Heart Unseen

by Andrew Grey

  The front door banged closed. “Uncle Jimmy, can we have cake?” Zack asked, and James pulled back from Trevor, having forgotten where they were. Apparently Zack had now figured out how to open the front door.

  “How about we have lunch first? Can you lead me inside while Uncle Trevor moves his motorcycle?” James took Zack’s hand, and he led him away as the motorcycle engine rumbled to life and then softened as Trevor parked. James stopped at the door, holding Zack’s hand. “Can you open it?”

  “I have it,” Trevor said from behind him, wrapping an arm around James’s waist. Then he released him, and Zack’s laughter rang out as he was obviously tickled and he chattered in Trevor’s arms. There was a slight breeze as the door opened, and then Trevor took his hand, telling him what was ahead, guiding him inside. “Thank you.”

  “For the motorcycle? You’re welcome.” James was happy that Trevor was so pleased.

  Trevor squeezed his hand. “For everything… absolutely everything.”

  Epilogue

  January

  “I CAN’T believe you decided to move in on the coldest day of the year,” Trevor told James, but with no heat in his voice. Brent, Dean, Tim, and Marshall had all helped. It seemed that the holidays had warmed away most of Dean’s petulance that Trevor’s clubbing days were over. Not that he missed them, though Trevor still worried that Dean might still be carrying a torch for him. There had been no outward sign, and hopefully seeing him and James together would end that notion. Trevor firmly believed that what Dean needed was to find someone like James who would love him and be the center of his world.

  “We spent the entire holiday season running between your family, my family, and between the houses. Your house is bigger than mine, and we didn’t have to put mine on the market.”

  “It was lucky that Mrs. Ledbetter’s daughter was looking for a house near her mother and fell in love with yours.” That made the entire process of selling very easy, and all they’d needed was someone to handle the transfer and closing.

  “Yup. Now that’s all done, and Penny seems happy too.” She was curled at James’s feet. Trevor and James had discussed quite vigorously where Penny was going to sleep. Trevor felt it should be on the floor of the laundry room, and James wanted her in the corner of the bedroom. James won that argument and Penny’s bed was in their room, but Trevor drew the line at her sleeping with them.

  Not that he needed to have worried. Penny was well trained and stayed in her bed, and the two of them stayed in theirs. The first night the three of them had been in the room, Trevor and James had gotten a little loud, and Penny ended up sleeping in the laundry room anyway.

  “She is,” Trevor said as James sat next to him on the sofa. “I ordered food a little while ago, and it should be here in fifteen minutes. Help yourselves to anything you want to drink in the refrigerator.” It was easier for them to get what they wanted, and the boxes in the house created a minefield that James wasn’t able to readily navigate.

  “How did you decide what to keep between the two of you?” Marshall asked.

  “It was easy. Most of my furniture was secondhand and James’s was nicer, so I donated mine. James doesn’t tend to collect things, so it wasn’t that hard. Now we just have to put things away and label the heck out of everything.”

  “Just tell us where to put things,” Brent said, and Trevor supervised while box after box was unpacked. Dean worked with James in the bedroom to help him put things away in his closet. It was a calculated risk on Trevor’s part, and judging by the easy conversation, it was working and Dean would soon forget his resentment of James.

  Once the food arrived, they took a break to eat. Margaret and Trevor’s dad joined them, and afterward they all went back to work. By the time the sun was going down outside, the boxes had been stowed in the garage or the basement and the house was free of tripping hazards, which was a huge deal. Trevor had once brought some paperwork in his bag to James’s place a few months ago and left it by the door. He’d forgotten about it, but James had tripped. Thankfully he’d caught himself on the chair and hadn’t been hurt, but it had taught Trevor a lesson. James’s environment had to be clean, neat, and free of any obstacles at all times.

  “This is your home now,” Trevor said that evening once he’d built a small fire and they sat on the sofa in front of it.

  “Our home,” James corrected. “Yours, mine, and Penny’s.”

  She was an amazing dog, even if having her in the bedroom at night sometimes made Trevor a little antsy only because his time alone with James was still so precious to him. However, he knew he’d get over it, and if having Penny there was a comfort to James, then that’s what really mattered.

  James leaned closer, just resting against him. “Do we have anything planned for tomorrow?”

  “No.”

  “I listened to the weather, and it’s supposed to be cold but clear, so I thought we might take a ride.” James stood, and Trevor watched as he carefully made his way out of the room and into the office. He came back with an envelope that he handed Trevor, then sat back down. “I think we should go here.”

  Trevor opened it and read the page, wondering what James was up to until he saw the name at the top.

  THE FOLLOWING day, Trevor parked the car. “Do you want to come with me?”

  “Yes.” James got out, and Penny came right to him. He held her harness with his right hand, and Trevor took his left. It took a little while, but what they were looking for was close to the road. When Trevor saw the name Chase Longacre on the white granite stone, he fell to his knees in the snow to get a closer look.

  “I haven’t been here…. They didn’t tell me where he was buried. How did you find it?”

  “I looked at family obituaries and called the cemeteries until I got the right one.” James placed his hand on Trevor’s shoulder, with Penny nudging his side. “You spend a few minutes alone with him. Penny and I will be just over here.” He moved away, and Trevor returned his attention to the headstone.

  “I’m sorry, Chase.” He realized there were a lot of things he wanted to say as guilt washed over him. “I should have been there for you when you needed me. I know your parents blame me for what happened, and then I blamed myself. But I have to tell you that you made me happy and were special to me. You still are.” He turned to where James stood with Penny, the sun shining around him. “I stopped loving and caring about anyone for a long time after I lost you. I honestly thought I didn’t deserve anyone.” He turned back to the stone.

  “I met James, and he changed all that, and I think I see now that you’d have been angry with me for taking so much time. You always led with your heart, which was why I think I fell in love with you in the first place. James does the same thing, and it was his idea that we come here. I think he knew I needed to say good-bye. I mourned your loss for a very long time.”

  A cold breeze skimmed over the ground, picking up snow and lifting it into the air. Then it became peaceful again as the flakes fell all around him.

  “I hope you’re at peace. You deserve that.”

  Trevor stood, and with a final look at Chase’s grave, turned toward James and Penny. Chase was his past and he’d always remember him, but James was his future and hopefully the rest of his life. He took James’s arm, smiled even though James couldn’t see it, and leaned in to kiss him.

  It was time to go home.

  More from Andrew Grey

  Robert Morton is in for the surprise of a lifetime. His mother, a bit of a rebel, raised him away from the rest of the family, and it’s not until he’s contacted by his lawyer about an inheritance that he learns who he truly is: the new Earl of Hantford. His legacy includes ownership of the historic Ashton Park Estate—which needs repairs Robert cannot afford. He’ll simply do what the nobility has done for centuries when in need of money. He’ll marry it.

  Tech wizard Daniel Fabian is wealthy and successful. In fact, he has almost everything—except a title to make him worthy in the
eyes of the old-money snobs he went to prep school with. His high school reunion is looming, and he’s determined to attend it as a member of the aristocracy.

  That’s where Robert comes in.

  Daniel has the money, Robert has the name, and both of them know they can help each other out. But their marriage of convenience has the potential to become a real love match—unless a threat to Daniel’s business ruins everything.

  Professional football player Hunter Davis is learning that saying he’s gay is very different from actively being in a relationship with another man—especially in the eyes of his teammates and fans. So when Hunter needs a personal assistant to keep him organized, he asks for a woman in order to prevent tongues from wagging.

  Montgomery Willis badly needs to find work before he loses everything. There’s just one position at the agency where he applies, but the problem is, he’s not a woman. And he knows nothing about football. Still, Hunter gives him a chance, but only because Monty’s desperate.

  Monty soon proves his worth by saving Hunter’s bacon on an important promotional shoot, and Hunter realizes he might have someone special working for him—in more ways than one. Monty’s feelings come to the surface during an outing in the park when Hunter decides to teach Monty a bit about the game, and pictures surface of them in some questionable positions. Hunter is reminded that knowing he’s gay and seeing evidence in the papers are two very different things for the other players, and he might have to choose between two loves: football and Monty.

  A second chance born of love.

  Pat Corrigan and Edgerton “Edge” Winters were ready to start a family—or so Pat thought. At the last minute, Edge got cold feet and fled. Pat didn’t bother telling him the conception had already gone through and little Emma was on her way. He didn’t want a relationship based on obligation. He’d rather raise his daughter on his own.

  Nine years later, Emma and her Poppy are doing fine. Edge isn’t. He realizes what he threw away by leaving, and he’s back to turn his life around and reclaim his family. It’ll take a lot to prove to Pat that he’s a new man, and even if Edge succeeds, the secret Pat has hidden for years might shatter their dreams all over again.

  Rekindled Flame: Book One

  Firefighter Morgan has worked hard to build a home for himself after a nomadic childhood. When Morgan is called to a fire, he finds the family out front, but their tenant still inside. He rescues Richard Smalley, who turns out to be an old friend he hasn’t seen in years and the one person he regretted leaving behind.

  Richard has had a hard life. He served in the military, where he lost the use of his legs, and has been struggling to make his way since coming home. Now that he no longer has a place to live, Morgan takes him in, but when someone attempts to set fire to Morgan’s house, they both become suspicious and wonder what’s going on.

  Years ago Morgan was gutted when he moved away, leaving Richard behind, so he’s happy to pick things up where they left off. But now that Richard seems to be the target of an arsonist, he may not be the safest person to be around.

  Sequel to Rekindled Flame

  Rekindled Flame: Book Two

  Life has been grinding Dayne Mills down almost for as long as he can remember. First he lost the love of his life in an accident that also left him with a permanent injury, and then his mother passed away a year later. When his house burns to the ground, it’s the last straw. He can’t take any more, and if it wasn’t for kind and handsome firefighter Lawson Martin offering him a hand up and a place to stay, he doesn’t know what he’d do. Dayne would love for his relationship with Lawson to evolve into something beyond charity, but he knows going after a man so far out of his league will only lead to yet more heartache. It’s best to just keep his mind on his research.

  It’s that research that leads Dayne to an old student journal that not only provides clues to the Native American heritage Lawson has been searching for, but chronicles a century-old love story. The tale that unfolds might be just what Dayne and Lawson need to remind them that no matter how dark life becomes, love can find a way to shine through.

  Readers love Andrew Grey

  Poppy’s Secret

  “If you love a good second chance story, family, cute kids and an allover fabulous romance with a touch of hot man sex you will love this.”

  —TTC Books and More

  “I really enjoyed reading this sweet story.”

  —Gay Book Reviews

  Fire and Hail

  “I absolutely LOVE this series and this newest addition is without a doubt a wonderful welcome.”

  —Diverse Reader

  “Overall, an excellent addition to the Carlisle Cops series and a must read for Andrew Grey fans.”

  —Jessie G Books

  Noble Intentions

  “This is a really sweet story. I loved the pacing and the careful revelation of character and motivation.”

  —Joyfully Jay

  “I have to say that this was a cute love story…”

  —Alpha Book Club

  ANDREW GREY grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived all over the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and now works full-time on his writing. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving husband. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

  E-mail: andrewgrey@comcast.net

  Website: www.andrewgreybooks.com

  By Andrew Grey

  Accompanied by a Waltz

  Between Loathing and Love

  Can’t Live Without You

  Chasing the Dream

  Crossing Divides

  Dominant Chord

  Dutch Treat

  Eastern Cowboy

  Heart Unseen

  In Search of a Story

  Noble Intentions

  North to the Future

  One Good Deed

  Path Not Taken

  Planting His Dream

  The Playmaker

  Saving Faithless Creek

  Shared Revelations

  Stranded • Taken

  Three Fates (Multiple Author Anthology)

  To Have, Hold, and Let Go

  Turning the Page

  Whipped Cream

  HOLIDAY STORIES

  Copping a Sweetest Day Feel • Cruise for Christmas • A Lion in Tails

  Mariah the Christmas Moose • A Present in Swaddling Clothes

  Simple Gifts • Snowbound in Nowhere • Stardust

  ART

  Legal Artistry • Artistic Appeal • Artistic Pursuits • Legal Tender

  BOTTLED UP

  The Best Revenge • Bottled Up • Uncorked • An Unexpected Vintage

  BRONCO’S BOYS

  Inside Out • Upside Down • Backward • Round and Round

  THE BULLRIDERS

  A Wild Ride • A Daring Ride • A Courageous Ride

  BY FIRE

  Redemption by Fire • Strengthened by Fire

  Burnished by Fire • Heat Under Fire

  CARLISLE COPS

  Fire and Water • Fire and Ice • Fire and Rain

  Fire and Snow • Fire and Hail

  CHEMISTRY

  Organic Chemistry • Biochemistry • Electrochemistry

  Chemistry (Print-Only Anthology)

  DREAMSPUN DESIRES

  #4 – The Lone Rancher

  #28 – Poppy’s Secret

  EYES OF LOVE

  Eyes Only for Me • Eyes Only for You

  GOOD FIGHT

  The Good Fight • The Fight Within

  The Fight for Identity • Takoda and Horse

  LAS VEGAS ESCORTS

  The Price • The Gift

  LO
VE MEANS…

  Love Means… No Shame • Love Means… Courage

  Love Means… No Boundaries • Love Means… Freedom

  Love Means … No Fear • Love Means… Healing

  Love Means… Family • Love Means… Renewal

  Love Means… No Limits • Love Means… Patience

  Love Means… Endurance

  REKINDLED FLAME

  Rekindled Flame • Cleansing Flame

  SENSES

  Love Comes Silently • Love Comes in Darkness • Love Comes Home

  Love Comes Around • Love Comes Unheard • Love Comes to Light

  SEVEN DAYS

  Seven Days • Unconditional Love

  STORIES FROM THE RANGE

  A Shared Range • A Troubled Range • An Unsettled Range

  A Foreign Range • An Isolated Range/

  A Volatile Range • A Chaotic Range

  TALES FROM KANSAS

  Dumped in Oz • Stuck in Oz • Trapped in Oz

  TASTE OF LOVE

  A Taste of Love • A Serving of Love

  A Helping of Love • A Slice of Love

  WITHOUT BORDERS

  A Heart Without Borders • A Spirit Without Borders

  WORK OUT

  Spot Me • Pump Me Up • Core Training • Crunch Time