Open Seating (26 page)

Seth laughed. “Admit it. He’s droolworthy.”

“He’s aight,” Bryce said. “But you’re more my type.”

“Aww, you’re so sweet.”

“And you’re a dork.”

They walked the Royal Mile after the tour bus dropped them off in the center of the shopping district to stock up on souvenirs. Ignoring the usual magnets and key chains, they were drawn to the fine woolen products, which covered shelves and cubbies throughout the store. Unable to resist, they each bought a scarf, three pairs of socks, and a cashmere V-neck pullover.

The clerk noticed Bryce’s name when he rang up his purchases and insisted on showing him scarves in the clan MacFarlane colors of bright red, deep green, and blue. Laughing in protest, Bryce resisted and told the clerk he wasn’t a Scotchman. As far as he knew, his ancestors were from Northern Ireland, and he would pass on the offer.

Seth insisted they stop for tea and scones at The Elephant House, a gourmet coffee shop made famous by J.K. Rowling, who would sit for hours in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle, hand writing the first of the Harry Potter novels on scraps of paper.

“You’re kidding,” Bryce said. “How do you know?”

“I read all the information on available land tours, and this was highlighted.”

“She wrote those long-ass novels by hand?”

“Initially. She didn’t have enough money to buy a typewriter, much less a computer. All she had was her imagination and a fierce determination to tell her story.”

“I like hearing success stories like that.”

“Me too,” Seth said. “If she can do it, so can I.”

“You’re already an established writer, Seth. What secret ambitions do you have lurking in your creative head?”

“It would be amazing to see one of my novels adapted into a movie,” Seth replied wistfully.

“Have you had any offers?”

“There’s been some interest, but the majority want to rework so much of my book, it would be unrecognizable.”

“What do they want you to change?” Bryce asked.

“Remove or switch out my gay characters for straight men,” Seth said. “Apparently, it’s still an issue in Hollywood, even in this day and age.”

“You do have books with hetero couples.”

“Those aren’t the ones that have drawn interest.”

“Well, fuck them,” Bryce said succinctly. “Your stories wouldn’t be as compelling if you removed the gay element. Don’t they get that?”

Once again, Seth was moved by the fact that Bryce had read his work. He never would have imagined this no-nonsense man could lose himself in a historical romance. “Have I mentioned what a pleasure it is to be able to talk about my writing with someone who actually gives a shit?”

“Didn’t Mark read?”

“Not my stuff,” Seth said. “He only read nonfiction.”

“Well, that’s behind you now,” Bryce said. “You’re looking at a loyal fan who would love the opportunity to read a first draft and offer an opinion. In fact, I’ll be pissed if you don’t give me first look.”

Seth leaned in and kissed him. “Thank you for being so supportive.”

Bryce pulled him close and wrapped his arms around Seth’s waist. They stayed like that for a few seconds, ignoring strangers who glanced their way. Some smiled and others scowled, but no one interfered.

“According to the boyfriend manual, one must be thoroughly invested in a partner’s work,” Bryce said in a low voice. “We’re already ahead of the game since I liked your books long before I found out you were just as horny as one of your characters.”

Seth pushed him away. “You should have stopped after the first sentence,” he scolded. “Now I’ll wonder if you’re only sticking around for the boudoir benefits.”

“Who even uses
boudoir
in a sentence?” Bryce smiled.

“I do,” Seth said. “Deal with it.”

Bryce shook his head. “You’re too much.”

They didn’t get back to the ship until six thirty, and once again, they’d missed the traditional dining.

“Dammit,” Seth muttered. “I don’t want Jeannie and Andrew to think we’re avoiding them. I really need to apologize for my behavior the other night.”

“Let’s go find them,” Bryce suggested. “After we get cleaned up and have something to eat.”

“Room service okay?” Seth asked.

“Perfect. Get me the usual.”

Seth picked up the phone and ordered two cheeseburgers and a double order of fries. It was telling that he knew Bryce’s favorite eleven days into their trip. For all their outward differences, they were very much alike—two damaged men looking for love. The cabin had become their sanctuary, the one place where they could share their fears and hopes for the future without worrying about repercussions. It was far too soon to know if he and Bryce would last, but Seth was cautiously optimistic. He was aware that things would be very different once they got back to Chicago. For one thing, they’d be living apart. The small intimacies of shared living quarters would end, and he could only hope it wouldn’t affect their relationship, because he’d fallen for the guy in a big way. If it weren’t so frightening—and wouldn’t possibly send Bryce flying out the door—he’d tell him that the halfway love he felt a few days ago had deepened and changed into the real thing.

After dinner, they went in search of Andrew and Jeannie. They found them back in the Churchill Lounge, scene of their disastrous conversation. They waved when they spied Seth and Bryce walking up to them.

“Have you been avoiding us?” Jeannie asked. She looked tired, older than the last time they were together, and Seth felt a new pang of remorse.

“On the contrary,” Seth said gently. “I’m probably the last person you want to see.”

Jeannie shook her head. “Actually, you’re wrong. After our little chat the other night, Andrew and I had a good cry and made some adjustments. I’ve been so adamant about doing this on my own, wanting to spare my children the heartache of losing a parent, when in truth, there’s no escaping a loss like that. No matter how you shake it or play it, it’ll be the end of an era for them, and I’m doing them a disservice by ignoring their feelings. You were absolutely correct in that respect, however—”

“I knew there would be an addendum,” Seth interrupted in a gentle, teasing tone.

“My motives were pure, and I truly believe your late partner felt the same. Perhaps he didn’t tell you he was sick because he loved you and couldn’t bear to lay the burden on your shoulders. You have to give him that much, Seth. There was no disrespect intended. It was an act of love.”

Seth felt his throat clogging, and the tears showed up right on cue. His emotional tolerance was too fragile, and anytime Mark was mentioned, he’d be catapulted back to that horrible morning when life as he knew it had ended. He wanted to believe Jeannie, to forgive Mark and put this behind him, but his heart was still battered, and it would take a while to let her words sink in and take hold.

“And if you’re superstitious and looking for signs that Mark wanted you settled,” Jeannie added, breaking through his thoughts. “You’ve got a wonderful man standing by your side who seems to care a great deal.”

Seth turned to Bryce, who’d reached for his hand.

“You know I’ve got your back, babe,” Bryce said seriously as if they were the only ones in the room. “As long as you want me around.”

“What if I want you indefinitely?”

“That can be arranged,” Bryce replied with his usual bravado.

“We don’t even live together,” Seth reminded him.

“A technicality I can resolve in a week or so.”

“Really?” Seth asked, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand.

“Would I lie to you?” Bryce asked.

Seth managed a lopsided smile. “No.”

Turning to Jeannie, Bryce prompted, “Tell me what we can do to help?”

“You’ve already helped,” Jeannie said. “More than you know.”

“I feel so useless,” Bryce said, adding, “in your case.”

“It’s out of our hands, my dear. Promise me you and Seth will sit with us tomorrow at formal night and, if I’m up for it, show me some dance moves at that club where all the young people congregate.”

“For sure,” Bryce said.

“Definitely,” Seth seconded.

Later that night, when they were getting ready for bed, Seth turned to Bryce.

“Were you serious about our living arrangements?”

“Weren’t you?” Bryce asked.

“I’ve thought about selling the house, even before this came up. I can’t bear to live there for one more day. There are too many recent memories that time and a fresh coat of paint can’t erase.”

“I have a three-bedroom apartment on the Gold Coast,” Bryce said, referring to one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods. “The home office, which could easily be converted into your writing cave, faces the morning sun. On clear days you can see the Chicago skyline and beyond. My master bedroom has an amazing view of Lake Michigan. You’d probably be inspired to write a great love story in that kind of environment.”

“What do you think I should write about?” Seth asked.

“Two guys who meet on a cruise?”

Grinning, Seth asked, “Does it have a happy ending?”

“It’s a romance, isn’t it?”

“Should I make it an erotic romance?” Seth moved a little closer.

“I’ll help with the research.” Bryce pulled off Seth’s shirt. “It’ll be a bestseller.”

“Maybe even a movie?” Before waiting for an answer, Seth unbuckled Bryce’s belt and slowly slid his pants down his legs. He’d gone commando, the fucker, and he was an eyeful.

“Oh!” Seth exclaimed softly. He sank down on his knees and buried his face in the silky pubes. In a muffled voice, he said, “I’m going to enjoy the research.”

Bryce chuckled. “Best. Job. Ever.”

Open House

Sequel to
Open Seating

By Mickie B. Ashling

By the time Seth and Bryce return to Chicago, they’re halfway in love. They decide to move in together to see if their feelings can survive in the real world.

Seth receives word that a mandatory autopsy was performed on his late partner because his death was a suicide. The medical examiner’s findings are disturbing and leave some doubt as to the underlying cause of death.

Because of the suicide clause, life insurance benefits had been denied, but in light of these new findings, Seth’s lawyer advises him to appeal. The insurance investigator turns out to be the man who broke Bryce’s heart twenty-five years ago. The guy has fallen on hard times, and when he sees how successful Bryce has become—and how large Seth’s potential payout might be—he decides he wants a piece of the pie. Bryce and Seth’s new relationship is severely tested in this second novel in the Open Series.

Coming Soon to

www.dreamspinnerpress.com

BRYCE’S APARTMENT
on Lakeshore Drive was nothing short of spectacular. Seth had been expecting a typical bachelor pad with a worn-out La-Z-Boy recliner, a wall-to-wall flat-screen TV, mismatched tables and chairs, and a utilitarian kitchen, where the most valued appliance was the microwave. He had to stop his jaw from dropping when Bryce unlocked the front door and he first laid eyes on the gleaming hardwood floors and the understatedly elegant but comfortable furniture.

The entry opened directly into the combination living and dining room. Seth’s older Lincoln Park home felt antiquated and claustrophobic compared to this well-lit and functional space. It was a corner unit with Lake Michigan easily visible out of one set of windows and the cityscape out the others. Sunlight poured in through the thick panes of glass, and Seth liked the window coverings Bryce had chosen. They were honeycomb shades in the palest taupe. At the moment they were raised to reveal the views.

“This place is gorgeous,” Seth said. “Did you hire an interior designer?”

“Yeah, Grier Dilorio. He’s the other half of Lambert and Dilorio, an architectural firm I work with a lot. Nice guy.”

“I like the ambiance,” Seth said, moving into the room. “Minimalist but warm. The brown sectional works great with the red dining room chairs. Your designer must have an eye for color.”

“Colors are his thing,” Bryce said. “You should see his tats.”

“Seriously?”

“Oh yeah. First time we met at a job site, he drove up on a Harley in a black beater showing off full-sleeve tats on one arm. For a minute I thought he was lost.”

Seth giggled. “He sounds hot. Is he gay?”

“You bet. He’s married to the architect, Lil Lambert, and they have a teenage son who’s also gay. Don’t ask me how that happened because I don’t know the whole story.”

“Maybe I’ll hire him to spruce up my house before I put it on the market. It can certainly use a makeover.”

“Yeah, he’s really creative. Watch this,” Bryce said, pulling a round gizmo out of a drawer on the narrow table behind the sofa. He pointed it at the shades and they slid down the window silently. Within seconds the sunny apartment had turned dark and private.

“That’s great,” Seth exclaimed. “You’ll have to give me his number.”

Bryce hit the controller again and the shades lifted, letting in the sunlight. “I see him and his hub all the time. I’ll set up a meeting if you want.”

“I’d like your opinion on my house before we go that far. Talk about what’s really necessary and what’s not. This way I’m a bit more informed when we sit down with the guy.”

Bryce nodded. “Makes sense. Let me show you the office,” he said, taking Seth by the hand and leading him down a hallway. They passed the kitchen, also accessible through the dining room. Seth got a quick glimpse of gleaming stainless steel appliances and a butcher block workstation with an overhead pot rack. Shiny copper pans dangled off the hooks.

“Hold on,” Seth said, stopping dead. “I want to see your kitchen.”

“Later,” Bryce said, practically dragging him back down the hallway. “I’m excited to show you where you’ll be penning your next novel.”

Seth rolled his eyes. “I haven’t written a thing since we went away.”

Bryce turned back to him and grinned. “We’ve been too busy exploring.”