“He did?” That earned a solid scowl from his father when he glanced over at him. Mitch cocked his head back to Colt.
“Really? This is how you wanna play?”
“I wanna see!” Pretty much every one of his nieces’ and nephews’ voices rang in complete unison. His family was a straight-laced crew. He was the only one with body art. Mitch untangled himself from Cody who just grinned at him, and he leaned down to kiss those perfect lips as he rose.
He tugged his shirt up, letting the crew admire the artwork on his chest.
“I think that cross is cool,” his sister Lori said, the only adult to really come and examine him. “Is this one new? For those I love I will sacrifice. That’s so cool. Did it hurt?”
“Like a bitc…crazy.” He caught himself before he said the bad word out loud. That would be two strikes according to the look on his dad’s face.
“Have you seen enough?” He glanced down at the littlest nephew who must have been around three and half years old. The little guy’s big brown eyes bore a striking resemblance to his own, and when he smiled, he had the biggest dimples. This was the one everyone said reminded them of Mitch.
“I want that,” he said, pointing to Mitch’s chest. He bent at the knee and lowered to the floor to let the little one examine his chest all he wanted.
“Cody, how you feeling, son?” Dr. Knox asked, changing the subject.
“I’m good, sir,” Cody answered.
“Such good manners,” Mitch’s mom cooed, making Mitch smile at her comment.
“Mini-Mitch, come sit by Pop-Pop before Mitch gets in trouble for showing you all that,” Matt called out. That was the one part of him that his dad didn’t like. His father wasn’t a tattoo guy. He never really said anything to Mitch about the tattoos. He just gave a look that let Mitch know he didn’t agree.
“Hey, Dad, did you get enough sausage this morning? I saw Colt in there hoarding some in his pockets,” Mitch remarked, standing after his nephew got bored with looking at the ink on his chest.
“What?” Jace gasped as he looked back at Colt.
“Yeah, Mom made some for you, Jace, and Colt ate your sausage, too,” Mitch quipped, stepping over the wrapping paper littering the path back to Cody.
“Man! That’s getting old. Jace, I did not eat any more than my share that was cooked for me. He’s messing with you. He’s still peeved because our wedding photo replaced his baby picture in the hall. Don’t listen to his lies,” Colt exclaimed, coming around the couch and taking a seat next to Jace. Mitch looked around and all eyes were on the couple now sitting on the floor.
“I’m not lying. I’m quite certain he ate your sausage this morning,” Mitch chuckled and dropped down in his spot on the couch.
“Really? You’re gonna do that here?” Colt huffed, his face turning red as he looked back at Mitch. His brothers actually laughed hard at that. His sisters and sisters-in-law clearly didn’t get the joke by the looks on their face. He knew better than to look over at his dad.
“We’ve got the Skype call, Mitch. Do I just answer it?” his mom asked from her place on the couch across the room.
“Yes, ma’am.” This time the freshly inked skin resisted the movement and prickled as he stood.
“Where’re you going?” Cody asked.
“Hang on, babe.” Mitch went to his laptop and connected the few steps that Aaron had arranged for him until he was able to use the remote control to click on the big screen TV. Cody’s entire family popped up on the screen. They had a huge family between the two of them.
Mitch watched as Kylie sat up front on her grandfather’s lap, her eyes scanning for Cody. He knew the moment she saw him because she lifted her new Princess Barbie, the one they had given her, with a giant smile on her face. Mitch found he wanted that same kind of relationship with the little mini-me nephew he’d bonded with since he’d been home.
“Knox family meet the Turner family.” Mitch waved his hands around. His dad knew them and stepped in to make introductions as he went for Cody who looked completely confused. Of course, Cody still wouldn’t get what was going on, which was for the best. He liked shock and awe. He extended a hand and pulled Cody up, purposefully stepping on Colt in the process. “Oops…my bad.”
He tugged Cody across the room, knocking wrapping paper out of the way as he went. Once he got to the center, the chatter came to an end as he turned and smiled. Cody’s red face said it all, and god, he loved that blush on his lover’s cheeks. His guy wasn’t comfortable being the center of attention ever and certainly not in Mitch’s family’s home. He stared at Cody, lost in his eyes. Suddenly his mouth was dry and his heart hammered in his chest. This was it, he’d been so excited and sure of himself, but now, the thought of forever with Cody humbled him. He wanted to make Cody the happiest man on earth.
“I’ve brought us all together today to share in this moment. I already asked your dad, he gave his half-assed approval,” Mitch teased as Cody’s dad started to chuckle. Neither would ever say how worried Mr. Turner was by what Mitch was doing. Mitch understood Cody’s father’s concern was well-founded simply because all of the ignorance surrounding gay marriage, especially in the South. But Mitch loved Cody, and this was the man he wanted to spend his forever with.
“Cody, this may seem a little rushed. I just didn’t know when everyone would be together again, and my feelings aren’t going to change no matter how much time passes. Since I first laid eyes on you, I knew I had to have you. That feeling has only grown stronger as I’ve gotten to know you. I love you and I know without a doubt you’re the only man for me.”
Mitch fished around in his pocket until he found what he was looking for.
“You’re supposed to have that ready,” Matt called out from across the room and was immediately shushed by all the females. He lowered to one knee and looked up at Cody who stared down at him with the most intense look he’d ever seen. Mitch got it, his heart pounded wildly in his chest, pumping the blood through his veins so loudly he swore he heard the roaring in his ears. He opened the box and lifted the ring, holding Cody’s gaze with his.
“Cody Turner, will you do me the honor of marrying me? Please. Make an honest man out of me.” Cody stood silently. He’d spent the better part of the last few months with the man. Cody was proud and strong, but he worried over their lifestyle like his father, even if he never said it out loud. He waited on baited breath for Cody’s answer. Cody’s brilliant blue eyes never strayed from his. His cowboy loved him, no question there; he saw the love reflected in their depths.
Silence filled the room, but Mitch wouldn’t have heard anything anyway. His heart, mind, and soul were connected only to this man who always took his time to respond to life-changing events. So he continued giving Cody enough room to grasp the importance of the moment.
Mitch always pushed, Cody took things slower. They balanced each other.
After what felt like fifteen minutes, Cody finally nodded. That was all anyone needed. Cheers erupted from both living rooms. Mitch stood and pulled Cody to him, no resistance to this PDA in front of their families.
“Thank you! I love you,” Mitch proclaimed loudly.
“I love you,” Cody said, burying his face in the crook of Mitch’s shoulder. Mitch could feel Cody’s heart hammering in his chest. Cody lifted his face to kiss Mitch’s neck before he whispered in his ear, “You completely surprised me.”
“I wanted to,” Mitch whispered quietly. He closed his eyes and pulled Cody against him even tighter if that were possible. “I love you so much, Cody Turner.”
~~~
Four hours later
Aaron Stuart sat at one of his computer screens in his downtown studio apartment. He’d dodged the Christmas Eve festivities with the fam, feigning illness, since he really couldn’t stand his new sister-in-law. Crazy gold-digger was only after his brother’s money, and she’d scored big this time around. She was on her fourth marriage and this time got pregnant to secure her spot on his
brother’s bank account. Interesting the things he could find out about people online.
His idiot brother was too in love to believe his findings, so he deserved what he got in the end.
Tyler Connors earlier email had bothered him all day long. Elliot Greyson had had a breakthrough moment in counseling yesterday. A wave of memory was back, but he didn’t identify Agent Langley as his abductor. Actually, he been more than adamant that he was one hundred percent convinced they didn’t have their man where his case was concerned.
Connors decided to wait and clue Mitch in after the Christmas holidays. The Marshals and the FBI had arranged for him to take some time off. He’d become too high profile after Cody’s attack. His face was recognizable so they kept him on the down-low. He’d probably get assigned to a desk on his return, bury him in piles of paperwork.
After that email, Aaron had sifted through the miles of files he had on the case. So they hadn’t gotten all their men. That meant the information was somewhere inside the data, hidden, just waiting to be found. He pulled up all the video coverage he had on Agent Langley. Aaron watched the in-custody interview between Agent Langley and his attorney. There was no audio, but he suspected they’d exchanged some valuable intel, whether directly or using code. He pushed that file out to his desktop. He’d investigate the attorney soon.
Next he re-watched the coverage of Cody’s accident, leading back to the coverage of Kreed’s brother’s funeral. He bounced his leg as he watched the hate spew from those supposed Christians’ mouths. As a gay man, it was hard to stomach. The leg twitch helped him concentrate and kept his anxious feelings manageable. He didn’t know how Mitch had kept so calm amidst all the hate. How had he not taken out his gun and shot them all? He would never understand how people who called themselves Christians could be so cruel. Aaron slowed the feed and concentrated on the picture in front of him, looking for anything that might help. That was when he saw him. Aaron almost missed the lawyer.
He rewound, slowed the video feed, and stilled the screen on the familiar face. Langley’s lawyer was part of the hate group picketing the Sinacola funeral. Why in hell hadn’t anyone caught this before now? Better question, how had he missed this? Damn.
Pulling up his phone, he went to call Mitch and stopped. He didn’t want to be the one to tell him there were now holes in the case. Instead, he tried Connors on his cell. The agent didn’t pick up, but he was traveling for the holidays. He then called Kreed. He hated bothering the guy during this particular Christmas. Mitch had told him he’d gone home for the first time in years. Maybe he would answer.
“Kreed Sinacola,” a deep voice barked over the Christmas music playing in the background. “Hang on, I can’t hear you. I’m going outside.” Seconds passed and the background noise quieted. “That’s better.”
“Kreed, it’s Aaron Stuart. I hate to bother you, but are you busy? This is important.”
“Hey, Aaron, nah, it’s fine. What’s up?”
“I was going over the footage on the Langley case, and I think I might have found something,” Aaron replied, his eyes back on the attorney as he captured a print screen and sent the photo to Kreed’s phone.
“Well, of course you have. Tomorrow’s Christmas, you know that right? This couldn’t wait twenty-four hours?” Kreed sarcastically replied.
“Probably not.”
A Nice Guys Novel 3
Coming 2015
Books by Kindle Alexander
If you loved Full Disclosure then you won't want to miss Kindle Alexander's bestselling novels:
Always
Double Full, A Nice Guys Novel 1
The Current Between Us
Texas Pride
Up in Arms
* * * *
True love will stand the test of time, Always!
“Be prepared to cry and cry while reading this pure love story of Avery and Kane's journey of self discovery, love, lust, heart wrenching scenes and hot and I mean hot male-male sex.”
—Paul Berry, Gay Media Reviews
But be assured Kindle Alexander fans will love this book, they have delivered what I would call a true romance that even those readers like me, that can be a bit skeptical at times will love… be assured there is nothing cheesy or too saccharine about Always, it’s just the perfect love story!
—Monique, Sinfully Sexy Reviews
If I could rate it higher than 5 Pennies, I would. I don’t think there are enough words to convey how much this book touched my soul.
—Penny Pam, Penny For My Thoughts Book Blog
Always by Kindle Alexander takes on a life completely of its own and it is unlike anything she has published before. Always is an epic love story of two men that transcends time.
—Tania, Scandalicious Book Reviews
Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned m/m reader or if you’re stumbling into this genre for the very first time, I urge you to give this extraordinary book a chance. I have no doubt whatsoever that it will leave you speechless.
—Natasha is a Book Junkie
The word is out on Double Full
"Kindle Alexander knows the rules of romance and she applies them good."
— Elisa My Reviews and Rambling
"You can't help but love Jace and Colt and suffer their heartbreak right along with them."
—Tanis, Scandalicious Book Reviews
"I was drawn into this book from the first paragraph!"
—Dirty Hoe's Book Blog
"These two hunky men had me in tears, their love for one another is magically."
— Jennifer Robbins, Twinsie Talk Book Review
"It's a really steamy story, and I put this on my GRL TBR list and was everything I hoped."
—Jessie Potts, USA Today
"Double Full is a compelling and fabulous read!"
— Monique, Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
"Double Full will be in my heart for some time to come."
—Paul Berry, Gay Media Reviews
"Kindle Alexander sure can write a red hot sex scene like nobody else." —Vickie Leaf, Book Freak
"Without a doubt one of the BEST m/m romances I have ever read."
—Mandie, *Foxylutely* Blog
"If you love romance and love then you need to read this!!"
— Angie, Twinsie Talk Book Review
Everyone's talking about The Current Between Us
"Ms. Alexander has become one of my favorite M/M authors; check that one of my favorite authors. Her characters are mature, well rounded and seem to find a place in my heart."
—Denise, Shh Mom's Reading
"I will recommend this to those that love family stories, hot men coming together and discovering love, a twist that will raise eyebrows and a very happy ending." —Pixie, Mmgoodbookreviews
"I loved this book! Everything about it was just perfection...great characters, suprises, and the story...seriously, it was so sweet and romantic and just really good reading."
—Christi Snow, Author
"Kindle Alexander has given us another great book. The characters Trent and Gage grabbed my heart and haven't let go. This isn't just a love story, it has a mystery going on that keeps you hooked." —Teri, The Bitches of Eastwick Book Reviews
"Loved this book!!! This is the second book I've read by Kindle Alexander. The first one was Texas Pride. I was hooked right from the beginning. It's an amazing love story." —Brenda Wright, Twinsie Talk Book Review
"This book is an excellent love story, where even the most hardened heart and disillusioned soul can find the romantic streak hidden deep within and see it blossom into something neither thought possible. I fell in love with the author, her writing and the characters... just go read it!!!"
—Monique, Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
"This is my first book by Kindle Alexander and I have to say that I loved it! I am a fan of the m/m genre especially when there is a beautiful and touching story behind it."
—Three Chicks and their Books
&n
bsp; "If you enjoyed Texas Pride you will love The Current Between Us!"
—Swoon Worthy Book Reviews
Rave Reviews for Texas Pride
"I would DEFINITELY like this to be a series…hint hint to Kindle Alexander!!!" —Brenda, Twinsie Talk Book Review
"I have a severe case of book hangover. Seriously readers – you need to read this book. Ten stars for me!" — *Foxylutely* Blog
"The end of this book was so well done!" —Shh Mom's Reading
"Definitely a great read...I didn't want this sweet story to end."
—Christi Snow, Author
"Recommend this to those who love cowboys and movie stars …and a very happy ending." —Mmgoodbookreviews
"I highly recommend it." —Samantha, Passionate Books
What readers are saying about Up in Arms
"Up in Arms is a compelling, fascinating drama that honestly explores the conflict of love in the military without taking away from an enchanting romance." —Joyfully Reviewed
"This story not only follows these men's love affair, which is sweet and sexy, but we also see the aftermath of how they deal with tragedy. I love these boys, how they interact, how they overcome, how one of them blushes *sigh*." —The Bitches of Eastwick
"This is a tender love story…. She taps all the sensory elements that binds a romance reader to the narrative, characters, conflicts and resolutions." —Blackraven Reviews
Full Disclosure (A Nice Guys Novel Book 2) Page 38