By My Side

by Grant C. Holland

Yale said, “And so do you. So many nights when we were hanging out together, I just wanted to reach out and feel your package. Is that crazy to feel that way? I’m sure I came really close to just doing it more than once when we were sitting next to each other in movie theaters.”

  “It’s called lust and desire, Yale, and I hope we never lose it.”

  “At least for another forty years,” said Yale.

  Derek closed his eyes for a moment calculating in his head. “You’ll be 84 and I’ll be 85. I hope we’re still doing it even if we’re in a nursing home together. I’m sure you’ll still be the sexiest old guy around.”

  Yale laughed and said, “Why don’t we just stick with here and now? I don’t need to think too hard about that.”

  “I guess we should think about getting up and taking a quick shower before we go to sleep,” said Derek.

  “Not before I get another kiss.”

  “Only one,” asked Derek?

  “One will never be enough and you know that. We’ll never be able to get enough kissing. I remember one time you told me kissing was even better than sex, Derek.”

  “That was before I had sex with you. Now I would say they are tied.”

  Yale asked, “Did you like makeup sex?”

  “With you, I like any sex.”

  “Then shut up and kiss me.” They pressed their lips together and wrapped up in each other’s arms. As Yale closed his eyes surrendering himself to the sensation of his lips and tongue tangling with Derek’s, he was certain that he felt the warmth of a ray of sunshine breaking through the dark clouds that formerly hung over his head.

  Epilogue - Yale

  At Yale’s direction, the bookstore closed for two weeks while work was completed to make it a centerpiece of downtown businesses in Catlett’s Cove. The walls throughout the entire store were repainted. Yale personally handled every single book and weeded out old stock. He donated items that he thought would be unlikely to sell. The public library accepted them for their massive annual book sale.

  Instead of setting up a full cafe, Yale and Derek made the decision to put together a beverage service to the right of the entrance. Customers would most often have the choice of coffee, iced tea or lemonade. The drinks were available for free throughout the day.

  Once the renovation and updating work was finished, Yale scheduled a grand reopening for Undercover. It took place on a Saturday morning, and it was well attended by people from throughout Catlett’s Cove and beyond.

  Thomas and Hadley brought Hadley’s Aunt Mae. Thomas was eager to talk about the new veterinarian he just hired for his expanded practice. He shared details on the young man who would soon be moving to town.

  Aunt Mae made it clear that she intended to buy all of the books Derek had for sale, and she planned to have a standing order on all of his books in the future. Derek’s work was featured in the bookstore as part of a local author’s display. After long consideration, he chose to include books under both of his pen names, the thrillers and the romances.

  Jess stopped in with her new boyfriend. He had a grizzled, wrinkled face, but it was obvious that he was still in good shape physically. Yale offered his hand in greeting, but he received a strong, tight hug instead. Yale said, “I am so happy for you, Jess.” Then he looked closely at the man at her side and said, “You make sure you take good care of her. She has taken care of me on multiple occasions.” He added, “I’m also sorry to say that I think the reopening spells the end to my shifts at the diner.”

  Jess gave him a good-natured poke. She said, “It will be a struggle, Yale, but I think we will figure out some way to get along without you.”

  Yale said, “The real question is whether or not I can get along without your pie.”

  Aaron arrived with a small entourage. He brought along both Christy and Sylvia. That was no surprise to any of his friends, but they were pleasantly surprised that he also brought Jamie. Everyone commented about how good they looked together as a couple, and Jamie said it was wonderful to be away from the city and breathing clean, fresh air. Just a few short minutes after they arrived, Aaron and Jamie were already off in a corner of the store holding hands and making eyes at each other.

  Finally, Derek’s mother, Stella Bradshaw, made an appearance. She explained that her husband was working out of town and could not come to the event, but she said that there was no way that she would miss it. She congratulated Yale on the stellar work undertaken for the future of the bookstore. She said, “If this old place has any chance at being profitable, it looks like you are the man to lead it there.”

  Then she took a long look at the display of books by local authors. She crooked a finger in Derek’s direction. He excused himself from a small group of well-wishers. As he stepped to her side, she wrapped an arm around his waist and said, “When I look at your books for sale like this, Derek, I am beyond coming up with words to adequately express my sense of pride.”

  He beamed and said, “Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate that.”

  She added, “I don’t recall anyone in the family who has been a successful author before. You’ve added a unique leaf to the Bradshaw family tree.” She embraced her son once again, and he felt a tear form in the corner of his eye.

  By mid-afternoon, the crowd began to thin. The cookie supply was depleted, and the only beverage left was a half gallon of lemonade. Derek walked up to Yale with a broad smile on his face. He said, “Well, I hope you’re pleased. You ruined your streak.”

  Yale tilted his head to the right with the question written across his face. He asked, “Streak?”

  “Of failures,” said Derek. “This has to be counted as a success. No matter where Undercover goes in the future, the re-opening is an unmitigated success.”

  Yale laughed softly. He said, “There’s one more real success that you shouldn’t forget while you are tallying things up.”

  “What’s that?” asked Derek. “Is there something I’ve forgotten?”

  “Our relationship,” said Yale. “It’s the biggest success of all.”

  * * *

  Thank you for reading By My Side! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it for you.

  If you would like to hear about all of my upcoming and new releases as well as receive free stories and recommendations, just click below to join my mailing list.

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  Also by Grant C. Holland

  The Practice: A Catlett’s Cove Novel

  Pet Shop Charlie

  The Flawless Mr. Faraday

  Yukon Sam

  The Practice: Catlett’s Cove Book 1

  Reviews

  “This book was very well written. This book shows that no matter what gender you are that relationships are still works in progress for a couple to be together.”

  “The characters are well-developed and realistic, and the story-line was heart-warming. I like stories where the characters face challenges, but find a way to overcome their differences and fears together, to find common ground and true love. When the going gets tough, the tough come together, rather than taking the easy way out or running away.”

  “Beautifully written. This story takes you through the lives of a proud gay man and a man who doesn't know what he is yet. Sweet and heartfelt story.

  “Do you think you deserve to have it all, everything that you need, right here in Catlett’s Cove?”

  Thomas Randall has dreamed of taking over the veterinary practice of his mentor Dr. Benton from the day Dr. Benton saved his family’s golden retriever after it was hit by a car when Thomas was only eight years old. Now Dr. Benton is retiring and Thomas has just earned his veterinary degree. It seems like a perfect time to return home.

  Thomas only has one major concern. Catlett’s Cove is a small town, and he is skeptical about whether he can find a man to love. Then he meets Hadley Rogers who
brings in a pregnant dog injured on the road.

  Hadley Rogers loves to work with his hands, on houses, cars, and landscapes. And he is supposed to be straight. Until he meets Thomas. He’s been attracted to men since age fifteen, but he’s never kissed one…until now.

  Hadley cares for his great aunt Mae, the only close family he has left. His family was always a proud one where the men were men and the women were women. Now Hadley is worried that his attraction to Thomas will upset the careful balance of his life. Not to mention disruptions caused by a rescued dog and her puppies.

  The Practice is a 50,000 word first time gay novel. It has no cliffhangers and has a happily ever after ending with steamy scenes.

  Pet Shop Charlie: Eagle’s Glen Book 1

  Reviews

  “Why are stories with animals more endearing? Don't know but just so you know, this book didn't need the help of animals. This book wraps you up like a cozy blanket and warms your heart by itself.”

  “If you don't continue reading the series set in this town by this author, you really won't understand the beautiful painting of small-town romance accomplished.”

  “This read was as adorable as the puppy on the cover. I felt like I got a true feeling of Eagle’s Glen and what it would be like to live in such a town (which I wouldn't mind spending some time in).”

  * * *

  “It’s over...forever...and you will never see me again!”

  Fleeing New York, the east coast, and anything that reminds him of the ashes of his marriage to Andrew, millionaire Jeremiah runs out of gas on a rural road in southern Minnesota. While contemplating his fate, he’s greeted by someone else down on his luck, an abandoned dog who greets him with a wet tongue and cold nose.

  “I took over the pet shop from my dad, and ever since everyone just calls me Pet Shop Charlie.”

  Charlie is headed back to town after dropping off a Siamese cat to his owners as part of his volunteer work for the emergency clinic. After pulling over to ask if Jeremiah needs help, Charlie gives them both temporary shelter.

  “In the end, the city mouse and the country mouse really didn’t get along.”

  The chemistry between Charlie and Jeremiah is unmistakable, but will their personal differences and a jealous ex be enough to keep them apart?

  Pet Shop Charlie is a 30,000 word romance novella with a happily ever after ending.

  * * *

  Read Pet Shop Charlie

  The Flawless Mr. Faraday: Eagle’s Glen Book 2

  Reviews

  “The characters were made for each other and the story line was spellbinding. I could not put this book down until I finished it.”

  “What I liked most is the slow build up to Adam and Geoffrey coming together. It's almost old fashioned in a sense and the slow pace helped me focus on their personalities and quirks. There is just a bit of heat but not so overwhelming that it takes over the story. More romance than anything, much…sexier.”

  “I love how the author shows that small town living can be just as fun and interesting as big city living. i can't wait to see what Mr. Holland gives us next.”

  * * *

  An intriguing stranger appears, and the fire of romance is lit in the small town of Eagle's Glen.

  Adam Cline lives above "The Beguiling Bean" - Eagle's Glen's popular coffee shop. His meticulous dedication to detail has made him a "go to" copy editor; detail and structure are his strengths. His self-imposed isolation prevents distraction, but an impending sense of something amiss might soon interrupt his efforts to control his personal world.

  Geoffrey Faraday is the proverbial enigma wrapped in a riddle, appearing on the same time, on the same day in Eagle's Glen, every two weeks. He has a keen interest in Eagle's Glen's history, as well as the characters who walk her streets. A chance encounter as he explores the colorful past of the Beguiling Bean's basement throws his exploration and Adam's controlled environment into uncharted waters.

  Geoffrey's attraction to Adam goes far beyond mere physical appeal. Tentative steps toward one another lead to mutual desire. But when the relationship threatens to disrupt Adam's structure, he panics, and Geoffrey reveals unexpected secrets.

  Will love and the nurturing network of Eagle's Glen be enough to keep them together?

  The Flawless Mr. Faraday is a 45,000 word novel set in the world of Eagle’s Glen, but readable as a standalone. It has steamy scenes and a happily ever after ending.

  * * *

  Read The Flawless Mr. Faraday

  Yukon Sam: Eagle’s Glen Book 3

  Reviews

  “This is a great story. Friends are truly friends and this story proves a dog’s love can make the worst days better. Sweet and emotional. A truly lovely story.”

  “Great Character development. A dream to read.”

  “Matt and Ryan are captivating characters that keep you reading.”

  * * *

  After weeks of searching, Charlie finally tracks down the original owners of the dog he and his partner Jeremiah called Rollins. Before saying goodbye to the dog that brought them together as a couple, they ask to hear the story of Rollins' earlier days when he was called Yukon Sam.

  Matt and Ryan feel like outsiders in their little midwestern town. The gay population of Eagle's Glen is small and nearly invisible. They both have reasons for keeping their own orientations quiet. When they first encounter each other as young men hanging out in a small-town bar with small groups of friends...the recognition is instant. Not only do they set off each other's sense of the presence of another gay man, but they also bond as fellow outsiders.

  A romance blossoms, and an ugly family quarrel puts Ryan on the street. With the help of Matt's supportive sister, Pam, the pair find a small house to rent, and she offers them an energetic white dog, soon named Yukon Sam, as a sign of her belief in their love.

  Is this the little slice of paradise that Matt and Ryan hope to carve out for their future?

  And how did Matt and Ryan lose Yukon Sam, only to find him in the care of another couple that he brought together?

  Yukon Sam is a 50,000 word first time gay novel. Although it features characters from both Pet Shop Charlie and The Flawless Mr. Faraday. it can easily be read as a standalone and has no cliffhangers. There are steamy scenes and a happily ever after ending.

  * * *

  Read Yukon Sam

  About the Author

  Grant C. Holland is an author of gay romance. He lives in the upper Midwest enjoying friends, family, great food, and putting stories with happy endings into writing. This is Grant’s fifth book.

  grantcholland

  grantchollandbooks@gmail.com