ACountrySong

ForChristmas

By:AndriaLarge

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsaretheproductoftheauthor’simagination

orareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,localesorpersons,livingordeadispurelycoincidental.

ACountrySongForChristmas

Copyright©2017byAndriaLarge.

Allrightsreserved.Theunauthorizedreproductionordistributionofthiscopyrightedworkisillegal.Thisbookor

anyportionthereofmaynotbereproduced,scanned,distributed,orusedinanymannerwhatsoever,viatheInternet,

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http://www.AuthorAndriaLarge.com

Editedby:MeganHershenson

CoverDesignby:AndriaLarge

FirstEdition,2017

Pleasenote:AndriaLargeacknowledgesthecopyrighteditemsnamedinthenovel,ACountrySongForChristmas.The

authordoesnotowntherighttotheproducts,songs,orbrandsthatarementionedinthisstory.

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ACountrySongForChristmas

BLURB

Countrysingingsensation,NashBentley,hasasecret…

He’sgay.

Fearoflosinghisfans-andultimately,hiscareer-keepshiminthecloset.It’snotuntilhe
bringshisdrummer,DaltonDresher,homeforChristmasthathestartstoquestionifit’s
worthhidinganymore.Daltonishappytokeeptheirlovequiet,butittearsNashapart.
Whyshouldhehavetokeephisrelationshipasecret?

CouldhisloveforDaltonbewhatmakesorbreaksNash’ssingingcareer?

ChapterOne

December24that11:36pm…

DaltonDresherbobshisheadintimewiththebeathe’splayingonthedrums.The

arenaispackedtothegillsasusual.Screamingfansaregoingcrazyoverthehottest

countrystararoundrightnow.NashBentley.Nashisonfire.Alltheladiesareswooning

overhimandhisruggedgoodlooks.He’sbeenNash’sdrummerforthepastsixmonths.

TherestofthebandhasbeenwithNashlonger,butwhentheirotherdrummerquitto

pursueotherthings,hegottheopportunityofalifetime.

DaltonwatchesasNashwalksaroundthestage,singingandgettinghisfansengaged.

Hesecretlyhasacrushonthegorgeousmanstruttingaroundafewfeetinfrontofhim.

Notonlyishehandsomeasallhellwithhisblueeyes,sandyblondehair,andsquare

scruffyjaw,buthe’sbuilt,too;he’sgotthebodyofanathlete.Nashhasjusttheright

amountofmuscledefinition-he’snotscrawny,butnotbulkyeither.Andhe’saboutthe

sameheightasDaltonat6’2”.

Thesongendswithafewfinalbeatsonthedrumsandcymbals.Thecrowdgoes

crazy.ThankGodforearplugs.

“Thankya’llforcomin’outonChristmasEve!You’vebeengreat!”Nashexclaims.

“Andgiveitupformyband!”

Daltonmovesoutfrombehindthedrumsandmakeshiswaywiththerestoftheband

tothefrontofthestagewheretheyalltakeabowinunisonwithNash.AlongwithDalton

ondrums,thereisJimmyonguitar,Craigonbass,andBrianonkeyboards.Afterthey

comeupfromtheirbow,theywaveastheyallexitthestage.

Theydon’tbotherstayingtotakeshowersatthearena;instead,theyracetogetright

onthetourbus.Theyneedtogobacktothehoteltograbtheirthingsbeforetheyallsplit

uptogohomeforaweekfortheholiday.They’llbebacktogetheronNewYear’sEve

whenthey’replayingatTimeSquareinNewYorkCity.

NashflopsdownnexttoDaltononthecouchwithaloudsigh.“Hey,man,whatare

yourplansfortheweek?”Nashasks,nudgingDaltonwithhiselbow.

“Idon’thaveanyfamily,soIwasjustgonnagohometoAlabamaandbecomea

couchpotatoforaweek,”Daltonreplieswithalopsidedgrin.

Hisheartratepicksup.EverytimeNashisnear,hegetsallflusteredandhastopray

thathedoesn’tsayanythingstupid.

“Nofamily?AloneforChristmas?No,wecan’thavethat.You’recomin’withme

then,”Nashstates.

“Nash,no.Icouldn’timposelikethat,”Daltonargues.

“It’snotupfordiscussion,myman,”Nashreplies,thencallstohismanagerwhois

sittingupfront.“Hey,Johnny!D’yahearthat?Makesurethepilotknowswehaveanother

passenger!”

“Yougotit,Nash,”Johnnycallsbackashepullsouthisphone.

DaltonshakeshisheadashestaresatNash.“Youdidn’thavetodothat.”

“Yes,Idid.NofriendofmineisspendingChristmasalone,”hesaysfirmly.“Letme

textmymamaandletherknowtogettheotherguestroomready.”

Hepullsouthisphoneandstartstypingaway.Thisguyistoomuch.He’sgotaheart

ofgoldandthensome.He’sinvolvedintonsofcharities,hegoesandseeskidsat

children’shospitalswheneverhecan,hevolunteersatanimalshelters,andhaseven

adoptedafewdogsandcatsinjustthesepastsixmonthsthatDaltonhasknownhim.He

doesn’tgetabigheadaboutanyofiteither.He’shumbleandkindandexactlythetypeof

manthathehasalwaysdreamedofbeingwith.

That’soutofthequestionthough.HehasnoideawhatNash’ssexualpreferenceis

becausehisgaydarsucksandalwayshas.Nashdoesn’tgiveoffthevibethathe’sgay,but

hedoesn’tseemtobeintochicksallthatmucheither.He’llflirt,butit’smoreofapolite

typeofflirtingthanactuallydoingittotryandgetintoawoman’spants.

Plus,Daltonhimselfisstillmostlyinthecloset.Theonlypeoplethatknowhe’sgay

arehisparents,whopromptlydisownedhimwhentheyfoundout.Theyrefusedtoaccept

thattheirsonwasgay,sotheyoustedhimfromthefamilyandtoldallhisrelativesthathe

ranofftoplayinabandanddoesn’tcareaboutthemanymore.Itstillhurts,buthe’sliving

hisdream.He’snevertoldanotherlivingsoulaboutbeinggayforfearthathe’dlose

everythingelsethatheholdsdear,likehiscareer.AndifitmeanshegetstobeNash’s

drummerforhoweverlong,thenhe’lltakethatshittohisgrave.

******

NasheyesDaltonashewalksinfrontofhimwhiletheyheadfortheirroomstotakea

quickshowerandgettheirbags.He’sgotasexyashellswaggerwhenhewalks.Ever

sinceDaltonbecamehisdrummersixmonthsago,he’sbeencrushinghardontheguy.It

sucksthathecan’tactonhisfeelings.He’sgottoomuchridingonhisimageandbeing

theoneandonlygaycountrysingerisnotit.Ifhe’sbeinghonest,hiscareerwould

probablycrashandburnifheevercameout.

SohekeepshisattractiontoDaltontohimself.Plusthechancesofhimbeinggayalso

areslim,andthereisnowayhe’sgoingtoputhimselfouttheretoberejectedandoutedat

thesametime.

Daltonisgorgeouswithhisdarkbrownhairandsultryblueeyes.Hehasalong,lean

bodythatNashcouldgetlostin.Thatass!Ijustwannasqueezeitandburymycock

betweenthosecheeks…Jesus,getaholdofyourselfbeforeyoupitchatent.

DaltongoestothedoornexttoNash’sandswipeshiskeycard.HeglancesatNash

beforewalkingintohisroom.Nashstaresafterhimforamoment.DidIjustseelongingin

hiseyes?

Aftertheyareallshoweredandready,theygetbackonthebustoheadfortheairport.

NashandDaltonsaytheirgoodbyestotheotherbandmembersbeforeboardingasmall

privateplaneheadingforNashville,Tennessee.That’sright,NashisfromNashville.

Guesswherehisparentsgotthename?Hewasdestinedtobeacountrystar.

Daltongrabsaseatnexttoawindow,soNashsitsintheseatnexttohim.“Hey,”Nash

says.

“Hey.”Daltonsmirks.

“So…ah…yousaidyoudidn’thaveanyfamily.CanIaskwhathappened?Imean,

youdon’thavetotellmeifyoudon’twantto.”

Daltonshrugs.“Theydidn’tlikemycareerchoice,soI’mnotreallywelcomeintheir

homeanymore,”hesays.

Nashgetstheimpressionthathe’sholdingsomethingback,buthe’snotgoingtopry.

IfDaltonwantedhimtoknow,hewouldhavesaidit.

“Well,that’sdumb.Imeanlookatyou!You’rethedrummerfor…me!”Nashexclaims

withalaugh.

Daltonsmilesshyly.“Yeah,Iknow.”

“Ihopeyou’reatleastproudofyourself.You’reverytalented,”Nashsaysandgives

hiskneeasqueeze.

“Iam.I’msogratefulforthisjob.Iwouldn’thaveitanyotherway.”

“Icouldlistentoyourockoutabeatonthosedrumsallday.”Nashgrins.

“Shit,Icouldlistentoyousingallday,”Daltongrunts.

Theystareateachotherforamoment.Yep,there’sthatlookagain.MaybeDaltonis

gay?HowcanNashbesurewithoutgivinghimselfawayintheprocess?Hecan’ttakethe

chanceinaskingoutrightbecauseifDaltonisnot,andgetsoffended,theregoeshis

secret…andmostlikelyhiscareer.

“Getsomesleep,”Nashsays.

It’salmostthreea.m.,andbythetimetheygettoNashville,it’llbemorning.Dalton

nodsandcloseshiseyes.Nashwatcheshimforamoment,wishingtherecouldbemore

betweenthem.Withasigh,hecloseshisowneyestotryandgetsomemuch-neededsleep.

ChapterTwo

December25that7:45am…

TheairportinNashvillewasacompleteclusterfuck.Somehow,fansgotwindthathe

wasgoingtobethere,sohegotbombardedatbaggageclaim.Hissecuritydidtheirbestto

keepsomesemblanceoforder,buteventuallyhadtocallinthelocalpolicetohelpcorral

thecrowd.Daltonactuallyplayedsomepartofsecurityandkeptthegrabbyhandsfrom

rippingNash’sclothesoff.

IttooktwohoursforthemtogetintoanSUVandgetthehelloutofthere.Nash

insistedonsigningasmanyautographsashecouldbeforeleaving.Daltoncan’thelpbut

admirethat.Theguyloveshisfans.InthebackoftheSUV,heissittingnexttoNash,who

isloungingtherewithonearmdrapedoverthebackoftheseat,andtheotherrestingon

thearmofthedoor.Helookssofuckingcool,andhe’snoteventrying.

“So,isthereanythingIshouldknowaboutyourfamily?AnythingIshouldn’tdoor

say?”Daltonasks.

Nashwhipshisheadaroundandsmilesathim.“Nah,myfamilyiscool.Don’tworry

aboutanything.They’regoingtoloveyou.”

Daltonnods.“Okay.”

Abouttwentyminuteslater,theSUVpullsintothedrivewayofabeautifultwo-story,

stone-facedhouse.ThehouseiscoveredinChristmaslights,andthefrontyardislittered

withabunchofblow-upornaments.Daltonhasneverseenaprettiersight.Hisparents

didn’treallyliketodecoratewhenhewasgrowingup.

Astheymaketheirwayupthewalkwaytothehouse,thefrontdooropensanda

middle-agedwoman,withthebrightestsmileDaltonhaseverseen,stepsoutintothe

freezingcoldwithnojacketon.

“Mama!Getbackinthehouse.It’stoocold!”Nashbarksandpicksuphispace.

“Oh,hush,I’mfine,”shereplies,wavingadismissivehand.

Hereachesherandscoopsherupintoabigbearhug.Sheonlycomesuptohis

shoulder,soheeasilyliftsherandswingsheraround.

“MerryChristmas,”hesays.

“BestChristmaspresentever,”sherepliessweetly.

“Well,duh.”

Shelaughsandswatsathischestwhenheputsherdown.NashthenturnstoDalton

andclapshimontheshoulder.

“Mama,thisisDaltonDresher,mydrummer.Dalton,thisismymama,Sheila.”

Daltonshakesherhand.“MerryChristmas.Nicetomeetyou,Ma’am.”

“Ifitweren’tsocoldouthere,I’dsmackyouupsidetheheadforcallin’me‘Ma’am,’”

shegrumblesassheheadsbackintothehouse.

Nash’sglitteringblueeyesmeetDalton’swideones.“YoucancallherSheila.”Nash

grins.

DaltonfollowsNashintothehouse.“IthoughtIwasbeingrespectful,”hemutters.

Nashchucklesanddropshisbagoverbythestairs.Daltondoesthesamethenscurries

behindNashashewalksdownthehalltothekitchen.Thesmelloffoodcookinghas

Dalton’sstomachgrowlingloudly.Nashglancesoverhisshoulder,eyebrowcocked.

“Hungry?”

“Starving,”Daltonreplies,holdinghisnoisystomach.

“Youboysarejustintime.Breakfastisalmostdone,”shesays.

“Where’sDadandClarissa?”Nashasks.

“Theyrantothestoreformoreorangejuice.Theyshouldbebackanyminute.”

NashmotionsDaltontohaveaseatatthekitchentable.AsDaltonsits,Nashgoesto

thefridgeandpullsoutacoupleofwaterbottles.HehandsonetoDaltonthencrackshis

open.

“Thanks,”hesays.

Nashsendshimawinkbeforetakingapullfromhisbottle.Dalton’sheartleapsinto

histhroat.HedoeshisbestnottostareathisAdam’sapplewhenheswallows.Whathe

wouldn’tgivetolickalinefromthebaseofhisnecktohischin.Thefrontdooropening

pullsDaltonoutofhiswaywardthoughts.

“Where’smyboy?”

Asecondlater,amanentersthekitchen,followedbyayounggirl,who’smaybe

eighteen.ThegrinthatencompassesNash’sfacehasDaltontakingthefirststeptothe

pointofnoreturn-fallinginlovewithhim.Nashisjuststunningwhenhesmilessofully

thatitreacheshiseyes.

Hisdadlaughsandpullshimintoahug,givinghimsomehardclapsontheback.“It’s

goodtoseeyou,Son.MerryChristmas.”

“You,too,Dad.MerryChristmas.”

Whentheyseparate,Nashthengoestothegirl,whoDaltonisassumingishissister,

andgivesherabighug.He’ssurprisedatthebigagegapbetweenNash,whoisthirty-one,

andhissister.Aftergivingherabighug,NashreleasesherandturnstoDalton,who

stands.

“Dad,Clarissa,thisisDalton,mydrummer.Dalton,thisismyDad,Wayne,andmy

sister,Clarissa.”

Daltonsmilesandshakesboththeirhands.“Nicetomeetyou.”

“Gladyoucanjoinus,Dalton,”Waynesays.

“Thanksforhavingme.Ireallyappreciateit.”

DaltonglancesatClarissa,whoiseyeinghimup.Heliftsaneyebrowatherin

question,makingherblushandaverthereyes.Great,Nash’ssisterthinksI’mcute.

“Boys,canyousetthetable?”Sheilaasks.

“Sure,Mama.”

NashBentleysetsthetable?Daltonsmilesandmovestohelphimashepullsdishes

downfromacabinet.Nashhandshimtheplatesthengoestothesilverwaredrawer.

Daltonsetsaplatedowninfrontofeachchair.Nashfollows,placingaforkandknifeat

eachsetting.

Theyhaveanicefamilybreakfast.Daltonmostlyjustobservestheirdynamicinstead

ofparticipating.It’smuchdifferentthanhowhisusedtobe.Hisfamilywasmuchmore

uptightandproper.Hedidn’tfitinatall.Evenwithoutthefactthathe’sgay,hestoodout.

Hewasarebel;hewantedtodohisownthing,followhisdreams,andtheyweren’t

supportiveofthat.Theywantedhimtodowhattheythoughtheshoulddo.

HekeepsfeelingClarissalookingathimandhedoeshisbesttoignoreit.Notonlyis

henotattractedtoherintheleast(becauseshe’sagirl),butshe’salsofourteenyearshis

junior.

Afterbreakfast,ClarissaandSheilacleanupwhileNashshowsDaltontherestofthe

house,includingtheroomhe’llbestayingin.Whenthey’refinishedwiththeirlittletour,

theygobackdownstairstothelivingroomwhereWayneissittingonthecouchwatching

TV.

“Assoonasthegirlsaredoneinthekitchenwe’llopenpresents,”Waynesays.

“Okay,”Nashsays.“Letmegograbyourpresents.Berightback.”Hedashesoutof

theroom,leavingDaltonwithhisdad.

Dalton,nowfeelinglikeacompleteassbecausehedoesn’thavepresentsforanyone,

sitsdownintherecliner.

*****

Nashreturnswiththepresentshegotforhisfamily.Hefeelslikeacompletedick

becausehedidn’tgetanythingforDalton,eventhoughhedidn’tknowtheywouldbe

spendingChristmastogether.Hismomandsisterfinallyjointheminthefamilyroom.

ClarissasitsonthefloorclosetoDalton.Nashhideshissmile.Hislittlesisterseemsto

havetakenalikingtohisdrummer.

Hismomgrabssomepresentsfromunderthetreeandstartshandingthemout.She

evenhandsaboxtoDalton,wholooksrightfullyshocked.

“What?No.Youdidn’thave—“Hestarts,butarguingwithSheilaisfutile.

“Quietboy,it’sjustsomethingsillythatyouguyscanuseontheroad.IgotNashone,

too.”

Hismotherwassuchawonderfulwoman.ShemusthaverunoutyesterdaywhenNash

saidhewasbringingafriendhome.She’sneveronetoleaveanyoneout.

“I…I…thankyou,”Daltonsaysinutterdisbeliefandalittlebitofembarrassment.“I

don’thaveanythingforyouguys.”

“Sweetie,everythingweneedisrighthereinthisroom,soshushandopenyour

present,”Sheilasayswithasoft,motherlygrin.

Dalton’seyesmeetNash’s.Therearesomanyemotionsswirlinginthemthathecan’t

decipherjustone.Poorguy.Heprobablyfeelsterribleandmaybeevensadbecauseofthe

situationwithhisownfamily.Daltonlooksdownattheboxinhislapforamomentbefore

hegentlytearsattheseamofthewrappingpaper.Hebarksoutalaughwhenheseeswhat

itis.

“Let’ssee,holditup,”Nashsays.

Tearingtherestofthepaperoff,Daltonpropsuptheboxonhisknees,hiseyes

dancingwithhumor.“It’saSnuggie.”

Nashlaughsandgrabshisbox,tearingthepaperoff.Daltongotablueoneandhegot

aredone.Thetwoofthemsharealookthen,knowingwhattheotheristhinking,

suddenlyrippingopentheboxes.TheybothpulltheSnuggiesoutastheygettotheirfeet.

“Mama,takeourpicture!”Nashexclaims,handinghismotherhisphone.

BothNashandDaltonsliptheirarmsintothesleevesthengoandstandinfrontofthe

Christmastree.NashdrapeshisarmaroundDalton’sshoulders.Theguytensesforallofa

secondbeforeslidinghishandaroundNash’swaist.Theysmileforcamera.Twogrown

assmeninSnuggies?That’sgoingonInstagram.

NashfeelsthelosswhenheletsgoofDalton.Hewouldmuchratherpullhiminclose

andkisstheshitoutofhim.Buthecan’t.Daltonsitsbackdownontherecliner,his

Snuggieremaininginplace.HisgazefindsNashandasmallbashfulsmilepullsat

Dalton’slips.It’scuteasshitandmakesNash’sheartflip-flop.HavingDaltonathis

parents’house,interactingwithhisfamily,makesNashwishthingsweredifferent,andit

hurtstoknowthattherearethingsthatcanneverbe.LikehimandDalton.

ChapterThree

December26that10:54am…

Nashissittinginthefamilyroomwithanotebookandpen,hummingtohimselfashe

worksonthesonghe’sbeenwriting.Daltonisintheshower,andNashneededtodo

somethingtokeephismindfromwanderingtothewaterrunningdownDalton’slong,lean

frame.Thesonghe’swritingaboutisbasicallyhislife-wantingthingsthathecan’thave,

desiringsomeonewhoisofflimits.

“Hey,”Clarissachirpsandplopsdownnexttohim.

“Hey,”Nashmuttersdistractedly,tappingtheendofhispenagainsthislips.

“Whatchadoin’?”

“Writingasong.”

“Oooh,fun.”

Nashhums.

“SoisDaltonsingle?”sheblurts.

Thatgrabshisattention.Hisheadshootsupandwhipsaroundtolookather.“What?”

“DoesDaltonhaveagirlfriend?”sheasks.

“Firstoff,no,youarenotgoingtohitonmyfriend,andsecond,he’stoooldforyou.

He’sthirty-twoandyou’reeighteen.”Nashfrowns.

“So?Ageisjustanumber.He’sreallyhot—“

“No.Don’teventhinkaboutit.”

“But—“

“Nobuts.Daltonisofflimitstoyou,”Nashsaysfirmly.

Clarissa’seyebrowsdrawdown.“Youcan’ttellmewhattodo.Whatifhelikesme?”

“Ifhelikedyouthenhewouldhaveshowninterest,whichhehasnot.”Nashgivesher

apointedlook.IfDaltonhasgivenheranylooks,itwasoneofdiscomfortfortheway

she’sbeenstaringathim.

“Wehaven’treallytalkedyet.Wemighthavealotincommon.”

“Doubtit,”Nashscoffs.“Besides,it’snotlikehe’sgoingtobearoundforyoutwoto

date.He’sgonnabeontheroadwithme,andwhenthetourisover,he’llprobablygoback

toAlabamawherehelives.”

“Wecouldbeperfecttogether—“

“Clarissa,stop.Juststop.It’snotgoingtohappen,soletitgo.”

Shemakesanaggravatednoiseandshovestoherfeet.Shestartstostompoutofthe

room,butthenDaltonwalksinandherwholedemeanorchangesasifshe’sflippeda

switch.Shegiveshimaflirtatioussmileandbatsherlashesathim,makingNashwantto

throwthehellup.Daltongivesherahesitantsmileinreturn.

“Hi,Dalton,”shepurrs.

“Uh…hey,”hemurmurs,seeminglyunsureofwhat’sgoingon.

Nashbitesbackasmileathowfreakingcutehelookswhenhe’suncomfortable.

Clarissasendshimawinkthenturnsthecorner,leavingtheroom.Daltondoesadouble

take,lookingbackatwhereshehadjustbeenstanding.WhenheturnsbacktoNash,he

hikesathumboverhisshoulder.

“Didshejustwinkatme?”

Nashcan’tholdinhislaughanylonger.“Yeah.Shethinksyou’rehot.”

Daltonjerkshischinback.“Ohno.No,no,no,”hereplies,shakinghisheadashesits

downonthecouchnexttoNash.

He’scloseenoughthatNashcatchesawhiffofhisshampooandbodywash.Good

thinghehasanotebookonhislapbecausesomeonewantstocomeoutandplay.

“Yeah,Itoldheryouweren’tinterested,butshedidn’twanttolisten.Shethinksyou

twowillhavealotincommon.”Nashsnickers.

“Howoldisshe?”

“Eighteen.”

“Yeah,no.Neverevergoingtohappen.”

“That’swhatItoldher.SoIapologizeinadvanceifshegivesyouahardtime.”

Daltongruntsandrollshiseyes.“Gee,thanks.”

Nashchuckles.

Daltonnodshisheadatthenotebook.“Writingasong?”

Nowit’sNash’sturntoshiftuncomfortably.“Uh…yeah.”

“Needhelp?”

NashdebatesonwhetherornottoletDaltonseethesong.Heusuallylikestokeep

themprivateuntilhe’sfinished.He’sgotthechorusdownandacoupleverses.Itstill

needsmoreworkthough,andheisstuck.Takingadeepbreath,hehandsthenotebookto

Dalton.Nashbiteshisthumbnailandwatcheshimashereadsoverit.What’shegoingto

thinkaboutit?Ishegoingtohateit?Whenhe’sdonereadingit,Daltonhandsitback.

“CanyousingitsoIcangetanideaofthemelodyyouhadinmind?”Daltonasks.

“Sure,”Nashsaysandclearshisthroat.

Hesingsthewordstothemusicplayingonlyinhishead.Daltoncloseshiseyesand

bobshishead,hishandswrappedaroundpretenddrumsticks,drummingtoabeatonlyhe

canhear.

WhenNashisfinishedsingingthefirstfewversesandchorus,Daltonopenshiseyes

andlooksaround.“Doyouhaveaguitararoundhere?”

“Youplayguitar,too?”

Daltonsmilesshylyandshrugs.“Icanplayanyinstrumentyouputinmyhands.”

“Noshit?”Nashsays,eyebrowshootingup.

“Justabout.Drumsaremyfavoritethough.”

“HowdidInotknowthis?”

“There’salotofthingsyoudon’tknowaboutmeyet.”

Theystareateachotherforaminute.Nashthinkshesees…butno,thatcan’tbe

right…nowayDaltonisattractedtohim.HehandsthebookbacktoDaltonashegetsup

tograbhisdad’sguitar.Whenhereturns,theyswitch.Daltonsetstheguitaronhisknee

andstartsstrummingoutchords.

“Singitagain,”Daltonsays,readyinghisfingersonthestrings.

SoNashsingsagain.DaltonstrumsoutexactlywhatNashhadinmindasthemelody.

Theyspendthenexttwohourswritingouttherestofthesongandworkingonthemusic.

NashisseriouslyimpressedwithDalton’smusicalability.Hehadnoideathathewasso

talentedwithsomanydifferentinstruments.

“That’sgonnabeyournexthitsingle.”Daltonsmilesbrightly.

“Withthankstoyou.You’redefinitelygettingcreditforco-writingit,”Nashsays

seriously.

“Youdon’thavetodothat,”Daltonreplies.

“Shutup.Youworkedonitwithme.Yougetcredit,too.”

There’sthatshysmileagain.“Thanks.”

“Thankyou.”

AslightblushcreepsupDalton’scheeksandNashisonceagainthankfulforthebook

onhislap.Goddamncockhasamindofitsowntoday.

ChapterFour

December27that12:30pm…

Daltonrollsoverinbedandblinksattheclock.Holyshit!Hehasn’tsleptthislatein

ages.Notsincehewasateenager.Whydidn’tNashwakemeup?Hestretcheshisarms

overhisheadandallhisjointspop.Ugh,I’mgettingold.Notreally,butitfeelslikeit

sometimes.Hesitsupandswingshislegsovertheedgeofthebed.Hegrabshis

sweatpantsoffthefloorandpullsthemon.Foregoingashirt,heopenshisdoorandheads

forthebathroomnextdoor.Heyawnsandrakesahandthroughhismessyhair.Thedoor

isshut.Dammit,he’sgottapee.Heliftshisfisttoknockjustasthedooropens,andNash

isstandingthereinnothingbutatowelslunglowacrosshiships.

Daltonjustaboutshitshimself.Heyelpsandpressesahandoverhisheart.

Nashsmirks.“Sorry,didIscareyou?”

“Fuckyes,”Daltonhisses.

HeletshiseyesrakeoverNash’sdefinedchestandabsbeforegoinglowerandseeing

theoutlineofhispackage.Fuck,how’shegoingtopeenowthathe’sfightingoffahard

on?WhenhebringshiseyesbackuptoNash’sface,hefindsthatNashislookingbackat

him.Thrownoffbythatrealization,Daltondartsintothebathroomandshutsthedoor.

Couldhebe?HowcanhefindoutifNashisgaywithoutactuallyaskinghim?Hewas

definitelycheckingoutDalton’sshirtlesstorso.Therewasnodoubtaboutit.Somaybehe

is…

Aftergoingtothebathroom,heopensthedoortofindthehallwayclear.Backinhis

room,hegetsdressedinjeansandalong-sleevedT-shirt.Hepullsonapairofsocksthen

padsdownthestepstoseewhat’sgoingoninthehouse.Sheilaissittingintheoffice

talkingonthephone,Wayneisinthekitchenmakingasandwich,Clarissaisn’tanywhere

tobefound,andNashisstandinginthefamilyroomlookingouttheslidingglassdoors

thatleadtothebackyard.

Daltonsidlesupnexttohimandshoveshishandsinhispockets.Lookingoutintothe

yard,herealizesthatitsnowedagoodbitlastnight.“Wow,itsnowedalot,”hemurmurs.

“Yeah.Mamawantsustogooutandshovelthesidewalks,”hesayswithoutlooking

overatDalton.

“Okay.Wecandothat.”

NashrollshislipsinandnodsthenfinallyturnstolookatDalton.Hisexpressionis

guarded,whichisnew.Dalton’sneverseenhimlookthatwaybefore.He’susuallyvery

openandeasytoread.

“What’swrong?”Daltonaskssoftly.

Nashshakeshishead.“Justgotsomethingsonmymind.”

Daltonsearcheshiseyes,hopingtoseesomeofwhathe’sthinking.Nashturnsand

walksawaybeforehecanseeanything.“Let’sgo.Theshovelsareinthegarage.”

Theyputontheirshoesandcoats.Neitherofthembroughtboots.Shovelingsnowwas

notsomethingtheyhadplannedondoing.TheyborrowhatsandglovesfromWayne,grab

theshovels,andthenheadoutfronttoclearthesidewalksanddriveway.

Daltonjustfinishedthedrivewaywhenhegetsslammedinthebackoftheheadwitha

snowball.Nashcacklesbehindhim.Heslowlyturnstoglareatthedouchebagthathithim

withthesnowball.Nashholdshishandsoutinfrontofhim,asiftowardoffDalton’s

wrath.

“Imeanttohityouintheback,notthehead,Iswear!”

Daltonthrowsdownhisshovelandgrabsahandfulofsnow,packingitintoaball.

“Dalton!”Nashlaughs.“Notmyprettyface!Thefanslovemyface!”

Daltoncan’thelpbutcrackasmileashelaunchesthesnowballatNash.Itpegshimin

theshoulderandexplodes.

“Ow!”Nashcries,holdinghisshoulder.

Nash’seyesflashwithamixtureofexcitementandpromise.Promiseofpayback.

Again,knowingwhattheotheristhinking,theydiveforthenearestpilesofsnowandstart

makingandthrowingsnowballsateachother.

Daltongetshitinthesideoftheheadhard,knockinghimtohisknees.Hegetshit

againinthebackbeforeyelling,“Timeout!”

Rippingoffaglove,hebrushesawaythesnowcakinghisfaceandear.Hepresseshis

handtohisearthenlooksathisfingerstomakesurehe’snotbleeding.Itmusthavefelt

worsethanitwasbecausehecouldhaveswornitbustedhisearopen.

“Shit,Dalton,areyouok—whoa!”Nashcriesasheslipsonapatchoficeandcrashes

intoDalton,wholandsonhisbackwithNashontopofhim.

Daltonfindshimselfstaringupatthethosegorgeousblueeyesthathaunthisdreams.

Theirlegsaretangledtogether,andNash’shandsareplantedfirmlyinthesnowoneither

sideofDalton’shead.DaltoncanfeelNash’sheartpoundingagainsthischest.Ormaybe

that’smyown?

Thenextthingheknows,Nashiskissinghim.Notlikeapeck-on-the-lipskindof

kissing,butfull-blown,tongue-in-his-mouthkindofkissing.Daltonclutchesthefrontof

hiscoat,notwillingtolethimgo.God,hecan’trememberthelasttimehewaskissed

withsomuchpassionandneed.

Nashnipsathisbottomlipthensucksonittosoothethesting.Daltonmoansashis

cockhardensagainstNash’sthigh.Nash’stonguedelvesbackintohiswillingmouth,

kissinghimlikehe’stheonlythingkeepinghimalive.

Daltonrollshishipsoutofinstinct,rubbinghimselfagainstNash’shardthigh.Shit.

It’sbeensolongsincehe’sbeenwithsomeone,hecouldprobablycomerightherelike

this.Nashpullsback,hisroughbreathingmakingitlooklikehe’sblowingplumesof

smokeoutofhismouth.

“Fuck.Dalton,areyougay?”Nashrasps.

Daltongiveshimanincredulouslook.“YouthinkI’dbelettingyoukissmelikethatif

Iweren’t?”

Nashbarksoutalaugh.“Verytrue.”

“Ididn’tknowyouweregay,though,”Imurmur.

“Yeah,well,nooneknows…withtheexceptionofyou.”

“Notevenyourparents?”

“Nope.”

“Webettergetupthenbeforesomeoneseesus,”Daltonsaysinarushandstartsto

pushatNash’sshoulders.

Nashscurriestohisfeet,andthenhelpsDaltonup.“Shit.Thatcouldhavebeenbad.

Thatwasreallystupidofmetokissyouinpubliclikethat.”

Daltonnods.SomanyemotionsarebubblingupinsideofDalton.Thatkisswas

explosive,andhe’sneverexperiencedonethatintensebefore.

“Isowanttokeepkissingyou,”Nashwhispers.

“Ditto,”Daltonreplies.

Astheadrenalinefromtheforbiddenmomentstartstowearoff,Daltonrealizeshow

fuckingcoldheis.Thebackofhisjeansaresoakingwet.Ashiverrackshisbodyandhe

bitesoutacurse.

“Webettergoin.We’rebothsoakedthrough,”Nashsaysandheadsforthegarage

withDaltonintow.

*****

Nash’smindisafuckingmessrightnow.Whatifsomeonesawus?Whatwould

happen?IcouldhavelosteverythingIworkedsohardfor.Butdamn,thatkisswasepic.

Notonlyaretherequestionsofwhatwouldhappenhadsomeoneseenthem,buthis

feelingsforDaltonareamplifyingbytheminute.Andnotjustlust.Thethoughtthat

Daltonhadactuallygottenhurtmadehimsicktohisstomach.He’sneverhadthatkindof

reactionaboutsomeonebefore.

Theyleavetheirwetcoats,shoes,socks,hats,andglovesinthegaragethengostraight

uptotheirroomstogetoutoftheirwetjeans.Nashquicklychangesintoapairof

sweatpantsthentiptoesdownthehalltoDalton’sroom.Heneedsonemorekiss.

Heknockssoftlyandpeekshisheadin.Daltonissittingontheedgeofthebed,his

headinhishands,alreadychangedintohissweatpants.Heliftshisheadwhenhehearsthe

dooropen.Nashslipsintotheroomthenshutsandlocksthedoorbehindhim.

“Areyouokay?”Nashasks.

“Yeah…yeah,myearkindahurts,butI’mokay.”

Nashsitsdownnexttohim.“I’msorry.Iwasn’ttryingtohityouintheface.”

Daltonsmirks.“Yeah,sure.”

Nashchuckles.“Iwasn’t.”

Dalton’ssmilefadesandheturnshisgazedowntohishands.“Sowhathappens

now?”

Nashtakesadeepbreathandblowsitout.“Idon’tknow.”

“Ilikeyou,Nash.Alot.”

“Shit,Dalton.Ilikeyoualot,too.Butyouknowifwetakethisfurtherithastostay

betweenus.”

“Iknow.Thereistoomuchatstake.”

Nashnodssadly.

“Solet’sdothatthen.Nooneneedstoknowwhatwedobehindcloseddoors,”Dalton

says.

“Ifyou’reokaywiththat,thensoamI,”Nashreplies.

“I’mnotgoingtolieandsaykeepingmyhandsoffyouinpublicisgoingtobeeasy,

butI’mwillingtotry,”DaltonsayssincerelyandtakesNash’shandinhis.

“Me,too.”Nashsmiles.

Daltonleansoverandkisseshimonthelips.“It’sreallykindasadthatatthirty-one

andthirty-twoyearsoldwehavetohidelikethis.”

Nashfrowns.“Iknow,butwhatchoicedowehave?Mymusicthrivesintheheartof

theBiblebelt,andasmuchasI’dliketothinkpeoplearemoreopen-mindedthesedays,

I’mnotsureaboutmyfanbasewiththeirdeep-rootedChristianbeliefsystem.”

“Yeah.Iunderstand.”

“So,let’stakethisonedayatatimeandkeepitasecretfornow.”

“Okay.”

“AndIwantyoutokissmeagain,”Nashwhispers.

DaltonsmilesasexylittlesmilethathasNash’scocktakingnotice.Nashgrabsthe

backofhisneckandpullshimintoaheatedkiss.Theirlipslockandtheirtonguestwine

aroundeachother.Daltongripsthefrontofhisshirtandyankshimcloser.Nashwrapshis

armsaroundhiswaistandmaneuversthemsothattheyarelyingonthebedwithNashon

top,thekissneverbreaking.

AsoftmoanescapesDaltonasNash’shipssettlebetweenhisspreadlegs.Nashfeels

likehisheartisgoingtopounditswayoutofhischest.Somanydifferentemotionsswirl

throughhisbody;notonlywantandneed,butalsoloveandaffectionforthemanbeneath

him.Hiscrushisquicklyturningintosomethingmoreserious.

Dalton’shandscuphisfaceastheirmake-outsessionslowstolong,lingering,passion-

filledkissesonthelips.Oneofhishandssmoothesdownthesideofhisneckbefore

movingdowntohischest,wherehestopsjustoverNash’sracingheart.Theygazeinto

eachother’seyes,somethingsignificantpassingbetweenthem.Nashknowsinthat

momenthe’sfallinginlovewithDalton.

ChapterFive

December28that8:57am…

Daltondrieshishairwiththetowelaftersteppingoutoftheshower.He’snotsureif

Nashisupyet,butheheardClarissa’svoiceashewaswalkingintothebathroomtotake

hisshower.Itwasmuffledbehindherbedroomdoor,buthe’sassumingshewastalkingon

thephone.

Shetriedtotalkandflirtwithhimatdinnerlastnight.Nash,thatbastard,wasmuffling

hislaughstheentiretime.Shewasaskinghimallkindsofthingsfromwhathisfavorite

kindofmusicwastohisfavoritecolor.Whenhesaidhelikedrockmusicthebest,her

responsewas,“Ohmygod,me,too!”Whichhehighlydoubts.Shelookslikeaboyband

fanatic.

ThebathroomdoorsuddenlyopensandClarissaisstandingthere.Daltonalmostdrops

histowelinsurprise,butluckilycatchesitjustasitgetstohisjunk.Hereyesarewideand

herlipsarepartedashergazerakesupanddownhisnakedbody.

“Jesus,Clarissa,doyoumind?!”Daltonsquawksincredulously.

“You’re…whoa…liketotallybuff…”shesputters,hereyesblinkingrapidlyasthey

lingeroverwherehe’sholdingthetoweloverhispackage.

“Great,thanks.Nowgetout!”heshouts,shooingherwithhisfreehand.“Learnto

knock.”

Aslow,slysmileliftsherlipsassheexitsthebathroomandclosesthedoorbehindher.

Oh,shetotallydidthatonpurpose.Shakinghishead,helocksthedoor;somethinghe

shouldhavedoneinthefirstplace.Guessnoroomissafeherewithherwanderingaround.

Hefinishesdryingoffthengoesintohisroomandmakesapointoflockingthedoor.

Aftergettingdressedandbrushinghishair,hemakeshiswaydownstairs.Nashissitting

atthekitchentable,lookinglikealittlekid,asheeatsabowlofLuckyCharmsandreads

thebox.Daltoncan’thelpbutsmile.Man,canhegetanycuter?Hemightbeinhis

thirties,butrightnow,hesuredoesn’tlooklikeit.Helooksmorelikeseventeen.Nash

takesanotherlargebite,milkdribblingdownhischin,ashelooksupatDalton.

Daltonchucklesandshakeshishead.Nashgiveshimaclosed-mouthgrinandgrabsa

napkintowipehisface.“Hey,”Nashsaysafterheswallows.

“Hi,”Daltonrespondswithasoftsmileashesitsdownadjacenttohim.

“WhatwereyouyellingatClarissaabout?”heaskscuriously,eyebrowcocked.

“Dude,shewalkedintothebathroomasIwasdryingoffaftermyshower.Didn’t

knockoranything.Shetotallymeanttodoittotryandseemenaked,”Daltonhuffs.

“Areyoukiddingme?”hesnaps,allprevioushumorgonefromhisgaze.

“Yeah,man.I’mnottryingtoplaytheselittlekiddygameswithher.Sheneedsto

knockitoff.”

“Agreed.I’lltalktoher.”

“Pleasedo.Tellhertolayoff.Nothingisgoingtohappenbetweenus,ever.Asyou

know.”

Nashhums,asecretivetwinklebackinhiseyes,asheletshisgazedriftoverDalton’s

face.

“Yes.YesIdo,”hemurmurs.

Daltongetsupandgrabsabowl,aspoon,andthemilk.NasheatingLuckyCharms

makeshimwantsome.Sittingbackdown,hepoursthecerealintothebowl,addsmilk,

andthenshovelsaspoonfulintohismouth.Hecloseshiseyesandmoans.Hecan’t

rememberthelasttimehe’seatenthiscereal;heforgothowmuchhelovesit.

“Don’tmakenoiseslikethat,”Nashhisses.

DaltonchucklesandhookshisfootaroundNash’slegsunderthetable.Nashsmiles

fondlyinreturn.Daltoncan’tgetoverhowfasthe’sfallingforNash.He’snotsureifhe’s

readyforit.

*****

Laterthatday,NashleavesClarissa’sroomaftergivingheragoodtalkingto.She

admittedtowalkinginonDaltononpurposebecauseherfriendhaddaredherto.Nash

toldherthathe’sseeingsomeoneanddoesn’thaveanyinterestinher.Shewas

disappointed,butshe’llgetoverit.HeheadsbackdownstairswhereDaltonisplaying

aroundonNash’sdad’sguitarinthefamilyroom.Nashsitsinthereclineradjacenttohim

andlistenstohimplay.

AnotherideaforasongcomestoNash’shead.Hedartsupstairstograbhisnotebook

thenreturnsandstartswritingfuriouslyasDaltoncontinuestoplay.Thesongpoursoutof

him,andhewritestheentirethingintwentyminutes.He’sneverwrittenasongsofastin

hislife.Now,thequestionis…isitanygood?

“Tellmewhatyouthink,honestly,”NashsaysandholdsoutthebooktoDalton.

Daltontakesit,eyebrowsraisedinsurprise.“Didyoujustwriteasong?”

NashnodsandbitesthisthumbnailnervouslyasDaltonreadswhathewrote.

“IsthistothemelodyIwasjustplaying?”Daltonasks,stillreading.

“Yeah.”

Daltonnods,hiseyesflittingfromlefttorightoverthepage.Whenhefinallylooksup

atNash,aslowsmilecreepsacrosshishandsomeface.

“Thisisbetterthanthelastone,”hesays.

Nashjerkshischinback.“What?Really?”

“Hellyeah!”

“Wow.Okaythen.”

Daltonstudieshisface.“Isowanttokissthehelloutofyourightnow,”hewhispers.

Nashgrins.“Let’ssneakaway.”

“Towhere?Thereareearsalloverthishouse,”Daltonmurmurs.

“Myroom.We’llturnonsomemusicandsaywe’reworkingonmoresongs.”

“Hey,guys,doyouwantsomelunch?”Sheilacallsfromthekitchen.

“Uh,notatthemoment.We’regonnagotomyroomandcontinueworkingonsome

songs,”Nashcallsastheybothgettotheirfeet.

Daltonbringstheguitarastheywalkthroughthekitchentogetupthestairs.

“Areyouwritingalotofsongs?”Sheilaaskspleasantly,turningtolookatthemas

theywalkthrough.

“Yeah,thewordsareflowing,andIdon’twanttostop,”Nashreplies.

“Okay.Comebackdownwhenyou’rereadytoeat,andI’llmakeyoutwosomething.”

“Thanks,Mama.Wewill,”Nashsays.

“Thanks,Sheila.”

TheymaketheirwayuptoNash’sroom,whereheshutsandlocksthedoor.AsDalton

setsdowntheguitarandliesonthebed,NashtakeshisphoneovertotheiHomestation

andconnectsit.Heturnsonsomecountrymusicandsetsthevolumeuphigh.It’sloud

enoughtocoverthemtalking,soitshouldbeloudenoughtocoverastraymoanhereor

there.

NashclimbsontothebedandcrawlsoverDaltonbeforeloweringhimselfdownontop

ofhim.NashcapturesDalton’slipsforaslow,passionatekiss.HecupsDalton’sfaceand

brusheshisthumboverhisbottomlip.Hethensucksthatlipintohismouthandletsitpop

out.Daltonsmiles,hishandswanderingoverNash’sbackandass.

NashpresseshispartedlipsagainstDalton’s.HeswipeshistonguebetweenDalton’s

lips,swirlingitaroundtheotherman’stongue.Daltonmoansandgrabsahandfulof

Nash’sass,holdinghimclosewhileherollshiships,rubbinghiserectionagainstNash’s.

NashdragshismouthdowntoDalton’sneck.Daltontiltshisheadtothesidetogive

himbetteraccess.NashfindsthehemofDalton’sshirtandyanksitupandoverhishead.

NashcatchesthedarkeninginhiseyesbeforehegoesbacktokissingDalton’sneck.

Daltonarchesunderhim,kickingNash’sheartrateup.Fuck,he’ssexy.

NashkisseshiswaydowntoDalton’sdefinedchestandpullsoneofhisnipplesinto

hismouth.Daltonshoveshisfistinbetweenhisteethandmufflesashoutofpleasure.His

useshisotherhandtocupthebackofNash’shead,holdinghiminplace.Obviously,he

likeshisnipplesplayedwith.

Takinghistime,NashsucksandlicksandnipsatDalton’snipples.Whenhefeelslike

Daltoncan’ttakeanymore,hetravelsdownhisstomachtothewaistbandofhisgym

shorts.Nashteaseshishipsalittlebeforepullingdownhisshorts,leavinghiminhis

underwear.NashrestsbetweenDalton’sspreadlegsandmouthshiscockthroughthe

cottonofhisbriefs.Theguyhasaseriouslyhotasfuckbody.Alltoned,sinewymuscle.

Daltonsucksinasharpbreathandrollshishipsagain.“Nash,”hebegssoftly.

Nashtakespityonhimandridshimofhisbriefs.Dalton’serectionsmacksagainsthis

lowerstomach,justwaitingtobesucked.Nashsettleshimselfonhisbellyandleansdown

topulloneofhisballsintohismouth.Hesucksitlightlybeforedoingthesametothe

other.

Withaflattongue,NashlickstheundersideDalton’scockfrombasetotip.Heglances

upwithonlyhiseyestofindDaltonscramblingtoreachforapillow,whichhethencovers

hisfacewith.Nashchuckleswhenhehearsthemuffledmoan.

NashliftsDalton’scockfromhisstomachandtakesitintohismouth.It’sbeenawhile

sinceIsuckeddick.IhopeIdookay.AnothersmotheredcryfromDaltonhasNash

grinning.Imustbedoingsomethingright.Nashuseshishandintandemwiththebobbing

ofhishead,twistingitslightlyashecomesup.

HeglancesuptoseeDaltonpeekingoutfromunderthepillow,watchinghim,hislips

partedandhisbreathingheavy.

“Fuck…Nash,you’regonnamakemecome,”hewhispersbreathily.

“Doit,baby,”herasps.

Nashjerkshimofffasterashegoesdowntosuckandlickathisballsagain.Dalton

rockshishipsanddigshisheadbackintothebed.Hepressesthepillowbackoverhisface

andcriesoutashecomesalloverhisstomach,hiscockpulsinginNash’shand.

Dalton’swholebodyrelaxesandhisarmsflopawayfromthepillow,leavingitover

hisface.Nashcrawlsupoverhim,keepinghimselfonhishandsandknees.Hegrabsthe

pillowandtossesitbacktowardtheheadofthebed.HelooksdownatDaltontofindhim

lyingtherewithhiseyesclosed,ablissfullookonhisgorgeousface.Nashleansdownand

kisseshimtenderlyonthelips.

“Youokay?”Hegrins.

“Mmmhmm,”Daltonhums.

“Good.”

“Handmethetissues?”

NashgrabstheboxoftissuesfromthenightstandandholdsthemoutforDalton.He

takesafewandwipeshimselfoff.Afterhetossestheminthedirectionofthetrashcan,he

pushesNashontohisback.Nashgoeswillingly,dyingforDaltontoreturnthefavor.It’s

beensolongsincesomeonehastouchedhim.Tryingtokeepthislargeofasecretisn’t

easy,andhedoesn’tgettosneakawayandhavesexwheneverhewants.Especiallysince

he’sbecomemorefamous,it’sbeenextremelyhardtofindsomeonewhoeitherwillkeep

quietordoesn’tknowwhoheis.

“When’sthelasttimesomeoneateoutyourass?”Daltonpurrsashestartsstripping

Nashoutofhisclothes.

Nash’seyesnearlyrollbackinhishead.“Seemslikeforever,”hebreathes.

“Mmm,thenyoumightwanttograboneofthosepillows,”Daltonreplies,hisvoice

huskywithdesire.“Orbetteryet,turnover.”

NashrollsontohisstomachandDaltongrabshishipsandpullshimtohisknees.Nash

moansbreathilyatjustthethoughtofwhat’sabouttohappen.Hepullsapillowtohis

chestandholdsit.Hehasafeelinghe’sgoingtobescreaming.

Daltonmassageshisasscheekswithhisbighandsbeforespreadingthemapart.Nash

almostcomesinstantlywhenDalton’stonguefindshishole.Hesmasheshisfaceintothe

pillowandletsoutastrangledcry.

Daltongoesfull-outattackmode.HeholdsnothingbackandgivesNasheverything

he’sgot.HeevensucksNash’scockfrombehindforalittlebitbeforegoingbacktofuck

hisasswithhistongue.Nashtakeshiscockinhandandstartsjerkinghimselfoffwhile

Daltoneatshisass.Nashcriesoutagainstthepillowashecomeshard,hiswholebody

seizingup.Daltonridesitoutwithhimuntilhe’scompletelyspentandcollapsestothe

bed.

Daltongiveshisasscheekanip,makinghimgroanandclench.“Fuck,thatwassooo

good.”

Daltonhumsandcrawlsupthebedtoliedownnexttohim.WhenNashcanmove

again,hecleansupasbestashecanthenliesbackdownnexttohisboyfriend.Dalton

holdsouthisarmandNashsnugglesupnexttohim,restinghisheadonhisshoulder.

“Weshouldgetdressedandgohavelunchbeforeanyonebecomessuspiciousofwhat

we’redoinginhere,”Nashmutterssleepily.

“Inafewminutes.”Daltonsighs.“Letmeholdyouforalittlebit.”

“M’kay.”

ChapterSix

December29that3:30pm…

Daltonsitsontheedgeofhisbedandtieshisshoes.HeandNasharegoingtogofora

run.Thesnowhasmeltedoverthepastcoupleofdays,leavingthestreetsclear.Theyare

bothstartingtogetabitstircrazyandfiguremaybegoingforarunwillhelp.

NashappearsinthedoorwaytohisbedroomlookingsexyinapairofUnderArmour

thermalstretchpants,gymshorts,along-sleevedthermalshirt,andsneakers.Daltonis

basicallywearingthesamethingindifferentcolors.

“Youready?”Nashasks.

“Yep,”Daltonrepliesashestands.

“Good,let’sgo.Igottagetouttathishouse.”

Nashisveryfidgetytoday.Heseemstobeupinhisheadalot.Theyheaddownstairs,

whereNashyells,“Mama,we’regoingforarun!Bebackinalittlebit.”

“Okay!”Sheilacallsbackfromsomewhereinthehouse.

Theywalkoutthefrontdooranddownthedriveway.Coldwinterairslapstheminthe

faceandDaltonshivers.Heknowsoncehegetsmovinghe’llbewarmer,butshit.They

startoutataslowpacetowarmup.DaltonletsNashleadsinceheknowsthe

neighborhood.Goingtothegymwasn’treallyanoptionbecauseNashwouldgetnoticed

inaheartbeat,andtherewouldbenoworkingout,onlysigningautographs.

Daltontakesinthesightsastheygo.It’sabeautifulneighborhood.HeglancesatNash

tofindascowlfirmlyinplaceonhishandsomeface.They’regoingtohavetotalkwhen

theygetback.Ican’timaginewhat’sgoingoninthatheadofhis.

Theyrunforaboutforty-fiveminutesthenwalkthelastfifteentocooldown.When

theygetbacktothehouse,theybothgoshowerandgetchanged.Daltonputsonjeansand

aT-shirtthengoestoNash’sroom,whereheknocksandpokeshisheadin.Nashisjust

pullingonhisshirt,soDaltoncatchesaglimpseofthatsexyassinVthatleadstohis

beautifulcock.

“Hey,canwetalk?”Daltonasks,steppingintotheroomandshuttingthedoor.

“Yeah,sure.”

“What’swrong?”Daltonasks.

HetakesNash’shandandleadshimovertothebed,makinghimsitnexttohimonthe

endofit.

“Nothing.”

“Lies,”Daltonhissesteasingly.“Icanseesomethingisbotheringyou.”

Nashsighsandscrubshisface.“Ijust…Idon’twanttohidewhatwehave.”

“Nash.”Daltonfrowns.“Wehaveto.”

“Wedon’thaveto.”

“Yeswedo.Listen,myfamilydisownedmebecauseI’mgay,notbecauseofmy

careerchoice.Imean,theydidn’tlikethateither,buttheywouldhaveoverlookedthathad

Inotbeengay.”

Nash’seyebrowscrankdownandhiseyessearchDalton’s.“What?”

Daltonnods.“Youhavetoomuchtolose,Nash.It’snotworththeriskoflosingyour

familyandyourcareer.”

“Idon’twanttohidewhoIamthough.I’mtiredofit.It’snotfairtoeitherofus.”

“Iknowit’snot,butthisislife,baby.Lifeain’tfair.”

Nashshakeshishead.“Idon’tthinkmyfamilywilldisownme.”

“Howdoyouknow?Areyouonehundredpercentsure?”Daltonaskscautiously.

Nashswallowshard.“I’mabouteightypercentsure.”

“Idon’tknow,Nash.Idon’tthinkit’sworththerisk.Wecanbetogetherwithout

everyoneknowing.”

Nashturnsandpegshimwithahardstare.“WhyshouldIhavetohidemyfeelingsfor

youbecauseofwhateveryoneelsethinks?I’mthirty-oneyearsold.AmInotallowedto

bewithwhoIwanttobewith?”

Daltonsighsheavilyandrakesahandthroughhisdarkhair.“Youcan,butthinkabout

everythingyou’veworkedfor,goneinaflash.AllsoyoucantellpeopleI’myour

boyfriend?”Heshakeshishead.“Idon’tthinkit’sagoodidea.”

Nashmakesanaggravatednoiseandshovestohisfeet.Withhishandsonhislean

hips,hepacesthefloorinfrontofDalton.

“SaythatIdodecidetocomeout.Willyouhavemyback?Becauseit’sgoingtoout

you,too.”

Daltonstandsandgoestohim,takinghimbytheshouldersandhaltinghispacing.“Of

courseIwill.”

Nashnodssolemnly.“Thankyou.”

Daltonleansinandgiveshimakiss.“You’rewelcome.”

ChapterSeven

December30that4:45pm…

Nash’sparentswenttothegrocerystoreandClarissawenttoafriend’shousefora

littlewhile,leavingNashandDaltonalone.TonightisthelastnightNashandDaltonare

staying.TheyareheadingtoNewYorkinthemorningtogetreadyfortheirappearanceon

theNewYear’sRockin’EvespecialinTimesSquare.

Nashzipsuphisbagafterhefinishespackingandsetsitonthefloor.Hegrabsa

condomandthelittlebottleoflubefromhisnightstandandsticksitinhispocketbefore

walkingdownthehalltoDalton’sroom.He’sgotplansforthosetwoitems.Hestopsin

thedoorwaytofindDaltonbentoverhisbagthat’sonthefloor,hisperfectassfacingthe

door.Hello,instanthardon.Nashstepsintotheroomandshutsthedoor,drawing

Dalton’sattention.Heglancesoverhisshoulder.

“Oh,hey.Youdonepacking?”heasks,turningbacktowhathe’sdoingwithhisbag.

“Mmmhmm,”NashanswersandstepsupbehindDalton,grabbinghishipsand

pressinghiserectionfirmlyagainsthisexposedass.

Daltonchuckles.“Really?”

“Yes,really.”

DaltonstraightensandturnshisheadtolookbackatNash.Nashwrapshisarms

aroundDalton’swaist,slippinghisfingersalonghiswaistband,asheplacessoftkisseson

thecornerofhismouth.

“Willyouletmefuckyoubeforeweleaveandhavenoalonetimetogether?”

Daltonnods.

Nash’shearttakesoffinasprint.Yes!HespinsDaltonaroundandcrushestheir

mouthstogetherashebacksthemuptowardthebed.WhenDalton’skneeshittheedge,

Nashendstheirkissbypushinghimontoit.Daltonbounceswithachuckle.

“Movetothemiddleofthebed,”Nashcommands.

Daltondoesashe’stoldandmovesupthebed.

“Getoutofthoseclothes,”Nashsaysandstartsstripping.

DaltonfranticallytearsoffhisT-shirt,shorts,andbriefs.AfterNashisnaked,hegrabs

thecondomandlubefromhispocketthenclambersontothebed,layinghisbodyover

Dalton’s.Settingthemofftotheside,hefindsDalton’slipsagain,thistimetakingitslow,

kissinghimlanguidly.Nashrollshiships,rubbingtheircockstogetherbetweentheir

bodies.

Daltonmoansagainsthismouth,smoothinghishanddownNash’sbodytocuphisass.

“Wecan’ttaketoolong.Everyonewillbebacksoon.”

Nashnodsandreachesforthelube.Hepourssomeintohishandandsmoothesitover

Dalton’stighthole.Hepressesforwardwithtwofingers,slowlyworkingtheminandout.

Daltongrabshiskneesandpullsthemupandoutoftheway.Nashmoansathowfucking

sexyheis.Daltonpresseshisheadbackintothepillowsandletsoutastrangledcry.

“You’resotight,”Nashrasps.

“It’sbeenalongtime,”Daltonpants.

“Bottoming,orsexingeneral?”

“Sexingeneral.”

“Samehere.”

“Quittalkingandfuckmealready,”Daltonbarks.

Nashsmirks.“Yes,Sir.”

Nashremoveshisfingersandgrabsthecondom.Herollsitonthenlineshimselfup.

HepushesintoDalton’stightheatinonesmooththrust.Daltongaspsattheintrusion.

“Youokay?”Nashgritsout.He’sbarelyhangingonwithhowtightDaltonis.

“Yeah,keepgoing,”Daltonbreathes.

Nashpullsbackslightlybeforethrustingforward.Dalton’seyesrollbackinhishead,

soheknowsthathe’senjoyingit.Nashpicksupspeed,knowingthattheyhavetobe

quick.Theonlysoundintheroomistheirharshpantingandtheirbodiesslapping

together.

Daltonletsgoofoneofhislegssohecanfisthiscock.Strokinghardandfast,he

comeswithinminutes,hisbodyclenchingtightaroundNash’scock.Nashmoansloudand

followsDaltonintooblivion.NashcollapsesontopofhimandtuckshisfaceinDalton’s

neck.

“Fuck,thatwasgood.”Nashpants.

“Sogood,”Daltonagrees.

ThebedroomdoorsuddenlyopensandClarissawalksin.

“Hey,Nash?Areyou…Ohmygod!”

NashscramblesoffofDaltonandtheybothworktopullthesheetsuptocover

themselves.

“JesusfuckingChrist,Clarissa!Don’tyouknowhowtoknock?!”Nashshouts.

Clarissa’smouthworksbutnothingcomesout.Herfaceisbrightredandshe’s

blinkingrapidly.

“Getout!”Nashyellsather.

Sheseeminglysnapsoutofherstuporanddartsoutoftheroom,slammingthedoor

closedbehindher.

“Fuck!”Nashshoutsandtossesthesheetsaway.

Hegetsoutofbed,getsridofthecondom,andstartsyankingonhisclothes.Dalton

followssuit,cleaningthejizzfromhisstomachthenpullingonhisclothes.

“Great,justfuckinggreat,”NashmutterstohimselfasheyanksonhisT-shirt.

JustasNashopensthebedroomdoor,thefrontdooropensandhisparentswalkin.

Clarissayanksopenherbedroomdoorandwithoutlookingathim,racesdownthestairs.

“Mom!Dad!”shecries.

“Clarissa!Stop!”Nashcallsafterher,hopingtostopherbeforeshetellsthem.

Daltonstepsoutoftheroombehindhimandlaceshisfingersontopofhishead.He

knowsthisisn’tgoingtobegood.

“Whatisit,Sweetie?”Wayneasksinconcern.

“Ijust…Ijustsaw…”Clarissastutters.

“Clarissa,I’mbeggingyou,”Nashsays,hisvoicepained.

Sheshootshimaglareoverhershoulderbeforeturningbacktowardtheirparents,who

looksbackandforthbetweenthem.

“What’sgoingon?”Sheilaasks.

“IjustsawNashandDaltonnakedinbedtogether,”Clarissablurts.

Bothofhisparents’eyebrowscrankdownastheytakeinwhatshejustsaid.

“What?”Wayneasks,hiseyesliftingtolookbetweenNashandDalton,whoarestill

standingatthetopofthestairs.“Whatdoesshemeanbythat,Nash?”

Nashshakeshishead.He’sfuckingscrewed,sohemightaswellcomeoutandtell

them.“DaltonandIareacouple.I’mgay.”

Thesilenceisdeafening,anditstretchesonsolongthatNashisreadytoscream.

“Howlonghaveyouknown?”hismotherfinallyasks.

Nashshrugs.“SinceIwasthirteen.”

“Andyou’vekeptitasecretthislong?Why?”Shechokes,hereyestearingup.

“Ididn’tknowhowyou’dfeelaboutit,andIalsoknewitwasn’tgoingtohelpmy

careerchoiceanyifIwasout.”

“Son,comedownhere,”Waynesayssoftly.“You,too,Dalton.”

NashglancesbackatDaltonbeforemakinghiswaydownthestairswithhimintow.

Nashstandsinfrontofhisparents.Daltoncomestostandslightlybehindhimandtakes

hishandtoshowhissupport.Heknowsnow,withoutadoubt,thatheistotallyandmadly

inlovewiththemanathisside,standingstrongwithhim.

“Youshouldn’thavewaitedsolongtotellus,”Waynesayswithatendersmile.“We

stillloveyou.You’restillourson.Thatdoesn’tchangejustbecauseyou’regay.”

Nash’seyeswellwithhappytears.Hethrowshisarmsaroundhisdad’sneckandhugs

him.Hismomwrapsherarmsaroundthebothofthem.Aftertheyseparate,Nashlooks

backtofindDaltonsmiling,hiseyesglassyaswell.HethenlooksatClarissa,whois

standingnexttotheirmomwithherarmscrossedoverherchest.

“Ican’tbelieveIwalkedinonyoutwo…doing…it…”shemutters.

“Youseriouslyneedtolearnhowtoknock,”Nashhuffs.

Herscowldeepens.Nashrollshiseyes.Hedoesn’tknowwhatshereallythinksabout

thewholething,nordoeshecare.Hisparentsareaccepting,andthat’sallthatmatters

rightnow.

“Idon’tknowifI’mgoingtocomeouttotherestoftheworldjustyet,soifyouguys

cankeepthisbetweenus,I’dreallyappreciateit.”

“Sure,Honey,whateveryoudecide,”hismomsayswithalovingsmile.

“Thankyou.”

“Comeon,let’shaveanicefamilydinner,”hisdadsaysandputshisarmsaroundboth

Nash’sandDalton’sshouldersasheleadsthemintothekitchen.

ChapterEight

December31stat11:59pm…

Dalton,Nash,andtherestofthebandarestandingupontheplatformabovethe

thousandsandthousandsofpeopleinTimesSquare.Theyalreadyplayedacoupleof

songsearlierinthenightandarenowfreezingtheirassesoffastheywaitfortheballto

drop.

It’sbeenacrazyweek,fromfindingoutthatNashisgay,tobeingoutedbyhissister.

AsDaltonstandsnexttohim,pretendingtohuddleforwarmth,whenhereallywantsto

justtouchhim,herealizeshowfastandhardhe’sfalleninlovewithNash.Theyhavea

longroadaheadofthem,butaslongastheyaretogether,hecanhandleanything.

DaltonglancesoveratNash.Damn,he’shandsome.Thehostoftheshowisrambling

onaboutwhoknowswhat,andDaltoncouldn’tcareless.HisonlyfocusisthewayNash’s

eyescrinkleatthecornerswhenhesmilesandthewayhischeeksandnosegetpinkfrom

thecoldwinterwinds.

Nashturnsandlooksoverathim,anditseemsliketherestoftheworldfallsaway,as

ifit’sonlythetwoofthemstandingthere.Nashsmilesathim,andit’sasmilefilledwith

loveandadoration.Man,howIwishIcouldkisshim.

Thehoststartscountingdown.10…9…8….Daltoncanfeeltheexcitementfromthe

crowdfilltheair.Nashbouncesnexttohimastheyalljoininonthecountdown.7…6…

5….Daltoncan’timaginebeinganywhereelse.Thisisaonceinalifetimeopportunity,

andtherearesomanypeoplewhowillnevergetthechancetoexperiencethisrighthere.

4…3…2….

Justaseveryonescreams,“one,”Nashgrabshimbythefrontofhiscoatandcrushes

theirlipstogetherinasearingkiss.Daltonissoshockedthathebarelykisseshimback.

OnlywhenNashtiltshisheadanddeepensthekissdoesherespond.Hewrapshisarms

aroundhisboyfriendandkisseshimlikehe’sthelastmanonearth.Theymayhavejust

endedtheircareers,sohefigureshebettermakeitworthit.Whentheyfinallyseparate,

theyarebothbreathinghardandstaringateachother.

“Nash,youjustkissedmeinfrontofbillionsofpeople,”Daltonrasps.Nashsmiles

brightly.Ithinkhe’slosthismind.“Why?”

“BecauseIloveyouandIwantthewholeworldtoknowit,”Nashsayssweetly.

“ButNash…”

“Idon’tcare,Dalton.Idon’tcarewhatanyoneelsethinks.Ihaveyouandthat’sallI

needinthislife.Fuckthemoneyandfame;Idon’tneedit.Youarewhatmatters,”Nash

sayssincerely.

Dalton’sheartispounding,andashesearchesNash’seyes,hecanseethetruth.A

slowsmilestugsathislipsasheleansinforanothersmall,yetpassionatekiss.

“Iloveyou,too,NashBentley.”

TheEnd.

DearReader,

ThankyouforreadingACountrySongForChristmasbyAndriaLarge!

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AbouttheAuthor

Andria Large is a traditionally published and self-published contemporary romance author. She doesn’t always follow
therules,soyouwillfindbothM/FandM/Mbooksmixedintosomeofherseries.

HenryfromtheBeckBrothersSerieswasthefirstbooksheself-published.Notexpectinganythingtoreallycomeofit,
shewasshockedtofindthebookcaughtwindandreaderswereaskingformore.Writingbookswasnotsomethingshe
hadsetouttodo.Shewrotestoriesforherself,asahobby.Nowthatithasbecomehercareer,shewouldn’thaveitany
otherway.

Andria grew up in Philadelphia, but now lives in New Jersey with her two daughters and wonderfully supportive
husband, who frequently accompanies her at signings. The events that she attends every year are one of her favorite
thingsaboutbeinganauthor.Shelovesmeetingandconversingwithherreaders,butalsoenjoysfindingnewones.

Andriaconsidersherselfopenandfriendly,sofeelfreetosendheramessageifyouhaveaquestionorjustwanttochat.