by Allie Scott
Copyright © 2020 Allie Scott All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Published in the United States of America.
Cover: Jenny Evans Designs
Editor: J. Leigh Editing
Allie's Work
Big Boys of Beaumont High
Thunder
Rocket
Ace
Holiday Match Collection
A Criminally Good Christmas:
An Insta-Love Billionaire Holiday Romance
His Christmas Crush:
An Age Gap MM Holiday Romance
A Zaddy for Christmas:
A BBW Holiday Romance
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Trigger warning
There is a very brief part of bullying/homophobia. It was necessary to the story, but I don't want anyone to feel upset reading this so I'm putting this warning up. Don't worry because our Hero takes care of it ASAP. *wink*
Proceed if you feel safe.
Love you all and thanks for choosing to take this journey with me.
Chapter 1
Miguel
“I bet if you got some vitamin D you wouldn't be such an angry asshole.” I roll my eyes at my assistant’s voice, his teasing part of the constant ebb and flow of our relationship.
“Tucker, if you're not offering, then I suggest you leave so I can get on with my day.”
“We both know you don't mix business with pleasure. I'm too much for you to handle anyway.”
“You sure it has nothing to do with the fact that your big burly fiancé would try to pummel me if I even laid a finger on you?” Tucker scoffs, the sound a show of his wealthy upbringing. He may be a long way from the country clubs of New Hampshire, but some things you just can't shake.
“My fiancé would definitely pummel you if he heard some of the things we say to each other.” He pauses, tilting his head to look me over. “Then again, he has mentioned being open to inviting a friend.”
I wave my hands at him, shooing him out of my office. “If we had sex it would ruin this whole dynamic we have. You're the best assistant I've ever worked with and I refuse to try and hunt down a new one just because you’re a tease.” I’d never pursue anything there anyway. He’s less my type than he thinks.
“I can't help it, Boss. You’re just so pretty.” With that final blow he turns and sashays out of my office.
Pouring over the paperwork and contracts on my desk I focus on work and not the ache in my cock at the thought of seeking some relief later. I would never take Tucker up on his teasing, but I could definitely use the stress relief later.
Just as I'm getting in the swing of things again, the door to my office bursts open and in walks my best friend Lewis.
“Miguel! Good to see that you're alive. I figured with the way you've been avoiding my phone calls that maybe you were dead in a ditch and the front page news circuit just hasn't caught wind of it yet.” His body glides into a chair, sitting in a way that lets me know he has all the time in the world to bother me today.
“I've been busy. I own and manage this company. I don't have time to jump on a plane to France with you just because you met a hot chef who was here for summer break.”
“You missed out on an incredible trip for that one.” His eyes close as he tilts his head back, remembering some events that I would love to skip the details on. We've been best friends since diapers, but even some of his antics are too much for me.
“Like I said, I've got a business to run.” I shift my focus back to the paperwork in front of me, wondering about how the new merger is going to be next week. My company acquired an array of small businesses that we intend to use to outsource production. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but I could never find the right pieces to the puzzle.
We even have a couple of new people coming in to help coordinate these projects. We will have a team meeting Monday and from there it's going to be a bit chaotic as we get everyone in place. It’s part of why I need to focus on the task at hand instead of entertaining my friend.
“Earth to Miguel! You cannot stare at papers all day and expect to have a happy life.”
“My life is perfectly fine, thank you. What more could I need?” I shuffle the papers around on my desk, avoiding looking at my friend so he doesn't see the lie in my eyes.
I know my life isn't perfect. Most of the time it's rather lonely, only my business to keep me company. But that happens when you have built a business from the ground up like I have, fighting tooth and nail for every achievement, for every additional client. You tend to get a bit jaded.
A hand splays across the papers in front of me, pushing them down. I look up to see his eyes boring into mine. “You don't get to hide from me, Miguel. I've known you longer than anyone. I may not be ready to settle down, but you need companionship. You're the type to meet someone and get that whole white picket fence life. He's out there, but you have to leave this office to find him.”
I know my best friend. He came in prepared for a fight. I won't get any work done until I agree to whatever plan he has in place.
“What did you have in mind?” I pretend to be drained, almost bored with his words. I want him to believe that he is winning so that I can get back to my normal business day.
He squints at me, disbelief in his features though he doesn't call me out for it. “Come out with me tonight. There's a new club that opened recently and I think you'll like it. It's meant to cater to an older crowd.” His eyes fill with laughter as he calls me old.
‘We are the same age, asshole. If you leave now, then I will go with you. Text me the time and the address, and I'll meet you there. I can't promise to stay long, but I'll at least show up.”
“Agree to stay half an hour, and you've got a deal.” There's a twinkle in my best friend's eye. He loves the chase, which is why he's usually on a plane or a boat going after someone who's piqued his interest. I wonder what he’s up to chasing tonight.
“Deal. Now get your ass out of my office. I'll see you late later tonight.”
“It'll give you just enough time to miss me.” With a wink, he rises from the edge of my desk where he'd been perched and takes off out of my office. I shake my head as I watch him go, wondering how the two of us have managed to stay so close all these years.
With all distractions gone, I'm able to dive back into work, dishing out orders and dictating instructions to employees. I get so lost in everything that I almost forget about the evening’s plans. When the text reminder comes through, I shove away from my desk to head out.
The sooner I get this over with, the sooner I can be home and in my bed.
Chapter 2
Aiden
“What is the name of the company again?” Taylor's voice calls from the other room as she digs through my closet. I'm in the kitchen trying to make us lunch.
“Woman, you know I hate it when you talk to me from another room. Get your ass in here or wait until lunchtime so we can talk and eat.” I yell back even though I’d rather just wait for her to come back into the room, but I know she won’t stop if I don’t respond in some way. My best friend loves to rile me up.
I hear stomping through my a
partment, and once again I'm thankful to be on the first floor. Her head pokes around the corner, her messy bun and freckles deceiving of just how mischievous she is. She makes a grabbing hand motion towards the plates, eager to snatch up the food I've made us.
Handing her the food, I turn her around and push her into the living room. We sit on the couch, bodies turned to face each other as we begin to eat. I'm no Gordon Ramsay, but I can make some pretty delicious food.
“God, if you didn't like dick so much we could totally be married. The perks of your food would totally outweigh the pain of anal every night.”
I choke on the chicken parmesan, the food stuck in my throat as Taylor laughs at my reaction. When I finally clear my airways, I give her a mean glare. “You bitch! Even if I were straight, I'd still be a bottom, so unless you're into pegging this wouldn't work out.”
She shrugs her shoulder. “None of my boyfriends will try it, so the case is still out on that one. Now that we're sitting together in the same room,” her voice taunts me, “give me the details on this new job.”
“I'm going to be a project coordinator for Stryker global. They are merging with several companies, including the one I was working for. When I heard they needed a project manager, I stepped up and applied for the position. It moved me from the company I was in directly into the Stryker organization.”
“Does that mean you're going to be the boss of some of your old coworkers?” Taylor's eyes light up, the glimmer of trouble showing again.
I nod as I chew, taking a moment to drink something before speaking. “Yeah, in a way, I guess. We won't know much until Monday, but as coordinator for the entire merger I would be residing over all the different companies coming in.”
“This is your way to get back at all those assholes that used to be mean to you at your old job. You're the one with the power now.” Taylor claps her hands excitedly as her voice raises in excitement.
“Technically, that's true. But I'm not going to risk this new position just to enact some revenge on a few jerks who are still living in the era of homophobia.”
Taylor rolls her eyes at me, letting me eat without any further question. She knows exactly how tough it's been working for the company I was at. I got an internship there my senior year of college, and I just never left. I tried working my way up, but with the management team that believes in the good ol’ boys’ way and blatantly hates anything against the norm - including my sexuality. I didn't stand a chance at a promotion.
“One day, those guys are going to get what’s coming their way. I just hope you get to see it.” We finish up the meal, neither of us bringing up any heavy topics.
Taylor’s phone dings, breaking the moment of peace in the room. She pulls it out, looking at the screen before she squeals loudly.
“Geesh, Tay! Can you be any louder?”
“You love me and my loud self. Besides, you’ll be even happier when you hear what I have to say.”
“What did you do this time?” I gather our plates, moving into the kitchen to put it away.
“Remember how I told you my cousin Rob got a gig as a manager for a new club?” I nod as I wash the dishes. She hops on the counter, swinging her legs back and forth. “Well, it opened last week and he said he can get us in. We’re going later tonight.”
Dropping the dishes in the sink, I turn to face her. “What made you think I would like this news? You’re the club goer, not me.”
“This is a celebration for your new job! Drinks are on me tonight. Besides, you could find a hot guy tonight for a hookup as a last hoorah before you become even more busy.”
“Fine. I’ll go out with you. But you’re buying me the good stuff tonight. I know your bonus kicked in last month so your ass can afford it.”
“You can get whatever drink you want, A! Just get all dolled up for me and promise me a few dances.”
“Deal.” She bumps my hip after climbing off the counter. Hopefully she doesn’t get us into too much trouble tonight.
Chapter 3
Miguel
Sitting inside of the club, I suddenly remember why this isn't my normal scene. There's a nicer quality to this club sure, but there's still an air of desperation. Whether it be the men with pockets full of cash hoping to buy their way into getting laid, or the women with daddy issues so strong that even my gay self can pick it up. It’s just a lot to take in.
“What do you think of the place?” Lewis’s words draw my attention to him, watching his body relax into the sofa of the VIP lounge. He's been at home since we got here, ordering us drinks right away and making himself comfortable.
“Why do you care if I like the place? I'm not one for this scene.” I stop to think about it for a moment, wondering why it would be so important. When it hits me, I snap my fingers and point to him, leveling him with a glare. “You invested in this place, didn't you?”
“And if I did? Would you say it was money well spent or a waste?” With the new information, I look around the room to really take in the place from a business perspective.
All the furniture is black, the only sign of color coming from the lights flashing around the room. The rotation of colors gives a nice feel to the room, making the mood more about the music playing then the setting. The bar is high and long, covering one whole wall of the club. Several bartenders, all equally attractive work to keep up with the crowd.
“There's no cage dancers or fireworks, so I'd say you're doing pretty good. I know your taste is a little bit wilder than most. I'm guessing the guy who owns the place that asked you to invest has a bit more level head.”
“That he is.” A hand clamps onto Lewis’s shoulder, patting it before walking around to join us. I look up to see a man about my height, his frame hovering over us as he looks down at me. He’s easily over six feet tall and built like a professional football player. “The name is Manuel Rojas. Welcome to Club Deny. Here we hope you deny the outside world to enjoy the pleasures of music and fun with us.”
The guy's quite charming, making me look at him a little harder to see if he's flirting or talking business. His eyes bore into mine, and after a moment I realize that he's either attached or straight. I'm fine with both, but sometimes a little stress relief is a good idea. I hate to prove Lewis right, but if it helps me be a little less grumpy, I'll do what I can.
“Miguel Stryker. Nice to meet you. The place is not my normal, but it seems better than most I've been to. Lewis was just telling me about his investment.”
Manuel turns to Lewis, a glimmer in his eye. I hate to be the one to tell him that Louis prefers women, though when I look over to my friend, I see an equal amount of heat in his own eyes. Maybe Lewis is just a bit late into the discovery of his own sexuality.
“Yes, finding Lewis has been ... Interesting.” His gaze returns to mine, assessing may. “How did you say you knew Lewis?”
“I'm his best friend. We've been together since diapers. The asshole couldn't get rid of me if he tried.”
“I'm the asshole? Your staff practically fears you when you come into the office most days. You have a permanent scowl on your face and although men bend over backwards to get into bed with you, relationships are not your thing because you intimidate people. But yeah, I'm the asshole.”
The sarcasm is thick, his jabs directed at me. I watch Manuel's shoulders relax as he realizes we have more of a brotherly bond. I'll have to keep an eye on this guy since he seems to want more from my friend than just an investment in the company. I won't cockblock by any means, but I won't let my best friend be railroaded either.
We talk about the business side of things a bit more, my inability to shut off my office mode working in my favor. When the conversation dies down, I turn to look out onto the dance floor. I'm struck by the sight before me.
On the dance floor there's a bit of chaos, a craziness that comes when people are given alcohol and free range to move their bodies. In the midst of the insanity is a lone figure. His body moves fluidly as he follows the
tempo of the song. His arms are raised above his head, his eyes closed in pleasure. He couldn’t care less if the rest of us were here and damn it if it's not the hottest thing I've ever seen.
I watch a girl lean over towards him, her mouth close to his ear as she speaks to him. Jealousy hits me hard and fast, making me angry that his focus isn‘t on me. He opens his eyes long enough to look at her with a glazed expression, nodding as he pushes her. I watch her for a moment, pleased when I see her walk into the arms of another man. She quickly begins to dance and grind on him, unaware that I almost lost it at the sight of her touching what's mine.
Mine. Oh yes, that sounds right.
I take a sip of the drink in my hand, eyes focused on my target. When he begins to move again, I only manage a moment's hesitation. I sit the drink down, ignoring the protests of my friend and his companion.
They couldn't stop me right now if they tried.
My feet lead me to the dance floor before I even have a chance to form the idea. When I get to the edge of the crowd, the people began to part. I'm not sure if it's the scowl on my face or the way my eyes are like lasers homed in on the mystery man. Either way I'm happy to not have to shove all of them around.
Walking through the sea of bodies, I can feel the excitement pour into me as I get closer to him. It's the type of high I used to get whenever a business deal would go through. My pulse would rise, my heart beating faster. My muscles would go tight, the pressure for my body to chase the release so strong. This feels just the same.
When I reach him, I slide one hand on to his hip as I leaned down to whisper. “May I dance with you?” My voice is heavy, the desire making it deeper than normal. I get a small nod as his body continues to move to the sounds of the music.