by Andrew Grey
“There’s a letter for you from him on the drive as well.” I brought up the file and let Luka read it, watching his expression in case it upset him.
A tear ran down Luka’s cheek, followed by another. “Harun says both Hana and Alina are happy. Harun asks if I would send some recent pictures to him so he can give them to Hana. He says Alina wants her to know who her father is. Alina is married to a good man who loves her, and everything truly worked out for them.” Luka paused and sniffed. “He says that there is no shame, no matter what Mama says. Harun says that as long as they are happy and I am happy, then that is good. He says that if we come over, he wants to see us.” Luka looked up from the screen. “Us?”
“Yes. When I wrote to him, I explained who I was and why I wanted the pictures. So he knows there is an us.”
“He give me email address,” Luka said. He set the computer on the table before turning to hug me. “You give me back my family… part of my family.” He hugged me tighter, and I let the tears from my own eyes soak his shirt.
When he released me, I went inside to get something to drink, and after I returned, I peered through the living room window as soft light flashed. I smiled, knowing he was looking at Hana again. When I sat next to him, he had the computer on his lap and was still watching the pictures. I held his hand and rested my head back, glad I’d been able to make him happy.
“YOU LOOK perfect,” I said late the following afternoon. “I have a sandwich for you for dinner. I’m too nervous to eat.”
Opening night. I’d been through many of them, but this was the first where I’d written the play. Still, those who had seen it in rehearsals had raved, and hundreds of tickets had been sold for the evening.
“When do I get there?” Luka asked.
“I need to leave to get ready, but you can come down to the theater any time you want. The curtain rises at eight. I have a lot to do to make sure everything is ready.”
“Then I go with you.” Luka smiled and pulled me into a hug, the butterflies in my stomach instantly calming.
“Okay. I need five minutes and I’ll be ready.” Well, longer if Luka didn’t let me go. Not that I wanted him to. I felt safe in his arms, protected, cared for.
“It will not matter what happens tonight. Good or bad, you still come home and I show you love. Okay?” He smiled, and I nodded. What offer could be any better than that? He kissed me hard enough to make me forget my own name, and then slid his arms away and I gathered the last of my things.
We left the house and drove to the theater. I had barely gotten through the door before Emma—one of the first people to sign up to help—rushed over to me. “We’re short a person for the box office. Marge got shingles, and the poor thing is a mess.”
“I will help,” Luka said immediately.
“You’re a real dear,” Emma said and herded Luka away while I checked on the rest of the arrangements before heading backstage, which bustled with last-minute activity.
I dropped my things in the dressing room and checked the stage, as well as oversaw the final lighting instructions. Finally I had everything set and snuck out front to where Luka was helping sell tickets. Apparently they had been busy for the last hour—there was a line of people. The paper had been generous with their article, and the local news channel had hosted me on their noon talk show, so interest was buzzing.
“Are you doing okay?” I asked, coming up behind Luka in the ticket booth.
“He’s amazing, as you well know.” Emma scooted me away. “He’s incredible with the customers, and they love him. I swear they’re buying extra tickets just because of that melt-your-legs smile of his.”
“Okay. Just checking.” I grinned and took both her hands. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Emma shook her head. “Honey, you did this all yourself. You, dear Jonah, are a force of nature. Now go get yourself ready to knock them dead, and we’ll deliver a full house.” She squeezed my hand.
“Just make sure he’s in his seat, please.” I hurried backstage and got into costume, ready for the opening. I had already taped my announcements about cell phones, and Charles, who had graciously agreed to sit on the board of directors, was going to kick off the evening with a few remarks and an introduction. So now all I needed to do was get into character. I didn’t have a lot of time.
Soon enough I left the dressing room for the wings, standing just offstage. I peered out from the curtain as Luka took his seat in the center of the second row. I had purposely picked that seat so I’d know where to find him when I needed to.
Charles stepped out. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said into the microphone. “Thank you for coming, and welcome to the inaugural play and season of the Carlisle Players. This entire endeavor is the work of one man, Jonah Hughes, who happens to be starring in this evening’s production and is also the playwright and director. He has assured me that next time he’ll only wear one or two hats.” Charles got a chuckle from the audience. “This has been a labor of love for many of us, and especially for Jonah. We hope you enjoy this performance, and, tonight only, you can become a founding member of this organization. Please see any of us in the red vests during intermission or after the show. We would love to have you join us for what is sure to be an amazing first season. Now, please sit back, relax, and enjoy the world premiere of Buried Passions.” He left the stage to applause, and the theater went dark.
The curtain opened, and I walked out onstage, a spotlight catching me as I slowly made my way to the tree down front. I leaned against it as I looked around into the darkness and then out to the silent audience. I positioned myself just the way I had planned.
“I inherited a cemetery—” I turned to Luka in his seat. “—and a hunky groundskeeper, and they changed my life.”
More from Andrew Grey
Forever Yours: Book One
Justin Hawthorne worked hard to realize his silver-screen dreams, making his way from small-town Pennsylvania to Hollywood and success. But it hasn’t come without sacrifice. When Justin’s father kicked him out for being gay, George Miller’s family offered to take him in, but circumstances prevented it. Now Justin is back in town and has come face to face with George, the man he left without so much as a good-bye… and the man he’s never stopped loving.
Justin’s disappearance hit George hard, but he’s made a life for himself as a home nurse and finds fulfillment in helping others. When he sees Justin again, George realizes the hole in his heart never mended, and he isn’t the only one in need of healing. Justin needs time out of the public eye to find himself again, and George and his mother cannot turn him away. As they stay together in George’s home, old feelings are rekindled. Is a second chance possible when everything George cares about is in Pennsylvania and Justin must return to his career in California? First they’ll have to deal with the reason for Justin’s abrupt departure all those years ago.
Jordan Erichsohn suspects something is rotten about his boss, Judge Crawford. Unfortunately he has nowhere to turn and doubts anyone will believe his claims—least of all the handsome deputy, Pierre Ravelle, who has been assigned to protect the judge, as he's been receiving the threatening letters. The judge has a long reach, and if he finds out Jordan’s turned on him, he might impede Jordan adopting his son, Jeremiah.
When Jordan can no longer stay silent, he gathers his courage and tells Pierre what he knows. To his surprise and relief, Pierre believes him, and Jordan finds an ally… and maybe more. Pierre vows to do what it takes to protect Jordan and Jeremiah and see justice done. He’s willing to fight for the man he’s growing to love and the family he’s starting to think of as his own. But Crawford is a powerful and dangerous enemy, and he’s not above ripping apart everything Jordan and Pierre are trying to build in order to save himself….
The suspicious death of Dante Bartholomew’s wife changed him, especially in the eyes of the residents of St. Giles. They no longer see a successful businessman… only a monster they believe was invol
ved. Dante’s horrific reputation eclipses the truth to the point that he sees no choice but to isolate himself and his heart.
The plan backfires when he meets counselor Beau Clarity and the children he works with. Beau and the kids see beyond the beastly reputation to the beautiful soul inside Dante, and Dante’s cold heart begins to thaw as they slip past his defenses. The warmth and hope Beau brings to Dante’s life help him see his entire existence—his trials and sorrows—in a brighter light.
But Dante’s secrets could rip happiness from their grasp… especially since someone isn’t above hurting those Dante has grown to love in order to bring him down.
A Hearts Entwined Novel
As a stunningly attractive man and the owner of a successful chain of auto repair garages, Trevor is used to attention, adoration, and getting what he wants. What he wants tends to be passionate, no-strings-attached flings with men he meets in clubs. He doesn’t expect anything different when he sets his sights on James. Imagine his surprise when the charm that normally brings men to their knees fails to impress. Trevor will need to drop the routine and connect with James on a meaningful level. He starts by offering to take James home instead of James riding home with his intoxicated friend.
For James, losing his sight at a young age meant limited opportunities for social interaction. Spending most of his time working at a school for the blind has left him unfamiliar with Trevor’s world, but James has fought hard for his independence, and he knows what he wants. Right now, that means stepping outside his comfort zone and into Trevor’s heart.
Trevor is also open to exploring real love and commitment for a change, but before he can be the man James needs him to be, he’ll have to deal with the pain of his past.
A Hearts Entwined Novel
The attraction between Brent Berkheimer and Scott Spearman peels the wallpaper, but Brent is Scott’s boss, and they’re both too professional to go beyond flirting. Their priorities realign after Scott is badly injured in an accident that costs him his hearing, and Brent realizes what is truly important… he wants Scott.
Scott pushes Brent away at first, fearing a new romance will just add to his problems, but perhaps he will find unexpected strength and solace in Brent’s support as he struggles to communicate with the world in a new way.
Just as they decide the chance of a happy future together is worth the risk, Scott and Brent discover darker challenges in their way—including evidence that the “accident” Scott suffered may not have been so accidental.
Readers love Andrew Grey
Taming the Beast
“I have no hesitation in recommending Taming the Beast to everyone who enjoys reading m/m romance stories.”
—Love Bytes
“This was such an incredible read… I cannot wait to see what Andrew Grey will come up with next.”
—Gay Book Reviews
Never Let You Go
“…where there’s a will, there’s Andrew Grey and he did not disappoint with that ending.”
—Jessie G Books
“I adored this second chance romance…”
—Dog-Eared Daydreams
Ebb and Flow
“One of those books you can just fall into and forget about the world for a while.”
—Divine Magazine
“…I would recommend giving the sequel Ebb and Flow a try. I know I’m glad that I did.”
—OptimuMM
ANDREW GREY grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived all over the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and now works full-time on his writing. Andrew received the RWA Centennial Award in 2017. His hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving husband. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.andrewgreybooks.com
By Andrew Grey
Accompanied by a Waltz
Between Loathing and Love
Buried Passions
Chasing the Dream
Crossing Divides
Dominant Chord
Dutch Treat
Eastern Cowboy
Fire and Flint
In Search of a Story
Noble Intentions
North to the Future
One Good Deed
Path Not Taken
The Playmaker
Saving Faithless Creek
Shared Revelations
Taming the Beast
Three Fates (Multiple Author Anthology)
To Have, Hold, and Let Go
Turning the Page
Whipped Cream
ART
Legal Artistry • Artistic Appeal • Artistic Pursuits • Legal Tender
BOTTLED UP
The Best Revenge • Bottled Up • Uncorked • An Unexpected Vintage
BRONCO’S BOYS
Inside Out • Upside Down • Backward • Round and Round
THE BULLRIDERS
A Wild Ride • A Daring Ride • A Courageous Ride
BY FIRE
Redemption by Fire • Strengthened by Fire
Burnished by Fire • Heat Under Fire
CARLISLE COPS
Fire and Water • Fire and Ice • Fire and Rain
Fire and Snow • Fire and Hail • Fire and Fog
CHEMISTRY
Organic Chemistry • Biochemistry • Electrochemistry
Chemistry (Print Only Anthology)
DREAMSPUN DESIRES
#4 – The Lone Rancher
#28 – Poppy’s Secret
EYES OF LOVE
Eyes Only for Me • Eyes Only for You
FOREVER YOURS
Can’t Live Without You • Never Let You Go
GOOD FIGHT
The Good Fight • The Fight Within
The Fight for Identity • Takoda and Horse
HEARTS ENTWINED
Heart Unseen • Heart Unheard
HOLIDAY STORIES
Copping a Sweetest Day Feel • Cruise for Christmas • A Lion in Tails
Mariah the Christmas Moose • A Present in Swaddling Clothes
Simple Gifts • Snowbound in Nowhere • Stardust
LAS VEGAS ESCORTS
The Price • The Gift
LOVE MEANS…
Love Means… No Shame • Love Means… Courage
Love Means… No Boundaries • Love Means… Freedom
Love Means … No Fear • Love Means… Healing
Love Means… Family • Love Means… Renewal
Love Means… No Limits • Love Means… Patience
Love Means… Endurance
LOVE’S CHARTER
Setting the Hook • Ebb and Flow
PLANTING DREAMS
Planting His Dream • Growing His Dream
REKINDLED FLAME
Rekindled Flame • Cleansing Flame
SENSES
Love Comes Silently • Love Comes in Darkness • Love Comes Home
Love Comes Around • Love Comes Unheard • Love Comes to Light
SEVEN DAYS
Seven Days • Unconditional Love
STORIES FROM THE RANGE
A Shared Range • A Troubled Range • An Unsettled Range
A Foreign Range • An Isolated Range
A Volatile Range • A Chaotic Range
STRANDED
Stranded • Taken
TALES FROM KANSAS
Dumped in Oz • Stuck in Oz • Trapped in Oz
TASTE OF LOVE
A Taste of Love • A Serving of Love
A Helping of Love • A Slice of Love
WITHOUT BORDERS
A Heart Without Borders • A Spirit Without Borders
; WORK OUT
Spot Me • Pump Me Up • Core Training • Crunch Time
Positive Resistance • Personal Training • Cardio Conditioning
Work Me Out (Print Only Anthology)
Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Published by
DREAMSPINNER PRESS
5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886 USA
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Buried Passions
© 2018 Andrew Grey.
Cover Art
© 2018 L.C. Chase.
http://www.lcchase.com
Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.
All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or www.dreamspinnerpress.com.
