T A Chase Love Of Sports 02 High Line

High Line

by T. A. Chase

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High Line

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High Line

ISBN: 978-1-60504-389-0

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High Line

by T. A. Chase

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First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: February

2009

www.samhainpublishing.com

High Line

by T. A. Chase

High Line

T.A. Chase

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Dedication

To C, for standing beside me, no matter where my crazy

mind takes me. Tera, the world's most awesome editor, and
the ladies at the Café. This one is for everyone who wanted to
see Garrett get his own happy ending.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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by T. A. Chase

Glossary

Groove or Line: Slang term for the best route around a

racetrack; the most efficient or quickest way around the track
for a particular driver. The "high groove" takes a car closer to
the outside wall for most of a lap, while the "low groove"
takes a car closer to the apron than the outside wall. Road
racers use the term "line". Drivers search for a fast groove,
which has been known to change depending on the track and
weather conditions.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter One

Garrett Johnson stood on the other side of the wall down in

the pit area. Wearing a headset, he listened to the chatter
between the driver and the crew chief. Most of the technical
terms flew over his head. That's what you're here for. To
learn all this car stuff.

"Bring her in, CJ. Someone's here to talk to you." Disdain

colored the crew chief's voice.

He let it roll off him. Garrett had dealt with prejudices like

the crew chief's all his life. Worrying about other people's
opinions took too much time and energy away from the
important things in his life.

The stock car flew into pit row and rolled to a stop in front

of him. Its front bumper barely brushed the numbered sign
someone held out. Garrett studied the brightly colored vehicle
sporting the decals of CJ Lamont's sponsors. Some called it
"the car of tomorrow". He wasn't sure what that meant, but
he had a month to cram all the knowledge he could into his
head. He hated not making his characters as authentic as
possible.

The noise disappeared. Someone took his headset as he

glanced over at the rubber netting where the driver's window
should have been. The steering wheel appeared from inside
the car and Garrett held his breath. God, it was like the most
painfully slow striptease he'd ever seen. The papers had
declared CJ Lamont the sexiest driver on the NASCAR circuit

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and Garrett was eager to see if the man lived up to the hype
in person.

CJ emerged from the car, removed his helmet and pulled

off his gloves. He turned and held out his hand, flashing
Garrett a bright yet shy smile.

Garrett's first thought was, God, he's hot.
Yeah, but he's straight.
God, he's hot was his last thought before CJ spoke.
"You must be Garrett Johnson. I'm a huge fan of yours."
Their hands touched. All the thoughts rabbiting around

Garrett's head disappeared into their respective holes and his
mind went blank.

"Yeah. You must be CJ Lamont." Garrett wanted to smack

himself upside the head. What an idiotic thing to say. Who
else would the man be?

CJ's chuckle was low and easy. "That's me. One of those

crazy rednecks driving in circles all day, making nothing but
left turns."

"I do think racing is crazy," Garrett agreed. He held up his

hand to stop the argument he could see forming in CJ's eyes.
"Don't get all worked up. I think any kind of sport is crazy.
That's why I'm an actor. I don't even like basketball and
that's my brother's livelihood."

"Kasey Johnson is your brother?" CJ handed his helmet

and gloves to one of the crew members, accepting a bottle of
water in return.

"Yes. The newest star in the NBA, though he's finding it a

lot harder than college."

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He smiled as he thought about his twin. Kasey was a

rookie in the NBA and his team was working him hard.
Garrett rarely got to see his brother because of conflicting
schedules.

"Big leagues always are." CJ gestured for Garrett to follow

him.

Garrett tried not to stare at the broad-shouldered, lean-

hipped man walking in front of him, but he was a healthy gay
man and CJ Lamont was the sexiest thing he'd seen in a long
time.

"Super Freak" blared from his pocket. Wincing, he

answered, apologizing to CJ with a smile.

"Hey, babe."
"Where the hell are you?" Rich's screech filled Garrett's

ear.

He glanced at CJ, who gave him a sympathetic look.
"I told you when I left I'd be in North Carolina for a month.

I'm doing research for my next role." Garrett sighed.

"No, you didn't." Rich's pout came through loud and clear.
"Yes, I did, but you were either too hung over or too

caught up in that party of yours to listen."

He moved farther away from CJ and shoved a hand

through his hair.

"It's a party for you, asshole. I told you when it was and

you promised me you'd be here." Rich's pitch rose.

"I'm not doing this now, Rich. I never promised to be

there. In fact, I told you several times I was coming to North
Carolina. You chose to ignore me."

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"I'm not going to be here when you get back. I'm going to

find someone who really loves me." Rich sniffled.

There'd been a time when Garrett would have folded at the

first sign of tears from Rich. No more. Rich had used them too
many times to get his own way. Garrett wasn't going to feel
guilty anymore.

"Maybe one of these days, I won't come back, Rich. What

will you do then?"

Garrett hung up and turned his phone off before sticking it

in his pocket. Closing his eyes, he tried to ease his anger and
his pain. It was hard to watch a four-year relationship
implode.

"You okay?"
He jumped. He'd forgotten CJ stood near him. He smiled

his famous "movie star" smile.

"I will be."
CJ nodded. "My wife and I are separated. She's trying to

decide if staying together is worth the effort."

"Sounds like you don't think it is." He didn't want to pry,

but CJ seemed to be willing to talk.

"She deserves better than me," CJ stated. "You hungry?"
Wow. CJ wasn't going to make any sort of comment about

the boyfriend issue. Most of the time, he could shrug off
people's disdain or disgust, but he was tired and being fed up
with Rich's attitude played havoc with Garrett's patience.

"Thanks. I got in late last night and then overslept this

morning. Didn't have time for more than a sip of coffee."

They headed toward a building swarming with people.

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"This is the Morik Racing Team's garage. It's where all the

magic happens." CJ gestured to a car on a lift and the men
working under it. "I'll give you a tour of it later when there
aren't so many people."

A man slammed into Garrett, spilling oil over his shirt and

jeans.

"Hey, Chick, watch where you're going," CJ admonished

the man.

"Sorry." Disdain and sarcasm dripped from Chick's

apology. "Hey, why don't you let one of the P.R. guys show
him around? I need to talk to you about the car."

Chick—the crew chief. From the impression he'd gotten of

Chick earlier when they'd been introduced and from the look
on his face right now, the oil definitely wasn't an accident.

"We're getting something to eat. I'll come back for the

briefing." CJ frowned.

The crew chief stalked away with CJ staring after him for a

second.

"Sorry."
Garrett shrugged. "I get that sometimes." He grimaced,

looking at his clothes. "I wish I'd brought something else to
change into though."

CJ eyed him and Garrett thought of piles of techno-colored

vomit to keep from getting hard. Those electric blue eyes
combined with the sweat-drenched black curls pushed every
button of Garrett's libido.

He turned away, angry with himself. Things had been

going badly between him and Rick for a while now, but it

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didn't give him any right to lust after another man, especially
a straight, married one.

"A friend of mine left some of his clothes behind after he

got caught in a storm. He's about your size." CJ moved away.
"Nothing great, but they're clean."

"Clean is all I'm interested in."
The oil covering his shoes made walking across the

concrete floor hazardous, so he stepped carefully. His shoes
slid and his weight shifted just enough to throw him off
balance.

"Fuck."
Strong hands grasped his arms, supporting him until he

caught his balance again. His breath left him when he met
CJ's gaze and witnessed the flare of heat in them. It
disappeared so fast, Garrett convinced himself it wasn't there.
Just wishful thinking.

"You can use this office." CJ let go of him and pushed open

a door. "The bathroom has industrial strength soap. It'll get
the oil off your hands. I'll grab the clothes and I have an
extra pair of boots you can wear."

CJ left the room like his pants were on fire and Garrett

sighed. Maybe CJ Lamont was better at hiding his disgust
than Chick.

Glancing at his hands, Garrett pushed his worries to the

back of his mind. He'd get through the crash course on
NASCAR and stock cars. He'd go and make the best movie he
could. Afterward, he'd take a break and visit Kasey. His twin
always managed to ground him when things piled up.

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CJ leaned against the door and bit back a groan. Shit. He

almost kissed Garrett Johnson—and in the garage where
anyone could see them.

He banged his head on the door. Stupid. Johnson wouldn't

have slugged him or anything. The guy didn't hide the fact he
was gay, but CJ had both feet so firmly in the closet, it would
take a pry bar to get him out. He didn't want to get his ass
handed to him on a plate by the guys he worked with.

He shifted and winced. His hard cock made him thank God

for loose-fitting jumpsuits and unobservant co-workers. Tall
and blond, Garrett Johnson was CJ's fantasy man with green
eyes and a build like a Greek god. Hard bodies and rough skin
tempted CJ, driving him to drink and his wife to a divorce
lawyer.

"CJ."
He gathered his thoughts and spotted Chick stomping

toward him. He didn't need another rant from his narrow-
minded, homophobic best friend about the evils of gay
people, but CJ didn't have the courage to speak out against
Chick's spiteful words and chance getting "outed" himself.

"What now, Chick?"
"How long's that fag going to be here?"
CJ rubbed his forehead, hoping Garrett couldn't hear

anything through the door. Wishful thinking, considering how
loud Chick was talking and how thin the walls were.

"We've been over this. He's here for a month. I'm teaching

him how to drive."

"Why doesn't the film company send his pansy ass to a

driving school?" Chick shot dirty looks at the door behind CJ.

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"They decided getting driving experience from an actual

driver on the circuit would be more beneficial than going to a
school." He repeated what the P.R. rep told them when she
explained what was happening. "Give him a chance and he
might surprise you."

Chick looked appalled. "A chance? He's a fucking queer,

CJ. A cocksucker. A fag."

"Enough!"
His friend looked startled.
CJ thrust his body off the door. He had to get away before

he did something he regretted.

Like blurt out you'd be happy to suck Garrett Johnson's

cock if the man asked, a small voice in his head jeered at
him.

"Just do your fucking job, Chick. Nobody said you had to

be best friends with him. You don't even have to talk to the
man." CJ closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I have to
get Johnson clean clothes. After lunch, which I haven't had
yet, I'll set him up with one of the mechanics to explain about
the car."

"Have Maria do it."
CJ ground his teeth together. Chick hated female

mechanics almost as much as he did gays. It was a good
suggestion though. Maria was a good grease monkey and was
less likely to act like an ass toward the actor.

"Fine. I will."
After finding the set of clothing he was looking for, he went

back to the locker room. He started to speak as he stepped
in, but his mouth went dry.

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Garrett was bent over, pulling off his jeans. A tight, tanned

ass met his gaze. Holy shit, the man wasn't wearing
underwear. CJ bit his tongue to stop the groan from busting
out. His view gave him a glimpse of heavy balls between
Garrett's thighs and a quick peek at the man's puckered
opening. Fuck. Did Garrett shave his groin?

He must have made a sound. Probably a strangled gasp as

he tried swallowing his tongue to keep from drooling. Garrett
glanced over his shoulder, flashing him the smile that made
women and men fall in love with him.

"Here's your clothes. I'll be out in the garage. Have to talk

to someone about something."

He practically threw the clothes at the actor before fleeing.

By the time he unscrambled his brain, he was half way across
the garage and making for the exit.

"Hey, CJ, can I talk to you for a second?" Maria's voice

rang out over the noise of the tools.

Nodding, he studied her as she approached him. Maria was

beautiful, even under the grease streaking her face. She had
curves in all the right places, but she didn't turn him on.

His cock only got interested when the bodies he checked

out were hard with muscles and had cheeks rough with
stubble or hands covered in calluses.

"Is it true Garrett Johnson is going to be hanging out

around the garage?"

Maria's question brought him out of his fantasy of Garrett

moving beneath him as he fucked the man.

"Umm..."

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She gave him a concerned glance. "Are you okay? You look

flushed."

"Too much heat and I haven't eaten anything today," he

stammered. "You're right. Johnson will be around for a month
or so. I'm taking him to lunch. We're discussing what he's
looking for from us. I have to meet with Chick when we get
back, so I want you to show him one of the cars. Start getting
him familiar with it."

Her eyes lit up. "Oh wow. My friends are never going to

believe this."

CJ chuckled. "Just don't gush, Maria. He's here to learn

and you're here to work."

"Yes, sir. I'll try, but he's so gorgeous." She sighed.
The office door opened and Garrett stepped out. Those

grass green eyes met CJ's and electricity shot through him.
Yes, he is. CJ's body agreed with Maria's assessment.

"I have to go. You'll meet him after lunch."
He gestured for Garrett to join him, but he wasn't sure if

he'd be able to eat or not.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter Two

Garrett took the turn, struggling with the g-forces pushing

him to the right.

"Remember, accelerate out of the turn and try to go down

to the bottom of the track."

With CJ's voice echoing over the headset, Garrett stepped

on the gas and shifted. The car shot out of the turn and he
fought the vibrations to get the vehicle to the inside of the
track.

"Good job. Bring her in. We'll talk when you're in the pit."
He grunted, hoping CJ took it as a yes. He'd been on the

track three times in a month and it didn't seem to be getting
any easier. He took the car down pit row, zeroing in on the
numbered sign one of the crew held out for him.

His stop wasn't as smooth or as quick as CJ's were, but no

one was injured. Garrett hadn't quite gotten the hang of
unhooking the steering wheel, so everyone stood around,
watching as he struggled with it. Finally, it came undone and
he could fight with the harness holding his head and body in
place. He heaved a sigh of relief when the nylon straps
released him. Climbing out of the car, he took off his helmet
and ran a hand through his sweat-drenched hair. He shared a
smile with Maria, his crew chief.

"She handled a lot better in the turns after you adjusted

the steering, but there was a shimmy each time I touched the
brake. One of the pads might be wearing faster than the
others."

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Maria nodded. "I noticed that. I'll have the guys check it

when they take the car back to the garage."

"Good. Have them check the brake and steering fluid. Both

were getting stiff, so there might be a leak there as well."

"Will do."
"You're getting better." CJ slapped his shoulder. "Give you

enough time and practice, you could take over the top spot
from me."

He shook his head and laughed. "I wouldn't be looking

over my shoulder any time soon if I were you. Racing's hard
work and there are only two things I'm willing to work hard
at."

"Acting is one, I'm sure. What's the other?" CJ walked with

him toward the garage.

"It's probably my favorite pastime." He leered at the dark-

haired man.

CJ's eyes widened and the sexiest red flush graced his

cheeks. Why did he insist on flirting with and teasing CJ? He
never did that with straight men. Most weren't comfortable or
confident enough in their own sexuality to accept it without
kicking his ass.

Maybe it was the way his teasing made CJ blush and

squirm a little, but CJ never hassled him or got defensive.
Maybe his need to flirt had to do with the expression he'd
spied on CJ's face several times during the month they'd
spent together. It was a look full of longing and need.

Garrett's instincts rarely led him wrong on people. All of

them shouted that CJ wanted him. Yet the desperation in CJ's
blue eyes kept Garrett from doing anything more than flirt.

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"Outing" anyone had never been a goal of his. Considering

the comments he'd received from Chick and a few of the
other guys, he understood why CJ chose to stay quiet. So he
flirted when they were alone and kept his distance when they
were in a crowd. Destroying someone's life wasn't his style.

"Today's my last day in Charlotte. I'm flying out to

Indianapolis tomorrow morning." He let CJ off the hook.

The grateful look he got from CJ made him ache. It took a

certain kind of strength to live like CJ did in constant fear of
discovery. Garrett didn't have that courage, which was why
he came out when he was fifteen.

"How long does it usually take to film a movie?"
He shrugged. "Each director is different. I've never worked

with this particular one before, but I hear he works fast. This
movie should be ready for release by next year."

"Really? I'll have to go and see it when it comes out." CJ

held the door to the office open.

"I'll let you know when it's coming out and invite you to

the premiere. Bet your wife would love to go to that."

The instant the words left his mouth, he regretted them.

They had managed to avoid talking about CJ's marriage and
Garrett's relationship. Neither one wanted to acknowledge
their failures.

"Rachel probably would, but not with me." CJ sighed.
Garrett sat down in a chair across from CJ's desk. "Sorry,

man."

"It's all right. It's been over for a while now. I haven't

been willing to admit it until now." CJ closed his eyes and
rubbed the back of his neck.

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Silence seemed the best plan for now. Garrett waited until

CJ got a hold of himself. He smiled when CJ met his gaze.

CJ blinked and looked away, but not before Garrett caught

a hint of wistfulness in those blue eyes.

"Do you have any questions about racing or the cars that I

haven't answered yet?"

Garrett accepted the subject change and tried to think up

some questions. When he couldn't, he stood, holding out his
hand.

"I guess I should get out of your hair finally, CJ. I had a

good time and any praise I receive will be because of you."

CJ was slow to take his hand. He shook it and tried to let

go, but CJ held on. He raised an eyebrow in a silent question.

"Would you have dinner with me tonight?"
Garrett barely kept his mouth from dropping open. They

never spent time alone. Their meetings and conversations
were either over the phone or at the track. It was a mutual
decision not to play with temptation.

Dropping his hand, CJ paled. "Right. Bad idea. I hope you

have a safe flight tomorrow."

"Wait." The devil was riding Garrett. That was the only

reason he could think of to agree to dinner with CJ. "I'd love
to have dinner with you. Where should I meet you?"

The burst of happiness in CJ's eyes quieted any doubts he

had.

"I'll give you directions to my place. We can grill some

steaks and hang out."

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"Great." Garrett checked his watch. "I have to check in

with my director and let him know when I'll be there
tomorrow."

CJ grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down his address.

"Come around seven."

"I'll be there."
He left the track, knowing that dinner with CJ had the

potential of being the worst idea he ever had.

"This has to be the worst idea you've ever had," CJ

muttered as he got the steaks ready to grill.

He hadn't thought all the consequences through before

asking Garrett to have dinner with him. He'd been having X-
rated dreams about the man for a month. It was going to be
a test of his willpower to keep his hands off Garrett.

The actor had to know CJ was attracted to him, but being

the nice guy he was, he never said anything except for a
teasing comment or two when they were out of earshot of the
others. He never tried to push or make a move and CJ
appreciated it.

The phone rang and he frowned when he checked the

caller ID. He didn't want to get into a shouting match with his
wife. One thing the last few weeks had taught him was that
he couldn't continue their sham of a marriage. He'd wasted
eight years of Rachel's life and it was time to let her go and
he would do whatever he had to do to make that happen.

Pulling another beer out of the refrigerator, he popped it

open as he let the machine answer and walked away as she
left a message. It was his third one already and he'd only

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been home an hour. He needed something to calm his nerves
and it was too early in the evening for whiskey.

A knock sounded, causing CJ to jump and spill some of the

beer on the counter. He wiped it up quickly before heading to
the front of the house.

Yanking the door open, he said, "Come in."
Fuck. It had to be illegal for anyone to look as hot as

Garrett did. He wore a button-down long-sleeve shirt that
matched the color of his eyes over a white T-shirt. His faded
jeans were tight enough to give CJ a good look at Garrett's
package, but not tight enough to make him wonder how the
man breathed.

Garrett's damp curls and smooth cheeks proved he was

making an effort to look nice. CJ didn't know why that
knowledge scared him spitless.

CJ led the way to his kitchen and backyard. He tried not to

think about the fact that he could feel Garrett's gaze travel
from his shoulders to his ass and back. Heat blossomed in his
groin and he bit back a groan. He had to think of something
to distract himself. The disgust on Chick's face every time his
crew chief talked about Garrett flashed in his mind and his
erection deflated.

"Nice place you got here." Garrett glanced around.
"It is. Only been here a couple months. Moved out of the

house Rachel and I bought when we got married. She loved
that house so much, she could have it. I don't care where I
live as long as it's close to the track."

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He winced. Babbling because he was nervous was a trait

he'd tried to get rid of. He nodded toward the open sliding
glass door.

"I'll bring out the steaks if you want to grab a seat out on

the deck." He picked up the plate full of meat.

"Can I help you with anything?"
"Sure. Grab the salad and if you want a beer, get one from

the fridge. There's tea and soda in there as well."

CJ got a hold of his own beer and made it to the grill

without spilling any more of it. He set everything down and
took a calming breath. Get a grip, his inner voice snarled. You
can't do anything with him. You're still married and hiding and
he's got a boyfriend.

A gentle touch to his shoulder caused him to tense.
"It's all right. Let's enjoy the night and the food."
Garrett's words and touch reassured him. He was an adult

who could control his body. Nothing would happen that he
didn't want to.

Dinner was uneventful. They laughed and talked, finding

out they had a lot in common. A silent agreement was
reached not to discuss personal things. CJ had two more
beers during dinner and switched to whiskey afterward.
Garrett nursed his one beer.

"I don't drink much," was Garrett's reason for declining

when CJ offered him another.

"Good idea. Unusual though. I'd think being a hot young

actor, you'd be caught up in the parties and shit that go on
out in Hollywood." He waved toward his living room. "I've
seen all that crazy stuff on TV."

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Garrett's low chuckle sent shivers over CJ's body. He

concentrated on Garrett's words, not wanting to get lost in
the sound of the actor's voice. He noticed a hint of sadness in
him.

"It's easy for some people to get caught up in that scene."
Was Garrett talking about his boyfriend?
"My parents raised me with certain standards and I have

expectations I put on myself. Two of my best assets are my
body and my looks. Too much partying and too many late
nights will eat away at those. I work out and try to eat well.
No drugs. A drink or two once in a while is fine, but I can't go
overboard."

CJ cringed. Lately he'd been having more than one or two

drinks a night. Shrugging, he ignored any attempt at trying to
figure out why it mattered to him.

"My career will last as long as I'm willing to put in the

effort. Plus, I have a release valve and an outside voice of
reason."

"What is it?" He sprawled in his chair, conveniently set

close to Garrett's.

Garrett shifted and their knees brushed. The lust he'd had

under control earlier flared and a slow burn settled under his
skin.

"My twin, Kasey. I know I can call him any time and he'll

talk me through whatever problem I'm having. I do the same
for him. We've had each other's back for twenty-three years."

"Must be nice to have someone know you that well and

always be there for you." He was an only child and he loved
his parents, but they weren't close.

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"Yes and no. No one knows me better than Kasey, but as

good as that is, he also knows all the right buttons to push."
Garrett shifted and their legs rubbed again. "He can piss me
off quicker than anyone else."

"Hmmm..."
CJ's mind no longer focused on the words. He clenched his

hands to keep from reaching out and touching the other
man's thigh. His mind flashed back to the first day and the
actor's naked ass. His cock swelled, pressing against the
zipper of his jeans. How many nights had he dreamed of
Garrett's mouth wrapped around his cock? He groaned softly.

"Are you okay?"
His eyes popped open. Damn, he'd forgotten he sat next to

the very man he was fantasizing about. He glanced at Garrett
out of the corner of his eye. A knowing smiled graced the
man's beautiful face.

"I'm fine." His voice was hoarse.
Garrett pushed to his feet. "I should be going. My flight is

early in the morning."

"Thanks for coming. I enjoyed it. I haven't had many

people over since moving in." He took the highball of whiskey
and followed Garrett to the front door.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me this month,

CJ. If you ever need anything or anyone to talk to, call me. I'll
be glad to help out."

Something in Garrett's tone or words hit home. Afterward,

he never could figure out what made him do it. He gripped
Garrett's arm, pulling the taller man tight to him. He dropped
his glass, not caring about the whiskey stain on the carpet as

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he buried his fingers in Garrett's hair and brought their lips
together.

Garrett's lips were as soft as CJ had imagined them to be.

Garrett froze for a second and CJ whimpered, afraid he would
push him away. For this moment in time, CJ wanted to taste
a man without worrying about being discovered or exposed.
Garrett wouldn't say anything.

Shuddering, Garrett wrapped his arms around CJ's waist

and crushed him to his hard chest. Strong hands cupped CJ's
ass, rocking their groins together as the kiss went deeper. He
opened his mouth to allow Garrett entrance. The taste of the
beer the actor had with dinner danced along CJ's tongue as
he stroked along the inside of his bottom lip. Warm breath
washed over his lips when he moaned.

CJ followed willingly as Garrett leaned back against the

door and spread his legs, cradling CJ within the space
between his thighs. He rubbed his aching erection over the
bulge in Garrett's jeans. A fleeting thought raced through his
mind. For the first time in his life, kissing another man
seemed natural instead of something he should be ashamed
of or needed to hide.

Tingling traced along his spine and gathered at the small

of his back. He was going to come in his jeans. His
movements were jerky as his climax built.

The ring of the phone broke their embrace. Fuck, he'd

broken all his rules. CJ stared at Garrett in horror. Not only
had he kissed a guy, he'd done it while he was still married.
Shit, he'd just cheated on his wife. It didn't matter that they

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were separated and about to get a divorce. He had some
honor left.

Garrett panted and CJ found his own breathing matched

the actor's. He watched the passion dissolve out of Garrett's
green eyes to be replaced with understanding and
compassion. The phone stopped ringing.

"I should go." Garrett ran a thumb over CJ's swollen

bottom lip. "When you're free to admit who you really are,
come find me."

Fighting angry tears, CJ watched Garrett climb into his

rental and drive away. Slamming the door shut, he kicked the
glass on the floor and found grim satisfaction in the crash
when it shattered against the far wall. He ignored the
glittering shards, stalked into the kitchen, and grabbed a
glass and the fifth of whiskey he'd opened earlier in the
evening. Going outside, CJ flung himself into a chair, poured a
drink and slammed it down.

Getting drunk sounded like the best way to deal with the

situation because there wasn't any solution to it. He could
never have what he really wanted, which was a true and open
relationship with Garrett. Not while he was still driving
anyway. There was no way possible even to have a secret
relationship with the man. Besides being open about his
orientation, Garrett Johnson was one of the most recognizable
men in the world. The more time he spent with him the more
his own preferences would be brought into question.

He rested his head on the back of the chair, staring up at

the star-filled night. The edges of his vision blurred and he
blinked the tears away. There was nothing he could do to

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change the problem, so there was no point in crying. He
wasn't willing to give up racing and that was the only way he
could see being able to admit he was gay. He poured another
drink.

"Disgusting. Can't you stay away from the alcohol just one

night?"

Rolling his head, he found Rachel standing next to his

chair. CJ frowned and looked around. The empty whiskey
bottle lay on its side, his glass resting at his feet where he
must have dropped it at some point. His eyes crossed as
Rachel jerked him out of the chair.

"Fuck, Rachel. What the hell are you doing here? How the

hell did you get in?"

"I came through the back gate when you didn't answer the

door. I wanted to talk to you and you weren't answering your
phone. Little did I realize you were busy getting shit-faced."
She crossed her arms and glared at him.

"Sorry. I've had a hell of a night and I didn't feel like

arguing with you." He rubbed his chin, taking deep breaths to
settle his roiling stomach.

"I wanted to discuss our marriage, but I can see you're not

in any condition to have a reasonable conversation."

"Rachel, here's the deal. I want a divorce. It doesn't

matter who files first. I'll give you half of everything I own. I
figure you deserve it because I'm an asshole."

He weaved his way back into the house, somehow

managing to get a glass of water without falling or breaking
anything.

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"You're not an asshole. You're gay, but you don't have the

balls to admit it out loud."

Whirling, he spilled water all over the floor and his feet. He

stared at his wife in fear. "How the hell did you know?"

"Well, thank God, you're not denying it to me. I have eyes,

CJ. You tried so hard to hide it and make me feel like I was
the only woman for you." Rachel's laugh was bitter. "I guess I
was the only woman for you, since you don't like women."

He slumped against the sink and didn't meet Rachel's

eyes. The truth was painful to hear coming from someone
else.

"You're right. I've been terrible to you and I'm sorry for

that." He turned and looked out the window. "Nothing's ever
easy, Rachel."

"Whatever. I'll talk to my lawyer tomorrow and we can get

the process started."

The front door slammed and CJ slid down to the floor,

tears running down his cheeks. Rachel was right. He'd built
his life on lies, and marrying Rachel was the first of many
he'd come to regret. Wrapping his arms around his knees, he
rested his forehead on them and sobbed. A tiny part of him
wished Garrett was there to hold him, but that was another
thing he screwed up.

* * * *

Garrett ignored Rich's bitching. His eyes were glued to the

article he read in the entertainment section. "CJ Lamont and
wife divorcing after eight years of marriage." The picture

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accompanying the article showed a haggard looking CJ.
Sorrow swirled in Garrett's heart.

He had come to consider CJ a friend while he was in

Charlotte. If things had been different for both of them, the
man could have become more.

"You're not listening to a word I'm saying," Rich pouted.
"No, I'm not." He looked over at his boyfriend. "I've heard

everything you had to say already and my answer is still no. I
won't be going to Slingman's party. He's not a person I want
to hang around with. Besides I have a photo shoot tomorrow
and I don't want to show up looking like I've been on a three-
day binge."

"Fine. I told him you wouldn't come, but he insisted I ask."

Rich jumped up from the table and flounced out of the room.

Garrett shook his head and sighed. Why did he put up with

Rich? Why didn't he admit it wasn't working out anymore and
cut the ties binding them? He ran his fingers over the photo
of CJ and hoped things worked out all right for his friend.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter Three

CJ stared in disbelief at the headline of the sports section

in the local Charlotte newspaper.

"Lamont Gay. Ex-wife tells all."
I'm screwed.
The telephone rang as he finished reading the article for

the fourth time that morning. He didn't want to answer it.
There was no telling who it was. Reporters had been leaving
messages on his answering machine all morning and now he
understood why. Usually, they went through his agent or the
team P.R. person to talk to him, but with this sensational
news, they wanted to go straight to the source.

"CJ, this is Chick. I know you're there. Pick up the damn

phone."

He reached for it, even though he didn't know what he was

going to tell him. "Hey, Chick," he mumbled, resting his head
on the kitchen table.

"What the hell did you do to piss the bitch off this time?"

Chick's words ran together. Excitement did that to his friend.

"Nothing. I swear I haven't talked to Rachel in a year.

Once the divorce was final, I never looked back." It was too
early in the day, he understood that, but he wanted a drink.
Hell, he needed a drink. Taking the phone with him, he went
to the cupboard and pulled out a highball glass before
grabbing the whiskey. He poured a full glass and slugged it
down. "Fuck."

"You're not drinking, are you, CJ?"

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The accusation in Chick's voice tugged at CJ's conscience

but didn't stop him from pouring the second glass.

"What if I am, Chick?" He drank the second glass just as

fast as the first and poured a third. It'd been four months
since his last drink, when he'd been arrested for a DUI and
his race team threatened to take his ride away from him. "It
doesn't mean anything anymore. Once the rumors start
flying, I'll lose my ride anyway."

"We need to do damage control and we can't do that with

you shit-faced. I'm sure your agent can find a hot model you
can date for a couple of months until this all blows over."

CJ could almost hear the wheels turning in Chick's head.
"But what if it doesn't blow over? What if it was true?" The

words spilled from his mouth. He wanted to take them back
the minute they came out, but he couldn't, and suddenly his
deepest, most shameful secret was out there for his best
friend to know.

"You're not a fucking queer, CJ. I'm your best friend. Hell,

we grew up together. Ain't no way you're a fag." Chick's voice
was strong, yet a hint of doubt hid in it.

"Do you know why Rachel divorced me?" He poured the

last of the whiskey into his glass.

"Because she's a cold-hearted bitch and wanted to take

you for all the money you had." The sentence emerged
slowly, which meant Chick was thinking and not liking what
he came up with.

"That's what I wanted everyone to think. Maybe she left

me because I couldn't fuck her. Maybe it's because she

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caught me one too many times jerking off to gay porn
movies."

Shut your fucking mouth, Christopher Joseph Lamont, a

voice of sanity shouted in his head. You're throwing away
your career and a friendship.

"Are you seriously telling me you like dick?"
"Yes."
There he'd said it. Not while in a drunken stupor, crying

into his beer with his wife screaming at him. Not while trying
to hurt a woman he cared for. He said it to his best friend,
being as honest as the whiskey could make him.

Silence reigned over the phone and he knew he'd lost

everything with that one word.

"Fuck." Chick hung up.
After replacing the phone in its base, CJ let his head drop

on the table and laughed. He was so fucking screwed.

Sitting up, he realized the pounding came from his front

door, not from the headache pulsing in his head. He moved
through the living room, but stopped when the voices started
yelling outside.

"Mr. Lamont, we'd like an interview with you in regards to

your wife's allegations." "Is your being gay why your
marriage ended?" "Who's your lover, Mr. Lamont?"

He detoured to his bedroom and dug in his closet to pull

out a suitcase. No way in hell was he going to sit here and
watch his life implode. He didn't know where he was going to
run, but he had to get away.

Throwing clothes into the bag, he tried to think about

where to go. He couldn't go to his parents' house. First of all,

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by T. A. Chase

he didn't want to subject them to the reporters. Secondly, he
didn't feel up to answering any of their questions. His dad
would probably disown him if he admitted to liking guys. Of
course, staying silent in the face of the storm heading his way
was tantamount to an admission.

CJ stuffed his shaving kit in amidst his other things. He

grabbed his iPod and keys off the kitchen counter as he
passed through. He popped the trunk, threw his suitcase in
the back and climbed in his car. Punching the garage door
opener, he gunned the motor before pulling out. There was
no way in hell he was stopping for any of those gossip
hounds.

Reporters jumped out of the way as he tore down the

driveway. He'd decide where he was going when he got to the
airport. He flipped his phone open and dialed his
housekeeper's number.

"Hey, Betsy, it's CJ. I'm going out of town and I'm not sure

when I'll be back. Can you get my mail for me? Just throw it
on the table like usual." He forced a laugh at the concern in
her voice when she asked if there was a problem. "No, it's
nothing. Just a whim, you know. Thanks."

He turned his phone off and snapped it closed, tossing it

on the passenger seat. He slammed the heel of his hand
against the steering wheel. Everything he worked for down
the drain because Rachel was still bitter about their marriage.
He almost wished he'd fought the divorce and not given in so
easily.

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Merging onto the highway, he headed for the airport. He'd

let Betsy know where his car was and have her pick it up from
the lot.

* * * *

Garrett stared out at the sea of reporters, quietly glad that

the circus was there to see Kasey, not him. Quentin, Garrett's
bodyguard, stood to one side, eyes glued to the milling
journalists, making sure none of them approached Garrett.
Garrett tapped his fingers on his thigh and tried to work out
some nerves, worried about how the press conference would
turn out. A hand reached out and halted his movements.

"Stop. He'll be fine. We're here to support him."
He shot a glance at Gram Fletcher, Kasey's lover. "You

better be worth it, man. If you hurt him, I'll kill you," he
warned.

Gram let go of his hand and shrugged. "I'm not going to

say I'm worth it, but your brother seems to think I am. I
never told him he had to be out for us to date, Garrett. I
would have dealt with the secrecy in order to be with him. I
love Kasey and I'd never hurt him for the world."

"I know. I'm sorry. It's all moving so fast, considering how

often he's told me he wasn't going to come out until after he
retired." He shoved his hand through his hair, messing up his
carefully styled curls. "This could ruin his career, Gram."

The nightclub owner nodded. "It's his choice to make. He

has to live with the consequences. We can't keep him
sheltered from the world no matter how much we'd like to."

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by T. A. Chase

That was the problem. For all that they were the same

age, Garrett always felt like he was responsible for Kasey. He
attracted the spotlight so his twin didn't have to worry about
it, but now Kasey had leapt smack dab into the middle of a
maelstrom and Garrett couldn't protect him from the
backlash.

Sliding over closer to the door Kasey had come in through,

Garrett and Gram watched as he walked up to the podium
with his agent, James Kendall, at his side. Garrett couldn't
help but feel proud when his brother straightened his
shoulders and met the crowd's stares without flinching.

In some ways it hurt to see Kasey so happy. Garrett had

come to the decision to end his relationship with Rich. He
snorted softly. It hadn't been a real relationship for over a
year now, but since Rich started using designer drugs and
sleeping around, Garrett had finally reached his breaking
point.

"My agent and I called this press conference today to

address some rumors circulating around about me. I won't
take any questions today. Any you might have can be
directed to my agent's office."

Kasey showed no signs of nerves or fear. Maybe it was the

right time for him to announce his orientation to the world.
Garrett shifted and watched his brother study the note cards
James handed him.

"While I have never considered my sexual preferences to

be anyone else's business, I know the media believes it is
their right to expose every well-known person's personal
business. To dispel the rumors and wild speculation, I have

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decided to bare one part of my private life to the scrutiny of
the public." Kasey folded the cards and stuck them in his
pocket. He stared out into the crowd for a moment before
saying, "I am gay."

The reporters erupted with shouts, trying to get Kasey to

answer their questions. Kasey smiled to them and left the
stage. James took the podium and held up his hands to
silence the crowd. Garrett stayed near the stage instead of
leaving with his brother and Gram, figuring they needed a few
minutes alone.

"Yes, Mr. Johnson is telling the truth. His decision was

based on the desire to no longer hide his true self and show
that he isn't ashamed of who he is or who he loves. His All-
Star MVP award proves that being gay hasn't affected his
game at all." James grinned at the reporters. "You all know
my number if you have any questions. Thank you for coming
today."

James gestured for Garrett to follow as he left the stage.

They raced through the kitchen of the hotel they'd held the
press conference at. Quentin got to the limo first and held the
door open so they could jump in without getting cornered by
the paparazzi. Kasey and Gram were already in the vehicle.

Garrett settled back in the seat and smiled at Kasey. "Here

I thought I was the attention whore. Have to admit you know
how to grab the spotlight when you want to."

Kasey laughed, his tired eyes shining. "I guess I just want

to make sure everyone remembers me."

"I think you've ensured your own immortality. Not sure if

there has ever been a sports star who came out while still

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playing." He leaned forward and squeezed his brother's knee.
"Get ready for the shit storm, because a lot of people aren't
going to like this."

His twin's chin jutted out and a grim expression graced his

face. "They don't have to like it and they can ignore me if
they like, but they do have to allow me to continue playing.
We talked to the League and there's nothing they can do
without getting into publicity trouble if they kick me out."

Garrett shook his head. "I know the League can't do

anything, but the players can make it uncomfortable for you
to play, and you haven't dealt with being the most unpopular
person in the locker room yet."

"Are you saying I shouldn't have acknowledged what they

were saying? Isn't silence just another form of admission?"

"No and yes. I'm not telling you what to do or how to live

your life. I don't want you hurt, but this is something you had
to do for yourself. I understand that and I'll be with you every
step of the way."

James popped open a bottle of champagne. "I know you

two don't drink much, but this occasion called for a toast.
You're taking control of your life, Kasey. Good or bad, no
matter what happens, you're taking the rest of us on a wild
ride."

The bubbly was poured and everyone drank, Kasey taking

a sip from Gram's glass. Gram, Kasey and James talked about
what to do next. Whether Kasey should do an interview now
or wait. Garrett let their conversation wash over him. He still
had to figure out when would be the best time to kick Rich
out of their house. He had to go out of the country for a

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couple weeks, doing publicity for his newest movie. Maybe
he'd sever all ties with Rich right before he left and leave
someone else to deal with the backlash.

Sure, it was the coward's way out, but he couldn't deal

with the drama Rich would enact. He wanted that part of his
life over with before he came back to start over again. Gram
watched him with an understanding look. He'd ask Gram to
make sure Rich was out of the house by the time he came
back from Europe. The nightclub owner was the perfect one
to make that happen.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter Four

Garrett pushed his way into the Factory, the hottest club in

L.A. The rock music thudded in his chest and he turned to
Quentin.

"Busy night," he shouted.
Quentin nodded, a scowl on his face. Quentin hated when

Garrett had a movie coming out; the P.R. department at the
studio wanted Garrett to be seen at some of the coolest
places and those spots tended to be packed, making it almost
impossible for Quentin to protect Garrett. A cute twink slipped
past Garrett, bumping his arm. Quentin pushed the young
man out of the way.

"Easy, Quentin. He wasn't going to stab me as he went

by." Garrett flashed the astonished man an apologetic smile.

"It's not my job to be polite and nice to people. It's my job

to make sure you're safe." Quentin glanced around. "Why this
club?"

"Hollywood's young, rich and famous all come here to

dance, drink and mingle with their fans. Or at least let their
fans get a good look at them."

He tugged at the neck of his dress shirt, wishing he'd worn

a T-shirt instead. There wasn't a dress code at the Factory.
Casual or dressy, it didn't matter as long as you were clothed.
Or mostly clothed, he amended as one of Hollywood's young
starlets barely covered by a sequined dress pushed through
the dancers.

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Heat from the bodies packed into the club hung in the air,

causing sweat to pop out on Garrett's forehead.

"I need a drink."
He let Quentin start clearing a path toward the V.I.P.

section. One of the wait staff would see him soon enough and
have a spot cleared for him to sit. He should have waited until
Gram and Kasey arrived from Phoenix before going. It would
have been more fun hanging with them.

His newest movie had released in the States the past

weekend and he'd been on a publicity tour for it. His agent
suggested he go out to the Factory for one of those "see and
be seen" photo-ops. None of his usual club friends were
available, so he'd make an appearance and then sneak quietly
out the back.

"Hey there, Garrett."
A voice rose above the noise, making Garrett cringe. He

turned to see Tim Slingman strut toward him. Tim was a
wanna-be who hung around the celebrities who frequented
the club. He got them things. Alcohol, drugs, boys or girls.
Whatever they wanted, Tim supplied. Garrett hated and
despised the man and for some reason his distain attracted
Tim and the man wouldn't leave Garrett alone.

"What do you want, Slingman?" Garrett ignored the hand

Tim held out to him. Never knew what kind of dirt lived on
Tim's sallow skin.

"Just saying hi, man. You looking for something?" Tim

gave him a sly wink. "I got anything you might want.
Poppers. Pot. Coke. Even got some meth if that's your candy
of choice."

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by T. A. Chase

"Get the fuck away from me." Anger rushed through

Garrett. "You know I don't want anything you've got. I don't
even want to breathe the same air as you. So get out of my
face."

Quentin moved to stand between them, his arms folded

over his chest, frowning.

Tim held up his hands and backed away. "Hey, no hard

feelings, man. Just thought you might be interested in
playing. Got a guy who just came out and is looking for fun.
Of course, the alcohol makes him a little tipsy." Tim's head
bobbed over to a darkened corner. "Wonder what the meth
will do to him."

None of your business, Garrett, a voice sounding

suspiciously like Rich's echoed through his mind. You're a
star. You don't need to involve yourself in some loser's life.

"Don't do it, Garrett," Quentin warned.
Maybe Quentin was right and he shouldn't get involved,

but Garrett had seen the effects of crystal meth on people.
One hit and they wanted more, beginning a vicious downward
spiral. He couldn't stop Rich from joining in the death dance,
so maybe it was guilt causing him to walk toward the corner.

Tim laughed. "I knew I would find something you wanted,

Johnson. Not as perfect as you'd like us to think."

Garrett shoved Tim away from him. "Don't press your luck.

I don't want to hurt you."

"Like you could," Tim scoffed.
Garrett didn't waste time trying to prove anything to the

idiot. He made his way to the corner Tim pointed out. When
he got there, he found a gorgeous drunk. The dark-haired

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by T. A. Chase

man was well on his way to sliding under the table, which
would have brought a smile to Garrett's face if there wasn't
another guy helping him to his knees.

Taking a step forward, the movement must have caught

the stranger's eye. He looked up from where he knelt and
Garrett's jaw dropped. Even with an alcohol-induced glaze,
his eyes were the brightest blue Garrett had ever seen. Fuck,
he remembered those eyes. What the hell was CJ Lamont
doing at the Factory?

Beyond the artificial gaiety and laughter in CJ's eyes,

desperation lurked, driving Garrett to do something. The man
waiting for his blowjob grabbed CJ's chin, pulled his head
around and pushed his face toward his groin. CJ tried to resist
and Garrett stepped in.

"Go get the car, Quentin."
Quentin seemed to understand it wasn't the right time to

argue with him. He turned and headed back the way they
came, shoving people out of the way.

Bending down, Garrett grasped CJ under the arm and lifted

him to his feet. "Let's go."

"Hey, you can't go. He promised me a blowjob," the man

protested.

"There are a ton of other men here stupid enough to do

that. Find one of them."

Garrett didn't pause for any other comments. He

supported the shorter man while fishing out his cell phone.
Hitting speed dial, he made his way to the door. CJ wasn't
protesting. Garrett checked to make sure he was okay.

"Where?" Quentin's question shot through the phone.

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by T. A. Chase

"Meet me outside the side door."
He hung up and stuffed the phone in his pocket. Garrett

tightened his grip on CJ as the man almost tripped over his
own feet. Sweat. Expensive cologne. Alcohol. Smoke. Scents
rolled over him from the warm body in his arms. His cock
took noticed and stiffened.

"Fuck," he swore under his breath.
Now wasn't the time to start lusting after someone,

especially a gorgeous man so fucking drunk he couldn't stand
on his own.

"Stupid," the man muttered. "Kept my mouth shut. Be

driving right now."

CJ's sexy Southern drawl caressed Garrett even though the

alcohol caused him to slur his words.

"No point thinking about it now. Let's get home." Garrett

shouldered the door open and they staggered out on to the
sidewalk.

His bodyguard never said a word, simply helped him get CJ

in the car. Only when the car pulled away from the curb did
Quentin ask a question.

"Where to?" His friend glanced in the rearview mirror at

him.

"Home."
Being one of the hottest up-and-coming new actors made

him a frequent subject of the paparazzi. Being openly gay
hadn't caused his popularity to suffer, but it was that very
popularity that made him seek out privacy where ever he
could, so he'd bought an estate up in the hills above L.A.

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by T. A. Chase

He stared at the man slumped against the car door,

wondering what had brought CJ to this low point in his life.

"Whiskey in the Jar" blared from his phone.
"Where are you, Gram?" he asked.
"I was calling to find out the same about you. Kasey and I

are leaving the airport. Where do you want us to meet you?"

Thank God Kasey and Gram would be there to help him.
"Go straight to my house. I've got a problem and I'm going

to need your help."

He could almost feel Gram's curiosity roll over the phone,

but the man didn't ask.

"Fine. We'll be there in a few."
"Thanks." He hung up. Sighing, he closed his eyes and

rested his head against the seat. "Did Rich get his stuff
moved out?"

"I talked to the housekeeper earlier today before we flew

in. She said Rich got the last of his stuff a week ago."
Quentin's tone was neutral. Much like Kasey, Quentin hadn't
liked Garrett's ex-boyfriend either, though neither man had
bothered to say anything to him about Rich.

Garrett didn't want to know, but he couldn't stop from

asking, "How'd he look?"

His bodyguard gave a slight shrug. "Terrible. Like he'd

spent the weekend on a binge and dragged his stoned ass
over to the house. She said he kept trying to get your new
cell number from her."

Garrett changed his number a month after they broke up

because Rich would call him at all hours, begging Garrett to

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by T. A. Chase

take him back or threatening physical harm if Garrett didn't
give him money. Garrett did neither.

It had hurt to watch the man he loved slide into the drug

and alcohol lifestyle so many Hollywood people indulged in.
Rich got caught up in the hype and lost himself.

Tears pricked his eyes and he pinched the bridge of his

nose. He'd shed all the tears he planned on crying. The four
months in Europe helped ease the pain, plus, watching Kasey
and Gram fall in love showed him that not all relationships
were one-sided.

"You did the right thing, Garrett."
He looked up to see Quentin glance at him in the mirror.
"Rich would have bled you dry."
"You and Kasey never liked him." Garrett poked CJ in the

side and the man grunted. "Just making sure you're still
breathing."

"I'm breathing. Take more than a couple drinks to kill me,"

CJ boasted.

"I don't think you'd want to test that theory."
CJ snorted. "I'm sure you're right, but at the moment, I

don't care."

Garrett turned to stare at the back of Quentin's head.

"Neither of you liked Rich. Why didn't you say something?"

Quentin shrugged. "It wasn't that we didn't like him. We

didn't have a problem with him, just didn't think he was the
right guy for you. Would you have listened? You were young
and in love. Rich made you happy. Kasey wasn't interested in
it becoming a fight where you had to choose between him and

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Rich. He was all right until you made the big time and he fell
in with the wrong crowd."

"Why didn't you say anything?"
"I'm your bodyguard, Garrett. It's none of my business

who you date."

CJ made a sound and Garrett shot a look at the man. He'd

turned an interesting shade of green.

"Fuck. Quentin, pull over. He's going to puke."
Quentin cut across traffic, ignoring the squealing tires and

blaring horns. Garrett had the door open before the car came
to a stop and pushed CJ out. The man fell to his knees and
started retching.

Garrett climbed out, joined Quentin at the front of the car

and grimaced at his bodyguard.

"Why'd you grab him?" Quentin gestured behind them.
"Pathetic, I know, but I didn't want to see him head down

the same road Rich did." Garrett scrubbed his hand over his
head.

"Don't try to save them." Quentin shook his head and

offered him a piece of gum. "You're just going to wear
yourself out and be disappointed. Most of them don't want to
be saved."

"You're right, but I saved him from Slingman tonight and

that's really all that matters. He's that NASCAR driver, CJ
Lamont. He helped me with some research for a part about a
year ago." He turned to see CJ slumped back against the back
tire. "You done?"

"Yeah. Got any water?" CJ sat, knees bent and hands

dangling between them.

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by T. A. Chase

Quentin got a bottle from the front seat and handed it to

CJ. He took a swig, swished it around his mouth before
spitting it out. Resting his head on the car, CJ glanced up at
Garrett.

"Thanks."
He nodded. "Welcome. Come on, get back in the car. I

want to go home."

CJ climbed unsteadily to his feet. "If you drop me near a

bus stop, I'd appreciate it."

"A bus stop? Why would I do that?" Garrett placed his

hand on the small of the man's back, giving him a short push.

"Shouldn't have to take care of a fucking drunk."
CJ's inebriation worked in Garrett's favor. The man didn't

have the equilibrium to keep his balance and he flopped into
the car.

"I take care of drunks all the time. I guess you'd call it my

secret passion. Quentin and I drive around L.A. collecting
winos just so I can take care of them." Garrett smiled,
catching Quentin's gaze in the mirror and winking.

"Smart ass," CJ mumbled right before he passed out.
Garrett watched the city slip past as they drove to his

house. Silence filled the car except for the soft snores of
Garrett's passenger.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter Five

Garrett stood on his deck, staring out at the city lights.

One of the reasons he loved this estate was how it rose above
L.A. and made him feel untouched by the desperation of living
here.

"Hey, bro." Kasey stepped out through the open sliding

glass door.

Their hug wasn't a quick, macho embrace most men

shared. It was strong and tight As twins, they'd been together
since before they were born and would be there for each
other through everything life would throw at them. Even
when he lived with Rich, he'd always gone to Kasey for advice
or to talk problems over with. Garrett stepped back and
stared at his brother. Kasey had leaned on him as well, but
now his twin had someone to love and care for, leaving
Garrett alone on the outside.

Gram interrupted his depressing thoughts. The Irishman

gave him a quick hug and a friendly peck on the cheek. "You
had Rita stock the fridge, right?" Gram asked as he headed
back inside toward the kitchen.

"Yes. All your favorites."
"We were running late for our flight. Didn't have time for

dinner." A tell-tale blush dusted Kasey's cheeks under the low
lights illuminating the deck.

"Traffic can be bad that time of day." He jabbed an elbow

into Kasey's side as they moved into the living room. "You

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should've taken a limo. That way Gram could've fucked you
without making you late."

"I had hoped, for once, you would refrain from

commenting on my sex life," Kasey complained.

Garrett snickered. "Thank God you finally have one for me

to hassle you about."

"You want something, babe?" Gram joined them in the

living room, carrying a tray piled high with sandwiches, sodas
and a bottle of beer.

The sodas were for him and Kasey. Kasey didn't drink, not

even during the off-season. His brother vowed never to be
one of those out-of-control athletes who made their sport
look bad.

"Thanks." Garrett took one of the sodas and sat in his

huge overstuffed chair. He loved the way it surrounded him,
making him feel safe.

"What's this problem you mentioned on the phone?" Gram

took a bite from his sandwich.

"He's in the guest room." He nodded toward the guest

wing. "He passed out on our way home."

"He?" Kasey stiffened. "You didn't allow that asshole back

in, did you?"

"Asshole?"
"Rich. Please, tell me you didn't take him back." Kasey's

eyes, a darker shade of green than Garrett's, pleaded with
him.

"Oh fuck no. I'm not going to let him come back." He

shook his head. "No, this is a guy I rescued from Slingman at
the Factory."

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"Slingman?" Kasey growled.
He nodded. He'd never found out what Slingman had done

to Kasey, but his usually laid back twin hated the man.
Slingman avoided them whenever they went to the club and
his avoidance was probably out of fear.

"Someday you'll have to tell me why you hate him so

much." Garrett turned when a noise from the hallway caught
his attention.

CJ stood in the doorway, dark hair matted to his head. His

stunning blue eyes were dull and blood shot. "Where's the
bathroom?"

Kasey was closest, so he jumped up. "I'll show you."
The man stared at Kasey and then glanced at Garrett.

"Shit. I forgot there were two of you."

"Yes. Has been for twenty-three years," Kasey joked,

gripping an elbow and leading CJ away.

Gram set his plate down and waited until they were out of

sight before he said, "Fuck, Garrett. What the hell is CJ
Lamont doing in your house?"

He shrugged. "Like I said, I picked him up at the Factory.

Since I've been out of the country and haven't heard any
gossip, could you explain me what happened to him?"

"CJ Lamont has been in the news for months now. His ex-

wife spilled her guts and 'outed' him during a newspaper
interview." Gram frowned. "Seriously fucked him up, too. He
lost his sponsors and I wouldn't be surprised if he loses his
ride over the whole thing. Overnight, he went from star to
outcast. It was mind blowing how fast everyone deserted
him."

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Kasey came back and sat next to Gram. "It never ceases

to amaze me how quickly everyone will turn their back on you
when you don't conform to their rules."

"Where is CJ?"
"He's cleaning up. I lent him one of my T-shirts." Kasey

snuggled closer to Gram. "CJ's cute."

"Remember you can look, but no touching, no matter how

pretty those blue eyes are." Gram pinched Kasey's ass and
Kasey squeaked.

Garrett ignored the teasing light in his brother's eyes.

"He's messed up, Kasey. I mean come on, imagine what it
would have been like for you. You build your career very
carefully, making sure no one knows the truth about you. The
one time you reach out for some kind of comfort and love,
you get kicked in the teeth.

"Thanks for reminding me." CJ stalked into the room. He'd

exchanged his wrinkled T-shirt for one of Kasey's, which hung
on him.

CJ probably stood around six foot, making the man five

inches shorter than Garrett and Kasey.

"Would you like something to eat or drink?"
"I'll have whatever he's having." CJ pointed to Gram's

beer.

"Don't think that's a good idea, man. You've had enough to

drink already."

Kasey headed to the kitchen.
"Grab some more soda, Kase."

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by T. A. Chase

CJ's narrow-eyed glare might have scared him slightly if

the man hadn't looked like a kid wearing his dad's shirt. "I
don't want soda."

"Too bad. Gram drank the last beer and feeding a man's

addiction isn't my thing." He met CJ's eyes with a steady gaze
of his own.

"Bastard. Why the fuck didn't you leave me at that club?"

CJ nodded his thanks to Kasey for the soda.

"You were well on your way to getting in over your head

with Slingman and his crowd." Garrett gestured to the chair
opposite him.

"I could've held my own," CJ mumbled, slumping into the

seat.

"Against Slingman?" Kasey shook his head. "You're lucky

Garrett got you out of there. By tomorrow, you would have
been high on meth and fucked so many times, your ass'd be
bleeding. Slingman isn't a man to mess with."

"So why'd you do it," CJ asked Garrett, those blue eyes

searching his face. "Why bring me home with you?"

"You were in no condition to be left alone. There was too

much of a chance for you to do something even more stupid
than what you were doing at the Factory. Besides it makes
me feel good to help out those who can't help themselves."
Garrett managed to bow from his chair. "Garrett Johnson,
humanitarian and actor extraordinaire, at your service."

"Actor extraordinaire?" Kasey snorted. "What a line of

bullshit."

"Hey," he protested. "I'll have you know that People

magazine called me that in their review of Racing the Past."

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by T. A. Chase

He stood and went to the table in the hall by the front door

to dig out the magazine. Tossing it at Kasey, he smirked.
"Read it and weep, bro. You'll have to take back that smart-
ass comment."

"Holy shit." Gram read the review. "They really did call him

that."

"How much did you have to pay the reporter to say that?"

Kasey grinned.

He threw a pillow at his brother who caught it and winked.

"I'll have you know I'm proud of this film."

"I know you are." Kasey looked at CJ and Gram. "All I

heard the whole time he was shooting it was that this could
be his Oscar role. He had a lot of good stuff to say about you
as well, CJ. Said you really helped him get into the part."

"This is only your third starring role. Is it really that good?"

Gram sounded skeptical.

"You went to the premiere." Garrett frowned at him.

"Didn't you watch it?"

"No. I was too busy staring at your brother, counting the

minutes until I could get him out of his tux." Gram leered at
Kasey. His brother blushed and leaned over to give Gram a
kiss.

Garrett huffed. "What a perv. You missed my movie

because you were cruising my brother."

"The alcohol must have clouded my brain," CJ muttered.

"You're a fag?" He stared at Kasey.

"Don't ever use that word around me," Garrett ordered CJ.

"We're both gay, but Kasey never advertised it like I did. At

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least not until he met Gram and then he busted out of the
closet."

Kasey rested his head on Gram's shoulder and stuck out

his tongue at Garrett. "I'm not used to dealing with the media
like you are. I just told the truth and let them blow it out of
proportion."

"What about you, Lamont?" Gram asked CJ. "Do you like

men or is your ex-wife just a bitch?"

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter Six

CJ met the challenge in Gram's eyes and uncertainty tied

his tongue. He shot a glance at Kasey and Garrett. He
couldn't really say no, considering what Garrett had caught
him about to do in the club and the fact that he'd kissed
Garrett a year ago. It was hard though. Even four months
later, CJ was still dealing with having everyone know his
secret.

"My ex-wife and the reporters say I am," he hedged.
"Most reporters are hacks. They're focused on what sells

and sensationalism makes money." Garrett waved his hand
dismissively. "Trust us. We've been in the tabloids a lot since
we hit the spotlight."

"The good journalists will focus on your driving or my

playing. They'll report the important stuff. Not who we sleep
with." Kasey's hand rested on Gram's thigh.

"You don't have to say anything." Garrett let CJ off the

hook. "We respect people's privacy here."

In light of the fact that the other men in the room were

gay and could understand what he was going through, CJ
made a decision and hoped it didn't come back to haunt him.
His life couldn't get any worse than it already was.

"It's true. Well, not everything she said was true, but the

gist of it was." He straightened his shoulders. "I'm gay."

Gram and Kasey smiled while Garrett applauded.
"See it wasn't too hard to admit. Sort of like Alcoholic

Anonymous for gays." Stopping behind CJ's chair, Garrett

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by T. A. Chase

patted his shoulder. "Of course, it does help when the other
men in the room are gay as well."

Electricity shot through CJ's body, heading for his groin.

Damn. He'd never forgotten how Garrett could make him hard
with just a touch. Garrett's fingers teased his skin under the
collar of his shirt. Biting his lip, he fought to stifle his moan.
He met Garrett's eyes and a matching interest gleamed in
them. The thought suddenly hit him that they were free. He
from his wife and the closet he hid in. Could Garrett be free of
his boyfriend?

"We go home in three days. Mom said we should rent a

car. Amelia has a concert that day, so Mom'll be busy with
that." Kasey fiddled with the button on Gram's shirt.

The spell over CJ broke when Garrett winked and moved

away to stand by the sliding doors leading outside.

"Cool. Will we get there early enough to catch it?" Garrett

opened the doors, letting the cool California night air in.

"Unless there are delays, we should be fine. You know

Amelia'll be thrilled to have you there." Kasey grinned at CJ.
"Our younger sister worships Garrett. I think she wants to use
his connections to score a record deal."

"She's only sixteen, Kase. I'm not going to feed her to the

sharks just yet." Garrett nodded toward Gram. "First time
meeting the family. You ready for it?"

CJ watched Gram give Kasey a loving smile. He'd never

seen two people look so right together and comfortable with
each other.

"You two seem to have been raised right. I'd like to meet

the people who created Kasey." Gram gave the man beside

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him a quick kiss. "Plus, I can't wait to hear the stories about
you growing up."

CJ yawned. The alcohol was wearing off, leaving him with

a pounding headache.

"Here." Garrett handed him two aspirins. "Take these."
"Thank you." He swallowed the pills. "I'm not putting

anyone out?"

Garrett chuckled. "Have you seen the size of this house? I

could have twenty people stay here and they'd all get their
own room."

"See you in the morning." Kasey dragged Gram off down

one of the halls.

"Actually, how long are you staying in L.A.?" Garrett led

him back toward the room he'd woken up in.

"Don't know. I don't really have anywhere to go."
Pain trickled in his heart. His home in Charlotte was

besieged by reporters. He'd run to the opposite coast, looking
for somewhere he could hide.

"Why don't I have my security guy, Quentin, go to your

hotel, grab your stuff and you can stay here?" Garrett
stopped outside his room.

"What about you?" He opened the door, confused.
"I'm leaving in a few days and won't be around for a

month or so."

CJ forced his body to stay in place while Garrett reached

out to cup his cheek. His lips were stroked by a rough thumb.
He licked Garret's skin, tasting salt and something spicy.

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Garrett groaned and slid his hand into CJ's hair, pulling

him closer. CJ managed not to tense. God, he wanted to
share another kiss with him.

Their lips brushed together with a gentleness he'd never

imagined two men could feel. It seemed like Garrett was
trying not to make him nervous. Nerves weren't his problem.
Garrett was the only man he'd ever kissed. Denying his urges
made it hard to get any experience. He wrapped his arms
around Garrett's waist, leaning against the actor's chest.

"Open for me," Garrett ordered softly.
CJ opened his lips, allowing Garrett's tongue in. He

shivered as Garrett teased the roof of his mouth. He moaned
and rocked his erection against Garrett's thigh.

He protested as Garrett eased away from him. "Please."
"Go to bed," Garrett murmured. "It's late."
"Wait. Why save my ass from that guy and put me up in

your house?" He didn't understand why Garrett would choose
to do something for a guy he'd met a year ago and never
talked to since.

"Aside from it being one of the finest asses I've seen, I

don't know. Probably guilt more than anything else. Someone
very close to me slid down the path you're taking. By the time
I noticed, it was too late. If I can help someone else, maybe
it'll atone for my negligence. Besides, remember what I told
you the last time I saw you; if you needed anything, I would
help you out. Well, I'm thinking you need a friend and I'm
willing to be it." Garrett brushed a quick kiss over CJ's cheek.
"Goodnight."

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by T. A. Chase

CJ found himself standing alone in his room, staring at the

closed door. He stripped before he climbed in bed. Should he
take Garrett up on his offer? Would staying here help him
figure out what to do with his life now that he no longer had a
career? Nothing had been announced yet about losing his
ride, but the lawyers were more than likely trying to figure
out how to fire him without getting slapped with a
discrimination suit.

His mind wandered back to Garrett. His fascination with

the movie star had started before he'd ever met him and
grew stronger after spending a month together. Garrett had
starred in many of his fantasies after their kiss.

Now this confident and sexy man was opening his house to

him. As much as Garrett might be attracted to him, the offer
came without strings. The guy wanted to help him out
because of their past history.

Sighing, he rolled over and shut his eyes. Maybe it was

time to stop dulling the pain and figure out a new plan for his
life. Being rescued by Garrett might be a step in the right
direction.

Garrett closed his eyes and curled up under the blankets.

No matter how hot it got, he'd never been able to sleep
without being covered by something. Rich used to complain
about it. Then again, Rich complained about a lot of stuff after
they'd moved to L.A. and Garrett had made it big in movies.
He rubbed at his chest, trying to erase the guilty pain
memories of Rich always caused.

The empty feeling of his king size bed had something to do

with the confused man sleeping down the hall. Convincing the

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by T. A. Chase

former race car driver to join him would have been easy, but
it wouldn't have been the ethical thing to do.

CJ's world was tilting on its axis. More than a quick roll in

the hay, CJ needed someone to talk to. Someone who
understood what it was like to go through what he was going
through. Okay, so that wasn't really him. He came out when
he was fifteen and never tried to hide it, but maybe Kasey
could talk to him. What Garrett could offer CJ was friendship
and a willing shoulder to cry on if the man needed it.

Shit, he'd just flown back from Europe and hadn't gotten

to talk to his brother about the fallout from his own
announcement. Kasey didn't sound worried about it and his
brother's serenity had a lot to do with Gram. Gram didn't
seem to be the type of guy who bailed at the first hint of
trouble.

Gram would have gotten Rich help at the first sign of the

man's addiction, Garrett's conscience whispered to him. He
wouldn't have signed on to do another movie and leave the
man he vowed to love wallowing in the dark world of drugs
and sex.

He rolled over, punching the pillow. He hated feeling like it

was all his fault, but he'd listened to Rich's tirades for so long
that he came to believe he could have done something to
stop his lover's slide into addiction. Rich often told him if only
he'd loved him more or given him more money to spend, he
wouldn't have turned to Slingman and the others to find his
fix. If only he'd had spent more time with Rich going to clubs,
the man might not have found comfort in other men's bed. It
was Rich's rationalization that hurt the most.

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There was no way he could have done that. He loved Rich

with everything in him, but he couldn't change who he was,
not even for his partner. Garrett had never been interested in
the spotlight unless it was for his work or for Kasey.

He forced thoughts of either man from his mind. Rich was

gone and he'd be leaving CJ in L.A. in a few days. He could
ignore the attraction for that short time.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter Seven

Garrett walked into the kitchen in time to see Gram pin

Kasey against the counter and devour his mouth.

"Ugh," he grunted, making his way to where his mug sat

next to the coffee pot. "Do you think you could manage to
keep your hands to yourselves for two minutes? Or at least
until I have my morning cup of coffee?"

Gram took his time ending the kiss before he stepped

away from Kasey to give Garrett a smug smile. "We could,
but where's the fun in that? We'd rather annoy you."

Kasey gave a breathless laugh and turned back to the eggs

he was scrambling. "How'd you come to bring CJ home
again?"

"You remember who he is?"
"I know of him." Kasey gestured for him to grab some

plates. "His story was plastered all over the newspapers a
month or two ago. Also, I remember you said something
about him when you were doing the movie last year."

"What's his story again? I was in Europe, remember? You

know what I'm like while doing publicity tours." He held the
plates while Kasey filled them. He glanced at Gram. "The only
person I usually talk to while I'm working is Kasey. Quentin's
with me, but he knows better than to mention anything about
sports to me, except for basketball. I'm not a huge sports
fan."

"No wonder you had no idea what happened to him until I

told you last night." Gram pulled the juice out of the fridge.

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Garrett sat at the small kitchen table, waiting for the other

two to join him.

"His ex-wife outed him in a nasty tell-all interview." Kasey

shook his head. "I understand her bitterness. I'm sure it hurt
to realize the man you love could never love you in return,
but to destroy his life like that..."

"He could have denied it. His P.R. team would have been

able to weave some tale and produce some woman for him to
date. He stayed silent, admitted nothing and ran off.
Unfortunately, it made him look guilty." Gram dug into the
food.

"CJ's secret was splashed all over the news and the team

he drove for left him high and dry." Kasey took a sip of juice.
"What made you bring him home?"

Garrett shrugged. "He was about to blow some bastard. I

consider CJ a friend, even though we haven't talked since I
left Charlotte. There was desperation in his eyes and I
couldn't let him do it."

His brother nodded. Kasey seemed to understand that

Garrett wasn't sure about his true reasons for his actions. The
despair and anxiety in CJ's blue eyes touched a spot in
Garrett's soul. He'd ignored or missed Rich's pleas for help.
He wasn't going to allow another person to be eaten alive if
he could stop them.

"I offered him the house to use while we're gone." He

braced for the forthcoming protests.

Kasey didn't argue. "It's your place, bro. If you trust him,

then it's fine with me."

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Garrett checked with Gram, who wore a thoughtful

expression. "What do you think?"

Gram laughed. "I'm not the most trusting guy, but if

you're cool with it, I'm not going to try and stop you. I do
have an idea though."

"What?" He wasn't sure he wanted to hear it.
"Why not have CJ come with us to your parents'?"
He stared at his brother's lover. "You're kidding, right?"
"Why would I kid about this?" Gram leaned forward,

resting his elbows on the table and looking at him. "Listen,
you and Kasey have been out, for the most part, since your
teens. I've been out for fifteen years. We know what people
will say and how they'll act."

"CJ's never had to deal with it. Gram might be on to

something." Kasey threw a kiss toward Gram. "Why not take
him with us? He can adjust to his new life with guys like him.
Give him a little confidence that his world'll right itself."

"He needs to find something do now that he's most likely

lost his ride," Gram added.

"Lost his ride? What does that mean?"
"It means I got fired, though nothing's been said officially

yet." CJ walked into the kitchen and looked at Garrett. "If
your offer still stands, I'd like to take you up on it. Staying
here might be just what I need."

"Sure. Quentin's on his way over, so as soon as he gets

here, you can tell him what hotel your stuff's at and he'll grab
it for you." He gestured at the food on the counter. "Help
yourself."

"Thanks." CJ piled a plate full of food.

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Garrett studied him while he moved around the kitchen.

CJ's black hair glistened in the morning sun, at times
gleaming a lustrous blue. CJ's eye color was a brilliant shade
of sky blue, and his frame was swamped by Kasey's T-shirt
that the man still wore.

When he joined them at the table, Kasey laughed. "Should

have given you one of Gram's shirts. It would have fit you
better."

CJ shrugged. "I'll get my own stuff soon."
Gram gave Garrett a sideways glance. His brother's lover

waited for him to suggest CJ travel with them to their
hometown. As much as he was willing to let CJ stay in his
house while he was gone, allowing CJ that deep into his
private life might not be the right thing to do at the moment.

"What are you two doing today?" He ignored Gram's look.
"I'm meeting with a gentleman who's interested in selling

me his club here in L.A." Gram took a drink of his coffee.

"I'm meeting Paul for lunch. Afterward, I'm going to pick

up some presents for our parents, and Jack and Amelia. We
could all hook up for dinner and then go out to the clubs
tonight."

"I'm not sure I'm in the mood for dancing and having fun."
"You're just worried that you'll see Rich and you don't want

to deal with him." Kasey leaned over and tapped Garrett's
hand. "I think you need to get out and show the bastard
you're not mourning him."

"Maybe I don't feeling like going." He met Kasey's eyes

with a pointed look.

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"Bullshit. I'll call you with the dinner reservations." Kasey

stood and pulled Gram to his feet. "Come on, love."

"Do you want Quentin to go with you?"
"No. We'll be fine." Kasey and Gram left the kitchen.
CJ kept eating and stayed silent. Garrett sighed, took a sip

of orange juice and set the glass down before looking at the
other man.

"Rich is my ex-lover. We started to have trouble last year.

I'm sure you remember some of the phone calls I got from
him. I guess I should be glad we weren't married or he would
have divorced me and taken everything he thought he was
entitled to." He breathed, fighting the anger. "I ended it
several months ago. He got into the whole sex and drugs
scene and I won't tolerate that. Drinking's one thing, but
meth and heroin are way different."

Nodding, CJ leaned back in his chair. "A lot of the guys on

the circuit drink. The heavier drugs haven't become
mainstream yet, but they're available if you know who to
ask."

Garrett stood and took his plate to the sink. After rinsing

it, he set it in the dishwasher. When he turned, CJ was right
behind him, holding his own plate out. He took it, but didn't
turn away. Garrett wanted to see what he would do. CJ rose
up on his toes and brushed a quick kiss over Garrett's cheek.

"Morning." CJ blushed and moved out of the kitchen.
He washed off CJ's plate and stuck it in the washer, then

made sure it was running so his housekeeper didn't have as
much to do when she was here before he went to find the
other man.

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CJ stood on the verandah facing the backyard. He leaned

against the waist-high stone wall encircling the sitting area.
Garrett watched him pat his jean pockets like he was
searching for something.

"You can smoke out here if you want." He stepped outside

and found the ashtray he had started keeping out there.
"Gram does whenever he comes to town with Kasey."

Shaking his head, CJ grinned at him. "I'm trying to cut

down on my vices. Thought smoking would be easier to give
up than drinking."

"How's that going for you?" He eased next to CJ, resting

one butt cheek on the wall.

"You don't see me smoking, do you? Just get the urge

once in a while when I get nervous or start thinking about
shit."

"Seems to me what you've been through could drive a

man to drink and smoke." He caught one of CJ's hands and
laid it on his thigh.

He froze, eyes pinned on their hands. "Drinking's been my

escape for years. Didn't get me anywhere except wrapped
around a toilet in the morning, puking my guts out."

Garrett rubbed a thumb over CJ's knuckle. "Your whole

world changed when your ex-wife spilled the beans about
you. Drinking isn't going to make those words disappear. You
need to figure out what you're going to do."

"What is there to do?"
CJ leaned closer to him, but Garrett didn't mention

anything about it. "There are several things you could do. You
just have to figure that out for yourself."

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"Hey, Garrett." Quentin walked out onto the verandah.
CJ jerked his hand away and moved several feet down the

wall. Garrett frowned, but turned to his bodyguard.

"Quentin, got a job for you. CJ's going to stay at the house

for a while. Can you go over to his hotel and pick up his shit?"

His friend shot a glance from him to the other man. "Sure.

Just need the key."

Digging in his back pocket, CJ pulled out a plastic card.

"I'm staying at the Hilton downtown in room 546. I didn't
unpack, so it should all be in a duffle bag on the bed."

"Good enough. I'll go get the bag and be back in an hour

or so." Quentin checked his watch. "You have two interviews
this afternoon. One at the MGM lot and one at the Abbey."

"Damn. Forgot about the second one. It's okay. I'll be

ready for them. They just want to ask me about the new
movie and probably one of them will ask about Rich." Garrett
shook his head. "Interviews weren't what I got into this
business for."

"But they're part of it. Deal with it." Quentin laughed as

Garrett flipped him the finger. "See ya."

"Quentin's your bodyguard?"
"Yeah. Quentin's been with me for three years. Shit. Feels

like the bastard's been around forever some days. I got a
couple death threats when my first big movie came out."

CJ shot him a quick look. "Seriously?"
"A few people didn't want an openly gay actor playing such

a beloved historical figure as a young Thomas Jefferson."

He could laugh now about those threats, but at the time,

he'd been a little freaked out by them, which was why his

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by T. A. Chase

agent and the studio got him a bodyguard. Quentin came
highly recommended from an L.A. security firm. They got
along so well that Garrett lured him away and hired him
permanently.

"People get riled up about the stupidest shit." C.J grinned.

"So you kept him, huh?"

"He's still a bodyguard first, but he's become more of a

personal assistant. He keeps me on track at times. I really
hate doing interviews. That's why he reminded me about
them or else I'd conveniently forget I had to go do them." He
stood, stretching, and hid a smile as CJ studied the tanned
skin his shirt riding up revealed. "I'll make sure you have his
number before I leave. Quentin doesn't go home with me. It's
his vacation from me as well."

"With as much time as you two spend together, I'm sure

he needs it." CJ edged closer.

"True. His wife, Lisa, is happy for it as well, especially if

we've been gone on location for a shoot. She's been forgiving
so far. Now that he's taking over more of the business stuff, I
might look into getting a different guy to travel with me. That
way he isn't gone for months on end."

"I'm sure she'll be happy about that." CJ sounded

distracted.

Garrett turned a little more and grabbed CJ's hand. "You

can touch me. I don't mind."

He laid CJ's trembling hand on his stomach, making sure

to slide it up under his shirt. He sucked in his breath. CJ's
hands were rough and seemed to drag over his skin. Bending

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forward, he kissed CJ gently, licking the seam of his mouth
and hoping he would let him in.

CJ opened for him. He took his time with the kiss,

encouraging the other man's own tentative movements.
Garrett learned CJ's mouth and each little spot that made him
shiver or gasp. He kept his hands wrapped around CJ's, not
wanting to lose the only other physical connection they had.

Garrett became lost in their kiss. Each second was better

as the dark-haired man began to participate. CJ's hand
flexed, scraping his calloused fingertips over Garrett's
stomach. Light-headed, Garrett pulled away slightly, panting.
More than anything he wanted those hands stroking all over
his body, but CJ wasn't ready for that from the stunned
expression on his face.

He managed to make himself take CJ's hand off his

stomach and lifted it to his mouth. He placed a single kiss in
the palm, touching just the tip of his tongue to the salty skin
and the older man shuddered.

Winking, he let go of CJ's hand. "Moving a little too fast, I

think. I try to keep my hands off you, but it doesn't seem to
be working."

"Your hands aren't the problem. It's your lips." CJ's laugh

shook.

"True." Garrett took a deep breath to settle his pulse.

"What would you like to do? Maybe go to the beach or
sightseeing?"

CJ shook his head. "Too many people. I'm not ready to be

recognized by anyone yet."

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Garrett understood. "You're welcome to stay here. The

pool's on the side of the house and there are a ton of movies
to watch."

"I don't have a swimsuit."
"We can fix that. I'd offer you one of mine, but there's no

way they'll fit you." He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket.
Flipping it open, he dialed Quentin's number. "Hey, could you
stop by a store and pick up swim trunks for CJ?"

He traced the lean lines of the race car driver. "I'd say

thirty-four or medium should do it."

"Quentin doesn't have to be my personal shopper. I'll be

fine without them."

Garrett shot CJ a skeptical look. "You're going to go skinny

dipping in my pool?"

A cute blush colored the man's cheeks. "Ummm ... that

isn't what I meant."

"Damn. I was looking forward to that."
Quentin's voice filled his ear.
"I'll be good, friend."
He hung up and stuffed the phone back in his pocket.

"Come on. I'll give you a tour of the house and then I have to
call my agent to find out about these interviews I'm doing."

Garrett spent the next thirty minutes showing CJ around

the house, pointing out the small theater and extensive DVD
collection he had. He sat in one of the seats in the theater,
watching CJ look through the movies.

"You have a huge collection." CJ shot him a quick smile.
"I'm an actor. Thank God, I'm finally getting roles where I

can use my acting skills instead of my hot body." He flexed

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his arms with a laugh. "Before Kasey hooked up with Gram,
we'd spend hours watching movies. I learned what made a
good movie. Not only the script, but the actors and actresses
who made those roles come alive."

CJ sat next to him and stared up at the screen. "Did you

always want to be an actor?"

He slouched, propping his feet on the seat in front of him.

"I think so. I can't remember a time when I didn't love
movies. I'd watch the old black and whites with my
grandparents. We'd spend hours talking about how we'd
rewrite the story to make it better and I started acting out
parts."

Garrett chuckled and shot to his feet, digging through the

DVDs for one in particular. "Here it is."

Holding up a case, he went to the player and popped the

disc in. "You'll enjoy this."

He pushed play and settled back down. The opening scene

showed a marquee that read "Romeo and Jules. Starring
Garrett Johnson and..." The other name was blurred out.

CJ turned to look at him with a questioning quirk of his

eyebrow. "Romeo and Jules?"

"Yeah. The Gay-Straight Alliance at my college put it on.

We rewrote a few of the scenes and raised money for various
charities. I had to blur the name of the guy. He totally
freaked when he found out Kasey had videotaped the play.
He's a big shot actor now, but straight, or at least 'straight
acting', and he doesn't want people to get the wrong idea
about him from the video." Garrett shrugged. "It's not like he
was sucking my dick or anything. There were just a few

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kisses, but it must be one of those skeletons in the closet
thing."

His guest grunted, his eyes focused intently on the screen.

He leaned back, letting the play draw CJ in while he studied
him. There was a small scar at the corner of CJ's mouth.
Garrett wanted to trace the white line with his tongue and dip
inside to taste the morning coffee CJ had drunk. Garrett's
cock swelled, pressing against his jeans and he shifted.
Damn, he'd gotten hard and there would be no relief for him
anytime soon. He had to get away from CJ or he'd end up
seducing the man right there.

As much as Garrett wanted CJ, the man wasn't ready for

sex yet. No matter what CJ had been about to do at the
Factory, he had some issues to deal with before he'd be open
to more than kissing. Garrett checked his watch and stood.

"I have to call my agent before he starts panicking. Watch

whatever movie you want and I'll have Quentin find you when
he gets here."

CJ grinned at him. "Thanks."
He couldn't resist. Bending, he pressed a quick kiss to the

corner of CJ's mouth, right where the scar was. "Welcome. I'll
catch up with you before I leave."

Glancing back right before he left the room, Garrett saw CJ

touch his lips like he was trying to memorize the touch of
Garrett's mouth. Garrett smiled, knowing it was wishful
thinking on his part.

He made his way to his study. He did have work to do,

even if it wasn't something he enjoyed doing.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter Eight

CJ stood in the doorway, watching Quentin load the

luggage. Garrett, Kasey and Gram were going to Garrett's
parents' in Northern California. Garrett had explained that he
and Kasey tried to make it back home together at least once
a year. An odd sense of loneliness settled in the pit of CJ's
stomach. He'd gotten used to hanging out with the three
men.

Swimming and watching movies for the past two days

calmed his mind and he started thinking about how to fix his
problems—what options he had and whether driving was one
of them. He hadn't come to any solutions yet, but at least he
was thinking and not panicking or reacting.

The sound of squealing tires drew his attention away from

the luggage and his mouth dropped open when a red sports
car slammed to a halt behind the SUV the bodyguard was
packing.

"What the fuck, Rich?" Quentin stared down at the bumper

just a few inches away from his knees.

"Where is the asshole, Quentin? I want to talk to the

bastard." A rail-thin man climbed from the sports car and
weaved his way toward Quentin.

CJ stepped from the porch and made his way down the

front walk. Quentin shook his head as CJ moved. He stopped,
but not in time. Rich focused on him and sauntered over. He
stood as Rich circled him, checking him out from head to toe.

"So, Garrett threw me out for this little bitch?"

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His eyebrows shot up. Little bitch?
"No, Rich. Garrett threw you out because you're an

alcoholic druggie who couldn't keep your dick in your pants or
your legs closed." Quentin came to stand next to CJ. "You
know you're not supposed to be here."

"You always defend him. Does he give you head when your

wife won't?" Rich spit the venom-filled words at Quentin.

Putting a hand on Quentin's arm, CJ restrained him as he

stiffened.

"Don't. He's not worth getting arrested over." CJ took a

step back, pulling Quentin with him.

"That's right, Quentin. Listen to the bitch. Touch one hair

on my head and I'll have you arrested so fast your head will
spin." Rich stalked them, mirroring every step.

"What's going on out here?"
CJ groaned as Kasey, Gram and Garrett came out of the

house. He'd hoped to get inside without Rich ever seeing
Garrett.

"Hello there, love." Rich batted mascara-caked eyelashes

at Garrett.

A look of disgust settled over Garrett's face. "Rich. I told

you never to come back here."

Rich pouted. "Aren't you glad to see me?"
"I stopped being glad to see you when I found your stash

of meth in our bedroom. It's your life. You can destroy
yourself if you want to, but I refuse to allow you to take me
down with you. Not anymore, Rich." Garrett shifted to stand
in front of CJ.

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"I'm not even gone a month and you've already found a

replacement for me. And from Slingman no less. You always
told me you didn't like that man, love." Rich's makeup-
smeared face hardened into a sneer.

"Get out of here, Rich. There's nothing here for you

anymore." Garrett's voice was tight and his shoulders tense.

CJ didn't think about his actions. He simply reached out

and rested his hand on Garrett's shoulder, trying to give the
actor support.

Rich's hazy eyes stared at CJ touching Garrett and

something must have snapped in him. He shrieked, launching
himself at CJ with hands raised to scratch or injure.

"Fuck." Garrett turned and shoved CJ out of the way.
"You fucking redneck. I know who you are. You're that fag

race car driver. I won't let you take Garrett away from me.
He's mine and will never love you."

Gram and Quentin dragged the screaming man away from

Garrett. CJ took Garrett's hand, leading him back into the
house. He pushed the actor onto the couch and headed to the
side bar while keeping an eye on Garrett. CJ poured a shot of
whiskey and held the glass out for Garrett to take.

"I don't..." Garrett shook his head.
"Yes, you do. It'll settle your nerves." He wiggled the glass

until Garrett took it.

The actor slammed it back and hissed as the burn hit him.

"Shit. That stuff tastes terrible. I remember why I don't drink
it."

CJ watched Garrett set the empty glass on the coffee

table. A thin line of red caught his eye. He sat next to Garrett

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by T. A. Chase

and turned him slightly to look at the back of his arm. Two
vivid scratches marred Garrett's golden tan.

"He nailed you." He caressed the skin around the wounds.

"Do you have a first-aid kit?"

"They're just scratches, CJ." Garrett dropped his head into

his hands.

"Maybe, but even scratches can go septic if the skin is

broken. And your ex didn't look all that clean to me. You don't
know where his hands have been."

"It's under the sink in the bathroom you've been using."
CJ patted Garrett's shoulder as he stood to get the kit. No

point in risking infection. He pulled the kit out and headed
back into the living room. The other men came in.

"Damn. Rich looks like shit," Kasey commented as he sat

in one of the chairs across from Garrett and CJ.

"Kasey." Gram frowned at his lover while settling on the

arm of Kasey's chair.

"What? I'm just saying that he's really let himself go."

Kasey shrugged.

CJ tugged at the sleeve of Garrett's shirt. "Roll this up. I

don't want to get anything on it."

Garrett didn't say anything, just rolled up his sleeve and

went back to looking at the carpet. CJ opened a package of
antiseptic pads, wiping one carefully over the scratches.
Garrett's skin twitched and without thinking, CJ blew on the
wet area. Garrett hissed and shivered.

"Sorry," he whispered.

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Garrett squeezed his knee. CJ finished bandaging the

marks and leaned back, resting a hand on Garrett's back.
Quentin sat in the other chair.

"Rich is gone. Kasey talked to the police and they said you

should come down to file a restraining order." Quentin held
up a hand to stop Garrett's protest. "What if he had a gun,
Garrett? He could have done a lot more damage than two
little scratches on your arm. What if you were here by
yourself? I'm not always with you."

"What if he goes after someone who can't defend

themselves?" Gram gave CJ a small smile. "I'm sure Lamont
could have taken care of Rich without our help, but what if
Amelia was here? You have to think about these things,
Garrett. Get beyond the love you and Rich used to share
because it's not there anymore."

"The tabloids will have a field day with this." Garrett

turned a little, resting against CJ.

"Screw the tabloids. Most of those reporters wouldn't know

a true story if it bit them on the ass." Kasey glared at his
brother. "The important thing is that Rich not be allowed to
come near you again."

"We're going to be late leaving." Garrett ignored Kasey.
CJ rubbed his hand over Garrett's back, trying to ease the

tension from his stiff muscles. "Do all gay men scream like
banshees when they're mad?"

Everyone looked at him and he shrugged.
"Rachel, my ex-wife, didn't scream like that when she

asked for a divorce. She was mad and hurt, but she cried. Not

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by T. A. Chase

sure if I want to deal with a guy who's going to shriek like
that."

"The only time it's good to have a screamer as a boyfriend

is when you're fucking him," Gram stated.

Kasey blushed and everyone else laughed. Garrett relaxed

even more against CJ and he slipped his arm around Garrett's
waist, hugging him closer.

"I'll call your mother and let her know you won't be there

until late tomorrow. It should be fine." Quentin stood, pulling
his phone out of his pocket.

"Wait." Garrett turned to look at CJ. "You want to go home

with us?"

CJ's mouth fell open like a fish out of water. "Ummm..."
"Sorry to drop it on you like this." Garrett cupped CJ's

face. "I don't want you here by yourself. Now that I know
Rich is in town and he's seen you, he'll go to the gossip rags.
They'll camp outside the gates and you'll never get a moment
of peace around here. Come home with me."

"But your parents...?"
"Won't mind. We're bringing Gram along this time." Kasey

nodded at his lover. "One more won't matter in the least."

Something about this group of men intrigued him and

made him reluctant to say no. Also, CJ wanted to spend more
time with Garrett. Before his "outing", he'd never gotten time
to get to know guys who attracted him. He couldn't risk
someone finding out, but now it didn't matter.

"If you're sure they won't mind, I'd love to go with you."

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The smile Garrett gave him made a warm wave rush

through him, pooling in his groin. CJ shifted, looking for room
in his suddenly snug shorts for his cock.

Quentin nodded and started dialing. "I'll let your mother

know you're bringing someone else. We should head down to
the police station, Garrett."

Garrett stroked a thumb over CJ's bottom lip before

turning to look at Quentin. "Can't an officer come out here? I
really don't want to be seen walking into the station."

Kasey stood, along with Gram. "I'll find out for you. You

should put on some trunks and go sit in the hot tub. Gram
and I will see about dinner."

"Sounds like a good idea," CJ agreed. "Mind if I join you?"
"No, I don't mind." Garrett stood and made his way toward

the back of the house.

CJ changed into his swim trunks and went out to where the

hot tub was. Garrett wasn't out yet, so CJ slipped into the
bubbling water and leaned against the side of the tub, resting
his head on the edge.

The sound of a rock skittering over the stone deck drew his

attention. Through half-opened eyes, he watched Garrett
make his way to the tub, wearing a brief pair of black swim
trunks. Well-formed feet flowed into muscular calves, lightly
furred thighs and a tight ass. The spandex showed off the
bulge at Garrett's groin and CJ forced his gaze to move up.
He wouldn't stare at the man's crotch, no matter how
tempting it might be.

Garret bent to drop towels next to the tub. His ripped abs

made CJ's mouth dry with the urge to run his tongue over the

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by T. A. Chase

grooves. Garrett stepped into the bubbling water, standing
right in front of him. Without stopping to think, CJ reached
out and traced the golden skin over his hip.

"CJ."
His name drifted over him on a soft exhalation of Garrett's

breath.

"Sit down, Garrett." CJ smiled.
He settled next to CJ and the motion of the jets rubbed

their bodies together. CJ didn't pull away when Garrett
grasped his hand. He leaned back and closed his eyes again.
The gurgling noise of the hot tub soothed CJ, easing the
tension he carried in his shoulder. Letting go of Garrett's
hand, CJ slipped his arm around the other man's waist and let
him rest his head on his shoulder.

They sat that way until Quentin stepped out and gestured

for Garrett.

"The police officer is here."
Garrett sighed. CJ stayed put while Garrett climbed out of

the tub.

"Do you want me to go with you?"
"Thanks for the offer, but you stay here and relax. It won't

take long." Garrett shot him a smile and followed Quentin
back inside.

"Mind if we join you?"
He glanced up to see Kasey and Gram standing on the

deck. Kasey held a tray with glasses of lemonade on it and
Gram held plates of fruit. Nodding, he slid over to give them
room. They got in and arranged themselves without crowding

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by T. A. Chase

each other. Kasey moaned as he sank up to his neck in the
water.

"I can't wait to get home." Kasey splashed his face. "We

never have to deal with this shit there."

"Neither of you left behind crazy ex-boyfriends?" Gram

winked at CJ.

"I didn't, that's for sure. Didn't have any boyfriends back

then." Kasey stroked Gram's chest.

"Good. I didn't want to have to deal with jealous men.

Some of them are worse than women. I hate tossing the men
out of the club. Must be why I pay Bo to take care of security
for me."

"Paul mentioned he had lunch with Bo last week." Kasey

held out a glass to CJ. "Have some freshly squeezed
lemonade."

"Garrett's housekeeper is a wonderful woman," Gram

murmured before taking a sip from his glass. "I wonder if
there's something going on between Bo and Paul."

"Paul was pretty evasive when I asked. That makes me

think there might be. Paul's still dealing with Rhiannon's
leaving him." Kasey placed a piece of melon at Gram's lips.

CJ looked away, not wanting to stare at the couple.
"I think we're making Lamont a little uncomfortable, love."

Gram nodded toward him.

Kasey patted CJ's shoulder. "Sorry about that. I tend to

forget where I am sometimes when I'm with Gram."

"Nice problem to have." Would he ever get comfortable

with his sexuality?

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by T. A. Chase

"Only if you're someplace safe where people aren't going

bother you about who you're feeding." Gram shoved the fruit
toward CJ. "Have some. I put in some lasagna, so it'll be a
little while before dinner's ready."

"Thanks. Was your friend Paul married?"
"No, but he was serious enough about his ex that he told

her he was bisexual. She couldn't handle it. Rhiannon ended
up leaving him right before Gram and I got together."

"Harsh." He admired Paul for admitting it to her before

they got married. "At least he had the courage to do it before
there was a wedding."

"True." Kasey leaned against Gram. "Who knows? Maybe

Bo's just what Paul needs."

"Bo's never had a serious relationship in his life." Doubt

colored Gram's words.

"Paul doesn't need a serious relationship right now. He

needs sex." Kasey laughed.

"Bo can help him with that."
"Are you discussing your slut of a club manager?" Garrett

entered the tub and sat next to CJ.

"Yes, we were. He and Paul had lunch together." Gram

cuddled Kasey close to him.

CJ drank his lemonade and let the conversation flow

around him.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

Chapter Nine

"Garrett!"
Amelia, Garrett's little sister, raced from the house as he

stepped from the Yukon. He braced for impact and managed
not to stagger as she threw herself at him. Wrapping her in
his arms, he twirled around in a circle.

"Amelia, you're getting prettier every day. Dad and Jack

are going to be beating the boys off soon." He kissed her
cheek after setting her back down.

"You're such a charmer." She swatted his arm. "Where's

Kasey?"

"They should be here soon. We rented separate vehicles in

case we decide to split up."

CJ came to stand by him, eyes wide, acting like he had

never been greeted as enthusiastically by his own family.

"Is Gram with him?" Amelia's eyes sparkled with

anticipation.

"Of course, silly. They're practically attached at the hip."
This trip would be the first chance for the family to meet

Gram and Garrett knew Kasey was nervous about it.

"You and Jack be good. Kase has been sweating bullets.

He's worried you won't like his new boyfriend."

"You like him, don't you, Garrett?"
He glanced up to see his mom, dad and younger brother

walking down the front drive. He gave each of them a hug
and kissed his mom's cheek.

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"Yeah, Mom, I do. Gram's perfect for Kasey, keeping him

from being a hermit as well as standing by him when the shit
hit the fan about being gay."

The slightest bit of envy slid into Garrett's heart. He'd

always believed Rich would be there for him like that. It was
hard to see Kasey find what Garrett had wanted.

"Sorry we missed your concert," he apologized. "We got

delayed and couldn't leave yesterday."

"It's okay. You're here now." Amelia's gaze skated over to

CJ. "Who's this?"

"I'm CJ Lamont." CJ held out his hand. "Garrett and Kasey

bragged about how well you play. I'm sorry to miss it."

She blushed, pleased. "Maybe I can play for you some

night, Mr. Lamont."

"I'd love that. Please, call me CJ." CJ greeted Garrett's

parents politely. "I hope you don't mind me dropping in like
this, Mrs. Johnson. It was a last minute change of plans."

Garrett caught the quick glance his mother shot him before

she smiled at CJ. He would have some explaining to do later.

"We're always happy to welcome our children's friends.

Please, call me Nancy. This is Garrett's father, Jacob." His
mother was gracious, as usual.

His father frowned. "CJ Lamont? Your name sounds

familiar."

CJ paled and Garrett almost stepped in when Kasey pulled

into the driveway. All but Jack rushed off to greet his twin and
Gram. His youngest brother nodded at CJ.

"It's a shame what happened, man. You're the best driver

out there. It's going to suck if they really do drop you."

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CJ sighed and Garrett squeezed the man's shoulder. When

CJ met his gaze, he said, "It'll get a little easier every time.
Some people will be assholes and some won't." He waved
toward his family, who were hugging Gram like a long-lost
family member. "My family's used to gays and though they
freaked when we came out, they've come to accept it."

A car drove by and a pretty blonde leaned out the window,

yelling Jack's name. Jack shouted back at her.

"Both Jack and Amelia are straight, which helps, though it

doesn't ease their minds. Girls calling Jack all the time and
boys wanting to take Amelia out on dates." He chuckled.

CJ grinned. "Your siblings are a good-looking bunch, but I

think I like the oldest brother best."

His heart skipped a beat. Was CJ flirting with him? Kasey

had teased him during dinner last night about being older by
five minutes. He fought the urge to reach out and trace the
shape of that grin. If there was anything to their attraction,
he didn't want to rush it.

"Grab your bags, boys." Jacob hefted one of their suitcases

and headed in.

"We're having a quiet family dinner tonight. Tomorrow,

your Aunt Barbara is having a cook-out and the rest of the
family will be there." Mom laughed as Kasey groaned. "It'll be
fun. You moan about it, but you end up having the most fun."

"Rooms?" Garrett asked.
He and Kasey had shared a room until they left for college.

Their parents had turned it into another guest bedroom.

"Kasey and Gram have the blue room." His mom hesitated.
"I'll bunk with Jack and CJ can have the other room."

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by T. A. Chase

No pressure and his parents wouldn't assume a

relationship that wasn't there yet. He couldn't help but hope
something might arise by the time they headed back to L.A.

"Kasey, you take Gram and CJ up to their rooms. Jacob,

make sure the grill's on. Jack and Amelia, set the table." His
mom crooked a finger at him. "You, help me in the kitchen."

"Yes, ma'am."
It was his mother's not-so-subtle way of getting him alone

to interrogate him about CJ. He followed her through the
house to the brightly lit kitchen. So many conversations had
been held around the small round table in the breakfast nook.
Basketball games and high school plays were dissected and
rehashed at the table.

The night he told his parents he was gay, he'd gathered

his mom and dad at the little oak table. All day long he'd
rehearsed a long, involved speech about being gay and how it
wasn't their fault, that he'd been born that way. He smiled at
the memory of their stunned faces when he blurted it out
instead of easing them into his declaration. His mother cried
and his dad had been speechless. Things got really
complicated when Kasey spoke up and said he was gay as
well. Many midnight conversations were spent with his folks
and Kasey, talking about what being gay meant in his town
and in the world.

The family tradition continued with Jack and Amelia talking

about their lives while his mother cooked dinner or whipped
up a snack for them and he'd join in if he was home. It was a
habit he and Kasey didn't try to break. No matter where they
were, whether at Kasey's condo in Phoenix or Garrett's home

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in L.A., they would still gather in the kitchen to catch each
other up on their lives and problems.

"Here, make the salad while you tell me who that young

man is and why he's here with you." She handed him a head
of lettuce and a knife.

"He was the NASCAR driver I worked with last year for the

movie that just came out. Or, he used to be, until his ex-wife
dragged him out of the closet a couple of months ago."
Garrett sliced the green leaves.

"That's where I read his name." Garrett's dad walked in, a

look of recognition on his face. "A terrible thing to do. I
haven't heard anything about him losing his ride yet."

"It was, but CJ doesn't seem to hate her for it. He says

they both have issues to deal with and she needs someone to
blame for her problems." Garrett shrugged. "He's much more
forgiving than I would be if Rich aired any of our dirty
laundry. CJ figures the lawyers for his racing team are trying
to spin his firing so they don't get called bigots. I think most
people will assume he got fired because he is gay."

"Guess he figures he's got enough to worry about without

adding her to his problems." Jacob pulled the steaks from the
refrigerator.

"That could be it. He's been reeling from the fallout and

hasn't had time to think about any of it." Tomatoes were next
to be chopped.

"How'd you meet up this time? Cars and racing aren't

really your thing." His mother freed the beans from the oven.

"I helped him out of a bad situation at a club and decided

he needed to get away from everything. Coming here will let

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CJ see being gay isn't terrible or bad. It's just different; like
having different colored skin or religion." He gave both his
parents a pleading look.

His mother patted his cheek. "You can count on us. We'll

spend most of our time getting to know Gram. It's about time
your brother brought someone home."

Garrett's tension eased. He said a silent prayer for being

lucky enough to have parents like his. "Thanks, Mom." He
hugged her.

"Think CJ would be willing to talk cars?"
His father's one hobby was restoring cars. Jacob had

restored several since his kids were born. Unfortunately, none
of his children were mechanically inclined, leaving him no one
to talk to about cars.

"I'll ask, Dad."
"Ask what?"
Kasey, Gram and CJ filed into the kitchen. Garrett caught

CJ's eye and smiled. CJ grinned back, happiness looking good
on him.

"Just wondering if CJ would want to go and check out

Dad's cars."

CJ's face lit up and Garrett was glad he asked.
"I'd love to see them. What do you have?"
"You can look at them after dinner," Mom admonished,

handing dishes to her children. "Jacob, get those steaks on
the grill."

"Yes, Nancy." Dad turned to CJ. "I've got a nineteen-forty

coupe, a nineteen-sixty-five Mustang and a nineteen-seventy

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Charger. All fully restored with as many original parts as I
could find."

"Wow." CJ held the back door open for Jacob and went out

with him to cook the steaks.

Garrett and Kasey exchanged smiles. Finally, their father

had someone to talk to about his true love.

Dinner was fun and relaxing. For the first time since

Garrett rescued CJ from the club, CJ seemed to have let go of
his worries. He watched to see CJ smile and how gorgeous
the other man looked when he laughed.

After dinner, Kasey volunteered to wash dishes. Gram,

Jack and Amelia offered to help and Garrett sent CJ out with
his dad to show his cars off. Garrett and his mother settled in
the living room with coffee and she pinned him with a serious
gaze.

"How are you doing?"
He shrugged, avoiding her knowing eyes by studying his

cup. "Good."

"I'm your mother, Garrett, and no matter how good an

actor you are, you can't fool me." She squeezed his hand.
"Tell me the truth."

Sighing, he looked at her. "I'm getting back to normal. It

doesn't hurt so much anymore."

"Have you seen Rich since you threw him out?"
"Yes. Someone told him I was back in town and he

stopped by the house yesterday. That's why we didn't fly out
yesterday." He set his cup down and rested his elbows on his
knees, staring at the floor. "Rich looked terrible. The meth is
eating him alive."

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Tears filled his eyes and he swallowed the lump in his

throat. "He blames me for everything and tried to attack CJ."

"CJ? Why?"
"He was screaming about CJ stealing me away from him.

How I was his and he wasn't going to let some redneck take
his place. Thank goodness Quentin and Gram were there.
They took care of Rich without getting Kasey or CJ involved.
Neither one of them can afford any more scandal."

"What about you? Shouldn't you be worried about bad

publicity too?"

He shook his head. "Any news is good for me. People

expect their movie stars to be embroiled in scandal, but most
hate it when their sports stars are. I guess they hold them to
a higher standard."

"What happened?" She rubbed his back.
"Quentin and Gram got Rich to leave. A police officer came

out and I filed a restraining order. I didn't want to do it, but I
didn't want to risk Quentin or anyone else getting hurt
because Rich is crazy."

She hugged him. "I know, honey. I know."
He savored the love in her embrace and breathed her

familiar perfume, White Diamonds. It was nice to lean on
someone else for a few seconds. Garrett had always been the
leader with Kasey falling in line behind him. He'd done his
best to protect his twin from the negative stuff in the world.

"Is Rich the reason you helped CJ out at the club?"
"Yes and no. I didn't want to see him make a mistake and

ruin his life or kill himself. So part of it was guilt." He closed
his eyes and thought about CJ. "I've spent the last three days

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with him, Mom. He's funny, smart and so confused right
now."

"Just be careful, baby boy," his mom cautioned him. "CJ

seems like a nice man. He's certainly handsome, but he's
denied who he is for so long, it might end up being easier for
him to run back in the closet."

"I know." Being openly gay was never easy, and for CJ,

being gay and doing what he loved might be impossible to
reconcile. "I want to help him. More than anything, I want
him to be happy."

"He's lucky to have you helping him. I don't want you hurt

again, Garrett. We've always thought Kasey was the wary
one. He never had boyfriends and you had hundreds, yet
you've only given your heart to one man and he broke it."

"I did trust Rich," he admitted. "I'll be more cautious next

time."

"Don't miss out on something good because of Rich

either."

He grinned at her. "Which is it? Be careful or fall in love

right away?"

"Both."
They laughed as he gave her a quick hug.
"It's a woman's right to be confusing." She picked up her

coffee and took a sip.

"Must be why I never dated any."
Kasey, Gram and the teenagers joined them. Jack pulled

out the board games, another tradition in their family. The
first night Garrett and Kasey were home, the family would
play games and spend time together. Jacob and CJ came in

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from the garage. It was times like this that reminded Garrett
how wonderful his family was.

* * * *

CJ tried to get out of playing with the Johnsons, but the

others wouldn't let him off the hook.

"If I have to play, man, so do you," Gram informed him.
He glanced around, seeing smiles and acceptance on

everyone's face. Meeting Garrett's gaze, he saw him nod.

"Come on, CJ. It'll be fun. Trust me, we don't bite." Garrett

gestured to the spot next to him on the floor.

"All right," he agreed, sitting close. He rubbed his shoulder

against Garrett's.

Garrett rubbed back and winked at him.
"It's your turn, Garrett." Amelia handed Garrett a pair of

dice.

Relief rushed over CJ when Garrett's attention moved

away from him. Johnson could be intense and CJ wasn't used
to anyone like that. It would take some time to feel
comfortable with a man flirting with him.

The only encounters he'd had with men were anonymous

pick-ups in bars, rest areas or any place where no one would
care who he was or what he did for a living. Once he got
married, he'd stayed away all together. He cared for Rachel,
but he could never love her.

His mind buzzed while he managed to keep up with the

game. Garrett was a warm solid presence beside him. The
man wore a woodsy cologne that kept CJ's cock hard, and his
laugh brought a smile to CJ's face.

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Some of Garrett's interest in him probably stemmed from

the guilt over the break-up of his relationship. CJ's run in with
Rich helped him understand why Garrett might be worried
about him falling down the same hole.

He hoped Garrett was attracted to him as a person, not a

project. He'd never allowed his heart to feel this way about
anyone, male or female. It was easier to keep all friendships
on the surface. He could walk away from those before he got
hurt.

A roar of laughter interrupted his mental wanderings.

Gram tackled Kasey and started tickling him. Amelia and Jack
joined in. Garrett laughed so hard, he fell against CJ. Without
thinking, he put his arm around Garrett's waist, supporting
the man in his mirth. Garrett's parents looked over the
chaotic scene with indulgent smiles. Mrs. Johnson caught his
eye and nodded toward the rolling bodies.

"Usually it's Garrett and Kasey wrestling around. They can

fight like cats and dogs. Must come from being twins."

Being an only child, he didn't have a clue, but he nodded

like he understood. His dad worked at the auto factory in his
home town and his mother worked the lunch shift at the town
diner. There had never been time for family moments like
this. Life had worn his parents down and they were tired by
the time he was born.

There were occasional bright spots. He'd bought his first

car with his own money and his dad helped him fix it up. His
mom always made cherry pie for his birthday. His childhood
hadn't been bad, just different from the Johnsons'.

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"All right. Who wants some dessert?" Mrs. Johnson stood

and clapped her hands.

"Is it Grandma's cookies?" Kasey asked, panting from the

spot where he lay.

"What else would we have for dessert the first night you're

home?" Amelia poked him in the side.

"Sit down, Mom. CJ and I'll get them." Garrett climbed to

his feet and offered CJ his hand.

CJ hesitated for a second before putting his hand in

Garrett's. He was pulled to his feet with ease. Garrett's hand
lingered for a moment. He smiled shyly at Garrett and he
grinned back.

"Milk for everyone?"
A chorus of "yes" followed them into the kitchen. When

they were out of sight, Garrett snagged CJ and pulled him
tight to his chest. Resting his hands on Garrett's shoulder, he
stared up at him.

Any protest flew out of CJ's head the minute Garrett's lips

touched his. He whimpered, opening to the other man's
unspoken demand. Garrett thrust his tongue into CJ's mouth,
stroking and teasing. CJ sucked on it and drew a moan from
Garrett.

Threading his fingers through Garrett's blond curls, he

enjoyed the soft strands caressing his skin. Shivers wracked
his body as Garrett nibbled on his bottom lip and cupped his
ass, grinding their erections against each other as their kiss
went deeper. Heat built along his spine and he wrapped his
leg around Garrett's thigh, getting closer to him. CJ closed his
eyes, passion and want whirled in his head, causing his chest

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to tighten and his lungs to protest their lack of oxygen. God,
he'd never wanted someone like this—like a drug addict
craving his fix. An uneasy tremor worked its way down his
spine, warning him that he could easily grow to need Garrett
more than he needed air to breathe.

"What's the hold up?" Kasey's voice sounded close to

them.

CJ broke away from Garrett, and a chill rushed over him.

Fuck. What the hell was he doing making out with Garrett in
his parents' kitchen?

Swollen lips and tousled hair was a good look on Garrett.

CJ's fingers itched to rub along the other man's plump bottom
lip. Sweat beaded on CJ's forehead like a fever burned under
his skin, but embarrassment mingled with his lust. How could
he have gotten so caught up in Garrett's kiss that he forgot
where they were?

"Not the best timing." Garrett grimaced, adjusting the

obvious bulge in his jeans.

"Your parents," CJ croaked out.
"Don't really care as long as we don't do it in front of

Amelia and Jack." Garrett winked. "They still like to believe
those two are sweet and innocent."

He didn't reply, trying to slow his breathing and get control

of his body.

Garrett hummed as he removed a carton of milk from the

refrigerator. "Can you grab the glasses?"

CJ took eight glasses out of the cupboard Garrett pointed

at and set them on the counter. After Garrett poured the

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100

milk, CJ put the drinks and cookies on the tray before heading
toward the living room.

"CJ."
Garrett's soft words stopped him at the doorway and he

glanced over his shoulder. "Yes?"

"If I'm pushing you, tell me." Garrett looked down the floor

before flashing an unsure smile. "I can come on strong and I
don't want to do that, especially if you're not ready."

After setting the tray on the counter, CJ cupped Garrett's

stubble-covered cheek and brushed a quick kiss over his
mouth. "Give me time to adjust to being open about my
sexuality, Garrett. I've wanted you since we first met and
that's not going to change."

"I'll try. I really didn't plan on seducing you when I asked

you to come with us." Garrett nuzzled CJ's hand.

"I know." Another quick kiss and CJ grabbed the tray

again. "We better get out there before they come looking for
us."

Garrett grinned and followed him out to join the others.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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by T. A. Chase

101

Chapter Ten

Pounding and shouting woke CJ the next morning.
"CJ," Garrett called from the other side of the door.
"What?" he shouted, rolling over to look at the clock beside

his bed. "It's seven fucking o'clock."

Garrett pushed open the door and walked in to flop on his

bed. CJ tried not to drool as he stared at the actor, a walking
wet dream wearing a pair of black shorts and running shoes.

"Kasey and I are going for a run. Wanted to know if you'd

like to go with us." Garrett's eyes seemed riveted on CJ's
chest.

Pushing up, CJ leaned back against the headboard. "What

about Gram?" He tried not smiling while he scratched his
stomach, and Garrett shifted.

"He's being lazy. I'm supposed to wake him up when we

get back."

He looked up to see Kasey standing in the doorway. It still

amazed CJ how much the twins looked alike. Kasey's green
eyes were darker and Garrett was bulkier, but those were
small details. The tattoo at the small of Garrett's back drew
his attention.

Reaching out, he traced the black ink work. Garrett drew a

deep breath and a delicate shiver chased over the tanned
skin. CJ glanced at Kasey.

"Do you have one?"
Kasey shook his head. "Can't stand needles."
"What does it mean?" He skimmed the soft flesh.

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102

Garrett moaned quietly. "It's a Celtic knot. Symbol of

reincarnation and infinity."

"Beautiful."
"Rich wanted us to get them as a symbol of our undying

love. I should have seen the signs. He chickened out after I
got mine done." Garrett grimaced.

Kasey looked like he wanted to say something but CJ beat

him to it. He pressed the palm of his hand to the ink work and
leaned forward to kiss Garrett. He moved back enough to
meet Garrett's eyes.

"Look at it as your ability to go on. Your heart was broken,

but you didn't break. It's a symbol of your strength."

"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Let me get dressed and I'll go with you."
"Cool. I'll grab some water."
Laughing, CJ climbed out from under the covers as Garrett

bounced off the bed and left. He pulled on a pair of shorts
before he realized that Kasey hadn't left. An uneasy feeling
danced along his spine. The twins were protective of each
other. Was Kasey going to warn him away?

He turned and found Kasey studying him.
"I hope you're not messing with my brother." The warning

radiated in Kasey's words.

"Messing with him?"
"You're new to this whole being out thing. Maybe it's

intriguing at the moment, but when push comes to shove, I
don't want you breaking Garrett's heart." Kasey's eyes were
intense.

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103

"When push comes to shove? What's that supposed to

mean?"

"If you get involved, the tabloids will find out and your face

will be plastered all over every entertainment rag. Are you
ready for photographers following you everywhere or will you
run back into the closet?"

CJ stalked to Kasey and glared at him. "You've had to have

read a magazine or two in the last month. My involuntary
revelation pushed your news off the front page." He poked
Kasey in the chest. "It almost destroyed me. If I had the
support of a lover like your brother instead of the frail woman
I married, I might have admitted my preferences a long time
ago."

"Even if it meant losing your ride?' Kasey didn't react to

CJ's finger digging into his chest.

"Hell, asshole. I'm going to lose my ride anyway. I would

have preferred losing it on my own terms instead of having
someone spill my secrets all over the media." He turned
away, dug out socks and sat to put his shoes on.

"Just so we understand each other."
"Warning received and duly noted," he muttered.
"You two coming?" Garrett yelled down the hall.
They'd been running for ten minutes when CJ broke the

silence after an elderly lady called out a greeting as they
jogged past her front yard.

"Does everyone in this town know you?"
The twins laughed.

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104

"Sure. We're the most famous people to come from here.

Whatever we do is front page news here." Garrett waved to a
man driving by.

"How did they react when you came out?"
Kasey grunted and nodded toward Garrett. "He stunned

our parents with the news when we were fifteen."

"You were so supportive, you informed them you were gay

as well." Garrett stopped, bent over and panted.

"Yes, I did, but Garrett didn't keep it in the family. He

wanted to start up gay clubs and a parade while I managed to
stay under the radar."

CJ drank from his water bottle then asked, "People just

accepted you?"

"Hell no." Garrett shook his head. "My parents got calls

from upset parents and the school got calls as well when I
wanted to start a Gay-Straight Alliance club. Some people
didn't want their children associating with a queer and big
macho guys tried to kick my ass."

"Did they?"
"I was tall and pretty much built the same as I am now.

Plus I had Kasey guarding my back. I might be gay, but I
wasn't a cream puff." Garrett flexed his pectoral muscles.

Savoring the fact that the actor was running without a

shirt on, CJ's eyes fastened on Garrett's light brown nipples.
As his gaze devoured them, the little pieces of flesh
hardened. He clenched his hands into fists to keep from
touching them.

"After a couple months, the panic died down and people

dealt with it. Some have embraced it." Garrett nodded toward

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105

a sign hanging at the small movie theater. It proclaimed
"Garrett Johnson performed here".

"What about when you came out, Kasey? I bet the

reporters had a field day." CJ managed to drag his gaze off
Garrett's chest.

"They did, but they didn't get any dirt from the townsfolk

who circled the wagons and kept their mouths shut. Mom said
it was like everyone in the town had forgotten how to talk.
The townspeople weren't about to gossip about us to
outsiders. Though Old Lady Peterson told a reporter she didn't
care if I slept with the President as long as I kept hitting
three-pointers during games."

The brothers exchanged smiles before Kasey checked his

watch.

"We better head back. Didn't you promise Amelia you'd

drive her and her friends to the mall?" Kasey smirked at
Garrett.

"What the hell was I thinking?"
"Maybe the thought of teenage girls giggling and flirting

with you is an ego boost." Kasey shot CJ a wink.

"It would be if I liked girls." Garrett swatted CJ's ass and

took off running. "You're coming with me, Lamont."

He tore after Garrett. "That's not fair. I didn't volunteer for

taxi service."

"No, but I'm not going to suffer on my own."
"Thanks for coming home with us, CJ," Kasey yelled.
"Why?"
"You get me out of mall duty." Kasey soon disappeared

around the corner ahead of them.

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106

CJ and Garrett matched strides. He didn't like working out,

but being in top physical condition improved his driving,
though it didn't matter anymore. It wouldn't be long before
his team dropped him.

"What's wrong?" Garrett bumped their shoulders together.
"Thinking about driving. I'm going to have to figure out

what I'm supposed to do now." He stared at the sidewalk. "All
I've ever wanted to do was drive race cars. I barely finished
high school. What do I do?"

"Aren't there other teams out there? And your team hasn't

dropped you yet. There's always a chance they'll keep you."

"Yeah, but none of them are going to touch a gay driver.

I'm not saying all fans are homophobic. A good many of them
are though and it's enough to make any owner think twice
about hiring me." A hint of sadness tainted his voice.

"You could always go back in the closet. Hire a good P.R.

firm and get your reputation back." Garrett didn't sound too
sure about that idea.

CJ stopped in front of the Johnson house, leaning against

the fence. "I could and it would be easy to discredit Rachel. I
could call her bitter or delusional, but they would all be lies
and she doesn't deserve that. I'm the one who failed in our
marriage, not her. I'm twenty-seven. It's time I take
responsibility and admit the truth."

Garrett's hand rested on his shoulder. "Which is?"
A smile teased the edges of CJ's mouth as he gazed at the

brightest green eyes he'd ever seen. "I'm gay. Always have
been." He kissed Garrett. "For the first time, I'm glad about
that fact."

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107

"Come on, you two. We have to pick up my friends in

thirty minutes," Amelia yelled from the front door.

* * * *

Garrett rolled his eyes and grimaced at CJ as another

round of giggles came from the back of the Yukon. CJ's grin
made him want to hold his hand, but he tried to keep any
public displays of affection to a minimum, a rule Rich had
never really understood. His ex would get angry when Garrett
wouldn't hold his hand in town and often accused Garrett of
being ashamed, but it wasn't shame stopping him. He didn't
want to rub the townspeople's noses in his sexuality. They
had been remarkably tolerant and he didn't want to push his
luck.

"Garrett, is CJ your new boyfriend?" Sally, Amelia's best

friend, leaned between the seats to ask.

He shot a glare at Amelia, whose innocent face didn't fool

him. CJ watched him as well.

"It's none of your business, Sally."
A statement like that had never stopped the girl before.

She'd make a great reporter someday.

"Come on, Garrett. You can tell us. We're friends." Sally

had been drooling over CJ since she'd gotten in the vehicle.

"Haven't you heard about 'not kissing and telling'?"
"Oh, you kissed," she squealed. "Is he a good kisser?"
The question had been directed to CJ. A wild look crossed

the man's face and Garrett had the urge to rescue him but
wouldn't. CJ had to learn to deal with questions like that one.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Sally?" CJ studied the girl.

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108

"Yes." She blushed.
"Is he a good kisser? Have you done anything else besides

kissing?"

Sally's face was beet red and she shifted uncomfortably.

"Ummm..."

"Being on the receiving end of personal questions isn't so

much fun, is it?" CJ's words were firm, but understanding.

"No." She started to sit back.
"Remember that." CJ placed a hand on her arm and

winked. "Yes, he is."

The girls in the back seat screeched with laughter and

Garrett's face grew warm. God, he hadn't blushed since he
was twelve.

He pulled into a parking space. They had already arranged

a time to meet back up that would get them home in plenty
of time to get ready for Aunt Barbara's cook-out.

The girls piled out and headed inside, gathered in a tight

clump, whispering and giggling. He put on sunglasses and a
baseball cap. Most of the time, he could wander the mall
without being bothered but he didn't want to take the risk of
being mobbed today.

"You ready?" he asked CJ.
His friend nodded, slipping on his own sunglasses. They

meandered into the building.

Half an hour later, Garrett flopped into a chair outside a

restaurant. He groaned, letting go of the bags he carried. "I
think my hands are permanently frozen into hooks." He
wiggled his fingers, trying to get the blood flowing back into
them.

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109

CJ chuckled. "You were the one who offered to carry the

girls' bags. Do we need to make another run to the truck?"

"You know, I do believe a few of these bags are yours."
CJ shrugged. "What can I say? It's nice to have someone

else carry my stuff for me."

"Usually Quentin goes with me and we split the load."
A waitress stropped at the table. "Can I get you anything?"
"I'd like a soda, please." Garrett nodded to CJ.
"Diet soda, whatever you have." CJ glanced at the menu.

"Chips and salsa as well."

"You can drink, you know," Garrett said after the waitress

left.

"Alcohol's part of my problem. I got a DUI about four

months before Rachel's interview came out. I got suspended
for three races and Morik made me promise not to touch
alcohol while I drove for him." CJ pursed his lips. "In the end,
I guess it won't be the alcohol that gets me."

"I don't drink much. Never got the taste for it, I guess.

Plus my body and my face are a major part of my livelihood.
Don't want to risk ruining them." He settled in the chair and
studied CJ "Why NASCAR?"

He smiled at the waitress as she set their drinks and food

down. CJ pushed his glasses to the top of his head and ate a
chip before he answered.

"I grew up in a small town in Tennessee where my dad

worked at the auto plant until it shut down a couple years
ago. My friends and I were crazy about two things, Volunteers
football and stock car racing. I figured out early on I wouldn't

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110

have the size or talent for football, but I liked speed and I had
the reflexes for driving."

CJ's voice trailed off and his blue eyes lost focus. Garrett

stayed quiet, letting him tell the story in his own time.

"I started hanging around the dirt tracks down there and

picked up rides as soon as I got my license. The owners
noticed I was good, so I moved up the ranks."

CJ trailed a finger through the water rings on the table.
"My parents were proud of me. Stock cars were something

my dad could understand. Besides, I was making money and
helping pay bills."

It didn't sound like CJ was particularly close with his

family. He laid his hand over CJ's, causing him to freeze and
Garrett considered letting go. Before he could, CJ relaxed,
turned his hand over and entwined their fingers.

"When I was eighteen, I got offered a ride in the BUSCH

series. It's like the minor leagues of stock racing. And I
married Rachel. I had it all," he whispered, staring at their
hands.

"We have to go, Garrett, or we'll be late and Mom'll be

mad at us." Amelia raced up to them.

He gave CJ's hand a squeeze and stood, disappointed. He

wanted to hear more about his life, but they had time to get
to know each other later.

"Grab a bag, Squirt, and we'll get your friends home. We'll

be fine."

Giggling, she ran off to gather her friends, who whispered

to each other while Garrett paid the bill. He handed half the
bags to CJ and led the way out of the mall, avoiding harried

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mothers and bored teenagers. Feeling eyes on him, Garrett
glanced over his shoulder to spot CJ ogling his ass. He put a
little extra swing in his hips, knowing only CJ would notice it.
A smothered gasp from behind him made him smile.

After they'd dropped the last girl off, CJ grasped his hand.

Surprise rocked Garrett. He didn't have a problem holding
hands in front of Amelia. She'd become immune to the
novelty of two men showing affection. He was amazed CJ
would reach out on his own, but basked in the low level buzz
of desire the other man's hand in his created.

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Chapter Eleven

CJ managed to smile at the elderly lady who pushed

another piece of apple pie into his hand. He'd eaten more
food than he believed possible. He waited until she moved off
before he deposited it on a table and went looking for a quiet
place to sit.

The moment they stepped foot in Aunt Barbara's back

yard, the twins and Gram had been surrounded by family. CJ
was pushed aside in the rush. He didn't mind. Crowds tended
to make him nervous. He couldn't even do interviews very
well.

"You queer, too?"
He turned to find an older man standing in front of him.

The man glared at him, a beer can in one hand. CJ wasn't
sure what to say. As much as he was willing to admit his
preferences, he still didn't think it was anyone's business.

"It makes me sick the way they fawn all over those fags."
The man swayed, the alcohol on his breath almost

overwhelming CJ. He looked around, searching for help or an
escape route.

"None of them have the guts to tell those cock suckers to

get lost. Too much money. Too famous," the man muttered.

CJ inched away, not wanting to do something he'd regret.
"Don't you walk away from me, you fag." The man

grabbed CJ's shoulder and jerked him back around. "Which
one of them sucks your cock? Or are you the sucker?"

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The man's voice grew in volume until everyone could hear

his crude words.

"I think you've had enough to drink," CJ said in a calm

voice.

The man squinted at him, trying to see him through blurry

eyes. "I know who you are. You're CJ Lamont. I read all about
you. Guess you don't need to answer me. We all know you're
queer."

CJ's hands shook and his face grew warm as he held tight

to his control.

"Should've known you weren't a man. Too pretty. Acting

all high and mighty."

The man shoved him and CJ didn't look to see who caught

him as he stumbled. He jerked away and glared at the drunk.

"Hope they let your pansy ass go. Couldn't drive a car

worth shit anyway. Wonder how your father feels having a
homo for a son."

"Uncle Jeff, that's enough," Kasey said from behind CJ.
"Don't talk to me. Guess being a homo is catching. First

Garrett and then you. Now you're bringing more fags with you
every time you come to visit." Jeff scowled. "Contaminating
good people with your perversions."

A small part of CJ's mind was amazed the drunk could say

such big words.

"Jeff, you promised." An embarrassed-looking woman

pushed through the crowd.

"I would've kept my mouth shut, Maggie, but they have no

decency. Bringing more of their kind to town."

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CJ wasn't prepared when the drunk swung, landing a fist in

his face.

"Shit." Kasey swore.
Anger exploded through CJ along with pain. He was tired

of being made to feel ashamed of who he was. Years of
believing he was sick or a pervert for being attracted to men
boiled in him and he lost control.

A swift left to the gut and a right to the chin laid Jeff out.

Someone wrapped their arms around CJ's waist, holding him
back from hitting the asshole any more.

"Enough. He's down," Garrett whispered in his ear.
CJ didn't fight against Garrett's embrace. He closed his

eyes and tried to breathe; calming himself the best he could.
"I want to leave."

"Yeah. We should go." Garrett agreed and let him go.
He opened his eyes to see Maggie kneeling on the ground

next to Jeff. She glanced up at him.

"I'm sorry." He'd never believed violence solved anything.
"It's not your fault." She absolved him of guilt. "He

promised me he wouldn't say anything. I've told him before
it's none of our business what other people do. Jeff never
could control his mouth."

Garrett grasped CJ's hand and tugged. "Come on. Gram

went to get the truck."

They didn't speak again until they were in the back seat of

the Yukon. Gram and Kasey sat in front.

"I'm sorry about ruining your party."
"No. You have nothing to apologize for. Uncle Jeff is a

drunk and like Maggie said, he's a loud mouth know-it-all."

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Kasey turned and looked at him. "There have been times
when I've wanted to punch him."

"You're just being nice." He flexed his hand, frowning at

the scraped knuckles.

"Are you okay?" Garrett's question was soft as he cradled

CJ's hand in his.

He shrugged. Was he okay? "In a way, yes. I've had so

much anger boiling inside me. Punching the bastard felt good,
but I shouldn't have done it. It could cause you trouble and I
don't want that."

Garrett shook his head. "We'll deal with it if it happens.

That's what being family means. I feel bad for Aunt Maggie.
She has to deal with a lot of shit from him."

"I have a few relatives like him. Get a few drinks in them

and all the hate and bitterness inside spews out. Only their
issues were Catholics and the British," Gram commented.

"Will you apologize to your parents for me?" CJ met

Garrett's gaze.

"Are you leaving?" Garrett's grip on CJ's hand tightened.
CJ looked out the window at the passing scenery. "I think

that fight proves I'm not fit for spending time out in public."

"Is that the only reason why you're leaving?" Garrett

reached out and cupped his chin, turning his face to meet
those knowing green eyes.

"When the interview came out and reporters besieged my

house, I ran. The only person I talked to was Chick, my best
friend and crew chief. I didn't make a statement to admit or
deny."

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"Which makes you look guilty and ashamed." Kasey

nodded. "That's the same situation I was in, though I couldn't
run. They had me trapped in an alley."

Gram laughed. "Also, you weren't in a good mood."
"True and I had already planned to come clean, but I did

want to talk to my agent before I said anything. The reporters
didn't give me time."

Kasey squeezed Gram's thigh.
"Your parents knew you were gay. It wasn't dropped on

them like mine was. I haven't talked to them since that day."
He scrubbed his free hand over his face. "Seeing you with
your family made me realize I need to tell them the truth
face-to-face."

They pulled into the Johnsons' driveway. He hopped out

and went to the door, waiting for Kasey to unlock it.

"You pack while we get you a flight. Where do you need to

go?" Gram gestured up the stairs.

"Memphis. I'll rent a car and drive home." He gave the

nightclub owner a weak smile.

Without taking a moment to think, he headed up to the

room he'd slept in. He stuffed the few items of clothing he'd
unpacked back into his suitcase while Garrett went into the
bathroom. Coming out, Garrett handed him his toothbrush
and razor, waiting for CJ to drop the stuff in his bag before
snaking an arm around his waist and pulling him tight against
his chest.

CJ slid his hands around Garrett's neck and threaded his

fingers through his blond curls. He sank into the kiss, opening
up for Garrett's tongue. Garrett grasped his ass and pressed

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their groins together. He eased a few inches away, trying to
calm his heartbeat.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Garrett rested his

forehead against CJ's.

"As much as I'd love to say yes, I won't. I don't know how

they'll react and you don't need to get involved in any
ugliness."

Sighing, Garrett stepped away. "We haven't known each

other long enough for me to insist I go with you." A smile
graced his face for a second. "Do you have a cell phone?"

CJ shook his head. "I left mine at home in Charlotte. Didn't

want people calling me."

"On our way to the airport, we're going to stop and get

you a new one. I'll stick you on my plan so no one can find
your number." Garrett rubbed a thumb over CJ's bottom lip.
"You can call me whenever you want to and if you need me,
I'll fly out."

A knock sounded on the door and they turned to see Kasey

standing in the doorway.

"Tonight at nine was the earliest we could get a flight for

you." Kasey studied him. "You know you can contact either
Gram or me as well. Those of us in the limelight need to help
each other."

"Thank you." He walked over and hugged Kasey. "I might

need to talk to you when I'm done at home. I'm going to
make a statement afterward."

"Good idea. I'll give you my agent's number and let James

know you're going to call him. He'll help you out." Kasey
returned the embrace.

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"Would he be willing to take me on as a client for a little

while? I have to figure out what I'm doing for the rest of my
life."

"He might be. Talk to him. If he doesn't want you as a

client, he'll at least give you good advice. I was lucky and he
didn't drop me when I came out, even though I didn't tell him
beforehand."

Garrett checked his watch. "We have enough time to get

you a new phone and something to eat before you fly out."

CJ picked up his bag and headed downstairs with Garrett

and Kasey. His heart raced at the idea of sitting in the house
he grew up in and telling his parents he was gay. He rubbed
one sweaty palm on his jeans, nerves getting the best of him
and he hadn't even left yet.

Standing by the door, Gram hugged and kissed CJ. "Hang

in there, man. It'll get better."

Not convinced, a weight pressed down on CJ's shoulders,

telling him things were going to get worse before anything
got better.

"I'll take your word on that."
They laughed as Garrett led CJ to the Yukon.

* * * *

Garrett sat on the bed CJ had slept in the night before. He

ran his hand over a pillow and shook his head. He always
picked the complicated men and all his relationships seemed
to come with baggage, though he didn't have a real
relationship with CJ, only the hope of one.

"He'll be okay."

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He looked up and watched Gram walk into the room. "I

know. I wish he didn't feel like he had to do it alone."

Gram joined him on the bed. "I get the feeling he's used to

being alone. Who knows? Maybe his family is waiting eagerly
for him to come home."

Garrett's skeptical look made Gram chuckle.
"Not everyone hates CJ, Garrett. He didn't give anyone

time to comment before he ran. He's never checked back in
to find out if he still has friends."

"Can you blame him? Getting shoved out of the closet isn't

enjoyable. He was blind-sided." Garrett glared at his brother's
lover.

"I know, but no matter how much you want to help, you

can't save him from this." Gram gripped his shoulder tightly.
"He's not going to fall apart. Not anymore."

Garrett stood, pacing in front of Gram. "I wish he could

have spent more time with us. Do you think he knows he can
call us if he needs anything?"

"I don't, though we're the only gay men he knows well

enough to ask for help."

"That's not really comforting." Garrett stared out the

window.

"What do you want me to say, Garrett? CJ will call us

because we're his friends?" Gram shook his head. "The guy's
only known us for a week. You only spent a month with him
before that. Do you usually form lasting relationships with any
person after that short of time?" Gram climbed to his feet and
headed out of the room. "Don't worry. Things will be okay."

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Garrett appreciated Gram's pep talk, but he couldn't help

worrying about CJ. A small part of him wished they'd had sex
at least once before CJ left for Tennessee in case he never
came back. All Garrett could do now was wait for him to call.

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Chapter Twelve

CJ turned the car off, staring at the house he grew up in.

The single level ranch was painted a dark green every year.
When he'd received his first big endorsement check, he'd paid
off the mortgage. His father's pride had been insulted at first,
but CJ explained it as fifteen years worth of rent he'd never
paid.

He took a deep breath. It was now or never. Both of the

cars he'd bought for his parents were in the driveway.
Climbing out, he made his way up the steps and opened the
door.

"Mom? Dad? Are you home?" he called.
"Christopher," his mother cried, running to him with open

arms. "You're all right."

"Sure I am, Mom." He stumbled a little when she threw

herself into his arms. Her familiar rose scent filled his nose
and eased his nerves slightly.

He looked over her head at his father, who stood in the

doorway leading to the living room. Their gazes met and Dad
nodded at him.

"Why didn't you call us?" His mom shook him, glaring up

at him. "We were so worried. All those terrible lies Rachel said
about you. Poor thing. She needs to get help."

A jolt of surprise hit him.
"To think she'd go to such lengths to hurt you. I never

knew Rachel was so vindictive," Mom continued to babble.

Again, he looked at his father, who shrugged.

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"Mom, can we sit down? I need to talk with you and Dad."

He gestured to the living room.

"Certainly, dear."
With both of them sitting on the couch facing him, he

didn't know what to say. His mouth was dry and his lips
refused to frame the words. A vise settled around his throat,
forcing him to cough. His mother gave him an encouraging
smile. Dad's face was blank like he had idea of what CJ was
going to say. All he ever wanted was their approval and to
make them proud of him, and now all of that hard work could
blow up in his face.

How did someone go about destroying all the carefully

constructed walls he built to protect himself? Where had
Garrett and Kasey found the courage to tell their parents? He
wished he had asked them that before he left. Maybe it would
have made his own admission easier.

"I talked to Chick," Dad said.
He shot a startled glance at his father. "Really?"
"Yeah. He called me a day or two after the interview came

out."

No clue in his father's expression or tone told CJ how he

was dealing with the situation.

"I've had several conversations with Brad. He says we can

sue Rachel for libel." Mom frowned. "Or was it slander?"

She gave a shaky laugh. "Doesn't matter. We should do

something to stop her from spreading all those filthy lies
about you."

He looked at the picture over the fireplace. He'd been so

excited and proud at his first official NASCAR race. He'd

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worked so hard to achieve that goal and it was gone now, all
because of his ex-wife's childish need to hurt him.

With a phone call to his agent, Brad, and a lawsuit against

Rachel, he could get his ride back. His reputation would be
salvaged, but only by ruining someone he'd hurt enough.

All those nights of listening to his wife cry because he

couldn't make love to her. The hurt in her eyes because he'd
never told her he loved her. Finally, the sheer desperation
that made her divorce him. He wouldn't do that to Rachel
again.

"She's telling the truth, Mom. I'm gay."
Deafening silence greeted his words. When he couldn't

take it anymore, he turned to look his parents in the eye.

"Since when?" His mom's strangled question made him

laugh.

"Probably all my life, but I wasn't strong enough to admit

it to myself much less anyone else."

Smack.
His head rocked back as his mother slapped him.
"This isn't funny, Christopher Joseph Lamont. How dare

you play such a disgusting joke on your father and me?"

Stunned, he touched his burning cheek. "It's not a joke.

I'm gay, Mom. That's why I won't be hiring a lawyer and
suing Rachel. She's had a hard life being married to me and I
refuse to hurt her any further."

Another ringing slap and he stared at his mom.
"Mom?"

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"Get out of this house. No son of mine will be gay. I don't

want to see you until you get that perverted notion out of
your head." She poked him in the chest. "How dare you?"

Her voice became so shrill, CJ couldn't distinguish the

words. He continued to back up, trying to get away from the
raving lunatic his mother had become. He couldn't meet his
father's gaze, sure he would find the same hatred.

The instant he stepped on the porch, she slammed the

door and the lock engaged.

"That went well," he muttered, heading back to his car. He

opened the door and started to slide in.

"Christopher?"
Straightening, he whirled around and watched Dad walk

toward him. He braced himself, expecting another attack.

"Do you have a number I can reach you at?"
His mouth dropped open. "You aren't going to beat me up

or call me names?"

"No point to it. Your mother's had enough of a breakdown

for the both of us."

CJ's hands shook as he dug through his pockets to find a

napkin from the plane. He wrote down his number. "I got a
new phone." He shot a quick glance at the house. "Won't she
get mad at you for talking to me?"

"She shut herself in our room." His father had a worried

expression on his face. "Do you have somewhere to stay? I
know you don't want to go home to Charlotte yet."

"I'll stay in town and figure the rest out tomorrow. Why

aren't you freaking out like Mom?"

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"I've had a couple of months to get used to the idea. I told

you Chick called me and informed me that what Rachel said
was the truth. He said you confirmed it right before you
disappeared." Dad shrugged. "I'm not saying I understand
why you like guys, but I've talked to some people and they
helped me realize it might not be a choice for you. This
doesn't change who you are. You're still my son, Christopher,
and you're still the best damn driver on the circuit."

With a sad smile, his dad held out a hand. "I'll call you in a

day or two. It'll be easier for me to get a hold of you when I
can leave the house."

"Thanks, Dad." CJ shook Dad's hand. He wanted to hug his

father, but his family had never been big on expressing their
emotions openly, which is why his mom's screaming
meltdown had caught him by surprise.

"Take care, Christopher."
CJ slid behind the wheel and started the car. He rested his

forehead on the steering wheel and closed his eyes to keep
the tears at bay. Sure, he and his parents had never been
close, but he was their child. Shouldn't that connection count
for something to Mom? His cheek stung from her slaps but
the pain went deeper than his skin.

Lifting his head, he stared at the house he grew up in. It

hadn't been a bad childhood. There had been good times. He
glanced at the barn behind the house. He'd spent a lot of time
out there with Dad, fixing up the old beater he'd bought as
his first car. He'd had his first drink and first cigarette down at
the little creek running through his parents' property. And he

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could almost smell the cherry pie his mother made him every
year for his birthday.

How did being gay change him from the boy they knew?

For him there was no difference. He looked in the mirror and
the same dark brown hair and blue eyes he'd seen every day
of his life reflected back at him. He hadn't grown horns or a
tail and the word "gay" hadn't appeared on his forehead in
flames. Nothing had changed, but for his mother, the world
had exploded. In the less emotional part of his brain he
accepted her reaction. He did blurt it out without any sort of
lead-in.

His breath caught and he swallowed the sob fighting to get

out. He wouldn't cry, not here. At some point, the loss would
hit him, but he wouldn't give his mother the satisfaction of
looking out her window and seeing her son cry. She could
wait for an apology that she would never get from him. He
would no longer be ashamed of who he was or lie anymore.

Putting the car in reverse, he backed down the driveway

away from his childhood home. Maybe someday he'd come
back, but it would never be as the boy who grew up here.
What he was going to do now?

Later that night, CJ sat at the bar in town. He walked down

from the hotel, planning on drowning his sorrows. He stared
at the drink he'd been nursing since he'd gotten there. Before
this whole thing exploded in his face, he would have had six
beers by then and would be well on his way to being drunk.

For some reason, he didn't feel like drinking. What the hell

was he going to do? He'd never dreamed it would be his
mother who turned on him.

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His father was a solid blue-collar man. He enjoyed a beer

after dinner and watching sports. He never said a bad word
against anyone, so CJ wasn't surprised his dad kept a door
open for him to come home at some point, but he wouldn't
take advantage of his father's willingness. Who knew? His
mother might still come around.

"In NASCAR news today, Morik Racing fired CJ Lamont as

their number one driver yesterday. They claim it has nothing
to do with the startling revelation by Lamont's ex-wife about
his homosexuality. Several months ago, Lamont was pulled
over and charged with a D.U.I. He pleaded guilty and was
sentenced to community service. Morik Racing and NASCAR
suspended Lamont for three races with the stipulation that he
attend four AA meetings. Morik Racing revealed that Lamont
missed one of the AA meetings, giving them the opportunity
to fire him."

"Fuckers," CJ muttered. He attended every damn AA

meeting they told him to and he had proof they were lying.

"Lamont wasn't available for comment." The announcer

looked at his fellow co-anchor. "It does sound like a flimsy
and convenient excuse to get rid of someone they might find
embarrassing. This is going to hurt Morik Racing. Their other
drivers don't have half the talent Lamont did."

"Thanks for that." He saluted the TV. Nice to hear

someone talk about his driving ability and not his sexual
preferences.

"Chris? Chris Lamont?" A voice rose above the din.

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He turned to see a square-built man push his way through

the crowd. Squinting, he tried to place the face. "Mike
O'Hern?"

A bright smile burst over the man's face. His nose was

slightly crooked like he'd taken a punch and didn't get it set
right.

"Yeah. Man, it's great to see you." Mike slapped his

shoulder, almost knocking him off his stool.

"It's been a long time. Didn't you say you'd only be back

when they buried you here?"

Mike chuckled. "I was an idiot. Headed to Detroit to a

boxing club up there, ready to prove I was the next great
fighter."

"How'd you do?" He gestured to the stool next to him.
Mike sat down and signaled to the bartender. "Won some

and lost more, but found out I'm a better trainer than fighter.
I paid off some debts and opened my own club. What's your
poison?"

"I'll just have a soda."
"Not drinking your sorrows away? I'll take a Bud."
He shook his head. "I've tried that and it almost got me in

more trouble than my original problem did."

"Gotcha. When I was younger, I could drink until I passed

out and it never affected my boxing. Nowadays, I drink too
much, I can barely function the next day." Mike took a swig
from his glass.

"What are you doing back here?" CJ accepted his soda with

a nod.

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Mike's family had lived next door to CJ. There had been

whispered conversations between his parents about Mike's
dad and abuse. Mike had been a rough kid, living hard and
fast. He was seven years older than CJ and had been CJ's
hero when he caused all sorts of hell before he left town.

Mike didn't seem to like most people, but for some reason,

the older boy tolerated CJ following him around.

"Set up my own training center just down the road. Got

some big clients, but it also gives the town kids something to
do besides get in trouble." Mike swallowed half his beer.
Setting the bottle down, he looked at CJ square in the eye.
"Is it true?"

As much as he wanted to act like he didn't know what Mike

was talking about, he couldn't. Hell, he'd done the hardest
part by telling his parents. Didn't really matter what anyone
else thought.

"Yes, it is." He pushed his glass back and started to stand.

"Are you going to beat my faggot ass now?"

"You do have a bit of a chip on your shoulder." Mike shook

his head. "Can't say I blame you. Your father called me a little
while ago. Your mom's a heartless bitch for tossing you out
like that."

He slumped back on the stool. "No, she's not. I didn't help

by blurting it out like that. She had a complete meltdown."

"I know. Your dad said you were going to stay in town and

asked if I could keep an eye on you."

"Dad asked you that?" He was surprised and touched.
"Yeah. He's done some work around the center for me.

Your friend, Chick, called him a couple days after the

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interview came out and told him you admitted it. It hit your
dad hard at first. He didn't understand how it could have
happened."

CJ snorted. "Nothing happened to cause me to be this

way."

"I explained that to him. Then I introduced him to two of

my boxers. One's a light middle-weight and the other's a
super heavy-weight."

"They both gay?"
"No. One's gay. The other's bi. Rafe says he's an equal

opportunity lover. Ready to fuck anyone who wants him."
Mike grinned. "Both are all man and two of the toughest SOBs
I've ever met. Talking to them helped your dad realize that
being gay doesn't change who you are."

"Who am I?" CJ rested his chin on his hand and looked at

Mike. "That's what I've been trying to figure out. Now that
I'm not driving, what can I do?"

"You have money, right?"
"Sure. Except for paying off my parents' house and buying

my own, I didn't spend most of what I made."

"What about alimony? You sending any to Rachel?"
"Hell, she wasted eight years of her life with me. I owe her

something. The deal is I pay her alimony every month until
she remarries. Made sense to me and she agreed to it."

"She's lucky you're a forgiving guy. I'd have had my

lawyer on the phone the minute I read the newspaper and I
wouldn't be paying her jack shit," Mike growled.

CJ's phone rang. Tugging out of his pocket, he checked the

caller ID and saw it was Garrett.

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"Hey, movie star," he teased as he answered.
"How are you, pretty boy?"
Garrett's voice was low and rough, making CJ's cock sit up

and take notice. He shifted, wishing he was in his hotel room
and not a bar.

"Had better days," he admitted.
"Things didn't go well with Mom and Dad, huh?" A hint of

sympathy tinged Garrett's words.

"Things were fine with Dad. Mom had a breakdown and

freaked on me. Tossed me out of the house."

Someone shouted behind him.
"Are you at a bar?"
"I've had a shitty day. I thought I'd come and drown my

sorrows." He grimaced as more shouts filled the air around
him.

"I guess you have the right." Garrett didn't sound

convinced.

"Don't worry. I didn't do it. Had one drink and decided

making myself sick just wasn't worth it."

"Fuck, man. I think there's going to be a fight. We need to

get out of here." Mike grabbed his elbow and started pulling
him toward the door.

"Shit." He ducked as a bottle whizzed past his head.

"Garrett, I'll call you back as soon as we're out of the war
zone."

"Sure thing, hot shot. Be careful."
CJ hung up and tucked his phone in his pocket. He and

Mike hit the door as all hell broke loose inside. They stood,

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listening to the shouts for a few minutes. His friend turned to
him.

"Let's check you out of the hotel. You can come and stay

with me for a few days." Mike led the way to a late-model
Ford pick-up.

"Thanks." He climbed in.
Thirty minutes later, they were on their way out of town

and Garrett came to CJ's mind. He glanced at Mike and
thought better of asking.

"What do you want to ask, Chris?" Mike winked. "I might

even answer it."

It was almost as hard as asking his dad about sex.
"Would you be comfortable with me having a friend come

and stay for a few days?"

"I assume this friend would be male," Mike commented,

steering the truck down a long driveway.

"Yes." His face got hot.
"And he'd be sleeping in your bed?"
"God, I hope so," he muttered.
A bark of laughter told him Mike had heard him.
"It's cool with me. I've got an apartment in the garage you

can use."

They pulled up in front of a two story Victorian. A blue tick

hound bounded up to them as they stepped from the truck.
CJ slung his bag over his shoulder and followed Mike in.

The TV blared from the living room where two men sat

watching a fight.

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"See, Victor. Right there. You dropped your shoulder. Louis

knew what you were going to throw. That's how he tagged
you."

A small wiry Hispanic man pointed to the screen while

looking at a tall blond man.

"You gonna help me get rid of that, Rafe?" Victor's Russian

accent was thick, but he spoke good English.

"Sure, man. I'm not going to let you hit me, but we'll get

you up to speed for your next fight." Rafe spotted Mike and
CJ. "Hey, boss, you picking up strays?"

"Just one. Chris Lamont, meet Rafe Sanchez and Victor

Kricinov. Chris is an old friend."

"Cool." Rafe came over to shake CJ's hand.
Victor nodded from where he sat in front of the TV.
"He's staying for a couple of days. I'm letting him use the

apartment in the garage." Mike motioned to the fight. "Watch
that match again, Victor, and I want you to tell me tomorrow
what you did wrong."

"Yes, boss," Victor grunted.
Rafe grinned at them and flopped down beside the big guy,

snuggling close.

"So, they a couple?" CJ asked with a tilt of his head back

to the living room.

"They mess around when neither has anything serious

going on."

Mike made his way out the back of the house where two

large buildings stood. His friend pointed to the one closest to
the house.

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"That's the gym and training center. You should work out

with us tomorrow."

"Sounds good. Not like I have anything else to do."
Mike unlocked the side door to the other building and CJ's

jaw dropped when light flooded the inside.

"This is what I do when I'm not training fighters."
The building was a state-of-the-art garage. Four cars in

various state of repair or restoration sat in bays. Computers
lined one wall along with gleaming tools. CJ had seen garages
like this on the circuit. Race cars were finely tuned machines
and the mechanics needed top equipment to keep them
running.

"You're a mechanic?" He grinned, knowing Mike was far

more than a simple mechanic.

Mike chuckled. "We repair classic cars and do custom

work. I'll show you around tomorrow."

CJ caught the key Mike threw at him.
"Apartment's at the back of the garage. Top of the stairs

there." Mike pointed to a flight of stairs at the far end of the
building. "My car crew gets in around seven, so they'll
probably wake you up."

CJ shrugged. "Fine with me. I'll come work out with you

tomorrow morning then."

"Cool. See you in the morning. I'll set the alarm when I

shut off the lights."

"Thanks, Mike. I appreciate this."
CJ opened the apartment just as the garage went dark. He

locked the door behind him and clicked on the lights. It
looked like a simple one-bedroom apartment. He tossed his

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bag on the bed and went to sit on the couch, staring at the
oak tree outside the window.

He needed to call Garrett, but would he be willing to come

and stay with him? He didn't want to interrupt the man's visit
with his family.

Pulling out his phone, he dialed Garrett's number.
"You okay, CJ?" Garrett sounded worried.
"Yeah. I met an old friend and he offered me a place to

crash for a while." He closed his eyes and blurted, "Would you
like to come down for a couple days?"

The silence on the other end of the connection unnerved

him.

"Never mind. You want to stay at your parents'. I

understand. Forget I asked." He hung up.

Covering his face with his hands, he shook his head.

Stupid move, Lamont. Garrett was being friendly. He wasn't
interested in starting a relationship with you.

His phone rang and CJ was tempted to ignore it. It had to

be Garrett calling back.

"Get a grip," he muttered. "You're acting like a kid with his

first crush."

The phone went quiet. Damn. Before he could worry, the

ringing started again.

"Hello," he mumbled.
"Why did you hang up on me?"
Garrett didn't sound angry.
"I panicked," he admitted.
"Why?"

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"Come on, Garrett. We met seven days ago after sharing

one kiss a year ago. You don't know anything about me
except that I'm screwed up. Suddenly, I'm calling and asking
you to come and stay with me." He sighed. "You look forward
to visiting your family. I don't have any right to ask."

"I can visit my family whenever I want. That's the beauty

of what I do." Garrett laughed. "Right now, they're far more
interested in Kasey and Gram. Maybe it's time I let my
brother have the limelight."

"You mean you'll come?" Why did Garrett's words surprise

him? Maybe because no one had ever done something like
that for him before.

"Yeah. I will. First thing in the morning, I'll check on flights

and let you know when I'll be in Memphis." Garrett's voice
softened. "I'm glad you asked, CJ."

"So am I." Noises poured over the phone. "I better let you

go. I'll pick you up tomorrow."

"Great. Sleep well."
"You too." He hung up.
His hands shook. He'd just asked a man to come and stay

with the knowledge in the back of his mind that at some point
they'd be having sex. Not just any man either. He'd asked the
hottest stud in America.

God, he went all out when he wanted his cherry popped.

He couldn't pick some anonymous guy at a bar. Hell no. His
first lover was going to be Garrett Johnson, the guy named
one of People's 50 Most Beautiful three fucking years in a
row.

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CJ had to stop thinking about it or he would start

hyperventilating. Getting up, he headed to the bathroom.
He'd take a shower. Maybe that would relax him so he could
get some sleep.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Thirteen

Garrett stepped through security, searching the crowd

from behind his sunglasses. He'd been lucky to get a late
afternoon flight to Memphis. He spotted CJ standing to the
right. The shorter man smiled and his pulse jumped. It was a
feeling he was familiar with. In the beginning of his
relationship with Rich, his heart skipped a beat every time his
gaze landed on him.

He wasn't sure if he wanted to feel that with CJ, but he

was willing to see where it was taking them.

"Hey, man." CJ grinned.
They hugged quickly; two male friends saying hello.
"I have one bag to grab before we can head out." He

studied CJ's face, which was hidden behind sunglasses as
well.

"Good. Mike'll have dinner waiting for us when we get to

his place." CJ bumped their hips together as they made their
way to the escalator. "How'd your parents react to you
leaving early?"

"Mom and Dad were fine. I told them I'd come home for

Christmas." Garrett took a chance. "Maybe you could go back
with me. They'd love to see you again."

"It's not like I have anywhere else to go," CJ muttered.
"If you don't want to go with me, you can always stay at

my place in L.A." Garrett grabbed his bag after waiting for a
few minutes. "Lead on."

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He followed CJ out of the terminal to the parking lot. His

mouth fell open when CJ stopped beside a black nineteen-
seventy-eight Stingray Corvette.

"Nice car."
"Mike rebuilt it from the engine out. When I told him I was

coming to pick you up, he lent it to me." CJ held up the keys.
"Would you like to drive it?"

"Sure, but maybe we should wait until I meet your friend

before I start driving his cars around." Garrett itched to wrap
his hands around the steering wheel of the car. He wasn't a
grease monkey, but he could appreciate a classic when he
saw one.

"Okay. I'm sure Mike will let you drive it. He's got some

other very cool cars back at his place. You should think about
bringing your dad down here to check them out. He'd be in
heaven."

CJ opened the passenger door for Garrett and threw his

bag in the trunk. They shared a smile at the powerful growl
from the engine as CJ turned the key over.

Garrett waited until they got on the highway before he

asked about Mike. "Tell me about your friend."

CJ laughed and Garrett enjoyed how relaxed CJ looked

behind the wheel.

"I used to idolize Mike. He lived next door to my parents

until he was sixteen and ran away." CJ shook his head. "I
think I always knew his dad beat him, but as a kid, there
wasn't anything I could do to help him."

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"I've been there with friends of mine. Even as an adult,

there are times when you can't do anything except hold them
while they cry."

"True." CJ nodded and continued. "After my mom broke

down yesterday and threw me out of the house, I went to find
a bar to drown my sorrows. Mike showed up while I was
nursing my first drink. Seems my dad called him and asked
him to go look for me."

"Is your dad okay about the gay thing?" He reached over

and rested his hand on CJ's knee.

"I'm not sure if he's okay with it. He's just had longer to

adjust. My mom thought it was all a lie. She believed Rachel
was being bitter or something." CJ grasped Garrett's hand.

"How did your dad know they were true?"
"I talked to one person the day the interview came out.

Chick was my best friend and crew chief. I came right out and
told him Rachel was telling the truth. In hindsight, it wasn't
the best thing to do. Chick called my dad and probably Morik.
They might have announced they fired me last night, but
more than likely I lost my ride the minute I admitted to Chick
I was gay."

"They fired you because of what your crew chief told

them? That can't be fair."

"If that was the reason they had given, I'm sure there'd be

pickets and protests outside Morik Racing headquarters." CJ
shrugged. "They said I failed to attend one of the four
mandatory AA meetings I'd been sentenced to after my DUI
arrest."

Garrett shot CJ a quick glance. "DUI?"

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"Remember, I told you I got arrested a couple months

after Rachel and I divorced. NASCAR suspended me three
races on the condition that I attend four AA meetings."

"You missed one?"
"Fuck no. I knew my ass was on the line, so I went to

every single one of those fuckers. I even have proof."

"Why would they lie like that?"
"I left my house in Charlotte and disappeared. They don't

think I'm going to stand up to them and fight them on this." A
snarl curled CJ's lip. "They're wrong. I've got nothing left to
lose and my reputation might be the only thing I can get
back."

"I've got a good lawyer."
"Thanks." CJ squeezed his hand.
"Your dad told Mike to find you?" He'd shelve the other

discussion for a while.

"I guess he'd run into Mike at some point and told him

about me. Mike's got a training center just outside town." CJ
turned the blinker on and took the exit.

"What's he training?"
"Boxers. Got a couple guys staying with him now."
"Really? Do you think he'd give me some pointers? One of

my upcoming roles is about a boxer."

"I'm sure Mike wouldn't mind. That's his place up ahead."
CJ let go of Garrett's hand to point at the buildings they

were headed toward. The house was a simple two-story
Victorian, painted white with a wrap-around porch. The two
larger buildings looked like simple pole barns, but looks were

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deceiving and there probably wouldn't be anything simple
inside.

Three men stepped onto the porch as CJ brought the car to

a halt. Exiting the car, Garrett studied them. The older man in
front was built like a brick house. Short, wide and all muscle.
He had to be Mike. A lean Hispanic kid and an enormous
Slavic man stood behind him.

He took off his cap, shoved his sunglasses to the top of his

head and nodded at the trio. A look of recognition crossed the
kid's face and Garrett watched as he whispered something to
the others.

Mike's face split into a bright smile. "Shit, Lamont. When

you come out of the closet, you fucking come out. Couldn't
pick a school teacher or anyone like that."

"No. You have to pick one of the most talked about stars in

recent history." The young man dashed down the steps to
offer Garrett his hand. "I'm Rafe."

"Buenos días, Rafe. It's nice to meet you. I'm Garrett

Johnson." He shook Rafe's hand.

"Hell, I know who you are. Who wouldn't? I love your

movies, man."

Rafe didn't let go of his hand as he stared up at Garrett, a

flirtatious smile on his lean face. Garrett looked over to see CJ
frown. Was he upset because Rafe was still holding his hand?
Garrett eased his hand away from the boxer and smiled at
the other men.

"I'm Mike and this is Victor. He and Rafe train here." Mike

shook his hand.

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Victor grunted, but didn't offer a hand. The large Russian

didn't seem happy about Rafe's actions either.

"Nice to meet you. Thanks for letting me stay."
"No problem. We've got the room. I held dinner until you

got here." Mike gestured back to the house.

Dinner was interesting. Rafe dominated the conversation,

asking Garrett question after question. Garrett's mother had
raised him to be polite, so he answered each one. Glancing at
CJ, he couldn't tell how the man felt. The glare Victor gave
him told him the Russian wasn't thrilled at all.

Shit. I'm going to have to deal with a jealous boyfriend.
Getting up to grab more drinks, Mike smacked Rafe on the

back of the head as he walked by.

"Hey, man, what was that for?" Rafe glared at him.
"You talk too much, kid. He's not here to see you."
Rafe frowned. "Just being friendly."
"You two go watch some tapes. Let Victor critique your

form." Mike pointed at the front room.

Rafe grumbled, but he stood and left with Victor. Mike

sighed.

"Kid can be a pain sometimes. He's got talent though. How

about you two helping me clear off the table and then you can
show the movie star here where he's sleeping?"

Garrett kept silent while they carried the dishes into the

kitchen. Afterward, he followed CJ out of the back of the
house toward one of the two pole barns on the property.

"I'm sorry."
CJ gave him a puzzled look. "For what?"
"For dinner and Rafe asking me all those questions."

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CJ shrugged. "It wasn't your fault. I'm sure a lot of people

get star-struck around you. After he's fought a few times,
he'll probably get used to meeting stars like you."

"Victor wasn't impressed." He chuckled.
"You're right." CJ opened a side door and gestured for him

to walk ahead. "Maybe he's jealous."

"I saw Victor fight an undercard match in Vegas last year.

He's got talent," Garrett commented as he stared around at
the shiny cars, engines and various other auto parts. He
grinned at CJ. "I bet you feel like you've died and gone to
heaven."

CJ ran hand over the bright chrome fender of one car. "It's

a bit like a candy store to a sweet tooth. Mike gave me the
apartment in the back."

Walking behind CJ, Garrett stared at his jean-covered ass

flexing. He wanted that ass naked. As they climbed the stairs,
he could feel CJ's tension mount. Was CJ ready for what
Garrett wanted to do to him?

CJ opened the door and Garrett noticed how his hand

shook. He waited until they were inside with the door shut
before he dropped his bag and gripped CJ's shoulders. He
forced the dark-haired man to look at him.

"We don't have to do anything if you're not ready. I came

out here because I wanted to see you."

The skeptical quirk of CJ's eyebrow made Garrett laugh.
"I'm not saying I didn't hope we could get to know each

other on a more personal level, but not if you're
uncomfortable with it."

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Sighing, CJ lifted his trembling hands and cradled Garrett's

face. His blue eyes stared into Garrett's. "I'm nervous. Not
uncomfortable. This is my first time."

"First time? Are you saying..." Garrett's mouth dropped

open.

"I've kissed guys before. Jerked them off and been given

blow jobs, but I've never fucked a guy or been fucked by
one." A blush colored CJ's cheeks. "I'm a virgin."

"Shit."
CJ's heart dropped when Garrett cursed. Somehow he

never imagined his virginity would be a problem for the actor.
He stepped back, running into the door. His hand fumbled for
the door knob.

"Sorry. I didn't know it made a difference," he mumbled.
"Yes, it makes a difference." Garrett placed his hands on

the door to either side of CJ's head, not allowing him to open
it.

"Why?" he whispered.
Garrett brushed a kiss over his lips and moved away a few

inches so their breath mingled.

"I want it to be perfect for you." Garrett dragged a thumb

over CJ's bottom lip. "If I'm your first, it has to be
memorable."

CJ laughed harshly. "It's not memorable enough that my

first lover is going to be Garrett Johnson?"

Something flashed in the actor's eyes. Gone too quickly for

CJ to figure out what it was.

"It could be a drawing point for the next guy you fuck."

Garrett's words were clipped.

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CJ sensed anger flaring in Garrett and he frowned.
"I'm not in the market for a new lover when I haven't even

had an old lover yet." He shook his head. "I'd never kiss and
talk, Garrett. As far as anyone else is concerned, I'm as
celibate as a priest."

Garrett closed his eyes. "Sorry."
"Did Rich use being your partner as a way to get guys?"
At Garrett's nod, CJ cupped the actor's face and rose up to

kiss him. When Garrett's grass green eyes met his, he smiled.

"We really don't know each other that well, but please

believe me when I say I'd never do that. I was faithful to my
wife. I don't cheat or run around."

A small grin quirked Garrett's lips. "Whatever we have

here, it's just you and me. No one else until it ends."

Deep inside of CJ's heart, he hoped it wouldn't end. There

was something about Garrett that made him happy in a way
Rachel or any of his other friends never could.

"Deal."
Garrett took CJ's mouth in a demanding kiss. He opened to

Garrett, giving him everything he wanted.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Fourteen

Garrett thrust his tongue in, stroking it along the roof of

CJ's mouth. He wanted to take him right there up against the
door, but it wouldn't be very romantic for the man's first time.
He nibbled along his bottom lip and CJ moaned.

Easing back an inch or so, Garrett smiled. "Where's the

bedroom?"

Those stunned blue eyes blinked at him once, twice before

the desire in them faded enough for CJ to gesture toward the
back of the apartment.

He grabbed CJ and dragged him down the hallway, making

sure he picked up his bag on the way. They made it into the
bedroom without running into the walls or anything, which
was a major feat considering neither of them could stop
kissing the other. Garrett set his bag down on a chair in the
corner of the room. Unzipping it, he glanced over his shoulder
at CJ.

"Get naked and climb on the bed."
CJ hesitated. Was he going to protest the order? With a

shrug, he did what Garrett told him.

"Got it." Garrett held up the lube and a couple condoms in

triumph.

"Pretty sure of yourself, weren't you?" CJ's laugh was a

little shaky as nerves started to set in again.

"Not necessarily sure of myself. Just hopeful." He winked.

"Your calling me meant you were willing to go a little further

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and I'd get your fine ass into bed by the time I left
Tennessee."

A blush colored CJ's cheeks and traveled down his naked

chest. His hands hovered over the button on his jeans.
Garrett did the job for him. He was impatient to see all of the
man's body. CJ sucked in his stomach, giving Garrett room to
slide his hand in the waistband and unfasten his pants.
Kneeling, he peeled the fabric down over CJ's hips, pushing
the man's underwear with it. He hummed in appreciation
when CJ's cock sprang free and almost slapped him in the
chin.

"Oh this is pretty," he murmured, brushing his lips over

the swollen head of CJ's prick.

"Ah," CJ gasped.
"Let's get these off and you on the bed."
He finished stripping CJ efficiently, eager for a more

thorough tasting of his lover. Flinging the jeans over his
shoulder, he pushed the shorter man back toward the bed.

"Sit."
CJ sat rather ungracefully, his thighs spread so Garrett

could kneel between them. Garrett licked from the nest of
dark curls at the base of CJ's shaft to the crown, savoring the
musky taste of his lover's skin. He swiped his tongue through
the clear salty liquid beading at the slit. He braced his hands
on CJ's thighs, opened wide and swallowed him down to the
root.

"Fuck," CJ shouted, hips surging off the mattress.
The soft head of his prick hit the back of Garrett's throat

and he thanked God for his non-existent gag reflex. He

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applied more suction as CJ settled back down and the shaft in
his mouth slid out. Wrapping his hand around the hot flesh,
he pumped up and down in counter movement to his mouth.
He pressed the tip of his tongue to the bundle of nerves under
the crown and CJ shuddered.

Taking his other hand off CJ's leg, Garrett cupped the

other man's lightly furred balls and gave them a gentle
squeeze. He scraped a nail over the soft skin between CJ's
balls and his hole. CJ jerked and Garrett didn't stop him from
moving.

"Garrett, I..." CJ sounded distracted.
Sticking two fingers in his mouth, Garrett got the digits

nice and wet before sliding them between CJ's ass cheeks. He
pressed them against the puckered opening of CJ's ass,
breeching the virgin hole by a few inches.

CJ tensed and Garrett didn't push any further. He kept

working his cock, letting the man get used to having his ass
penetrated. When CJ tilted his hips slightly, allowing Garrett's
fingers to slide farther in, he knew the man was ready for
more.

He let CJ's cock slip out of his mouth and looked up. His

lover stared down at him with stunned eyes.

"Fuck yourself on my fingers."
CJ bit his lip, unsure.
Garrett grinned. "Trust me, you'll love it."
Leaning back on his hands, CJ started rocking, taking

Garrett's fingers deeper in and thrusting into Garrett's mouth
on the way up. He kept his throat relaxed, taking as much as
CJ could give him. He worked his fingers open, stretching the

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ring of muscle. He wanted CJ relaxed enough to take him
without a problem because he planned on fucking the man's
ass as soon as CJ finished coming down his throat.

He hummed, knowing the vibrations would drive CJ crazy.

His lover's smooth rhythm dissolved. Groans and whimpers
filled the air above Garrett's head.

A tap to his head. "Garrett, I'm gonna ... soon."
Nodding, he jammed his fingers into CJ's channel, nailing

his gland with his knuckles. CJ shouted as hot liquid flooded
Garrett's mouth. He swallowed as fast as he could, not
wanting to miss a drop of the salty bitterness. He sucked until
CJ stopped moving and flopped back to lay flat on the bed.

Garrett eased his fingers out of CJ's ass. He placed a kiss

on the softening cock resting on CJ's thigh.

"Slide up on the bed." He tapped CJ's hip, gesturing to the

head of the bed. "Hands and knees."

Wiping off his fingers and mouth, Garrett grabbed the lube

and a condom. He rolled the rubber on his aching cock and
slicked it up. He turned and lust hit him. CJ knelt on the
mattress, ass presented so eagerly. Garrett grabbed a hold of
his control. He wanted to plunge into CJ's body, claiming the
man with every part of his own body, but he didn't want to
take him roughly during his first time.

He braced his hand on the bed as he climbed up behind CJ.

Reaching out, he spread those firm cheeks to reveal the pink
rosette, now stretched and red. He slicked up three fingers
this time and slipped them inside CJ's hot passage. Two
thrusts and he was open enough.

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CJ moaned when Garrett removed his fingers and cried out

with the first plunge of Garrett's cock inside him.

When his balls hit the back of CJ's thighs, Garrett stilled.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just give me a second." CJ's back flushed red and

his shoulders were tense as he adjusted to the invasion of his
ass.

Now that he was buried deep inside, Garrett wasn't sure

he'd be able to wait much longer. He needed to move, to feel
CJ's ass gripping his cock like a vise. CJ released a breath and
they both gasped as Garrett slid in a little farther.

"I have to move, love. Are you ready?"
CJ nodded, dropping down to rest his head on his arms.

Garrett gripped CJ's hips and started reaming the man's ass.
Each slam drove a grunt from CJ, but he never tried to pull
away. He took everything Garrett wanted to give him and
demanded more.

"Harder. I want to feel you tomorrow morning."
Garrett thrust harder, the slap of flesh against flesh filling

the room. CJ cried out as Garrett achieved the right angle and
nailed his gland. Garrett clenched his teeth, trying to hit that
spot with every push in. He reached around CJ's hip and
grasped his lover's cock, determined to make CJ come again
before he climaxed.

"God, Garrett, your hand ... your cock," CJ babbled.
"Good?"
He didn't expect CJ to answer, considering he was moving

back and forth between Garrett's hand and shaft. The pre-
come leaking from CJ's cock eased the slip of Garrett's hand.

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He tightened his fingers, bringing just a hint of pain to the
pleasure.

CJ shouted and heat coated Garrett's hand while CJ's ass

milked his orgasm from him. He plunged in and froze as he
filled the condom with his come.

"Fuck," he groaned, dropping his head to rest it on CJ's

back.

"Mmm..." CJ collapsed and didn't move when Garrett

pinned him to the mattress.

Garrett rolled over and headed to the bathroom, taking

care of the condom and washing up. He snatched up a
washcloth and got it wet. Settling on the bed next to CJ, he
gently cleaned his lover off.

"I can do that," CJ muttered, an uncomfortable expression

on his face.

He leaned over and placed a kiss on the end of CJ's nose.

"I know you can, but I want to take care of you tonight.
You're going to be sore tomorrow."

Scrubbing a hand over his face, CJ shifted and grimaced.

"You're probably right."

"Of course I am. You need to remember that I'm always

right." He tossed the cloth at the door. He'd pick it up later.
He lifted the covers and maneuvered both of them under
before wrapping an arm around CJ's waist. Pulling his lover
close, he rested his chin on CJ's dark curls. "Go to sleep.
Nothing needs to be decided tonight."

CJ sighed and relaxed. "Thank you," he said, cuddling tight

to Garrett.

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"The pleasure was all mine, love. Next time you can do

me."

A soft snore greeted his announcement and he chuckled.

He would have to make his generous offer later when CJ was
awake. Closing his eyes, Garrett let himself drift off to sleep,
happy in a way he hadn't been in months.

* * * *

When CJ woke up later that night, he was held tight in

Garrett's arms. Blinking, he snuggled closer to Garrett and
ran his hands over the actor's washboard abs. Garrett sighed,
trailing fingers down CJ's back. He shivered. His ass ached,
but it was a good ache. For the first time in his entire life, he
was pretty much right where he needed to be. It was time to
start thinking about the future.

"I'm going to call James Kendall tomorrow. See if he'd be

willing to take me on as a client. At least for a little while."

Garrett propped his head on his fist and nodded. "Good

idea. Kasey already let him know you might call. James
grumbled about getting the reputation for being the gay
athletes' agent, but he'll help you out. What about your old
one?"

CJ snorted. "Brad broke our contract. I bet there's an

official notice of termination on my table in Charlotte."

"Probably. You'll have to go back there, you know?"

Garrett's other hand traced the curve of his hip.

He shivered. "I know, but not until I get a few things

straightened out first. After my official statement, I'll figure
out what to do."

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He arched his back, pressing his hard-on against Garrett's

hip. It was Garrett's turn to tremble.

"Don't need to talk about it right at this moment."
Garrett took his mouth in a deep kiss and CJ's mind went

blank. He let Garrett suck on his tongue and nibble on his
bottom lip. Burying his fingers in Garrett's soft hair, he
pushed the bigger man onto his back, taking control of the
kiss. He'd let Garrett take the lead for their lovemaking earlier
because he didn't really know what to expect or do. Now that
he had a taste of what sex with Garrett was like, he wanted
more.

Garrett fell back, letting CJ take or give whatever he

wanted. He wrapped his hands around the headboard,
stretching out under CJ's lust-filled gaze. "I'm all yours, baby.
Anything you want."

The possibilities boggled his mind. Permission to touch and

taste Garrett's hard golden body turned CJ on so much his
cock ached. He closed his eyes, trying to calm down. He
jumped when Garrett cupped his cheek and he opened his
eyes to find him smiling at him.

"Take a breath and calm down. We have all the time in the

world to get to know each other."

Garrett's soft words eased him. Maybe Garrett understood

CJ's subconscious viewing the whole experience as just some
X-rated fantasy his mind made up. Any moment now, CJ
worried he'd wake up and be alone like he had been for over
a year. Silly really, since the ache in his own ass told him it
wasn't a dream.

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He reached out, placing a finger on Garrett's mouth. Those

plump lips sucked him in. Garrett's tongue swirled around,
stroking and licking, doing everything to remind CJ what
Garrett had done while sucking his cock. Sucking cock? He
dropped his gaze down to Garrett's groin.

Garrett's cock was shorter than his, but slightly thicker. It

was swollen, throbbing and leaking pre-come. Licking his lips,
he slid down the bed, pushing at Garrett's thighs to make the
space between them wider. He pulled his finger out of
Garrett's mouth to trace the vein along the underside of
Garrett's shaft.

"Oh," Garrett whimpered, running a hand over CJ's

shoulder. "You don't have to if you don't want to, CJ."

He met Garrett's gaze and grinned. "I want to suck you."
Garrett started to say something. CJ pressed a finger

against his lips and shook his head.

"Hush."
He waited until Garrett nodded before he leaned down to

bury his nose in the small nest of curls around the base of
Garrett's cock. Jerking slightly, Garrett gave CJ's hair a little
tug. He smiled, but didn't stop his investigation. Garrett's skin
was smooth and warm. He licked a small line over the curve
of his hip.

Garrett laughed and CJ filed the ticklish spot away in his

mind. He clasped a hand around Garrett's prick, squeezing
firmly, but not too hard. He wasn't sure how tight he liked it
to be. Garrett surrounded CJ's hand and showed him exactly
how he liked it.

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Stroking up and down, he encircled the head of Garrett's

cock with his lips, sucking just the crown in. He wouldn't be
able to take all of it in, but he would open up and work as
much as he could of the flesh. CJ eased the tip of his tongue
into the slit and scooped up some of the clear liquid.

He could become addicted to Garrett's unique flavor. He

took more of him in, loving the feel of the heavy flesh in his
mouth. He kept pumping his hand, making up for not being
able to deep-throat Garrett yet.

"Shit," Garrett growled, shoving his cock down CJ's throat.
His gag reflex kicked in and he pinned Garrett's hips to the

bed, pulling away and breathing deep for a moment. Garrett
patted his head in apology.

"It's okay. It'll take some time for me to be able to take

you in." He winked. "I think I'd like the practice though."

Garrett chuckled and gestured back to his saliva covered

cock. "Don't let me stop you from perfecting your technique."

"Thank you for being willing to be the guinea pig." He

squeezed Garrett's prick hard enough to make the man gasp.

"Hey now, don't be mean." Garrett pouted. "I just wanted

to expand your experience. If you don't want to, I'll leave."
He started to climb out of bed.

CJ stopped Garrett with a laugh. "Quit it."
Flopping back, Garrett grinned and winked as CJ settled

down on his stomach. It was time to get serious. He brought
Garrett's cock back to his mouth and swallowed it down as far
as he could. Garrett didn't move, but his moans and pleas
filled the bedroom.

"Please," Garrett begged.

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He moved up and down, sucking harder as he pulled up.

He made sure his hand matched the rhythm and worked the
part of Garrett's cock he couldn't fit in his mouth. CJ cupped
Garrett's balls in his free hand, rolling them around and
tugging on them. Garrett fisted his hands in the sheets to
keep from grabbing him and shoving his shaft deep into CJ's
throat.

"CJ." Garrett's voice held a warning.
The man was going to come and CJ had the choice to

swallow it or to let his lover come all over his hand. There
wasn't any debate. He wanted to learn and absorb the
essence of everything that was Garrett. Nodding his head, he
reached around and slid a finger into Garrett's ass.

"Fuck," Garrett cried out.
Hot liquid spurt into his mouth, surprising him a little. He

allowed it to pool in his mouth before swallowing it. It was
bitter and salty, coating his tongue with a thick creamy layer.
CJ wasn't sure how long it was before Garrett stopped jerking
and lay there, panting while stroking CJ's head with trembling
hands.

He licked Garrett's dick clean like his lover had done for

him. He let the softening shaft slide from his mouth and
moved up to kiss him, sharing Garrett's taste with him. CJ
rubbed his aching cock on Garrett's hip.

Garrett eased an inch or so away and grinned. "You want

to fuck me, baby?"

CJ couldn't speak, but he nodded eagerly.
"Find the lube and a condom."

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He glanced around, spotting both on the nightstand next

to the bed. Reaching out, he grabbed them. Garrett took the
lube.

"I'll get myself ready. You put the condom on."
Ripping open the package, he rolled the rubber on without

looking. His gaze was drawn to Garrett, who squirted slick on
his fingers and tossed the bottle on the floor. One knee was
drawn up and back, revealing Garrett's hole. He sucked in his
breath when Garrett eased a finger deep inside. They both
moaned.

Garrett slid his finger out and pushed two back in. CJ

crawled closer, resting his hand on Garrett's hip. He wanted
to touch the stretched ring of muscles. He looked up, meeting
Garrett's passion-glazed eyes.

Garrett smiled. "You can touch. Please."
He scooped up some of the lube with the tip of his thumb.

Placing his thumb next to Garrett's, he breeched Garrett's ass
at the same time Garrett took his two out. They established
an alternating rhythm until Garrett's cock was hard and
leaking pre-come again.

"Ready, CJ. Fuck me now."
"Wait. I need lube." He scrambled, digging around for the

tube on the floor. His hand closed around the slick. Popping
open the top, he put some in his hand and threw the bottle
back down. He covered the rubber with the cool liquid.

Garrett wrapped his hands behind his knees, pulling both

legs up and back. CJ settled close, positioned his cock at
Garrett's opening and pushed in. Biting his lip, he thrust in
slowly, not wanting to hurt Garrett.

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"Fuck, feels good," Garrett groaned, lifting his hips and

leaning his head back.

Words failed CJ on how good sinking into Garrett felt. His

head swam with the heat and tightness enveloping his cock.
When he was buried as deep as he could get, he froze.

"All right?" Garrett's green eyes held concern and

understanding.

"Yeah. It's just..."
"A little overwhelming, huh?" Garrett clenched his ass.
CJ's mind turned to mush. There was nothing he could do

except what his body demanded and that was to move. He
clasped Garrett's hips and started reaming his ass.

"Oh yes. Harder. Right there."
Garrett's babbling helped CJ know he was doing it right.

Tingling built at the base of his spine and his balls drew tight.
He wanted to make sure Garrett was going to go over with
him. He pried one hand off Garrett's hip and gripped the
man's prick. CJ worked Garrett with hand and cock.

"Shit, CJ ... gonna come."
"Come with me, baby." He slammed in, hitting the right

spot.

Garrett cried out, warm liquid spilling over CJ's hand.

When Garrett's inner channel tightened almost to the point of
pain around CJ's cock, CJ's climax swamped him. He grunted,
filling the condom with each spasm of Garrett's ass.

The last drops of his come spurted from him and he

collapsed on top of Garrett, holding him close while their
breathing evened out. When he had control over his muscles
again, he eased out of Garrett's ass and went into the

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bathroom to take care of the condom. Grabbing a washcloth,
he took it back and cleaned Garrett off.

He returned the cloth to the other room. Climbing back in

bed, he snuggled close to Garrett, who patted his arm
sleepily.

"Was it good for you," Garrett asked softly.
"Yes. Thank you." He nuzzled Garrett's jaw.
"You're welcome. Sleep. We'll figure things out tomorrow."
He shifted and shut his eyes, allowing his body to get the

rest it craved.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Fifteen

CJ heard the doors of the garage go up downstairs while

he lay in bed watching Garrett sleep. He sighed. After what
was arguably the best night of his life, CJ's mind was clear.
There wasn't any doubt about what he had to do to get his
life on track again. No more running. He'd stand up in front of
the world and tell the truth.

Hell, if he couldn't race, Mike would hire him as mechanic.
"It's too early to be thinking so hard," Garrett murmured,

smiling up at CJ without opening his eyes.

"How did you know I was thinking?" He ran his thumb over

Garrett's stubble-roughened cheek.

"Smelled the smoke."
"Smart ass." He dug his fingers into Garrett's sides,

making his lover howl with laughter.

They wrestled around the bed. Sometimes he was on top.

Other times, Garrett would pin him to the mattress.

Suddenly he stopped, staring up at Garrett braced over

him.

"I never knew."
Garrett looked puzzled. "Never knew what?"
He reached out and stroked a finger over Garrett's bottom

lip. "It could be fun."

"What could be fun?"
He waved a hand to encompass the bed and the room. "All

of it. Being with you. Making love with you."

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Garrett's smile held understanding. "You never gave it a

thought because any encounter you've had with a guy has
been in a bathroom or back alley. Nothing normal." Garrett
gave him a quick kiss. "Sex should be fun and enjoyable, CJ.
If it's not, something's wrong."

He hummed, allowing Garrett's questing tongue entrance.

CJ forgot about everything except Garrett.

The harsh ringing of his phone broke them apart. CJ shot a

surprised glance at Garrett.

"Who has your number?" Garrett climbed out of bed and

walked toward the bathroom, displaying his magnificent ass
without embarrassment.

"My dad," CJ muttered, distracted by all that tanned flesh.
The phone rang again.
"Fuck. My dad." CJ dove for his jeans where he'd stuffed

his phone after dinner.

"Hello?"
"Christopher?" His dad's voice was hushed.
"Yeah, Dad. Did you sneak away to call me?" He bunched a

pillow behind his back.

"Yes." Dad laughed. "Your mom's still upset."
"Can't blame her. I did drop the whole gay thing on you

like a bomb."

Garrett walked out of the bathroom and CJ watched him

dress.

"True. I didn't call to discuss her. Mike find you?"
"Yeah. Thanks for sending him out to look for me. I'm

staying with him for a while."

"Mike's a good man. He'll help you out."

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"He has so far."
Garrett sat next to him to put on his shoes.
"Shitty thing Morik did to you, son."
"I've been expecting something like it to happen since

Rachel's interview broke. Old Man Morik and his son never
liked me. The only reason they kept me on was because I'm
the best driver on their team." He ran his hand over the curve
of Garrett's back. "This is the perfect reason to fire me."

"You're all right, Christopher?"
The concern in his father's voice choked CJ up. "I'm doing

well."

Garrett glanced over at him. He shrugged, a little

embarrassed at being emotional.

"Good. I had better get off the phone. Don't want your

mother finding out and chewing me out."

CJ smiled. "I'll talk to you later, Dad."
"Talk to you soon."
He ended the call and tossed his phone on the pile of his

clothes. Rolling over on his back, he stared up at the ceiling.
Garrett rested a hand on CJ's stomach.

"You okay, baby?"
CJ met Garrett's gaze. "Why is everyone asking me that?

I'm not a complete basket case."

Garrett raised an eyebrow and CJ amended his comment.
"Well, not anymore."
"We ask because we care about you, CJ."
"Do you?"
He cringed inside at the question. His entire world had

been turned upside down, but that didn't mean he should lean

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on Garrett. The actor wouldn't be around all the time to help
him out.

Garrett brushed a lock of CJ's hair back off his forehead

and smiled. "Maybe more than I should so early in our
relationship. I'm sure the therapists would have a field day
with us. We have more baggage than a family of four going to
Disneyland."

He chuckled. "You're right about that."
Knocking reached their ears. Garrett stood, heading

toward the front of the apartment. CJ laid there for a second
before he climbed out of bed and went to brush his teeth.

When he entered the living room, Victor and Garrett

looked up from where they were sitting on the couch. The
Russian nodded at him and stood. Garrett came over,
brushing a kiss over his cheek.

"Victor's going to take us to the training center. He's

offered to teach me how to box." Garrett laughed. "No way
am I going to be as good as he is, but I really want to know
the basics for this upcoming role."

CJ rolled his eyes. "Don't hit him in the face, Victor. His

agent might get upset if he comes back from vacation with a
broken nose. Besides it's his best feature."

"Really? You seemed to find my ass fascinating last night."

Garrett winked at Victor.

The big blond snorted, but a hint of a smile appeared on

the man's face.

"Let's go. We'll work out and then while Victor's giving you

some pointers I'll call Kendall about setting something up."

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They walked through the garage and the sounds of the

mechanics working comforted CJ. Someone was using a
grinder to smooth out the edges of a front panel. Another was
raising a car on the hydraulic lift. The familiar smell of oil,
grease and gas filled his nose. He was going to miss that. One
of his favorite things about racing was being able to spend
time in the garage working on the cars with his crew.

Victor led the way to one of the other buildings. Just like

the garage, the training center was equipped with state-of-
the-art workout equipment and boxing paraphernalia. Rafe
was already there, running on a treadmill. The young boxer
waved to them, but didn't stop his workout.

"Rafe won't bother you while you're here," Victor

explained. "He takes his training seriously."

"Thanks."
For the next hour, CJ jogged and lifted. He enjoyed the

burn of stretching his muscles. The pleasant ache in his ass
reminded him of the loving he'd gotten from Garrett. He
smiled at the trash talking going on between Garrett and Rafe
as the two put gloves on to spar. When they climbed into the
ring with Victor and Mike, it was time for him to go call
Kasey's agent.

"Hey, guys, I'm hitting the shower and making some

phone calls." He shook his head. "Remember what I said,
Victor, don't hurt his face."

Garrett stuck his tongue out and the others laughed.
"We'll see you at lunch, Chris." Mike turned to Garrett.

"Before you leave here, you're at least going to know the
fundamentals of boxing."

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CJ arrived back at the garage just as one of the mechanics

was driving a car in. CJ's jaw dropped.

"A beauty, isn't she?" One of the other mechanics walked

up to him.

"Is that?" He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"Yep. A Bugatti Veyron. Some rock star owns it and has

Mike do the tune-ups on it."

The man parked the car and popped the hood. It was like

seeing the Holy Grail of cars.

"I'm Tim, the head mechanic here. You're CJ Lamont,

aren't you? Mike said you'd be staying here for a couple days.
You want to look at her?"

He shook Tim's hand. "God, yes. I didn't think there were

any of these in the States."

"Well, they didn't make a lot of them, so only those with

money to burn could afford one."

They stood, staring down at the engine.
"8.0 liter quad turbo with one-thousand-and-one brake

horsepower. Fastest street legal engine in the world." He
reached out and stroked a finger over the shining chrome of
the hood.

"It was until Shelby Supercars released their Ultimate

Aero. It's got a twin turbo charged V8. Clocked at 256 miles
per hour." Tim laughed. "Another grease monkey, I see. You
want to help me tune her?"

He stepped back. "I'm not qualified to work on a car like

that."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure you don't break anything." Tim

gestured toward some coveralls hanging on the wall over by

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one of the tool benches. "Put one of those on. Don't want to
ruin your clothes."

CJ tugged the coveralls on with shaking hands. Working on

the Bugatti Veyron was a dream come true and one he had
accepted being lost to him because of losing his ride. Maybe
there was something else out there for him when his driving
career was over.

Garrett grimaced, every muscle in his body aching. Bruises

would appear at some point during the day. Thank God no
one had accidentally punched him in the face. Even with the
head gear, he'd probably end up with a broken nose.

Walking into the garage, he heard laughter. He glanced

over to see CJ surrounded by other mechanics. They were
standing around some car and CJ gestured to something
Garrett couldn't see. Garrett stopped, enjoying the relaxed
way his lover chatted with the other men.

CJ seemed to be in his element. Talking about cars with

like-minded people made his face light up. Garrett leaned
against one of the counters and watched. This laughing,
confident CJ must be what the man was really like when he
wasn't worrying about life and was somewhere safe.

His cock twitched and he licked his lips as CJ bent over the

engine to point something out. Those unflattering coveralls
pulled taut over CJ's ass, showcasing the firm muscles and
Garrett's hands itched to squeeze them.

"He always did know cars."
Garrett looked over at Mike as the former boxer joined him

in studying CJ. "I wouldn't doubt that on the track and behind
the wheel are the only places he feels comfortable."

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Mike nodded. "True. Before he headed out to drive the

circuit, the neighbors would take their cars to him whenever
they had problems. I'm not surprised he's one of the best
drivers in racing. It's a fucking crime what's going to happen
to him."

"Unfortunately, society hasn't advanced far enough to give

most of our sports stars the right to be gay." Garrett shook
his head. "I've never understood the mentality the public has.
They don't want anyone peering into their private lives and
their homes, but they have no problem doing it to the rest of
us."

"I guess we assume that if you're out in the public eye,

you shouldn't be surprised when people feel they know you
and have the right to tell you how to live your life. You did it
the right way. You were honest and open from the beginning.
Didn't give any of those reporters something to yank out of
your closet." Mike chuckled.

"I didn't see the point of lying, but I understand why guys

like CJ and my brother feel the need to hide who they really
are. People can be harsh toward those who are different."
Garrett stretched and groaned. "I think I'm going to take a
shower. See if hot water will beat some of the ache out of my
muscles."

"See you in a few for lunch." Mike slapped him on the

shoulder and headed over to speak to CJ and the other
mechanics.

He wandered upstairs, grabbing his phone as he headed to

the bedroom. Dialing Kasey's number, he flopped on the bed
and waited for his brother to answer.

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"Why are you calling me? Shouldn't you still be in bed with

CJ?" Kasey's voice was rough and sleepy.

"Hasn't Gram worn you out yet?" He could tease as well.
"Why do you think I'm still asleep?"
The rustling noise coming over the phone informed Garrett

that Kasey was probably climbing out of bed.

"Sorry. I can't ever figure out these stupid time

differences."

"Hey, don't worry. It's the off-season. I'm fine." Kasey

yawned. "How's it going?"

"Good, I think." For some reason, he had a certain

reluctance to talk to Kasey about his relationship with CJ.

"You sleep with him yet?" There was a smile in his twin's

words.

"Yes, but I don't want to talk about it."
A snort. "You don't want to talk about it? This coming from

a man who never hesitated to tell me about all the kinky stuff
you and Rich got into."

He picked at the blanket he lay on. "I know, but look how

that relationship ended."

"Garrett, Rich's problems have nothing to do with you."
Resting his head on a pillow, he sighed. "You're right. I'm

just being silly. How's the family?"

"They're all doing great. As much in love with Gram as I

am."

Clink of glass came over the phone. Kasey must be getting

a drink.

"Of course, they are. I wouldn't allow you to fall in love

with just any guy."

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"Thanks, jackass."
There was a pause and he wasn't ready for whatever his

brother was about to say.

"Are you in love with CJ, Garrett?"
Garrett rolled over to stare up at the ceiling. "I'm not sure

what to say. I'm feeling the same way I did when I first met
Rich. Excited. Horny. Needing to spend as much time as I can
with him. Isn't it too soon for me to be feeling this?"

"I don't think I'm the right person to be asking about that.

Look how long it took me to have a serious relationship. Does
it feel right?"

"Yeah."
"Then that's the answer you're looking for. If you feel this

way about CJ, then I wouldn't drive yourself crazy over-
thinking things." Kasey yawned. "I'm going back to bed for a
while. My advice, for what's it worth, is to just go with it.
Enjoy the sex and be there for him, because the rough part
isn't over."

"You're right. Get back to Gram and tell Mom I'll call later

on today."

"Will do. Say hi to CJ for us."
He shut the phone and tossed it on the bed next to him.

Pushing off the mattress, he stripped and went to take a
shower. Kasey was right. No point in over-thinking the issue.
Whatever happened between him and CJ would happen. The
only thing he could do was love CJ and hope things would
work out.

The warm water soaked his hair and he soaped his hands

to wash off. He jumped when CJ peeked around the curtain.

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"Can I join you?" A hopeful gleam shone in his blue eyes.
"Like I'd ever turn down a chance to see you wet." He

leered at CJ.

CJ blushed, but stepped in to join him. Garrett embraced

CJ, pulling their bodies tight together. CJ's kisses were fast
becoming one of the few things Garrett couldn't live without.
He slid his soap-covered hands down CJ's back to cup his ass
and rocked their groins together.

"Damn."
CJ dropped his head onto Garrett's shoulder and

shuddered as their erections rubbed over each other.

"Touch us," Garrett ordered, taking CJ's hand in his and

wrapping both around their pricks.

Stroking and pumping, they drove each other closer to the

edge. Garrett leaned forward and sucked up a mark on CJ's
chest, using teeth and tongue to encourage his lover to come.
His own climax surged, overwhelming him and detonating
throughout his body. Hot come mixed with warm water. CJ
grunted and more come joined Garrett's.

Garrett rested back against the shower tiles, supporting

the completely relaxed man in his arms. He waited until his
legs regained their strength.

"Can you stand by yourself?" Garrett brushed a kiss over

CJ's ear.

CJ nodded, easing a few inches away. A slightly stunned

expression resided in CJ's face.

"Wow. I guess showers can be exciting."
Garrett chuckled. "You're still discovering all the good

things about sex. I'll be happy to show you the rest."

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"I'm sure you will." CJ's stomach rumbled. "We better

finish up. Mike'll have lunch ready by now."

They lathered up and rinsed off. Laughing and teasing,

they dressed before heading down to the main house. They
would have to head to New York to meet with James and
straighten out CJ's problems, but at the moment, he wanted
to enjoy spending time with the man without worrying about
the public.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Sixteen

CJ stared at the hotel suite Garrett had reserved for them

in New York City. His eyes widened at the sight of the hot tub
in the bathroom. There were two large bedrooms with king
size beds.

"This isn't a hotel room. This is an apartment." He

wandered through the suite, checking things out.

Garrett looked up from where he sat, talking on the phone.

CJ basked in the bright smile Garrett sent him. The past two
days had been intriguing, exciting and busy. He'd called
James Kendall and set up an appointment to talk face-to-face.
Plus they'd spent time playing, whether in bed or wandering
around the town where CJ grew up.

They had a lot in common, which seemed impossible. He

was a small-town hick and Garrett was a Hollywood
superstar. He liked beer and pretzels and Garrett should have
been a champagne and caviar kind of guy, but Garrett
surprised him. He never used his star status to get special
treatment. He didn't drink or party like the young Hollywood
stars seemed to specialize in.

Turning, he went to look out the window at the street

below. Guilt swamped him. What kind of person did it make
him that it took breaking his wife's heart to find happiness?
CJ rested his forehead against the cool glass. How selfish was
he?

Strong arms encircled him and he leaned back against

Garrett's warm body. Garrett nuzzled his ear.

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"What's wrong, baby?"
He shrugged. It was hard to explain how guilt would

overwhelm him at times. "Just thinking."

"About Rachel?"
It surprised him at times how observant Garrett could be.

"Yes. I guess I was thinking how happy I've been the past
couple of days and that my happiness came at her expense."

"In what way?"
"We got married when we were eighteen, even though I

understood there was something different about me back
then. Sex with her was good, but it didn't rock my world like
it does with you. I tried to be good. I didn't mess around on
her. No women, or men for that matter. I just couldn't be
what she wanted or needed and I was too young to know that
maybe being alone was better than being someone I wasn't."

"You were married for eight years, right?"
CJ nodded.
"Think of it this way. Sure, she won't get those eight years

back, but at least you didn't wait until you were fifty before
you cut her loose. In my opinion, it would have been far
worse if you had wasted twenty or thirty years of both your
lives being married. This way, you both get a chance to find
love and happiness." Garrett set his chin on CJ's shoulder.

"You're probably right, but I'll always feel some sort of

guilt toward Rachel."

"I have the same problem. I'll always feel like I should

have been able to save Rich from himself. I tell myself there
was nothing I could do. That I offered him help and he
refused, but I still think I should have been more focused on

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him than on my career. Maybe if I hadn't been gone so often,
gone to more parties or let him have his way more often."

He felt Garrett shake his head. Whirling around, CJ cradled

Garrett's face in his hands, meeting his sad gaze.

"Speaking as someone who was well on his way to being

an alcoholic, there was nothing you could do to stop Rich
from his fate. It's easy to get lost in the drugs and the
parties, especially when you're weak. Rich has to make the
choice to stop and so far he hasn't found a reason. Maybe
someday he will." He placed a kiss on Garrett's lips. "I have
to go meet James."

Garrett kissed him quick. "Let's go then. I'll take you out

for dinner afterward."

"Great. I've never been in New York."

* * * *

"You've been screwed, Lamont."
CJ frowned at the short, balding man walking toward him.

James Kendall wore a tailored suit with a red tie. He was
average in every way, yet he drew all the attention. Many
people must underestimate James from appearances alone
and the agent used that to his advantage.

"You might be right, James."
They shook hands. James nodded at Garrett.
"How's it going, Johnson?"
"Good, man. How's the third divorce going?"
James frowned. "She thinks she has me over a barrel, but

I got her to sign a pre-nup and she doesn't have a leg to
stand on."

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They followed him into his office. The agent gestured to

the chairs in front of his desk.

"Even though you're the one who cheated?" Garrett settled

in one of the chairs with a grin.

"What can I say? I love the ladies." James grinned. "I want

to go over my contract with you, CJ, and make sure you
understand what you're getting into. I know you said you only
need me for a couple months until you make a decision either
way about what you're going to do."

He accepted the stack of papers James handed to him.

Garrett's phone rang and the actor stood.

"I'll take this outside. Don't want to disturb you."
CJ watched Garrett stroll out. When he turned back, James

was studying him.

"You and Johnson an item?"
Nodding, he shifted uncomfortably.
"Shit, man." James shook his head. "It's almost like you're

thumbing your nose at all those assholes."

"Might as well hang for a sheep as for a lamb."
"True." James stood and went to the bar, reaching for a

bottle. "You want a drink?"

"No thanks."
He read through the contract, asking for clarification on

certain things. Garrett came back in just as he was finishing
up. He signed the contract and gave it back to James, who
signed his name. Setting the papers aside, the agent met his
gaze.

"Have you thought about what you want to do?"

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Jumping to his feet, he started pacing. "I have. To be

honest, I don't see that I have any other choice. I'm going to
announce my retirement and tell the truth. I hate the way
people have been dragging Rachel over the coals. Maybe she
shouldn't have said what she said in the interview, but she
did and we can't take it back."

"Before you go public, I want you to know I've been

contacted by your former racing team. They want to hire you
back," James informed him.

He turned. "How the hell did they know to contact you?"
"Your old agent must have mentioned me to them. I

contacted him to double check that he let you out of your
contract."

"Un-fucking-believable." He hit the desk. "Morik shreds my

professional reputation and now because their other drivers
aren't nearly as good as I am, they want me back."

"Don't say no. As your agent, I want to go on record and

say you should hear them out."

CJ glanced over to where Garrett stood and his green eyes

met his.

"What do you think I should do?"
Garrett shrugged. "If it were me, I'd meet with them. See

what they have to offer. You never know, CJ. Maybe their
offer will be too good to pass up."

Garrett's sound advice mirrored his own thoughts, but why

did he feel like he was crawling back to beg for his job?

"It's your decision. We can't force you to do anything."

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Garrett crossed his arms and CJ's mind was distracted by

the way the cotton T-shirt stretched tight across Garrett's
chest.

James cleared his throat. "Do you want me to set up a

meeting?"

His intense ogling of Garrett obviously made James

uncomfortable.

"If you don't like gays, why did you keep Kasey as a

client?" he asked.

Surprise blossomed over James' face. "Not like gays?

Where the hell did you get that idea?"

"You seem uncomfortable with us." He gestured between

Garrett and himself.

"Considering you're staring at the man like you're going to

strip him and do things to him I don't even want to think
about, hell yes, I'm uncomfortable." James shook his head. "I
don't understand why you like cock instead of pussy."

CJ started to say something, but James interrupted him.
"I don't have to understand. Who you sleep with doesn't

affect your talent or ability. It doesn't make any of you less of
a man." James paused. "In many ways, it makes you more of
one because you have to put up with a lot of shit straight
guys don't."

He nodded. "Thanks."
"Besides, Kasey's one talented fucker and I'm hitching my

wagon to his star."

They laughed.

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"He'll have a rough go of it for a while, but then someone

else will do something crazy and people will forget about it.
He just has to hang in there," Garrett said.

CJ relaxed. It was time to see what options were open for

him in the future.

"Call Morik. Get a meeting with them. It's time to see

where I stand."

James reached for his phone. "Doing it right now. I'll get

back to you with a date and time."

"Now with that done, you and I have an appointment with

a tailor." Garrett surged to his feet and grabbed CJ's hand,
dragging him from James' office.

"A tailor?"
"I'm not letting you escort me to the Academy Awards

wearing a rented tux."

He stopped so suddenly he almost jerked Garrett off his

feet. Excitement and pride gleamed in Garrett's eyes.

"You didn't?"
Garrett's grin grew bigger and CJ threw his arms around

him.

"Fucking awesome, baby. When did you find out?" He

kissed Garrett hard, not caring who might see them.

"My agent called and let me know earlier today, but I

didn't want to tell you until after you met with James."
Garrett squeezed him tight. "Shit, CJ. It was only my third
movie."

"You've got talent and everyone can see that. Let's go

back to the hotel. I need to get measured and you need to
call your family."

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Garrett's expression turned serious. "You get all the credit

for making this role perfect for me, CJ. Without your help last
year, I would never have been able to make my character
believable."

He was shaking his head before Garrett stopped speaking.

"I helped you get the jargon down so you could act and talk
like a driver. You made the character come to life."

"Be prepared to be embarrassed if I win because I'll be

thanking you."

"Come on. You need to call everyone." He pinched

Garrett's ass when he turned to lead the way to the elevator.
"We'll celebrate later."

The wink he received drove heat to his groin. Lust

simmered under his skin for the next hour as they went to a
tailor and he got measured for a tux. Garrett ordered it and
arranged for it to be delivered to L. A. when it was done.
While Garrett was paying for it, CJ called the hotel and
arranged for a private dinner in the suite.

They headed back to the hotel and CJ led the way up to

their suite. Stopping at the door, he turned to smile at
Garrett.

"Okay, close your eyes and don't open them until I say you

can."

Garrett gave him a puzzled look, but did as he asked. He

unlocked the door, grabbed Garrett's hand and tugged his
lover into the room. He glanced around. Everything was set
up the way he wanted.

"Open them."

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Garrett opened his eyes and gasped in surprise. Candles

gave the living area of the suite a soft romantic glow. Two
covered dishes sat on the table with a bottle of champagne
chilling next to it. Soft jazz music played on the radio.

"How did you do this?"
CJ ducked his head and blushed. "I arranged it while you

were paying for the tux. I thought we could celebrate your
nomination."

"Thanks."
As he swept CJ into a tight hug, he couldn't help but think

of his ex-lover. Rich would have gotten a reservation at the
hottest restaurant in town and then called reporters to let
them know they would be there. Rich would then have
insisted they go out to a club and party until it closed.

He should have known CJ would be more into the private

celebration. Burying his hands in CJ's dark curls, he kissed
him. He licked along the seam of CJ's mouth, asking for
entrance. Those plump lips opened for him and he swooped
in, savoring the taste of his lover.

Before they got carried away, he stepped back. Their

panting drowned the music.

"I don't want the food to get cold."
CJ calmed his breathing and nodded. "Yeah, good idea."
They sat next to each other and CJ took the covers off the

plates.

"Lobster and steak. My favorites." He grinned at CJ.
"I know. That's why I ordered it. We have crème brulee for

dessert." CJ cut into his steak.

"You're spoiling me."

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Another blush colored CJ's face. "You're worth it."
"Thank you again." Garrett pulled the bottle out of the

bucket. "How about a drink?"

"Just one. What did your parents have to say when you

called them?"

He laughed. "My mom started crying. Amelia was

screaming. Dad, Jack, Kasey and Gram were happy for me,
but Kasey said it was bound to happen. Just a matter of
time."

"Your parents have to be proud of you and Kasey. Kasey's

the MVP of the NBA All-Star game his second year and you
getting an Oscar nomination for your third movie.
Impressive."

"Now, I haven't won it yet." Garrett didn't want to brag,

not even to CJ. Being able to do what he loved and live his
life the way he wanted made him a very lucky man.

"Still, it's the Oscars, Garrett. Recognition from the movie

industry is important. I never won the Sprint Cup while I was
racing. I won a bunch of races, but not the big one. I guess
that's something I'll regret not being able to do."

"I'm sorry, CJ. I wish things were different." He stroked

CJ's hand where it rested it on the table.

"I think I always knew in the back of my mind that it

wouldn't happen for me. I would have done my hardest to win
it, but maybe I didn't deserve it." His lover pushed his lobster
around the plate.

"No feeling sorry for yourself allowed tonight. You can start

again tomorrow while you decide what you're really going to

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do. Who knows? Maybe Morik will take you back and not care
about you being gay."

CJ shot him a skeptical glance. He smiled a little.
"Okay, so we both know what's really going to happen at

that meeting, but still you have think about all the
possibilities." Garrett held out a bite of steak to CJ. "No
worrying about that tonight."

He groaned as CJ's lips wrapped around the fork with a

flash of white teeth and pink tongue. God, he wanted that
mouth surrounding his cock. Clearing his throat, he shifted in
his chair. CJ's knowing gaze met his and heat rose in him at
the teasing gleam in his lover's eyes.

CJ had taken to the sex like a natural, willing to take or

give anything Garret had and he was grateful for that. There
were times though when he wondered if CJ was caught up in
the freedom of being able to do what he always wanted. No
matter how much CJ enjoyed the love making, would he go
back to hiding who he really was when it came down to losing
his ride and everything he ever dreamed of?

Garrett dropped his fork on his plate and reached across

the table, grabbing CJ by the shoulders. He dragged the man
over to crush their lips together. He tasted the butter CJ had
dipped his lobster in. The hops from CJ's beer danced along
his tongue. Nibbling on his bottom lip, he encouraged the
man to kiss him back.

CJ shoved him backward off his chair and he hit the floor

with a muffled grunt as CJ landed on top of him. The kiss
didn't stop. They drank from each other's mouths like thirsty

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men searching for that last drop of water. CJ straddled his
hips, pressing their groins together.

"Shit." Garrett dug his heels into the carpet.
Clasping CJ's waist, Garrett ground their erections

together. CJ fumbled with Garrett's belt and tried to get his
pants open. Garrett managed to stay focused enough to get
both their cocks out with his hand wrapped around them.

"Garrett," CJ cried.
"Keep moving. Let's take the edge off and we can play

more later."

He tensed and rolled, putting CJ on the bottom. Garrett let

go of their shafts. Bracing his hands beside CJ's head, he
rocked his body into his lover's. He slid over the hot, hard
flesh that matched his own. CJ tilted up, giving him the angle
and the solidness he needed to create enough friction. His
climax built in his spine, radiating down to his balls and
causing them to draw closer to his body.

"Come with me. Now." He leaned down and bit CJ on the

shoulder.

"Fuck." CJ's body bowed.
Heat splashed between them, coating their shirts and

stomachs. Garrett's climax tore through him and his come
joined CJ's. His strength drained from his muscles as the last
drops fell from his cock. He collapsed to the side, not wanting
to smother CJ.

CJ patted Garrett's arm with a shaking hand. "How about a

nap?"

Garrett chuckled. "We should probably clean up a little first

and then we'll take a nap."

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"If you think it's a good idea." CJ seemed willing to fall

asleep on the floor.

He heaved himself to his feet and bent, offering his hand

to CJ. CJ stood and they made their way to the bathroom to
clean up. Their dirty clothes were tossed to the floor before
they crawled under the blankets. Garrett wrapped his arm
around CJ's waist, pulling his lover back toward him.
Murmured words he couldn't hear signaled CJ's drift into
sleep. Garrett contemplated getting up and taking care of
their dinner. It could wait as CJ snuggled closer. Garrett
buried his face against CJ's neck, letting his mind shut down.

* * * *

Garrett blinked, frowning a little at the feel of something

sliding down his side. Reaching down, he scratched. His
fingers slipped through warm sticky liquid. He shot upright
and stared down at his stomach.

A trail of amber liquid clung to each ridge and valley of his

muscles, pooling in his belly button before moving on to coat
his cock. Drops of the sticky stuff stuck to his nipples. He
raised his fingers and tentatively touched his tongue to the
stuff.

"Honey?"
"Yes, dear?"
He glanced up to see CJ leaning in the doorway, holding a

bottle of honey.

"Where'd you get it from?"
CJ pushed off the frame and strolled toward him, rolling

his hips in a seductive gait. Garrett was already half-hard

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when he woke up and his cock stiffened even more as he
watched the sexiest man on earth close in on him.

"I called room service and those nice people brought up a

nicely warmed bottle of honey to me." CJ bent down and
licked a line around Garrett's nipple.

"Uh," Garrett moaned, his hand stroking down CJ's back.

"Why honey?"

"Don't like chocolate, but I like honey and I wanted to lick

every inch of your body." CJ nuzzled his neck.

He shivered, letting his head roll to one side. CJ nibbled

along the tendon and Garrett moaned. He didn't protest when
CJ urged him to lie back down. Settling on his elbows, he
watched CJ kneel beside him, honey bottle in hand.

CJ circled Garrett's nipple with his tongue, swiping through

the honey covering the hard nub. Teeth scraped over his flesh
and bit. A quick flash of pain shot down his spine and his cock
twitched. CJ sucked his nipple in while wrapping a honey-
coated hand around Garrett's prick and stroked in time with
the sucking.

"Oh God."
Who knew honey could be sexy? His head fell back as his

mind slowly went blank. CJ trailed his tongue across to the
other neglected nipple. Sucking, licking and pinching went
along with CJ jacking him off. Garrett fell into a rocking
rhythm, fucking CJ's hand. He fisted his own hands into the
sheets around him. He fought the urge to take control and
push CJ's head down to his cock. He'd let CJ move at his own
pace, even if it killed him.

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CJ took his time moving down Garrett's stomach. Long

sweeping licks mixed with sharp bites. His prick leaked pre-
come, mixing with the honey to ease the friction of CJ's
pumping. He set his heels against the bed and thrust into his
lover's grip.

"Taste me, CJ. Please," he pleaded, not caring how needy

he sounded. He wanted to feel CJ's mouth taking him in and
swallowing him down.

Easing up from the soft crease where Garrett's hip and leg

came together, CJ smiled down at him. "I bet you taste
marvelous. All sweet and salty."

He propped his upper body up by his elbows and stared as

CJ dragged a finger through the honey and pre-come coating
Garrett's shaft, collecting a dollop. Garrett groaned as CJ
sucked the liquid off his finger with a moan.

CJ pushed Garrett's thighs apart and settled between

them. One quick kiss on the crown of his prick before CJ
swallowed the entire length down.

"Love," Garrett shouted. He arched off the mattress.
He lost control. He put his hands on CJ's head and held

him still while he started fucking that warm, wet mouth.
Surrendering to his hold, CJ relaxed and took as much as
Garrett gave him. Shudders rocked Garrett. CJ's moans
caused vibrations to dance along the length of Garrett's shaft.

C.J sucked and licked, seeming determined to get every

drop of honey off. All the while he drove Garrett out of his
mind. CJ inched his free hand under Garrett's ass and ran the
tip over Garrett's hole.

"Uh..." Garrett's voice emerged as a whimper.

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He tilted his hips, offering easier access and CJ accepted.

As CJ pressed in, Garrett let his head drop back and bit his
lip. He relished the burn of his muscles stretching to
accommodate CJ's finger. CJ pulled out and thrust two fingers
in.

Sparks flew behind his eyelids when CJ's fingers nailed

Garrett's prostate. He surged up into CJ's mouth. CJ swirled
his tongue around Garrett's shaft, teasing the slit in the
crown. Every nerve ending in Garrett's body fired and he
exploded, spilling his come down CJ's throat who continued to
swallow, massaging Garrett's cock with his throat. He worked
on relaxing Garrett's ass with his fingers.

Garrett jerked one last time and melted into the bed. He

stroked a trembling hand over CJ's shoulder. CJ licked him
clean before moving up to place a kiss on Garrett's mouth.
Garrett tasted his own flavor on CJ's lips. He fisted CJ's
erection and pumped.

"How do you want me, love?"
"Just like this. I want to see your face."
He cradled CJ's cheek in his hand and smiled. "You can

look at me as much as you want."

CJ scooted over to the side of the bed, reaching for the

lube they'd placed in the drawer of the nightstand. His lover
crowed in delight and held up the tube, making him laugh.

"Give me that. Get the condom on and I'll let you fuck

me."

He caught the slick CJ tossed at him. Kneeling between his

thighs, CJ rolled the rubber on. Garrett filled the palm of his
hand with lube and set the tube to the side. He sat up,

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rubbed his hands together to warm it a little and spread it
around.

Wrapping his hands around CJ's cock, Garrett pumped the

thick shaft, coating the entire length. He squeezed as he
stroked.

"Quit teasing, Garrett." CJ pouted.
He rubbed a thumb over CJ's bottom lip. "All right. Come

and get me."

CJ pushed Garrett back, encouraging him to recline.

Garrett relaxed, letting CJ arrange his thighs over the man's
arms and ease their bodies close. CJ's flared head press
against Garrett's hole and filled him in a way nothing else
ever did.

They moved together, harder and faster with each thrust.

Soon CJ was slamming into Garrett, driving him back toward
the edge again. His legs went up onto CJ's shoulders and CJ
bent him almost in half.

"Love," he cried out as CJ's cock slid deeper than before

and nailed his gland.

He wanted to touch his own prick, but he couldn't. Garrett

braced his hands against the head board to keep from
slamming his head into the wall.

"I'm gonna come," CJ warned.
"Do it," he ordered, tightening his inner channel around

CJ's cock.

CJ's head dropped forward and he grunted, jerking with

each spurt of fluid filling his condom. Garrett's climax hit him
and his come covered their stomachs, mixing with the honey
still there. CJ collapsed on top of him, driving what little

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breath he had left out of his lungs. Not caring, he embraced
his lover while easing his legs to keep from cramping.

Murmuring, CJ rolled to the side, taking Garrett with him

and settling comfortably with a sigh.

"We need to clean up before we sleep."
CJ didn't open an eye. Garrett poked and prodded the

other man out of bed and into the bathroom. They washed
up. Garrett took a shower to get the junk off his chest and
cock, thanking God he didn't have a lot of hair at his groin. It
would have taken longer to scrub off the sticky mess of come
and honey out of his hair.

"Maybe honey wasn't the best thing to use, but I have to

admit you did taste good drizzled with it." CJ winked.

"Yeah, well, I'm sure I can find something to lick off you

and it'll be just as much fun as your little trick." He rinsed the
soap bubbles off.

He dried off and finished getting ready for bed. The phone

rang and CJ went to answer it. By the time he got back into
the bedroom, CJ was curled up under the covers. He joined
him and snuggled close.

"Who called?"
"James. I have a meeting with Morik tomorrow afternoon.

We have a flight leaving La Guardia at eight in the morning."

"Better get some sleep. It'll be a long day."
Garrett hoped CJ would be surprised by his racing team

tomorrow and welcomed back with open arms. He smothered
his bitter chuckle. He might create fictional characters, but he
was firmly rooted in the real world. CJ was going to lose
everything he worked so hard to gain tomorrow if he chose to

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continue being out. Garrett stared down at his sleeping lover
and wished he could direct a happy ending for CJ.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Seventeen

"Why aren't we staying at your place?" Garrett asked as CJ

opened the door to their hotel room.

CJ shrugged, tossing the key card on the desk and flopping

down on the bed.

"You do know that's not an answer."
Garrett set his luggage on the rack and sat next to him.

Rolling over on his side, CJ settled close to Garrett and rested
his hand on Garrett's thigh.

"I guess I don't think of it as my home anymore."
Garrett ran his fingers through CJ's hair. The tension in his

shoulders loosened and he relaxed, pushing the anticipation
of the Morik meeting out of his mind. He'd deal with that
when it was time.

"Where's home for you now if not in Charlotte?"
The tone of Garrett's question made CJ lift his head and

study his face. What he said next seemed to be very
important to Garrett. CJ's gaze roamed over Garrett's face,
seeing worry in the little lines bracketing his mouth.

Time to leap off the edge.
"Home for me is wherever you happen to be."
Fuck, that sounded corny like he'd been watching bad "B"

romance movies. Garrett tugged on his arm, forcing him to sit
up and face him.

"Are you sure?"
"As sure as I can be." He jumped to his feet and paced,

shoving his hand through his hair. "Look, Garrett, I've never

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been in love before, so I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel.
All I know is that I want to be with you all the time. I hate
knowing that after all this is done, you'll go back to L.A. and
I'll have to find somewhere else to live."

"But you love your house."
"It's just a place and the only good memory I have of it is

the night you had dinner with me and I kissed you."

He knelt on the bed, cradling Garrett's face in his hands.

Putting all his love in his words, he tried to convince Garrett
of his feelings.

"I love you, Garrett. I want to spend the rest of my life

getting to know you. I want to go back to L.A. with you, but
I'm not a good bet. I'm not holding my breath about Morik
giving me my ride back. I still have a lot to deal with
concerning my sexuality and people knowing about it."

Garrett opened his mouth and CJ spoke over him, not

wanting to hear Garrett say no.

"Will you be my partner, Garrett? Love and help me deal

with all of the craziness I'll be going through."

He shut up when Garrett pushed him down and braced

himself above CJ.

"Be quiet for a second, CJ. You have to let me talk or I

can't tell you how much I love you. It's only been a short time
since we've really started getting to know each other, but I
think I fell in love with you a year ago when you kissed me
and looked so desperate." He pressed a kiss to CJ's mouth
and pulled back. "I'll be your partner in everything if you let
me. Come live with me and we'll figure out what makes you

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happy. Maybe we'll get you a garage to do custom work in
like Mike."

Flipping Garrett over, CJ kissed him with all the emotion he

could muster. Happiness shot through him like fireworks in
the night sky. Things weren't going to miraculously fix
themselves just because he and Garrett declared themselves,
but he would able to deal with the rest of it knowing Garrett
would be beside him.

Rearing back, he fumbled with the buttons of Garrett's

jeans. Garrett swatted his hands away and started
unfastening the buttons himself.

"Get yourself naked, love," Garrett ordered.
CJ didn't take his eyes off Garrett as he stripped, tossing

his clothes over his shoulder, not caring where they landed.
Garrett finished undressing at the same time and they came
together with a thud. He filled his hands with Garrett's firm
ass, rocking his groin against Garrett's.

"I want you in me," he begged.
"Give me your hand."
He held it up and Garrett sucked two of his fingers in,

getting them as wet as he could.

"Start getting yourself ready. I'll dig out the rubbers and

the lube."

Lying back, CJ reached down and pressed his finger to his

opening, breeching the ring of muscles as deeply as he could
while Garrett jumped off the bed and unzipped his suitcase to
get at his shaving kit. CJ fucked himself and moaned.

"Hurry, love."

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Garrett stood by the bed, holding up a condom packet. "Do

we need this?"

"You know I'm clean, Garrett and I trust you." He arched

as he shoved two fingers into his inner passage.

"I've been tested every six months. As soon as I found out

what Rich was doing, I wouldn't fuck him without condoms
and by the end, we weren't having sex at all."

"Fine."
At the moment, he didn't want to hear about Rich. "Fuck

me, Garrett."

Garrett popped the top of the lube open and squirted some

on his palm, coating his cock with the slick. Spreading CJ's
thighs wider, he rubbed some lube into the stretched
opening.

"Good enough." CJ grabbed behind his knees and pulled

his thighs back, giving Garrett more access. "Do it now."

Garrett positioned the head of his cock at CJ's hole and

thrust forward, not stopping until he was buried deep inside.
CJ let his head drop back as he groaned, and Garrett paused.

"Are you ready?"
CJ couldn't talk, but he nodded. Yes, he wanted Garrett to

take him and mark him as his. He wasn't going to last long
from the way his balls drew up close to his body and his cock
ached.

Pulling out, Garrett waited until CJ met his eyes and he

slammed back in.

"Fuck," CJ cried, his hands fisting in the sheets under him.

"Again."

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The smooth rhythm they usually had while making love

was gone. All that was left was the primitive grunts and
groans as they rocketed toward their mutual climaxes. CJ
came first when Garrett nailed his gland hard.

"Love," he shouted, come spurting from his cock to cover

his chest and stomach.

The internal spasms of his climax drove Garrett over the

edge and he flooded CJ's channel with warm wet come. Shit,
it really did feel like Garrett was spilling the very essence of
his life into CJ. When every last drop was drained from him,
Garrett collapsed on top of him. He wrapped his arms around
Garrett and hugged him close for a moment, letting them
both catch their breath.

"Thank you," he whispered and Garrett nodded, seeming

to understand what CJ was thanking him for, even though CJ
didn't know for sure himself.

"We have time for a short nap before James gets here."

Garrett stood and made his way to the bathroom, returning
with two wash cloths.

After they cleaned up, he tossed them back toward the

other room before slipping under the blankets with CJ. They
snuggled close and drifted to sleep.

They woke up an hour later and CJ took a quick shower

before meeting up with James. They headed over to the Morik
Team headquarters. Garrett chose to stay behind.

James looked at him in the taxi. "I need you to let me do

the talking."

He opened his mouth and James held up his hand.

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"You might think talking to these people will be good for

you, but it isn't. I've done negotiations like this before. I can
get us the best deal, if you want to take it."

"Let's see what they offer before I make a decision. Maybe

I'll be pleasantly surprised."

"Good plan."
They went in and were showing up to Ron Morik's office.

Taking a deep breath, CJ opened the door.

"CJ, good to see you." Ron Morik rose, holding out his

hand and greeting CJ with a jovial grin.

CJ would be polite if it killed him. He shook the team

owner's hand, even though he would have preferred punching
the man in the face. "Mr. Morik."

He nodded toward Donald, Ron's son. There was no love

lost between the two of them. Donald resented the success CJ
had achieved. The man must have jumped up and down for
joy when he heard about the mess CJ's ex-wife had created.

"This is James Kendall, my new agent." He introduced

James.

"What happened to Brad?" Morik frowned.
He shrugged. "I found out Brad didn't have my best

interests in mind. I dissolved our contract and hired James to
insure I don't get screwed."

"Sounds like you enjoy getting screwed," Donald muttered.
CJ stiffened, but didn't reply. The best way to annoy

Donald was by not responding to his snide comments.

"What are the terms?" James set his briefcase on the table

and sat down, not waiting for permission.

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CJ followed suit. He'd been warned to stay as quiet as

possible. He could easily antagonize the Moriks with his smart
mouth and arrogant attitude. At least that was what James
told him. He didn't think he was arrogant. Over the last
several months, he'd developed a low bullshit tolerance. While
discovering who he really was and who his true friends were,
he learned he didn't like dealing with people who were
bigoted for stupid reasons and his being gay was one.

Ron stared at him. "We want you back and you'll be our

number one driver, getting the best car and crew. We'll do
everything in our power to promote you and make you the
hottest driver on the circuit."

He grunted. He'd been at the very top before and look

what happened. Morik and his sponsors left him high and dry,
floundering to find support in the storm. They were willing to
let him drown. To wipe any memory of him out of the fans'
minds, but found out they didn't have the talent to do it. So
now they needed him.

Did he need them? What did they expect him to give up?

Those were the questions he'd asked himself the night before.

"What's the catch?"
James's question echoed CJ's.
"What makes you think there's a catch?" Ron sounded

insulted, but both Moriks shifted in their chairs.

"No matter how generous an owner is, not one of them

would make an offer like that out of the goodness of their
hearts. Baseball. Football. NASCAR. Doesn't matter. You need
to ensure your investment is worthwhile." James frowned at
them. "What's the catch?"

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Ron's lawyer pushed a sheaf of papers across the table at

CJ.

Ron explained, "While you drive for us, you keep your

personal life squeaky clean. If you want to go out, we'll
provide a date for you. There can't be any controversy
surrounding you."

"Just spit out what you want to say, Morik." He glared at

the older man.

"It means you can't have any contact with Garrett Johnson

or any other person of that persuasion."

Ron's eyes were cold and calculating. They thought they

had him by the balls.

A few weeks ago, CJ would have given everything up to be

able to drive again. It was what he lived for and the only real
talent he had. His pride had been tied up in his career
because he'd been so ashamed of who he really was.

After having everything taken from him along with every

friend deserting him, he learned to be strong. Garrett showed
him that honoring his own soul was far more important than
worrying about what other people thought. He was still
working on believing that motto, but faced with the prejudice
of the Moriks, he was willing to take a stand.

"Really?"
"Yeah. You and your fag boyfriend will have to break up."

Donald leaned forward. "I want to know though. Which one of
you is the woman? Who takes it up the ass?"

CJ clenched his fists, but made no move toward Donald.

James touched his arm.

"Think before you say anything," his agent murmured.

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Pushing to his feet, CJ looked each man in the eye and

smiled.

"I went over all of the possibilities last night, James."

Harsh laughter burst from his throat. "You bastard."

Ron winced. "We have certain standards to uphold in

NASCAR, CJ. We're a family sport."

"Fuck you. NASCAR has nothing to do with your stupid

conditions. As long as I'm not caught doing anything illegal,
NASCAR can't and won't do a damn thing. This is all about
your image and narrow-minded lives."

He turned and headed toward the door. James followed

him.

"You'll never get another driving gig, CJ. We'll make sure

of that."

Donald's threat made CJ shake his head.
"I don't care, Morik. I'd rather not ever step foot on

another track than deal with bastards like you."

He walked out with a lighter step. He'd given them a

chance to show him they weren't bigots, but they'd gone out
of their way to shove their obnoxious views in his face. The
unfortunate result of him declining their offer was the rumors
they would spread.

"They're right, you know," he said to James as they waited

for the elevator.

"In what way?" James looked puzzled.
"Word of mouth will make sure no team will hire me." He

couldn't work up the anger he should feel at the unfairness of
it.

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"They can't keep you from being hired by another team.

Not even NASCAR would condone that." James handed CJ his
briefcase and dug out his phone. "I'm going to call a lawyer I
know. He's done some favors for me. He can see what sort of
policies the sport has."

"The official line will be I'm an alcoholic, a danger to

myself and everyone else on the track. I'm difficult to work
with."

CJ stepped into the elevator car, waited until James joined

him before pushing the lobby button.

"We can fight that." James sounded confident.
"Maybe, but the unofficial reason will be because I'm gay.

No one will want to risk losing sponsors or money. I broke the
'good old boys' code. There's no combating that, James.
Maybe at some point in the future, one of the owners will be
willing to risk losing money and hire me. But it isn't the right
time yet for there to be an openly gay driver on the circuit."

"What will you do? I'm willing to represent you if you want

to try and get another ride."

They walked off the elevator and went outside to flag down

a cab.

"Mike said he'd hire me for his garage, but I've been

thinking about opening my own garage."

James started to speak when his phone rang. He answered

it.

CJ gave serious thought to his own garage. He could open

it in L.A., so he wouldn't have to move away from Garrett.
Mike would be more than willing to send some customers his

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way. There were options open to him without having to hide
who he was or who he loved.

"Shit." James flipped his phone shut with a snap.
"What's wrong?"
"Kasey got in a fight with Roscoe. Everyone on the team

swears Roscoe started it, but Kasey will still be suspended by
the team for a game." James punched his briefcase. "Stupid
bastard. Can't keep his mouth shut."

"Kasey shouldn't have to act like he's doing something

wrong." CJ defended his friend.

"What?" James glared at him for a moment. "Oh hell, I

wasn't talking about Kasey. I was talking about Roscoe. The
man's jealous as hell because Kasey's taking over his spot as
star of the team. He's bitter and needs to take out his anger
on someone."

"Unfortunately, Kasey makes an easy target."
James nodded. "Yes. Kasey doesn't care what others say

about him, but when they start running their mouths about
Gram or Garrett, he gets mad."

"Can you blame him? One's his lover and the other one is

his brother. He'll do what he needs to do to protect them."

The cab pulled up in front of their hotel. CJ climbed out

and looked back.

"You need to get out to Phoenix and do some damage

control."

"Thanks. I'll call you and we'll set up an appointment to

talk about what you're going to do now."

"Talk to you later." He entered the hotel.

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Talk about his future? There really wasn't anything to talk

about. He'd made his choice. Actually he'd made it last night,
but the meeting had reinforced the decision. As he'd watched
his lover sleep, listened to his breathing and absorbed his
warmth, CJ discovered he'd never give Garrett up. He was
giving up a life-long dream for a life-long love with no
sadness in him for the choice.

"Christopher?"
His head snapped around. His father stood next to a pillar

in the lobby, looking out of place in his threadbare suit.

"Dad, what are you doing here?"
Holding out his hand, he waited to see what his dad would

do. His father shook his hand firmly.

"Brad and your mother were talking. He mentioned that

Morik was going to make you an offer."

"You want to come up to the room?" He waved a hand

toward the elevator.

"Sure."
They didn't talk as they rode up to the top floor. CJ smiled

at his father's wide-eyed gaze when they stepped off the
elevator into the penthouse suite.

"Garrett, are you decent," he called out, gesturing to his

father to sit.

"Yes. I'm packing our clothes. We have a flight to Phoenix

leaving in two hours."

Garrett walked from their bedroom, folding a shirt. His

eyes focused on CJ's dad and he stopped. CJ took his hand
and led him to his father.

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"Dad, this is my partner, Garrett Johnson. Garrett, this is

my dad."

His father paled slightly at "partner", but he shook

Garrett's hand without hesitation.

"Nice to meet you, Garrett."
"Mr. Lamont." Garrett shot CJ a puzzled look. "I'll leave

you two to talk while I finish packing."

"I guess Kasey called you." He ran a hand up and down

Garrett's arm, soothing his lover's obvious agitation.

"No. Gram called. That's why I booked us a flight to

Phoenix. I want to go and support him."

"Good idea. Gram will take care of him until you get there

and make sure nothing's happened to him." He chuckled
when Garrett punched him in the arm. "James's already
headed out there."

"Good. Nice meeting you, Mr. Lamont." Garrett went back

into the other room.

"Would you like something to drink, Dad?" CJ made his

way to the mini-bar.

"I'm fine, Christopher. Did you meet with Morik?"
He ran his hand through his hair. "Yeah, I did, but I'm not

driving for them."

"Why not?"
CJ flopped down on the chair across from the couch his

dad sat on. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
"They offered to make me their top driver and give me all the
support I needed to become the hottest driver on the circuit."

"What's the catch?" Dad's eyes narrowed.

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"I wondered the same thing. The catch was I couldn't be

gay anymore. I had to cut all ties with Garrett or any other
gay person I might run into. If I want a social life, they would
provide me with a girl." CJ laughed.

"That's not legal."
"It's not. At least not officially. The owners can add their

own clauses to the contracts."

"You told them to shove it, right?"
Staring at his father, he asked, "You're not going to tell me

I'm crazy for turning down a deal like that?"

His father shook his head. "They have no right to tell you

how to live your personal life, son."

An emotion strangely like happiness surged in him. Dad

might not understand why his only son liked guys, but he
wasn't going to turn his back on CJ.

"You're right, Dad. They can't tell me who to see.

Unfortunately, they can make it so I don't ever get hired to
drive again."

The flaring of his father's nostrils signaled his anger.
"It's not fair."
"Unless I want to knuckle under to what they think is right,

I don't have a choice." He held up his hand to stop the tirade
about to come from his father's mouth. "I'm okay with it.
Sure, I'd rather be driving. It's all I ever wanted to do, but I
can't. Not without sacrificing something that's become far
more important to me."

A glance from his father toward the other room showed he

knew what CJ was talking about.

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"Garrett's only one reason why I won't sign a contract like

that. When I got started in racing, I gave up a lot of my
integrity for what the owners could do for me. I gave them so
much of myself and they gave me nothing in return. They
threw me to the fucking wolves, Dad. I'm not willing to hide
anymore."

"What will you do now?"
"Mike would hire me, but I'm thinking about opening a

garage out in L.A. Keeps me closer to Garrett and takes me
out of the area for a while."

His father nodded. "I can see you doing that."
Having his approval meant the world to CJ. "Did you drive

here?"

"Yeah. I stopped by your house."
CJ shrugged. "I'm going to sell it. I'll be calling a moving

company and letting Betsy know in the next day or so. No
reason for me to stay around here."

"I'm proud of you, Christopher. It takes a strong man to

give up something that has defined you for most of your life.
You'll find the right path for yourself and you'll have someone
special to help see you through the change."

Garrett was in the other room, mumbling to himself and he

grinned. Dad was right. Even if their relationship didn't work
out, he would have Garrett's support and friendship.

"I better get going. Your mother is going to wonder why I

haven't checked in yet."

Surprise drifted through CJ as his father hugged him and

something settled in CJ's mind. There was no doubt he could
deal with whatever happened now.

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CJ walked his dad to the door. "Where does she think you

are?"

"I'm meeting some friends from the plant here for dinner

and spending the night before I go back home. That is the
truth. She just didn't know I was going to stop by and see
you as well."

Sadness hit him. "Will she ever accept me, Dad?"
The older Lamont shrugged. "I'm not sure, son. Your

mother loves you, but you threw her a curveball by coming
out. It's going to take awhile for her to wrap her mind around
the whole gay thing."

He couldn't force his mother to accept him and let him

back into her life. He would have to take what he could get
from his dad. Maybe someday he'd be able to introduce his
mom to Garrett and show her why he couldn't help but love
the man.

"Have a safe trip home, Dad. I'll call you later in the

week."

After his dad left, he wandered into the bedroom and

helped Garrett finish packing. Garrett's phone rang as CJ
zipped the last bag closed.

"Yeah, Sam. What's going on?"
Sam was Garrett's agent. CJ carried the bags to the door

for the bell man to collect.

"Shit."
He turned to catch Garrett stalking across the living room

to turn on the TV.

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"I have it on. Tell you what. I'll be in Phoenix in a couple of

hours. Meet me at Liverpool. We'll discuss how to deal with
this."

Garrett snapped his phone shut and hurdled it against the

wall.

"Bastard. I should have known he'd do something like

this."

"Who did what?" He'd never seen his lover this angry.
"Rich." Garrett gestured toward the TV screen.
The reporter was talking. "Richard Seymour, former lover

of movie star, Garrett Johnson, has called a press conference
this morning to tell his side of their recent break-up."

A clip of Rich popped up on the screen and CJ winced.

Garrett's ex looked terrible. Thin, pale and visibly trembling,
Rich had to have been high on something. His glassy,
bloodshot eyes were a clue.

"I chose to end my relationship with Garrett Johnson.

Though he's a great actor, no one would know by looking at
him or even talking to him that he has violent mood swings. I
finally left because I believed he'd kill me one day if I stayed."

Rich's voice was monotone. No emotion and the speech

sounded rehearsed. CJ's jaw dropped and he stared as the
reporter came back on.

"Garrett Johnson couldn't be reached for his reactions to

the accusations leveled by Seymour. Johnson's agent did
reply with this statement: 'Mr. Seymour is a very troubled
man. We hope the public will remember Mr. Johnson's
reputation before believing these lies.' Also, Mr. Johnson's

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agent said we could be expecting a personal statement from
Garrett Johnson soon."

"More damage control," CJ murmured.
Garrett turned tear-filled eyes on him. He wasn't sure if

they were tears of anger or pain. Maybe a mixture of both.

"Why would he do this, CJ? He loved me once."
He embraced his lover, crushing Garrett tight to his chest.

CJ encouraged Garrett to lay his head on his shoulder and ran
his hand through his blond curls.

"Rich did love you, Garrett. Probably still does, but he's

lost. The alcohol and drugs cloud his mind. At the moment,
the man you loved doesn't exist."

Garrett took a shuddering breath.
"It's not your fault and there's nothing you can do to help

him. The sad thing is Rich has to reach rock bottom before he
gets better. It's the only way for a person to overcome their
addiction."

CJ's stomach roiled. He had been well on his way to

becoming like Rich when Garrett rescued him in that club. He
said a silent thankful prayer that Garrett cared enough to help
him. He brushed a kiss over his lover's cheek.

"Come on, baby. We'll get to Phoenix and work something

out." He chuckled. "You Johnson boys just can't help creating
news wherever you are."

"Must be our charming personalities." Garrett gave him a

weak smile, but followed him.

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Chapter Eighteen

Garrett accepted the beer from Jess with a nod. The young

waiter set the rest of the drinks down before smiling and
leaving the group alone. They were in one of the private
rooms at Liverpool, Gram's club. He looked around the table.
Gram and Kasey were seated to Garrett's right. His brother's
eye was swollen and it would be black and blue by the
morning. Evidence of his fight with Roscoe earlier that day.

James and Sam, their respective agents, sat cross from

him. They'd been talking since they arrived. They were
discussing how they were going to work these situations to
their advantage.

Leaning against his left side, CJ whispered, "Are you

okay?"

He'd been asking himself that same question since they

arrived in Phoenix. Was he okay with the way Rich smeared
him in the press? Was he willing to excuse those slanderous
words as simply the drugs talking? Yet did the drugs explain
all the things Rich did to him in the past? The press
conference was another example of Rich craving attention
and the spotlight to the point of not caring who he hurt in the
process. Not even if that person ultimately ended up being
Rich himself.

"I don't know."
CJ accepted his honesty without pushing. Garrett took a

long drink of his beer, set the bottle down and looked at
everyone.

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"What do we do now?"
Sam settled back in the booth and gestured for James to

take the lead. The sports agent cleared his throat.

"The best thing for all of us is to hold our own press

conferences. Kasey, you'll accept responsibility for the fight."

"Now wait a minute," Frowning, Kasey protested. "I didn't

start the fight. Roscoe was shooting his mouth off about
Garrett and Gram. I don't particularly care what the jerk says
about me, but he's not going to run down my family."

"I get your problem with Roscoe. He's an asshole, but you

can't keep getting into fights with him. It doesn't look good
for you." Gram stroked a hand over Kasey's shoulder. "You
have to be above Roscoe's pettiness."

"When I say you're going to accept the responsibility, I

mean you'll say that you were wrong to get in the fight and
that you accept whatever punishment the team and the
league levels against you." James glared at Kasey until he
nodded.

"Okay. Garrett, you're doing a press conference and we'll

tell the world about Rich's drug problems. How you tried to
get him help, but the man wouldn't accept that he had an
addiction. You'll tell the reporters about the restraining order
you took out to keep you and your family safe from his
jealous rages. Regret, sadness and some guilt would be great
emotions to express during the conference. You're an actor.
Whether you feel them or not, you can act like you do."

Those emotions wouldn't be hard for Garrett to feel since

he'd been dealing with them from the moment he'd kicked
Rich out of the house. It would be the first big scandal of his

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career. Smiling grimly, he realized it probably wouldn't be the
last, especially if he had as long a career as he wanted.

"What about me?" CJ squeezed his knee while asking

James.

The sports agent gave CJ a puzzled frown. "To be honest,

I'm not sure what kind of advice I can give you. You've turned
down the best offer you're going to get from Morik. You do
have other options. I can see if other teams are interested in
you. You already know that losing your ride means you lose
your sponsors. Do you really think Morik meant those threats
about blackballing you with the other teams?"

Garrett ran his hand over his lover's back, feeling the

bumps of the man's spine beneath his T-shirt. He tried to
offer CJ some comfort.

"Ron Morik might be willing to take my refusal and move

on, but Donald will drag me through the mud. He's never
liked me. Something like this would make him jump with joy.
He's always said I've gotten more credit than I deserve." CJ's
laugh was bitter.

"So basically there will be no offers coming from any

team." James scrubbed the back of his neck. "There aren't
any options that I can see."

CJ's smile filled with a strange sort of sad happiness.

"There are options. Just none of them include me racing
again."

Silence reigned. Everyone understood how much CJ had

lost by the revelation of his orientation. In a way, Kasey,
more than any of them, could sympathize.

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"When you call the press conference, I'll announce my

retirement and if the question comes up about my ex-wife's
interview, I won't lie. I tried living the other way and it didn't
get me anything but pain and unhappiness. I might not be
able to drive, but I'll be happy."

Leaning over, CJ brushed a kiss over Garrett's lips.
"Good. Sam and I will get started calling reporters. The

press conference will be at ten tomorrow. I suggest you all go
home and get a good night's sleep. The reporters aren't going
to cut you any slack." James stood, gestured for Sam to
follow him and pulled out his phone as they walked out.

Kasey rested his head on Gram's shoulder and groaned. "I

hate press conferences."

"Then stop hitting people and you won't have to do any."

Gram stood. "I have to go check in with Bo. I'm thinking
about sending Jess up to run the L.A. club for me."

"Good idea. Jess is a good kid and he needs to get away

from here." Kasey turned to look at Garrett and CJ. "There's a
guy who used to be a customer here. Won't take no for an
answer and has been stalking Jess. Maybe getting him out of
town will help."

Gram cupped Kasey's cheek and kissed him. "I'll be back

in a little bit. Order whatever you want. If you need to eat,
there's a restaurant next door we can get take-out from."

"Thanks, love."
Garrett jumped as his phone vibrated in his pocket. He

pulled it out and checked the number. "It's Quentin. I need to
talk to him. I'll be right back."

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CJ waved at him, letting him know he'd be fine until he

returned.

"Hey, Quentin, how are things going?"
"Man, where the hell are you now?" Quentin sounded

annoyed.

"I'm in Phoenix. Did you see the circus that Rich created?"
"That's why I've been trying to get a hold of you. What the

hell was he thinking?"

He went out into the alley behind the club and propped his

body up against the wall. "I don't know what he was thinking,
Quentin. That's the problem. If I knew what he wanted out of
it, I would be able to make sense of it. Everyone tells me it's
just the drugs and alcohol. That Rich doesn't mean what he
says."

A snort assaulted his ear. "I'm keeping my opinion to

myself. Are you going to make any comments?"

"Yeah. Tomorrow at ten. Watch TV."
"Do you need me there?"
He shook his head and remembered Quentin couldn't see

him. "No. We're good."

"Who's going to be at the conference with you?"
"Kasey is taking responsibility for the fight he and Roscoe

got into yesterday. CJ is here and he'll be announcing his
retirement."

A couple burst from the club, arms wrapped around each

other and moaning. He chuckled.

"Hey, I'm going to head back inside. I'll call you tomorrow

to let you know when CJ and I will be back in L.A."

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"Good. Oh and congrats on your nomination. It's about

time you have something to show for all that goofing around
you do on movie sets," his friend teased him.

"Give Lisa a kiss for me. I'll talk to you tomorrow." He

hung up and went back in.

Garrett chuckled as he walked back into the room. Kasey

was curled up in one corner of the couch and CJ had claimed
the other corner. Both men were sound asleep. Gram joined
him in the doorway.

"It amazes me how Kasey can sleep anywhere. Must come

from all the traveling he does." Gram shook his head. "I'm
waking him up and taking him to my place. You're staying at
his condo, right?"

"When are you two moving in together?"
He followed Gram over to the couch. His brother's

boyfriend shrugged.

"We haven't talked about it. Still getting to know each

other and..." Gram looked a little guilty. "I feel like I sort of
pushed him to come out. I would have been willing to keep
our relationship quiet."

Garrett watched Gram stared at Kasey, love shining in

Gram's eyes. Reaching out, he gripped Gram's arm.

"Kasey knows that, Gram. He also knows how difficult this

is going to be. My brother has far more courage than any of
us imagined. I think he'll survive this. Ask him to move in
with you. Let him know that you appreciate him and are
ready to make a real life with him."

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Gram gave him a quick hug. "Thanks. Now take your man

home and get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be an
interesting day."

"You get some sleep as well."
Garrett and Gram led their sleepy lovers out of the club

and took them home.

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Epilogue

CJ fidgeted with the cuffs on his shirt.
"You look fine." Kasey strolled over to him and fixed his

tie.

He smiled at Kasey. "I don't look nearly as hot as you and

your brother do."

"Just don't have the right genes, I guess."
Taking a moment to collect himself, CJ met Kasey's gaze

and asked, "Am I crazy to do this?"

"For retiring or for admitting that what everyone is

thinking is true?" Kasey moved away, resting his hip against
the desk and crossing his arms.

CJ couldn't stay still. He wandered around Gram's office.

They had chosen to use the club as the site for the press
conference. It was in one of the private room that had an
outside entrance, so none of the reporters were brought
through the actual club. CJ touched the pens on the desk. He
wandered over to the couch and ran his hand over the soft
leather.

"CJ?"
He looked at Kasey. "For both, I guess."
Garrett's twin shrugged. "It's your decision, CJ, and none

of us would blame you for not speaking out. Hell, you could
say you have an alcohol problem and that when you found
out about the awful lies your ex-wife was spreading about
you, you went on a binge."

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218

Denial roared in CJ's mind. He didn't want to do that. "I

don't want to hurt Garrett and that's what would happen if I
lied."

"You wouldn't be the first to hurt him, nor the last.

Garrett's a big boy, CJ. He'd deal with it." Kasey studied him.
"My brother loves you, but he understands all the pressure
society puts on people. Not just on those who are gay. If
there is any sort of difference about you, people tend to need
a really good excuse to accept you. He wouldn't blame you."

CJ closed his eyes. Garrett wouldn't blame him if he chose

to walk away from him, but CJ would blame himself for not
having the courage to face the truth and live it.

"I don't have any options."
"Not true. There are always options. Every problem has

several solutions. Some more realistic than others, but there
you go. No one ever said we had to be happy with the choices
we're given."

Kasey went to the mini refrigerator in the corner of Gram's

office, pulled out a bottle of water and tossed it to CJ.

"Why did you decide to come out? You could have just

laughed off Roscoe's comments as jealousy. What gave you
the courage to come out when you still have a long career
ahead of you?"

Chuckling, Kasey shook his head. "It had nothing to do

with courage. I never once wanted to be a trailblazer in gay
rights. All I could think about is that I was tired of being
someone I wasn't. I wasn't willing to deny what Gram meant
to me. I'm not naïve enough to believe everyone will accept
me."

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219

CJ glanced at Kasey's black eye. "Had that point beaten

into you, huh?"

The other man touched the edge of the bruise and winked.

"Takes me a few punches to figure out some guy doesn't like
me."

"Then why do it? Why keep playing basketball when you

know that this whole gay issue isn't going to blow over any
time soon?"

"I love basketball and it's the only thing I'm good at. I

don't see why I can't play basketball and love Gram at the
same time." Kasey started to pace. "I mean, it's my life,
damn it. I have the right to do what I want with it as long as
I'm not hurting anyone."

"For what it's worth, I feel the same way." CJ gripped

Kasey's arm in his hand as the man went past him. "Don't get
worked up. You need to be calm for the reporters. James will
have my balls if you get upset."

Kasey stopped and took a deep breath. CJ handed him his

water bottle.

"I'm glad that so far you're able to have both of your loves

in your life. It wouldn't work for me. Garrett deserves a
partner he can be seen with. I don't think I could go back to
the way things used to be, Kasey. I wouldn't be happy driving
anymore if there wasn't someone waiting for me. Someone I
didn't have to think about before I kissed them."

A knock sounded on the door and Kasey headed for it.
He opened the door and the young auburn haired waiter

from last night was standing there.

"They ready for us, Jess?"

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220

"Yes, Mr. Johnson. Your brother's out there already." The

kid's smile was bright with a hint of sadness along the edges.

Turning, Kasey winked at CJ. "Let's go shake up the

news."

It was time to stop worrying about everyone else and start

living his life. By giving up racing, he lost something
important to him, but by loving Garrett, he gained someone
even more valuable to his heart and soul. CJ followed Kasey
out into the hallway. When they entered the other room, his
gaze went right to Garrett. His lover held out his hand and CJ
took it without thinking about the other people in the room.
There would be no more lies.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

221

About the Author

To learn more about T.A. Chase please visit

www.tachase.com. Send an e-mail to chase.ta@gmail.com.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

222

Look for these titles by T.A. Chase

Now Available:

Out of Bounds

Bound by Love

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

223

Can a sexy nightclub owner convince an all star basketball

player to risk it all?

Out of Bounds

Professional basketball player Kasey Johnson makes a

point of keeping his sexual preference under guard and out of
the public eye. Empty, off-season flings are all he can look
forward to until he retires. He figures his secret is safe—until
he meets Ingram Fletcher, a nightclub owner who ignites a
passionate inferno in his body.

Gram has lusted after Kasey ever since the long, tall

basketball player was traded to Phoenix a year ago. But with
Kasey's twin brother running interference, up until now
Gram's been unsure if it's safe to make a play. Then some
incidental contact in the crowded club leads to a kiss that
starts Gram wondering if a relationship is possible—now, and
beyond March Madness.

A romantic weekend together answers that question. Now

the only one remaining is if Kasey is ready make a fast break
out of his comfort zone.

Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language,

nekkid man love, creative usage of chocolate, whipped cream
and strawberries.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Out of Bounds:
"Garrett Johnson just arrived, boss."

High Line

by T. A. Chase

224

Ingram Fletcher turned from his study of the security

cameras to face his club's manager, Bo. "You know what to
do. Clear out the V.I.P. room and make sure you put Tim and
Roger in there as waiters. Cecil and Alex can be security."

He fought back the surge of anticipation rushing to his

groin. Trying to keep a casual tone in his voice, he asked,
"Did his brother come with him?"

Bo's black eyes gleamed with understanding. "Yes, he did.

The team got back from their road trip this afternoon, I
believe."

Gram grunted. "Go get everything ready."
Bo nodded with a smirk and left. Gram shook his head.

That was the problem with hiring his best friend as manager
of his club. The man knew him too well. He couldn't hide his
interest in Kasey Johnson from Bo. Moving to the control
panel, he brought up the camera covering the V.I.P. lounge.

There he was. Kasey Johnson stood head and shoulders

above the other members of his brother's party. His spiky
blond hair glowed under the dim lights. Gram knew how
Kasey's green eyes held a mischievous sparkle not many
people got to see. It was only in the presence of his twin
brother, Garrett, Kasey let his true personality show. Gram
adjusted his erection in his jeans, trying to find more room.
Something about the younger man turned Gram on to the
point where he'd have to go to his office and jerk off
sometime during the night. It'd been a while since he'd met
any man who could do that to him.

Kasey glanced around the room and Gram knew the blond

was looking for him. Every time Garrett dragged Kasey to

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225

Liverpool, Gram made it a point to go and talk to the
basketball star. He didn't know if Kasey shared his brother's
sexual preferences. Gram wouldn't push him if Kasey wasn't
ready to come out or if the man was as straight as his brother
was queer. He enjoyed their friendship while wishing he'd get
some sign of which side Kasey played on. Then maybe he
could get started fulfilling his fantasies or finding some other
gorgeous man to take Kasey's place.

Gram gave his cock a thump, hoping the pain would get it

to behave and settle down. Thank God the room was dark, so
Kasey wouldn't be able to see the hard-on tenting his jeans.
His hand scraped over his chin and he frowned. He needed a
shave. Shit. He was acting stupid. Kasey didn't care whether
he'd shaved or not, and it wasn't like he'd have to worry
about marking the guy's face up with his beard.

"Get over yourself," he muttered as he headed out of the

security office and toward the V.I.P. lounge.

Gram nodded to employees and regular customers as he

weaved his way around the dance floor and up the three
steps that raised the V.I.P. lounge above the rest of the
crowd. Cecil and Alex, the security guards, unhooked the
velvet rope and he slid in, trying not to search out Kasey.

The V.I.P. lounge at Liverpool was furnished with large

couches and low tables. The fabrics were velvet, silk and
satin. Leather trimmed chairs were scattered around as well.
There was a private bar and bartender, serving up the special
guest's favorite drinks. Usually Gram had more warning that a
V.I.P. was coming and he stocked the bar, but he knew
Garrett wouldn't hassle him. For all his flamboyant antics,

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226

Garrett Johnson was pretty down-to-earth. Maybe Kasey
helped keep his brother from getting an inflated ego. Though
Gram admitted to himself that if Garrett wasn't in a mostly
committed relationship and if Gram wasn't hung up on the
man's brother, he would have made a play for the actor a
long time ago.

There was a small, intimate dance floor in the lounge if the

clients didn't feel like heading out to the crowded one on the
lower level. He saw several of the hangers-on who followed
Garrett around, already dancing and drinking up a storm. A
voluptuous brunette wiggled up to Gram and gave him a hug.

"It's great to see you, Gram." She kissed his cheek and

winked.

"Tina. How are you?" He kissed her back while keeping a

discrete eye out for one tall blond.

"I'm fine and Kasey's in the back on the couch. Garrett

dragged him out when all he wanted to do was crash."

He flushed. Maybe he hadn't been as subtle about his

interest as he thought. "Am I that obvious?"

"No, I'm observant. You usually don't make an appearance

to greet us until later in the night when it's just us and
Garrett. I've seen you smile at Kasey. You like him." Tina's
dark eyes were serious as her whispered words reached his
ears under the driving dance music.

"Yes, I do." He didn't see the need to deny it. "But I'm not

making a move if he isn't into the scene, sweetheart. No need
to hurt either of us."

She gave him a bright grin and another smile. "I think you

might be surprised."

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by T. A. Chase

227

Frowning, he watched her walk away. What did her

comment mean? Gram didn't get a chance to think about it
before he was caught in a tight hug.

"Gram, love, I'm thrilled you came down to say hi." Garrett

smiled at him.

Unlike Kasey's smile, Garrett's was bright and practiced. It

was patently false for the most part, except this time Gram
could see it reached his eyes.

"Had to say hello to my best client." He waved a hand

around at the milling throng of people. "You're the only
person I know who can throw an impromptu party and still
manage to round up hundreds of people."

Garrett leaned in, pressing his lips to Gram's ear. "I don't

know who half of them are."

Gram pulled back, searching Garrett's face. "Do you want

me to get rid of the crashers?"

He would. He prided himself on being able to give any

client what he or she was looking for. A good time without
being bothered by fans.

Garrett shook his head, eyes gleaming. "No. Might find

someone interesting in the crowd."

Garrett's green eyes were a brighter shade than Kasey's

and more able to hide what the actor was thinking. Gram
couldn't tell if Garrett was looking or simply trying to get a
rise out of him.

"Okay. Be careful and remember, let me or Bo know if you

want the lounge cleared out."

"Will do, man." A sincere smile blossomed on Garrett's

face. "Kasey's hiding in the back."

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228

"Fuck. Have I been that fucking obvious?" He glared at

Garrett.

Garrett chuckled. "Not really. You prefer to talk to him

instead of me. Can't blame you. He's far more interesting
than I am."

"Maybe I like the fact he's a little less sure of himself,"

Gram mumbled.

Garrett brushed a kiss over Gram's cheek and murmured,

"Go talk to him. You'll have to approach him. He won't take a
chance."

"Thanks." Gram couldn't figure out why everyone was

giving him advice and hints. Was something going on he
didn't know about? He thought he'd been more subtle in his
attraction to Kasey. He hoped it hadn't caused the younger
man any embarrassment.

Making his way to the back, he grabbed a bottle of water

from Tim as the young waiter went by. Gram took a swig,
trying to wet his dry mouth. His mind raced. Should he make
a move and see how Kasey reacted, or should he keep their
relationship the same as always and not risk ruining it?

He stopped and smiled. Kasey sat, curled up in the corner

of the couch. His blond head lay on the back cushion, and the
young man was sound asleep. Kasey's body was mostly made
up of his legs. There had been more than one night Gram had
fallen asleep and dreamed about them wrapped around his
waist as he rode Kasey's tight ass. Swallowing a moan, Gram
sat down next to Kasey and placed his hand on the knee
closest to him.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

229

Two cowboys fall in love. It's as simple and as complicated as

that.

Bound by Love

Tyler Newsome is heading home to the Lazy N, tired of the

rodeo and tired of always being his charismatic twin's
shadow. It's time he gets a life of his own—and maybe the
man he's always dreamed of, too.

Ren Alston's always been attracted to Tyler, but never

made a move because of his own mental and emotional
baggage. But after years spent taming his demons and
gaining control in every aspect of his life, Ren sees the
younger man's return as a sign of good things to come.

But first, they have to deal with Tyler's twin, past

indiscretions and Ren's brothers. Will these cowboys manage
to build a strong foundation of trust and love? Or will their
problems be too much for them?

Warning: Explicit manlove. Hot naked cowboys, caramel

sauce, spanking, whipping and a new twist on the old
fashioned roll in the ray.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Bound by Love:
"Where the hell do you think you're going?"
Tyler turned to see JT glaring at him. Tyler climbed out of

the trailer, patting Gonzo on the hip as he went by.

High Line

by T. A. Chase

230

"I'm going home, JT." He closed the back end and made

his way to the truck.

"You're fucking kidding me, aren't you? You can't quit on

me."

JT grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. Tyler stared

into hazel eyes and a face he knew as well as his own. Anger
gleamed in those eyes.

"I don't want to do this anymore, JT. I'm going home to

help Dad with the ranch." Tyler met his twin's gaze.

"So you're the good son. Going home to bury yourself at

that God-forsaken ranch. What happened to all that talk
about getting away from that podunk town?" JT's chin jutted
out.

"It has nothing to do with being a good son. Dad doesn't

care about that stuff." He tugged off his hat and shoved his
fingers through his hair. "JT, I'm tired. I'm not as good as
you. It's time for me to admit that and let some other kid get
his chance. Besides, you don't need me."

JT shrugged. "True."
His tone was casual, but it didn't hide JT's nervousness.

Tyler knew his brother wasn't sure how he'd handle dealing
with situations on his own. Tyler usually dealt with the entry
fees, the horses and the bills while JT took the praise.

"Why are you taking Gonzo?"
"You hate that horse and he'd never work for you. I

figured you'd be hooking up with that blond calf roper. Bitsy
can ride with his horse." He settled his hat back on and held
out a hand. "I'll see you when you come home at the end of
the season."

High Line

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231

"I know why you're really going back home, Tyler."
JT's smug comment made Tyler want to punch the man.
"If you hook up with him, you're always going to wonder if

he's fucking you because you look like me."

"Bastard."
Tyler climbed into the cab, ignoring JT. He should have

known his brother wouldn't accept his leaving gracefully. He
flung his hat upside down on the backseat and sighed. The
decision to quit the rodeo hadn't been easy, but after another
conversation with Dad, he'd realized his heart was back at the
Lazy N.

After starting the truck, he eased out of the fairgrounds.

He'd left early enough to make it home in fourteen hours with
a few stops along the way. He dialed his father's cell phone.

"Newsome."
"Hey, Dad."
"Ty. You coming home?"
His father's gruff voice made him smile.
"Just left the fairgrounds." He accelerated onto the

highway. "I should be home late tonight."

"Good. I'll leave the lights on." A pause. "How'd JT take

it?"

"He's pissed. Probably would have loved to punch me, but

I didn't give him a chance to do it." He grimaced.

"I'll be expecting a call from him." Dad sighed. "He'll get

over it, son. You've always been there for him. You gave up a
lot to make JT happy, but it's time for you to find what makes
you happy."

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by T. A. Chase

232

"What if what makes me happy is something you might not

like?"

Shit. He'd never felt the urge to mention it to his father

that he was gay before this. So why now? Cutting the ties
with JT must have made him worried about losing his dad as
well.

"Ty, you're my son. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, will

ever change that fact." Dad's voice was strong and sure.

The words and tone warmed Tyler. Dad just might mean it.

"I have something to talk to you about when I get home."

"That's fine. Drive careful and I'll see you when you get

here."

Hanging up, he set the phone in the cup holder. He set the

cruise and settled back, happy to be heading home.

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

233

Immovable object? Meet the irresistible force.

Collision Course

Paramedic Aaron Chase doesn't have anything against

love. It just comes with a lot of responsibility, like when he
had to raise his sister and brothers after their drug-addicted
mom took off for good. Now that the last one is off to college,
Aaron's anticipating enjoying life on his own terms. He
certainly wasn't expecting Joey Miller to accidentally drop into
his life.

Joey's sexy, funny and annoyingly optimistic, and his

tendency to get into trouble keeps sending him Aaron's way.
Even the fact that Joey works for the hated social work
system isn't reason enough to keep him out of Aaron's bed.

Joey knows all about love. He's fallen in it ten times—he

thinks. It's not that he can't tell the difference between sex
and love. All that experience has to count for something,
right? With Aaron it's different. Maybe because there's
something to fight for.

This time Joey's fallen for good. He's not going to let

number eleven get away.

Warning: This love story may overheat readers or the

devices used to read it. Explicit male/male sex scenes
involving extra penetration, toys, and spanking.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Collision Course:

High Line

by T. A. Chase

234

They passed a dark storefront, deep inset door, and Aaron

grabbed Joey's hand, pulling him off the street. "What about
here?"

Joey leaned back against the opposite wall and shrugged

again. "Go ahead." His fingers undid the top button on his
jeans.

Aaron almost called his bluff—certain it was a bluff—even

taking last night into consideration, Joey didn't seem like the
type for public sex. And this was too public even for Aaron.
Especially considering that anyone from the bar might walk
past and see him on his knees which—no.

"C'mon." He pulled Joey onto the sidewalk again. Another

block and the bike gleamed even in the humid night. "Ever
ridden before?"

"Yes." Joey's voice was soft.
"Do not make me put my bike down."
"I won't. I have—Shit, a Ducati Sport Classic?"
Joey's voice had the proper reverence. So what if even

used the bike had cost more than any car Aaron'd had to take
the kids to doctor's appointments. The fucker was gorgeous
and Aaron knew it. And so did Joey.

He unlocked the back case, took out his helmet and a

towel, and began to wipe down the seat. Joey was still
staring.

"It won't bite." Aaron picked up his helmet.
"God, I'd love to, but you only have one helmet."
"No law in Florida." He tossed Joey the helmet and

straddled the bike.

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235

Joey pulled the helmet on and climbed behind him, easy,

settled. Aaron snuck a backward glance. Joey's hands rested
on his thighs, relaxed. After tightening the band holding his
hair off his face, Aaron started the bike.

"Are you sure you don't need the helmet?"
"You promise not to dump us and we'll be fine," Aaron

yelled back. "Besides, if my brains go splat the kids get lots of
insurance money."

"Kids?"
Aaron laughed at the shock in Joey's voice as they roared

away from the curb. He was cautious on the first corner, but
Joey leaned with him and the bike, not fighting it at all. He
took the next one faster. Smooth sway, Joey following the
lean like he was part of the bike. They stopped at a light. Four
minutes, and they'd be on his bed and fucking, but he wanted
to keep sharing this with Joey. The kids hadn't liked to ride,
even Dylan at his most rebellious never tried to steal the old
bike Aaron'd had then. Tonight he might eat some bugs
without the face shield, but ... He cranked his head around.
"Want to ride some more?"

"Yeah."
The bed would be there when they got there. Reaching

back for Joey's hand, Aaron slid it around his waist. "Hold on."

Joey wrapped both his arms around Aaron, under his

jacket, a band of hard heat against the thin cotton of his T-
shirt. The bike flew up the ramp, and Aaron took them over
the river, Joey's wow just audible over the wind in his ears.
Jax was pretty at night, the bridges that crisscrossed the St.
John's lit up with yellow, blue and purple lights. Dark hid the

High Line

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236

poor parts, the rundown industrial sections, the graffitied,
trashed parks.

Aaron zipped up Route 17, gunning the bike through the

curves along the inlet, Joey pressed hot and tight to his back.
It might as well have been public sex, the buzz of the bike on
his balls, five feet seven inches of hot man draped over his
back, teasing fingers stroking from his nipples to his navel on
the straightaways. Aaron wasn't the only one hard when he
turned off down a side road into the state park. The dick
poking his back was substantial enough to be out of
proportion on Joey's frame. Sue him, Aaron had been more
interested in the heat of that ass and mouth last night.

After Aaron kicked the stand down, Joey swung off,

stepping away into the dunes. With cloud cover, it was dark
enough out here that after a few seconds Joey was almost
invisible, even with his Tweety Bird hair.

Aaron followed. Joey stopped and flashed white teeth as he

smiled. "Here?"

"I'm not too big on sand rash. I'll take you back to my

bed."

Joey was smiling as if he knew something Aaron didn't.

Snagging the belt loop of his jeans, Joey tugged him close
again. "Really want to wait?"

Aaron did. He wanted Joey in his bed, stretched out so he

could get at every bit of skin, drag those husky moans out of
his throat, fall asleep to the smell of sex and sweat on Joey's
warm skin, wake up and bury his morning hard-on back in
Joey's tight ass.

High Line

by T. A. Chase

237

But Joey's hand was already skimming the front of Aaron's

jeans, stroking him through the denim, and there was no way
he could make it back to South Jacksonville without getting
off first. Especially not when Joey increased the pressure
before popping open Aaron's fly. Despite the wind on the long
ride, Joey's hand was hot when it latched onto Aaron's dick,
milking a drop of precome from the tip to slick the way back
down to his balls. Aaron tipped his head back and let Joey
work him for a minute, anticipation tingling through every
nerve. Joey's hand was hard-edged and rough, maybe from
surfing since he sure as hell didn't get those calluses fucking
up people's lives with social-service paperwork. The calloused
thumb worked over the head before Joey jacked him, quick,
strong tugs that had Aaron rocking his hips.

He wanted Joey's mouth again, but last night had been

about taking. Tonight he wanted Joey to give it. He leaned in
and kissed him, savoring the textures of Joey's mouth, the
rasp on the top, the glide on the bottom and the flick of the
metal bar. When Aaron lifted his head, Joey gave a half smile
and dropped smoothly to his knees on the grassy sand.

As Joey took the tip of Aaron's dick between slick lips,

Aaron met his dark gaze and whispered, "I'll do you so good
when we get back, swear it. Eat you 'til you come."

[Back to Table of Contents]

High Line

by T. A. Chase

238

Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

It's all about the story...

Action/Adventure

Fantasy

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High Line

by T. A. Chase

239

Young Adult

www.samhainpublishing.com

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