Handyman (17 page)

Out of Bounds

© 2008 T.A. Chase

Professional basketball player Kasey Johnson makes a point of keeping his sexual preference under guard and out of the public eye. Empty, off-season flings are all he can look forward to until he retires. He figures his secret is safe—until he meets Ingram Fletcher, a nightclub owner who ignites a passionate inferno in his body.

Gram has lusted after Kasey ever since the long, tall basketball player was traded to Phoenix a year ago. But with Kasey’s twin brother running interference, up until now Gram’s been unsure if it’s safe to make a play. Then some incidental contact in the crowded club leads to a kiss that starts Gram wondering if a relationship is possible—now, and beyond March Madness.

A romantic weekend together answers that question. Now the only one remaining is if Kasey is ready make a fast break out of his comfort zone.

Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, nekkid man love, creative usage of chocolate, whipped cream and strawberries.

Ingram Fletcher turned from his study of the security cameras to face his club’s manager, Bo. “You know what to do. Clear out the V.I.P. room and make sure you put Tim and Roger in there as waiters. Cecil and Alex can be security.”

He fought back the surge of anticipation rushing to his groin. Trying to keep a casual tone in his voice, he asked, “Did his brother come with him?”

Bo’s black eyes gleamed with understanding. “Yes, he did. The team got back from their road trip this afternoon, I believe.”

Gram grunted. “Go get everything ready.”

Bo nodded with a smirk and left. Gram shook his head. That was the problem with hiring his best friend as manager of his club. The man knew him too well. He couldn’t hide his interest in Kasey Johnson from Bo. Moving to the control panel, he brought up the camera covering the V.I.P. lounge.

There he was. Kasey Johnson stood head and shoulders above the other members of his brother’s party. His spiky blond hair glowed under the dim lights. Gram knew how Kasey’s green eyes held a mischievous sparkle not many people got to see. It was only in the presence of his twin brother, Garrett, Kasey let his true personality show. Gram adjusted his erection in his jeans, trying to find more room. Something about the younger man turned Gram on to the point where he’d have to go to his office and jerk off sometime during the night. It’d been a while since he’d met any man who could do that to him.

Kasey glanced around the room and Gram knew the blond was looking for him. Every time Garrett dragged Kasey to Liverpool, Gram made it a point to go and talk to the basketball star. He didn’t know if Kasey shared his brother’s sexual preferences. Gram wouldn’t push him if Kasey wasn’t ready to come out or if the man was as straight as his brother was queer. He enjoyed their friendship while wishing he’d get some sign of which side Kasey played on. Then maybe he could get started fulfilling his fantasies or finding some other gorgeous man to take Kasey’s place.

Gram gave his cock a thump, hoping the pain would get it to behave and settle down. Thank God the room was dark, so Kasey wouldn’t be able to see the hard-on tenting his jeans. His hand scraped over his chin and he frowned. He needed a shave. Shit. He was acting stupid. Kasey didn’t care whether he’d shaved or not, and it wasn’t like he’d have to worry about marking the guy’s face up with his beard.

“Get over yourself,” he muttered as he headed out of the security office and toward the V.I.P. lounge.

Gram nodded to employees and regular customers as he weaved his way around the dance floor and up the three steps that raised the V.I.P. lounge above the rest of the crowd. Cecil and Alex, the security guards, unhooked the velvet rope and he slid in, trying not to search out Kasey.

The V.I.P. lounge at Liverpool was furnished with large couches and low tables. The fabrics were velvet, silk and satin. Leather trimmed chairs were scattered around as well. There was a private bar and bartender, serving up the special guest’s favorite drinks. Usually Gram had more warning that a V.I.P. was coming and he stocked the bar, but he knew Garrett wouldn’t hassle him. For all his flamboyant antics, Garrett Johnson was pretty down-to-earth. Maybe Kasey helped keep his brother from getting an inflated ego. Though Gram admitted to himself that if Garrett wasn’t in a mostly committed relationship and if Gram wasn’t hung up on the man’s brother, he would have made a play for the actor a long time ago.

There was a small, intimate dance floor in the lounge if the clients didn’t feel like heading out to the crowded one on the lower level. He saw several of the hangers-on who followed Garrett around, already dancing and drinking up a storm. A voluptuous brunette wiggled up to Gram and gave him a hug.

“It’s great to see you, Gram.” She kissed his cheek and winked.

“Tina. How are you?” He kissed her back while keeping a discrete eye out for one tall blond.

“I’m fine and Kasey’s in the back on the couch. Garrett dragged him out when all he wanted to do was crash.”

He flushed. Maybe he hadn’t been as subtle about his interest as he thought. “Am I that obvious?”

“No, I’m observant. You usually don’t make an appearance to greet us until later in the night when it’s just us and Garrett. I’ve seen you smile at Kasey. You like him.” Tina’s dark eyes were serious as her whispered words reached his ears under the driving dance music.

“Yes, I do.” He didn’t see the need to deny it. “But I’m not making a move if he isn’t into the scene, sweetheart. No need to hurt either of us.”

She gave him a bright grin and another smile. “I think you might be surprised.”

Frowning, he watched her walk away. What did her comment mean? Gram didn’t get a chance to think about it before he was caught in a tight hug.

“Gram, love, I’m thrilled you came down to say hi.” Garrett smiled at him.

Unlike Kasey’s smile, Garrett’s was bright and practiced. It was patently false for the most part, except this time Gram could see it reached his eyes.

“Had to say hello to my best client.” He waved a hand around at the milling throng of people. “You’re the only person I know who can throw an impromptu party and still manage to round up hundreds of people.”

Garrett leaned in, pressing his lips to Gram’s ear. “I don’t know who half of them are.”

Gram pulled back, searching Garrett’s face. “Do you want me to get rid of the crashers?”

He would. He prided himself on being able to give any client what he or she was looking for. A good time without being bothered by fans.

Garrett shook his head, eyes gleaming. “No. Might find someone interesting in the crowd.”

Garrett’s green eyes were a brighter shade than Kasey’s and more able to hide what the actor was thinking. Gram couldn’t tell if Garrett was looking or simply trying to get a rise out of him.

“Okay. Be careful and remember, let me or Bo know if you want the lounge cleared out.”

“Will do, man.” A sincere smile blossomed on Garrett’s face. “Kasey’s hiding in the back.”

“Fuck. Have I been that fucking obvious?” He glared at Garrett.

Garrett chuckled. “Not really. You prefer to talk to him instead of me. Can’t blame you. He’s far more interesting than I am.”

“Maybe I like the fact he’s a little less sure of himself,” Gram mumbled.

Garrett brushed a kiss over Gram’s cheek and murmured, “Go talk to him. You’ll have to approach him. He won’t take a chance.”

“Thanks.” Gram couldn’t figure out why everyone was giving him advice and hints. Was something going on he didn’t know about? He thought he’d been more subtle in his attraction to Kasey. He hoped it hadn’t caused the younger man any embarrassment.

Making his way to the back, he grabbed a bottle of water from Tim as the young waiter went by. Gram took a swig, trying to wet his dry mouth. His mind raced. Should he make a move and see how Kasey reacted, or should he keep their relationship the same as always and not risk ruining it?

He stopped and smiled. Kasey sat, curled up in the corner of the couch. His blond head lay on the back cushion, and the young man was sound asleep. Kasey’s body was mostly made up of his legs. There had been more than one night Gram had fallen asleep and dreamed about them wrapped around his waist as he rode Kasey’s tight ass. Swallowing a moan, Gram sat down next to Kasey and placed his hand on the knee closest to him.

It’s all about the story…

Action/Adventure

Fantasy

Historical

Horror

Mainstream

Mystery/Suspense

Non-Fiction

Paranormal

Red Hots!

Romance

Science Fiction

Western

Young Adult

www.samhainpublishing.com