tell me the way to measure a man was by the way he tied a necktie.”
“Then, I’m not much of a man,” Gage grumbled. He glanced at their reflection in the mirror. Although he’d sucked at getting the necktie right, by having Ryan assist, he’d been given a great view of Ryan’s ass.
“You’re fine. Hard on yourself but you’re fine.” Ryan grasped Gage’s shoulders. “Can you believe it? Track champion. I’m still in shock; you deserve the title but still. Beating Haeferle by a whole point. Wow.”
Gage gripped the front of Ryan’s jacket. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. My focus was shot to hell until I came out and told you I liked you.”
“And now you’re the champ.” Ryan grinned and ducked under Gage’s arm. “I’m honored you’re bringing me as your date. Ms. Raceway Eight was really looking forward to hanging on your arm.” He left Gage alone in the bedroom.
“Ry.” Gage followed his boyfriend to the kitchen and caged Ryan between his body and the countertop. “Stop.”
“I can’t go anywhere.” Ryan hadn’t moved, but he also wasn’t facing Gage.
Going to the champion’s dinner and the subsequent awards ceremony were huge, but Gage’s announcement was going to be bigger. “I need to tell you something.”
Ryan tensed but didn’t turn around. “I thought so.”
“I don’t think you know where I’m going with this.”
“I’ve got a pretty good idea,” Ryan whispered. “Say it fast.” He dipped his head. “Just say it.”
“I love you.” There. He’d said it all right. Gage gasped for air and waited for Ryan to turn around. When he didn’t, Gage pressed on with the rest of what he’d wanted to admit. “I love you, and I’m not sneaking you in through the back door or saying we’re arriving at the ceremony as friends. You’re my boyfriend, Ry.”
Ryan glanced over his shoulder. “You’re ready to go public with us?”
“I am. Are you?”
“I’ve always been ready.”
“Good.” Gage let go of Ryan long enough to get his boyfriend to face him. He tugged Ryan forward until the back of Gage’s knees hit the kitchen chair. He landed on the seat and pulled Ryan astride his lap. “Better.”
“Gage.” Ryan draped his arms around Gage’s shoulders. “You don’t have to do this. I don’t like being your secret, but I get it.”
“No, you don’t.” He straightened Ryan’s suit jacket and tie then curled his fingers under Ryan’s chin. “Other than those in my family, I’ve never told anyone I loved them. You’re different. I love them like family, but I see my future with you.”
Ryan’s lips parted, but he didn’t say anything.
“I won the championship this year because I had something to aim for, but championships and awards aren’t my main goal. I got into racing for fun. For you, racing is in your blood.” He cupped Ryan’s jaw in both hands. “This is my last event. I’m done in the car.”
“Gage, are you serious?” Ryan’s eyes widened. “I don’t understand.”
“I can’t compete against the man I love. I want to see you win.”
“You have.”
“But it’s not the same as what I’ve got in mind.” He gathered his courage and strength. “I’m getting out of racing and merging my team with yours—if you’ll have me. My sponsorship was the sub shop and the grocery store. Part of the agreement was always that the sponsorship covered the car—not the driver. I’ve talked to Mom and to Mr. Hooper. They’ve both agreed this is the best course of action. They want to sponsor your car with you behind the wheel and Jones as your mechanic.”
“What are you going to do?” Ryan asked. His brows knotted together. “I don’t understand.”
“Number one, I’m going to help you with merchandizing. That’s what I went to college for—marketing and sales. I’d like to use my skills in a positive way and you need to get some additional income. Shirts, stickers, hats... people want it, so let’s give it to them. Number two, no more hiding. We’re in this as a team—you, me and Jones.” He paused and gathered his breath. Holy shit, he’d never been able to get through his speech. “Number three, you’re my boyfriend. If people don’t like that we’re together, then fuck ’em. I love you and I can’t see my life without you. I want the race teams to be our race team.”
Ryan toyed with the hairs at the base of Gage’s neck. A smile curled on the corner of his mouth. He’d shaved the hairs off his cheeks, making his dimple more prominent.
“What?” Gage whispered, fearing the worst.
“I still can’t wrap my head around you being in love with me.” Ryan’s smile grew. “All those years ago I could’ve sworn you hated me.”
“I hated myself for not being honest, but I’ve never hated you.” He met Ryan for a kiss. “I’m kind of glad we got into that crash.”
“The one you instigated?” Ryan asked.
“The same.” Gage kissed Ryan hard on the lips. “If I hadn’t pressed the issue and forced myself to confront you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
“Half-moved into my house and bed?”
“Half-moved in I’ll agree to, but I think I’m completely in your bed. You’re completely in mine.” He tweaked Ryan’s chin. “I want to grow old with you and share a swing on the porch. We’ll watch the sunset and complain about the up-and-coming drivers, all while recounting our glory days to each other and knowing we’ve had one hell of a life together. What do you say?”
“Well, when you put it like that, I’d say I love it.” Ryan brushed his nose against Gage’s. “I love you, too.”
He’d never heard anything better in his life. He could’ve won a thousand races but nothing compared to being in Ryan’s arms.
“I’d love to stay here, but we’re going to be late for the banquet,” Ryan said and scooted off Gage’s lap. “The track officials won’t like their champ to be more than a tad fashionably late.”
“Meh.” Gage shrugged. He wanted to be at the banquet hall on time, and if they hurried out the door, they’d make it to the building with time to spare, but he’d been given the best trophy when he’d first kissed Ryan.
“Come on.” Ryan rolled his eyes and chuckled. “I hear they’re having dancing tonight, too. Gonna bust a move with the trophy?”
“Why would I dance with a hunk of metal and wood when I can grind against you?” He stood and swatted Ryan on the rump then followed Ryan out to the living room where he picked up his truck keys.
As Ryan locked the door, Gage started the truck. He watched his boyfriend stroll across the lawn to the vehicle and climb in beside him. Gage shifted the truck into drive and draped his arm across the back of the bench seat. He could win a thousand more championships and not be any happier than he was in that moment.
Life could be funny and turn out odd, but he got what he’d wanted—Ryan Dane in his arms and everywhere else. Down to his soul he knew one day he’d marry Ryan and they’d have matching rocking chairs on the front porch of the little ranch house. He tugged Ryan close and sped down the gravel drive toward the road. Life was definitely sweeter in Ryan’s arms. Definitely.
About the Author
When she’s not writing the stories in her head, Megan Slayer can be found luxuriating in her hot tub with her three vampire cabana boys, Javier, Luke and Jeremy. She has the tendency to run a tad too far with her muse, so she has to hide in the head of her alter ego, but the boys don’t seem to mind.
When she’s not obsessing over her whip collection, she can be found picking up her kidlet from school. She enjoys writing in all genres, but writing about men in love suits her fancy best. The cabana boys are willing to serve, unless she needs them. She always needs them. So be nice to Javier, her vampire, or he will bite—on command.
She also masquerades under the name Wendi Zwaduk and is published through Loose ID Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, MLR Press, Resplendence Publishing, Totally Bound Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Changeling Press and Decadent Publishing.
Find her at: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm
Or her blog at:
http://theauthormeganslayer.blogspot.com
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http://www.amazon.com/Megan-Slayer/e/B008BJCFSC
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Walking in a Wildfire Wonderland
By
Viola Grace
Walking in a Wildfire Wonderland
“Thrall, make sure he is ready and escort my son to the gathering.”
Jinma turned her head and glanced at Mynos. “Yes, Madam.”
Mynos was dressed in his candidate tunic, and he was shifting impatiently in the doorway. “We are leaving now, Mother.”
Jinma’s owner nodded with a smile on her lips. “Off you go then. We will be in the crowd during the selection.”
Mynos grinned. “You will be proud of me, Mother. I promise you that.”
Jinma walked past Mynos and waited for him, her own tunic was sparkling and scarlet, her own assignment to one of the temples would hopefully please the gods.
Mynos hugged his mother, and then, he turned and left his home, striding down the dirt track toward the centre of town.
Jinma fell in behind him and kept up easily. Mynos may have been excited, but Jinma worked for a living; she knew how to move swiftly and not seem that she was in a hurry. It came in handy when Madam was shopping.
The trip was short, but she did what she always did, she imagined running for freedom through the trees and trying to find her people again. She had been a thrall for ten years, hauled from the battlefield and sold to Madam.
Now, Madam’s children were all grown, and Mynos was going into the priesthood. If he were lucky, he would be chosen to be inhabited by one of the gods looking for a new body.
Jinma’s help was no longer needed, and she was being gifted to whichever temple would have her. Madam was buying goodwill with the gods. Jinma was the coin that she was going to use.
Jinma was one year older than Mynos as far as she could tell, so if he was old enough to go to the priests, she was an adult herself now.
Back home, she would have had a ceremony, she would have had a party and her family would have been around her to celebrate. Now, they were dead, and she was in a foreign land wearing this blazing red marker that she didn’t own her own body.
She didn’t know what the conflict had been about, but she remembered the wreckage of her hometown as well as its population.
Jinma was behind Mynos as they entered the town, and she followed him through the growing crowds to the podiums and benches that had been arranged for the young men who were volunteering to offer their bodies to the consciousness of a god.
It seemed weird to Jinma, but she had been here long enough to realize that it was an integral part of their society. Her theory was that the god of war had sent these people across the ocean to her home. No one local had any idea, but if she was selected by a temple, she might learn more of what had happened.
Mynos was greeted by some of his friends who were also in town for the selection, but he held them off and put his hand on Jinma’s shoulder, escorting her to the area where other servants were standing and waiting. He pulled out a key and removed her collar.
The priestess waiting to receive her nodded. “Thank your family for its donation.”
Jinma felt the exhilarating freedom as air caressed her neck, but a moment later, the priestess buckled a new collar in place. The woman’s eyes were not cruel, but she was firm. “Please sit with the others.”
Jinma moved stiffly and ha
d a seat on the bench next to the other red-clad women.
The next hour was spent watching the last of the candidates arrive and get checked in so that their names could be announced if they were selected.
Jinma sat completely still with her mind churning with a thousand ways to escape and even more on how to die. Her brain kicked her violently, and she focused on remaining in the moment.
Drums beat, and out of the temple, five priests marched out into the square, past the viewing crowds and in front of the candidates.
Each priest carried a wide box with a stone lid. Inside each box was a piece of the gods, or so Jinma had been told. Her people didn’t have gods; they had the ground under their feet and the air above them. They didn’t need anything else.
This elaborate foolishness was part and parcel of the Zekra people. Madam had sent two of her older children to the priests, and the gods had chosen neither.
It seemed that the priesthood was going to be her new life, but serving the folk in the soft robes was definitely going to be a different occupation.
A chime sounded and the priests turned toward the candidates.
“Ambin-tha, god of the waters, we invite you to take your place.”
The lid of the box flew off, and a strange gaseous substance emerged. It formed a column and coursed toward the volunteers. It touched each one of the candidates, examined them, and then, it entered the body of the young man who inhaled with surprise.
“Welcome the new carrier of Ambin-tha.”
The candidates applauded, the crowd cheered and the young man rose up on a column of water and turned in a slow circle. When he returned to the ground, the priests wrapped a cloak around him and led him off.
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