Under the Covers

by K. C. Wells

  Teresa picked up her mic. “I agree completely. I want to show you a cover from a book we published about five years ago.” She gave Chris a tiny nod, and he clicked. The cover was a dark brown background, and in the foreground was a male back shown from the shoulders to the ass, which took up the bottom half of the frame. “We had this book on our table at a bookfair, and you would be astonished by the number of people who stopped there just to stroke that ass.” Loud laughter greeted her comment, and Teresa nodded. “I’m serious. People would stop at that book and lovingly run their hand over it. The cover invited it. And that was one of our best sellers that year.”

  Ann Tremont took up her mic. “In the past, we published a lot of historical romance, and until recently, we’ve gone with the painted covers. But what we’re finding now is a move away from the male character holding the female. These days the cover is more likely to contain just the female character, in all kinds of guises. Our readers are more interested in strong females.” There were murmurs and nods of agreement from the audience.

  Teresa smiled. “My company publishes gay romance, and we’re seeing a move away from two guys on the cover to just one. For a while now, it feels like every author has been down the bare-chest-and-six-pack route, but we’re starting to see covers that make us think, that pull strong emotions from us—not just lust,” she joked, rolling her eyes. That got the audience laughing.

  Chris clicked the mouse and revealed a cover with two men facing each other, one clearly older than the other. “Look at this one. No six-packs. No bare chests. But this cover has drawn a huge response from readers. Anyone want to tell me why they think that is?”

  A woman two rows from the front raised her hand, and a mic was rushed over to her. “It’s their expressions. The way he’s looking at that younger guy like he is completely besotted with him. I wish someone would look at me like that.”

  Chris nodded. “I took this photo. The two models are actually in a relationship. Now look at this one.” It was a Christmas scene, judging by the tree in the corner. Two men sat on a rug in front of a roaring fire, gazing at each other. “What strikes you about this one?”

  Another woman raised her hand. “Just looking at them, you know they’re in love. It… shines out of them.”

  Chris smiled. “This photo was taken by a friend of mine, another photographer in New York. The two models are just friends, but the author who commissioned the photo shoot was very specific. She wanted them to look at each other like this. Luckily for her, they followed instructions.” A ripple of chuckles made its way through the room.

  For the remainder of the time, Chris and the publishers showed examples of what made for good covers—and bad ones. When ten minutes remained, Kirstin invited questions from the audience, and Jase wasn’t surprised to find some of them were for him.

  “Have you ever been on a book cover and regretted it?”

  Jase grinned. “There was that one time when a photographer wanted me to have a porcupine on my knee.” He winced. “That was for a shifter book, apparently. Me? I wanted to ask if he’d ever heard of Photoshop.” Snickers erupted at his comment.

  “Do you prefer doing covers for gay romances or het romances?”

  He smiled. “I like both. Like I always say, love is love. Maybe there’ll come a day when both types of books will be side by side on a shelf in the Romance section.”

  The murmurs of approval gladdened his heart. I’m not the only one who thinks like that.

  “I have a question for all the publishers.” A woman rose to her feet, taking the mic offered her. “When are we going to see more diversity on book covers?”

  A hush fell over the audience, and Jase’s scalp prickled. Teresa took the mic. “That’s an excellent question.” She sighed. “It’s my belief that times are changing. Just look at the books for young adults and new adults if you want to see our future. There, you’ll find characters who are all shades of the LGBTQ plus spectrum, people of color, those with mobility issues, mental health conditions, characters who are nonbinary, pansexual, asexual…. The days of all characters being cis white men and women are past.” She paused before adding, “At least they should be.” A burst of applause came from near the front.

  Chris picked up his mic. “You are the end consumers. If you want to see something on your book covers, then do something. Say something. Make your voices heard.”

  When the panel drew to a close, Kirstin thanked the audience for their participation, then turned to Chris. “Thanks for that last response, by the way. Readers always fail to understand how much power they wield. Social media is proof of that.” She held out a hand to Jase. “Thank you for coming along and answering questions.”

  “It was a pleasure.”

  “I look forward to seeing you on our book covers in the future.” And with that, she walked over to thank the other panelists.

  Chris turned to Jase. “And now you and I are going to go up to our rooms and get ready for some sightseeing. Viva Las Vegas, and all that.”

  Jase snickered. “I suppose I should be grateful you didn’t do an Elvis impression when you said that last bit.”

  Chris’s eyes twinkled. “I was saving that for later.”

  Jase could never resist a guy with a sense of humor. “And speaking of later….”

  Chris’s pupils enlarged. “When we get back. You know it.” His voice had a raw edge to it that was all kinds of sexy. He cleared his throat. “Let’s enjoy an evening in Vegas. Just the two of us.”

  “Don’t you have something important to do before we go out?” When Chris gave him a puzzled glance, Jase chuckled. “I’m beginning to think I’ve scrambled your brain. Don’t you have a phone call to make? To New York?”

  Chris’s eyes widened, and he reached into his pocket for his phone. “Go get ready. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

  As Jase walked to the door, it began to sink in just how important this evening was to him. The following day was due to be a busy one from beginning to end, and Chris would doubtless be exhausted by the time it was over. And as for Sunday, he had no idea when Chris was due to fly home.

  That leaves tonight. He wanted it to be more than just sex. That was a given, judging by the way Chris had gazed at him earlier, but Jase wanted more than one night. If he was ever going to say something, to give Chris some indication of how Jase felt about him, it would have to be that evening. Because if he let this pass by, he might never have the chance again.

  Jase wasn’t one for prayers, but the situation certainly called for them.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “SO what did Shane say?”

  Chris beamed. “He really liked the idea. I’ve still got to wait a week or so before he finalizes the list, but I’m quietly hopeful. And it’s all down to you.”

  Jase buffed his nails on his shirt. “What can I say? I’m a genius.” Just then, the shuttle bus pulled into a stop near Caesars Palace, and Jase peered out. “Want to tell me what you have planned for us? Because I’m pretty sure you have a whole itinerary worked out, don’t you?”

  Chris had to laugh. “Damn. You really are getting to know me.” He’d thought long and hard about where to take Jase to give him a real taste of Vegas. Chris didn’t want to go down all the usual tourist routes, and he’d come up with a few stops that he felt sure would be perfect for Jase.

  The final stop had been a foregone conclusion, however, and Chris had a lot riding on that one. I hope to God this goes the way I want it to. Because after all the time they’d spent together, the way they’d interacted, not to mention the sexual tension that had threatened to overwhelm both of them just a few hours earlier, Chris was sure of one thing.

  He and Jase were perfect for each other. Now all he had to do was make sure Jase knew that too.

  “This might be a good time to ask if you’re okay with heights.”

  Jase blinked. “Heights? Well, I guess that depends on how high we’re talking. I mean, I don’t get dizzy looking out
of the windows at the hotel.” He narrowed his gaze. “Just what are you up to?”

  Chris chuckled. “You’ll find out. But for now, I remembered what you said about looking inside a ‘real’ casino.” He inclined his head toward the impressive building behind them. “How about here?”

  Jase widened his eyes. “Caesars Palace? Hell yeah.”

  “Then let’s get going.” Chris led the way into the casino, anticipating Jase’s awed comments once they got inside.

  He didn’t have to wait long. Jase took one look at the ornate surroundings and his jaw dropped. “This is a casino?”

  Chris could understand that reaction. Caesars Palace lived up to its name, with intricately carved painted ceilings, marble columns, and majestic, sweeping arches. The continuous noise of the slots machines was a tad incongruous, granted, but it could be dismissed.

  Jase craned his neck to stare up at one of the statues. “This is beautiful.” Two Roman statues stood on columns, apparently supporting the upper floor on their heads.

  “This place has something I’ve never seen anywhere else.” Chris guided Jase to the base of the column, where a long curved structure rose into the air.

  Jase stared at it, frowning; then his eyes widened. “It’s a curved escalator.”

  “Awesome, isn’t it? And it’s more a moving curved staircase than anything else.” A second escalator was above it, going to another floor.

  Jase grinned. “I gotta try it out.” And before Chris could say a word, he launched himself onto it, turning around to smile broadly at Chris.

  “You big kid,” Chris called out to him before getting on it himself.

  Jase was gazing down at the space below. “Just look at that. They’ve even got that Roman design incorporated into the floor mosaic. And the lights! Oh my God, there are lights everywhere.”

  Chris pointed to the upper malls. “It’s not just a casino. There are shops here too.” Daylight spilled in through the domed glass ceiling, and through the numerous arches were galleries, clothing shops, and gift stores.

  Jase sighed. “This is awesome. And it’s only our first stop. How are you gonna top this?”

  Chris was more than ready for that. “Have you ever wanted to visit Venice?”

  Jase snorted. “Sure. But unless a publishing company wants to fly me there for a photo shoot, it’s not going to happen.”

  Chris beamed. “Then allow me to bring Venice to you.”

  Jase arched his eyebrows. “And I suppose it has gondolas too?”

  “O ye of little faith.”

  He couldn’t wait to see Jase’s face.

  JASE knew it was evening. Hell, it couldn’t be that far off sunset—which only reminded him that he was hungry—but there he was, standing next to a goddamn Venetian canal in broad daylight. Okay, so he knew the blue sky and fluffy white clouds were painted on the curved ceiling high above their heads, and the light was artificial, but it truly felt like daytime. On every rooftop, set several feet apart, were Italian statues. The water flowing beside them was a gorgeous turquoise, and yep, there were gondolas, poling tranquilly along.

  Little Venice was also one of the most romantic places he’d ever seen.

  A huge central fountain stood in the middle of a piazza, surrounded by slender colonnades and topped with a circle of marble. Couples gazed into its tumbling waters, throwing coins as they made their wishes. Jase fished in the pockets of his jeans for any loose change.

  “You want to make a wish?” Chris asked him, his eyes sparkling with humor.

  Jase rolled his eyes. “When in Rome—well, Venice….” He smiled. “Oh, come on. You gotta make a wish. It’s the law.” He held up a quarter triumphantly.

  Chris snickered. “That’s better than a cent, I suppose.” He shook his head as he dove into his pocket. “You believe in such things?”

  Right then, Jase would believe in anything if it brought him what he really wanted—Chris. “No harm in making a wish, right?” He walked over to the fountain, held out his silvered coin, and closed his eyes, trying to form his wish in his head. These things had to be done right.

  Chris’s hand was on his back, his touch light. “No harm at all,” he said quietly.

  Jase seized his courage and opened his heart to those unseen forces that watched over those who made wishes. Let Chris feel for me the way I feel for him. He opened his eyes and tossed the coin into the swirling water, where it joined others, so many wishes, so many dreams, glittering in the fountain’s lights.

  “My turn.” Chris closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and threw his coin into the fountain. His hand was still resting on Jase’s back as he leaned in and whispered, “May all our wishes come true.”

  The intimacy of the moment filled Jase with hope. Then a passerby bumped into him, jolting him, and the moment was gone. He gave Chris a hopeful smile. “Is it nearly time for dinner?”

  Chris laughed. “That’s not such a good idea, especially with what comes next. I tell you what, we’ll eat after the next part.”

  “But what is the next part?”

  Chris’s eyes gleamed. “Remember I asked if you were okay with heights? Well, now you find out why I wanted to know.”

  “Should I be worried?” Something in Chris’s expression made Jase nervous.

  Chris grinned. “Be afraid. Be very afraid.”

  And that was all it took to have Jase’s heart hammering.

  “MY ears are popping. How high did you say this tower was?”

  Before Chris could respond, the guy operating the double-decker elevator launched into what sounded like a well-worn speech. “The Stratosphere Tower is 1,149 feet high, making it the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. We are currently traveling at speeds of 1,800 feet per minute—that’s three floors per second.”

  Jase had been impressed by the sight of the slender curved tower, visible from any part of the strip. “I guess the view from up top is amazing.”

  Chris leaned in and said quietly, “We’re not going up there for the view.” Beside him, Elevator Guy chuckled.

  “The restaurant is awesome,” another passenger added. “It revolves too.”

  “We’re having dinner?” Jase asked hopefully.

  “Sure. But not here. After.”

  “After what?” The elevator came to a stop, and they got out onto the observation deck. The view from the railings was spectacular, but Jase’s mind was already going over what Chris could possibly have planned. Then he saw the sign.

  “Thrill rides?” He spun around to stare at Chris. “Thrill rides? Up here?”

  Chris chuckled, beckoning him with a crooked finger. “Three, to be exact. And we’re going to ride them all, in a particular order. First up is X-Scream.” He grabbed Jase’s hand and tugged him toward the sign.

  “Scream sounds like it’s gonna scare the shit out of me.”

  Chris laughed. “Nah. You want to worry about that happening during the last ride.”

  “Seriously?” Then Jase saw their destination. A green needle-nosed vehicle with eight high-backed seats awaited them, sitting on top of a long metal ramp. When Chris pulled him toward the line, Jase’s stomach flipped over. “I don’t know about this.”

  Chris came to a dead stop. “If you don’t want to do this, we don’t do it. Simple as that.” His smile was gentle. “I’m sorry. For all I know, you hate rides.”

  Jase got over his initial panic. “Actually? I love rides. Of course, I like to have some idea of what happens on a ride before I get on it.”

  “Fair enough.” Chris pointed to the end of the metal ramp. “The car slides to that end of the ramp.”

  Jase bit his lip. “And?”

  “And… it might happen to tip up so we’re hanging twenty-nine feet off the edge, nine hundred feet above the strip.” He grinned. “Just think of it as a giant teeter-totter.”

  The thought terrified and exhilarated Jase all at the same time.

  “Let’s do it,
” he said decisively. “Something to tell the grandkids about, right?” He peered toward the ground, where cars moved like ants. “Assuming I live through it.”

  Chris laughed. “It’ll be fun.” They reached the head of the line, and Jase realized they were going to be in the front two seats.

  Holy shit.

  When the car was full, a loud voice came over the PA system. “Sit back and enjoy the ride.”

  Jase was about to shout out, “Are you fucking kidding me?” when the rear end of the ramp rose into the air and the car slid forward at a fast pace, hurtling toward the ground—and stopping abruptly.

  Jase stared in horror. “We’re over the end of the ramp! You didn’t mention that part!”

  “Must have slipped my mind,” Chris shouted. Just then, the ramp rose and leveled out, and Jase breathed a sigh of relief.

  Except then the ramp dipped again and they slid over the end, staring at the ground. “Oh my God. We’re in the hands of engineers,” Jase yelled.

  The ramp tipped up, sending them sliding toward their starting position, and he breathed a little easier. Thank God it was a short ride. He’d have hated—

  The ramp tipped down and they hurtled toward the end once more. Jase’s ears filled with the screams of their fellow passengers. He had to admit, it got the adrenaline pumping.

  When the ride finally came to a halt, Jase’s legs were remarkably steady as he climbed out of the car. “That wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

  “Good, because what comes next is kinda in the same vein.” Chris helped him out and pointed to where a bright green metal arm curved up into the air. “Next stop—Insanity.”

  “Dear Lord.” Jase gazed at the lower end of the curved arm, where five long metal fingers morphed into… claws, looking for all the world like the claws in a crane machine. Except in this case, each claw ended in two seats with restraints.