by A. D. Ellis
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Text copyright ©2017 by the Author.
This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Romig Works, LLC. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Infidelity remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Romig Works, LLC, or their affiliates or licensors.
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Infidelity World
Devoted
Kyle & Adam: Something About Him
A.D. Ellis
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A.D. Ellis WEBSITE
Cover by
A.D. Ellis
Dedication
Aleatha, I fell in love with you (and Tony!) through Consequences. Imagine my surprise and delight to find out we live in the same town. You are an inspiration to me, and I feel lucky to call you a fellow author and, more importantly, a friend.
Thank you for the opportunity to write in your Infidelity World.
Devoted
Dedication
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Notes
From the Author
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Connect with A.D. Ellis
Introduction
I started a short story in the winter of 2015/2016. It was called Bryan and Jase: The Beginning and it was simply to give my real life Bryan and Jase a story they could enjoy. However, while writing the short story, I realized Bryan and Jase’s story could go much further. Once I checked with “Bryan” to be sure he was okay with me publishing this story, I got to work on the full-length story. During the planning, I decided Something About Him could be a series because I had some real-life scenarios bouncing around in my head. The stories are all male/male romance (because I’ve fallen in love with that genre since writing my first male/male Sawyer) and will be released in 2016 and 2017. The stories in this series are Bryan & Jase, Nick & Brody, Barrett & Ivan, Braeton & Drew, and Ryker & Gavin. And now, Adam & Kyle from Braeton’s story are getting their own novella.
Please know that I attempt to write realistic stories. This means that some of the characters’ actions and reactions are based on real-life situations. We don’t always agree with people’s choices or decisions. I don’t always agree with my characters’ choices and actions, but I try to write them as true-to-life as I can. Yes, sometimes we’re going to feel angry, upset, or disappointed, but that’s life. I hope readers will enjoy the journey!
NOTE: Adam and Kyle are brief secondary characters in Braeton & Drew, but you can read their novella without reading Braeton & Drew’s story.
Chapter 1
Adam
“Is it possible I’m more excited about this wedding than you two?” Our best friend, Braeton, all but bounced in his seat as our drinks and appetizers were delivered. The four of us were sitting at Metro, a hotspot gay bar in downtown Indianapolis.
“No,” Kyle and I both said at the exact same time, glancing at each other and smiling warmly.
“Fine. Just know I am beyond excited and honored to be a part of your nuptials and the celebration after your honeymoon.” Braeton pouted a bit, and his partner, Drew, patted him on the knee.
“We get to be in the wedding, Brae.” Drew reminded him. “That’s something no one else gets, so consider yourself lucky.”
“I know, I know. I do feel lucky to be in the wedding, and involved in planning the party.” Braeton sipped his drink. “I’m just excited that the time has finally come after all the postponements.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, “I know the whole thing didn’t pan out the way we’d originally planned, but this will be just as good, if not better.”
Kyle and I had planned to elope and then take a honeymoon to California, but one thing led to another and we ended up putting the wedding off and scheduling our honeymoon in New York instead. California was on the list for one of our anniversary trips.
“A small, quaint, ceremony at our favorite hangout. A honeymoon to New York over New Year’s Eve. A huge celebration with supportive family and friends back here in Indianapolis.” Braeton sighed dreamily. “It sounds lovely, romantic, and absolutely breathtaking.”
“You’ll have to excuse him, he’s a hopeless romantic lately.” Drew chuckled.
“No problem, we think it all sounds pretty damn great too.” Kyle took my hand and brought it to his lap. “Getting things settled at work took some doing for both of us, but we’ve always wanted to do New Year’s Eve in Times Square. What a better way to celebrate our union?”
Kyle had recently been promoted to the top management position at a local men’s clothing boutique, and I kept busy with several new accounts along with my previous clients at the advertising agency. So, to say we’d had to shuffle things around and work our asses off in order to take some time off was an understatement. But, all of the rearranging was worth it to stand in front of an officiant and promise my life and love to Kyle forever.
Leaning over to kiss his cheek, I found myself pausing and breathing him in deeply. I backed away slightly to look around Metro, the bar and restaurant we’d declared ‘our place,’ and where we’d be getting married and having the ceremony. I took in Braeton and Drew as they teased each other over drinks and bites of food. The two men had become our best friends, and it was no wonder we’d chosen them to stand up with us during the ceremony.
As the door swung open and our other close friends, Bryan and Jase walked in, I sighed in contentment. I was surrounded by people I loved and who loved me. I was marrying the man with whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life. We had a large group of friends I considered family; men and women I knew we could trust. I had a good job, we loved the city we lived in, and we got to spend our honeymoon in freakin’ New York City on New Year’s Eve. Add in a party with our family and friends upon our return, and I’d say we had the makings for the best time of our lives.
“What did we miss?” Bryan asked as he and Jase sat down. Flagging the waitress, they ordered their own drinks and another round of whatever we were drinking along with an appetizer.
“Braeton being romantic and impatient. Adam and Kyle being totally in love.” Drew said, trying to keep a straight face.
“So, just the usual, huh?” Jase laughed.
“And Drew being too serious, as usual,” Braeton nuzzled Drew’s neck.
“Someone has to be the grounded one here while the three of you get all starry-eyed with your heads in the clouds,” Drew shrugged.
Over the next couple hours, the six of us made final plans for everything from the ceremony, to the honeymoon, to the reception. Of course, with Kyle and me wanting to spend our honeymoon in New York we’d had to schedule our flight and hotel reservations ahead of time. In fact, we booked the flight and hotel and then planned our ceremony and reception. New Year’s Eve in New York City was not a time to be messed with when we needed a flight in and place to sleep.
Unless we wanted to be stuck sleeping in a roach-infested crack house motel.
“So, the staff here has already confirmed we can use the back patio,” Kyle pulled us back to the planning. “If it happens to snow, they’ve promised to clear it off. Their outdoor heaters work like blast furnaces, so we don’t have to worry about it being too cold. Plus, since there won’t be any guests, and the ceremony will be fairly short, none of us will freeze to death even in the Indiana winter.”
“But, let’s hope for a mild day. I don’t want to worry about everyone’s hair if it’s windy or wet. And, let’s face it, me with pink cheeks would just be way too cute and sexy during your ceremony. I’d hate to steal the show,” Braeton teased as Drew rolled his eyes.
Braeton was a highly sought-after hair stylist in Indy’s All-In resort and day spa. He had a waiting list a mile long, but he was always happy to take care of his friends with or without an appointment. Drew and I worked at the same ad agency. We even shared some accounts, but for the most part we were busy with our own separate clients.
“After the ceremony, we’ll all come here for a quiet celebration,” Kyle added. His light brown eyes sparkled with excitement.
“And we get to actually be part of that?” Bryan teased.
“Hey, you guys didn’t let us see Braeleigh until well after Braeton and Drew got to meet her. Payback is a bitch,” I tossed at them. Bryan and Jase had gone through hell to adopt. When they’d finally brought their beautiful baby girl home from the hospital, they kept everyone out for weeks. Braeton and Drew were the first invited over. It was still a sore spot.
“Lord, man, how long are you going to hold that grudge?” Jase rolled his eyes and laughed.
“After the ceremony, we’re even,” I attempted to be serious. “But, truly, gentlemen. You know we would have had you both stand with us, too. But with the weather, the bar, and your kids, it didn’t seem workable.”
“Nah, we’re just giving you a rough time, Adam.” Bryan winked at me as Jase put an arm around his partner. “We are happy to meet you guys here for drinks. Juanita said she could watch Braeleigh and Grayson. And she’s already agreed to watch them overnight so we can be here for the reception when you guys return.”
“Okay, back to the plans, please.” Kyle bounced his knee under the table. “Sorry, I just like knowing everything is planned out to the best of our ability.” He ran a hand through his messy brown hair.
“Hey, babe, even if things don’t go exactly as planned, it’s okay. We’ll be married, spending New Year’s Eve in New York on our honeymoon, and coming back here to celebrate. Whether our plans go perfectly or not, I don’t care because I’ll have all that truly matters.” I leaned in to kiss his soft lips, “You.”
“Thanks, babe. I get nervous about things out of our control.” Kyle nuzzled his nose against mine before looking back at the wedding plan to-do list he had in front of him.
“So, the wedding is late Wednesday afternoon. I didn’t feel right asking Metro to close down completely, but they agreed to keep the patio closed to patrons until the ceremony is over. Thursday, Braeton and Drew will drop us at the airport. We fly out early Thursday morning, and should be in New York well before noon on Thursday. We can’t check-in at the hotel until noon, but they told me over the phone they’d be glad to hold our luggage while we check out the city before our reservation time.” Kyle made little notes and marks on his paper as he spoke. “Once we’re back from New York, Braeton and Drew will pick us up at the airport on Tuesday. And Saturday is the big party here at Metro. Pretty much everyone we invited has said they are coming,” Kyle smiled tightly. I knew it bothered him that his brother refused to attend.
Kyle’s parents were both deceased, and his brother was the only family member he’d ever been even remotely close to. But, when his brother discovered Kyle was gay, he pretty much shut him out. Kyle had hoped inviting him to the reception would help repair the relationship, but so far, his brother continued to refuse.
My parents were very much alive and well, but I had no desire to see them at our celebration. When I came out during freshman year of college, my parents cut me off completely. From that point on, I’d been on my own, earning everything through sheer hard work and determination. Not inviting them was an easy decision. Not that they would have come anyway. But, my sister and her husband were coming, and that meant a lot. We’d never been super close, but I always knew I could count on her.
My heart hurt that Kyle didn’t have that in his life, as well.
“The important people, the ones who love and support us, will be there. And that’s all that matters,” I kissed Kyle’s hand.
“Sounds as if it’s all going to run like a well-oiled machine.” Jase nodded as he swigged his beer.
“Fingers crossed,” Braeton sang. “Good luck!”
“Luck? We don’t need no stinkin’ luck! We’ve got each other and our best friends,” I raised my glass in a toast.
“Cheers!” everyone chimed.
“To love and luck!” Bryan added.
I had all the luck I needed. I had Kyle. We would share the rest of our lives together. Nothing would ruin our plans.
Chapter 2
Kyle
Wednesday started out with a wintry mix of sleet and snow. I had truly hoped for a bit of nice weather.
“Stop moping,” Braeton chastised as he finished my hair before moving on to Adam’s golden brown locks.
“I’m not moping,” I argued.
“You are,” Adam piped in, winking a dark brown eye as he teased me. “Cheer up, I just looked at the radar and the clouds are supposed to clear. It’s predicted to be forty-five by late afternoon. The patio will be dry and warm by the time we get there. No worries.”
“See? That’s Indiana weather for you. If you don’t like the current weather, stick around an hour or two and it will change.” Bryan chimed in.
The whole gang was hanging out at Bryan and Jase’s place while Braeton trimmed and styled our hair. We’d head home before the ceremony and get dressed. Adam and I had opted for simple clothing—dark pants, a shirt, and tie. The most important part of the ceremony, to us at least, wasn’t the clothing or the decorations or the guests, it was the meaning. We were promising our love and our lives to each other. Our vows were what meant the most.
I found myself cheering up slightly once I heard the weather was going to improve. I’m not sure exactly what I thought was going to happen with a December wedding in Indiana, but my thoughts had clearly been on a miracle. At least the patio would be dry and warm by the ceremony. I knew the crew at the Metro would make sure of that.
Braeton, always a sucker for a good love story, worked his magic on Adam’s hair while he tossed us a grin. “So, we all know how the four of us met,” he referred to when Adam and I met Braeton and Drew. “But what I don’t think we’ve ever heard is how Adam and Kyle met.”
I smiled at Adam as Braeton flitted around his head with his scissors snipping away. “Well, we met almost two years ago,” I started.
“Wait, wasn’t the office party your first official ‘out as a couple’ event?” Braeton paused in his snipping.
“Yes,” I confirmed.
“But, the office party was just over a year ago,” Drew mused. “Wait, were you guys not out as a couple for almost a year?”
“Yeah, we were a little gun shy I guess you could say.” Adam winced, and I knew he was recalling our mutual bad memories of high school and college.
“Adam and I both had it pretty bad in middle school and high school.” I took over the story. “We were teased a lot and made to be outcasts because of hateful people. And neither of us were even out at that point. It’s weird how we didn’t even know each other, but we had a lot of the same experiences.”
“I mean,” Adam interrupted. “I think we probably both knew we were gay even back then, but denial is a strong thing, especially when you’re scared the teasing and hatred would get even worse if you came out.”
“We both came out in college. I really wish we’d known each other then, but we didn’t meet until later. My parents passed away before I embraced my sexuality, but I came out to my brother and he basically shut me out.” I hated that someone I’d been close to could turn his back on me so easily.
“I came out to my parents and they cut me off completely. I was getting financial aid and scholarships for a lot of college, but much of the cost relied on me to get loans. But, my parents had been paying for my car, any books the scholarships didn’t cover, any meals that weren’t on the financial aid meal plan, supplies for class and dorm living.” Adam ticked the items off on his fingers. “So, when they cut me off, all of that fell to me, and it was hard. But, I took it as a challenge and made it work.”
“Then, Adam graduated and got the job in advertising, and I graduated and started working at the clothing boutique. Turns out we graduated the same year and started our jobs about the same time. It’s like our lives were parallel for much of the time, even though we didn’t know each other.” I smiled at Adam as I lost myself in thought. “But, about two years ago, Adam ventured into the boutique and I nearly swallowed my tongue when I saw him.”
“Not to mention he basically knocked the young kid working the floor over in his dash to come offer his assistance to me.” Adam laughed.
“I can’t even deny it.” I shrugged. “That kid wouldn’t have known what to do with Adam if I had even let him try. The situation called for a more mature and experienced man.”
“So, Kyle helped me pick out some new duds, slipped me his number on the receipt, and told me to let him know if I had any issues getting into or out of my new clothes.” Adam laughed as he recalled the day we had first met.
“You little whore.” Braeton laughed at me. “That was pretty forward.”