The Colors Between Us
Page 24
“That sounds like art therapy, and I am not a therapist.”
“You don’t need to be a therapist to give people outlets that can help them feel better about life, you stubborn jerk.”
Roland’s lip quirked up in a smile. “And when would I teach these classes?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t put a lot of thought into it.” Donny licked his lips and chewed the bottom one between his teeth.
“Liar.”
Donny squinted and nodded. “Maybe like the first Saturday. And alternate, like, kids, couples, single adults, then a showing or something. Because this whole space,” Donny said gesturing to the room, “is all about you and your art.”
“And you and our art,” Roland amended.
“That, too.” Donny held his hands out, palms up. Roland pushed off the door and crossed to him, sliding his palms over the top of Donny’s outstretched hands.
“I like that idea.” He tipped his face down and kissed the corner of Donny’s mouth. Donny parted his lips and flicked his tongue out, and Roland quickly nipped it between his teeth. Donny scrunched his face up and grabbed his hands.
“Mmmn. Can we build a secret lube cabinet in every room?” Donny asked with a strained laugh.
“Do I need to take you home?” Roland laughed, kissing him again.
“You need to take me somewhere with lube.”
“You’re insatiable.”
Donny hummed in agreement, then twined his fingers with Roland’s.
“We should paint down here,” Roland mused, looking around.
“That’s the point.”
Roland glanced at Donny out the corner of his eye.
“I meant the walls.”
“Oh,” Donny said with mock disappointment. “Well, what color?”
Roland raised their hands and pressed a kiss against the top of Donny’s hand before he smiled and replied, “Blue.”
Acknowledgments
When I started The Colors Between Us, I thought I knew for sure who Roland was, and in turn who Donny needed to be. Thirty-thousand words later, I was surprised to find out I was wrong.
Archive. Start over.
newRoland, as I affectionately started calling him took shape quickly, and I knew right away that I’d figured him and Donny out. Roland ended up being so stubborn and complicated, and Donny was far more patient than I’d ever intended. But here they are now… perfect, and happy.
As always, I owe all my thanks and appreciation to EM and Kelly. You two read every word I write, almost as soon as I type it, and are my most precious resources and friends. This book is deeply personal to the three of us for staggeringly different reasons, and the responsibility of sharing Roland’s struggles was no easy burden. Thank you both for helping me with him, and also for not shutting me down the first time I told you Donny was a top.
Thank you to Samantha and Melinda for being such good beta readers. Your unbiased suggestions and thoughts helped me fine tune this story into the book it now is. Further thanks to Jordan Buchanan, my amazing editor who read through this story in less than twelve hours, then read it again to edit it into perfection. You called this story poignant, and I can’t think of a time I’ve ever received higher praise.
Thank you, TC Orton, who acted as my own personal thesaurus one afternoon and sent me pictures of dirty cartoons to keep me pushing through edits.
Samantha Santana, thank you for talking me through a morning meltdown over cover art and reworking it (again, and again, and again) until the magnet, I mean Roland, found it’s final incarnation.
Then of course, you, whoever is still reading… THANK YOU. Writing is a lot of work, promotion is a lot of work, publishing is a lot of work, but I can’t imagine ever walking away from it now. Your encouragement, kind words, reviews, and support are so very much appreciated.
About the Author
When Kate was little, she wanted to be an English teacher, but when she turned eighteen she decided to become a Dominatrix instead. Fast-forward to 2017, a few years into her thirties, she decided writing gay romance was just as good as teaching English, so she sat down and penned her first novel.
Kate lives in beautiful Los Angeles, but she hates the sun and doesn’t care for the beach. She prefers the luxuries of central air conditioning and easy access to her coffee pot.
If she’s not busy writing books about boys kissing boys, you can find her all over social media, talking about boys kissing boys.
You can probably find Kate online by following one of these links:
www.katehawthornebooks.com
katehawthornebooks@gmail.com
https://facebook.com/groups/hawthornesharem
Also by Kate Hawthorne
Lonely Hearts Stories
His Kind of Love
The Colors Between Us
Book 3 - Coming Summer 2018
With E.M. Denning
Irreplaceable