Birthday: Here's Another Gift

A Gift for You

Before the party kicks off with my first guest, I have a few presents to offer you. Extra excerpts from recently released books and maybe some upcoming books to peak your interest. 

First up: 

Whatever It Takes

Released April 1, 2016

MLR Press            Amazon                   All Romance

Blurb:

It takes an eye-opening talk for Riley Gordan to realize there’s something wrong in his twelve-year relationship with Conor Flemming. He creates extravagant events for same-sex proposals and weddings to over-the-top holiday parties, but he never considered one for Conor and him. Busier than ever, he realized his time with Conor had shrunk. He decides to use his event planning skills and put them to work to rekindle the spark.

Conor Flemming creates extraordinary cakes for anything from a cancer survivor’s celebration of life to a same-sex wedding, but never one for himself. When it comes to his life with Riley, he knows it’s failing, but not sure where it all went wrong. The silence hurts and worries him. Until a flurry of text messages changes the situation.

Excerpt: (New - Not seen before)

Home. Right. Where was home? Almost forty and I’m sleeping in my office instead of facing my troubles at home. How is that supposed to be better? Conor snorted at the thought and went to the break room. He washed his hands and heated up a couple slices of pizza.

Since Patricia was all about recycling and saving the world, Conor found the water bottle with his name written on the side and filled it with chilled water from the stationed cooler. He leaned back against the counter and took several deep swallows. Okay, fine, Pat was right about this part. Of course, he wouldn’t dare tell her that since he would never hear the end of her crowing.

His phone buzzed a few times in a row. Not expecting any calls, he pulled it out, tapped in his password, and swiped across the screen. When he tapped the Messages icon, he saw Riley’s name darkened to show him as the sender.

“Riley?” he muttered and clicked on the conversation.

Riley-Party: Are u coming home tonight?

Riley-Party: What time?

Riley-Party: Please say yes. Miss u.

Going home was the last thing on Conor’s mind. He slept the last couple of weeks in his office after packing stuff in a duffel bag. He figured Riley either didn’t notice his absence or didn’t care. He set the bottle down and tapped in his message. His big fingers fumbled over the small keyboard on his iPhone. Why the hell did I splurge on this iPhone contraption? Barely use the darn thing. Screw you, autocorrect, I meant ‘tiers’ not ‘tears’! He tapped backspace several times to adjust the blasted autocorrect words.

Cakeman: Multiple tiers to finish. Consult at 5:30. Not

sure.

Riley-Party: ok Promise to come home. Please.

Cakeman: why

Riley-Party: miss u. Need to talk. Have stuff to tell u.

Couple of crazy days here

Cakeman: oh?

Riley-Party: fired brian the little shit

That statement made Conor’s jaw drop. No freaking way in hell did Riley say he fired the bastard. No freaking way. Brian did everything for him. Every fucking thing. Including taking my part in Riley’s life. This can’t be right. Conor tapped his finger on the tiny keyboard.

Cakeman: u did what?

Riley-Party: fire brian

Cakeman: why? when?

Riley-Party: fucked up consults n other shit. Tossed him out

yesterday. Too long to explain on this

Cakeman: whatcha do now

Riley-Party: Grady on hire search. Not too bad. Can handle

it w/fab four.

Conor smiled at his nickname for the original team of As You Wish. The original three had been together longer than Conor knew Riley with Joseph coming along a few years later. The four of them clicked together and kept the business moving and growing. Even through the darkest moments, they survived together.

Cakeman: fab four back on the stage.

Riley-Party: u know it. How bout u?

Cakeman: me what?

Riley-Party: whatcha doing?

Cakeman: pizza. Pat on my case.

Riley-Party: :( u need to eat

Conor lifted an eyebrow. Why was Riley worrying about him now?

Riley-Party: Conor? U there?

Cakeman: yeah pizza dinged

Riley-Party: enjoy. Shit. Consult here. New clients. See u

tonight.

Riley-Party: xx

Conor stared at the last message. It shocked him to see the pair of kiss emojis. As he stared at the phone, the toaster oven truly did ding as the timer finished. He set the phone down and yanked the hot slices onto a plate. His fingers singed with the heat. As he sucked on the pair of fingers, he carried the plate to the table.

While he chomped on the first slice, Conor studied the conversation he’d had with Riley. He scrolled to the conversation right before the one that started. It had been over three weeks since Riley sent a message about how they were out of coffee. That was it.

What kick-started this exchange between them? Why would he fire Brian?

“Hey, Conor, haven’t you figured out that iPhone by now?” one of his assistants, Johnny, teased as he snatched a couple of slices out of the box. He didn’t bother to heat them up as he dropped in a chair opposite from Conor.

“Fucking contraption. No, just the basics. Why did I upgrade?”

“It was the ‘it thing.’ I know it wasn’t cheap.”

Conor glared at his younger employee, who chuckled.

Johnny nodded toward the phone. “What’s going on with it? Need help?”

“Messages from Riley,” Conor said. “I can work that part. Stupid autocorrect crap.”

“Riley?” Johnny chuckled again. “Yeah, there are some awesome autocorrect fails out there. What did Riley have to say? Been a while since I’ve seen him hunting for treats.”

Conor chewed as he scrolled the screen up and down to read through it, looking for a hidden meaning behind the exchange. There had to be something. They haven’t talked, truly talked in days, no weeks. Forget about any personal time. Lovemaking was out of the picture. The little bastard, Brian, didn’t help matters by keeping a wall between him and Riley.

“Helllooo?” Johnny waved his hand under Conor’s nose.

Conor glared at Johnny again. “What?”

Johnny pointed the end of his pizza slice toward the phone. “What did Riley want? Just asking cause it looks like you need to talk about something. Either that or you’re working on a good fart. Can’t tell with that expression on your face.”

One of Conor’s eyebrows went straight up.

“What? Old boys have to fart. Good for the colon.” Johnny lifted his pizza in celebration of manly farts.

With a shake of his head, Conor wiggled the phone. “He fired Brian.”

“That little prissy bastard. Nice,” Johnny said with a big grin.

Conor raised an eyebrow.

“Please, boss, we all hated him. Sticking his nose in everyone’s business all the while he kept a tight hold on Riley’s backside. Two faced little bastard,” Johnny said as he gestured to Conor with the piece of pizza. “Nothing good will come from him.”

“Did everyone feel the same?”

“Yup.”

“Glad to know it wasn’t only me,” Conor said.

“When did he get the boot?”

“Yesterday.”

“Damn, wish I could have been there to give him a one-finger salute on his way out. Oh well.”

Rolling his eyes, Conor finished the pizza, rinsed off the plate and washed his hands thoroughly. “Did Emily finish the cats?”

“Yeah, she finished sculpting the rice treat heads and tails for both. She didn’t know if you wanted to handle the fondant or let her do it.”

“I’ll take care of it. They wanted two different cats, so that means tinting and kneading more fondant,” Conor said as he dried his hands. He snatched his phone off the table and slid it back in his chef’s coat pocket. “Oh. And Johnny?”

Johnny looked up from his third slice.

“Don’t say anything about my colon again. Okay? Thanks. Concentrate on yours,” Conor said in a sharp tone that didn’t mean shit. As he left the room, he listened to Johnny cracking up laughing. He had a crazy bunch of idiots working for him. On the way back, he grabbed the detailed photos of the actual felines he would turn into cake for the grooms.

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Birthday: Another Gift for You

A Gift for You

Before the party kicks off with my first guest, I have a few presents to offer you. Extra excerpts from recently released books and maybe some upcoming books to peak your interest. 

First up: 

Following the Law
Southern Charm 5
Released: August 2015

Pride Publishing                Amazon                  All Romance

Blurb:

Sheriff Robin Burke is upset and pissed-off. His quiet seaside town is troubled with all kinds of problems. Looking for the man who tried to poison Samuel Ashford is high on his priority list, but there is more in store. When someone he crushes on returns, he hopes to work out his non-existent love life.

Returning from London, Beau Courtenay discovers an invader of his home, his troubled half-brother. Dealing with the chaos, he is busy with a massive backlog of work, renovating the entire Southern Charm system, and others. He finds another troubling detail in the form of tiny interfaces. There's also the allure of the sheriff distracting him and threatening to reveal his darkest secret.

What happens when Robin connects his suspect to the handsome IT geek with the delicious British accent and tight ass? Can Beau help the sheriff follow the law to prosecute everyone who dares to attack their beloved town?

Excerpt:

Beau wandered away while Candice worked with the elaborate hissing, steaming and

brewing machines. He moved through some of the stacks, checking out the various items

offered for sale and how they’d changed from the last time. Seeing a few of his favorite chips

and treats, he snagged some off the shelf to add to his purchases.

The bell dinged with another entrance.

“Hello, Sheriff, right on time. Want your usual?” Candice asked.

Sheriff? Here? Now? Oh, bollocks.

Lifting his head, Beau looked over the stacks toward the door and saw the tall, handsome

sheriff stepping out of the bright morning light and into the store. The man removed his

Stetson, shoving fingers through his ebony hair cut in a military pattern. Beau felt his knees

weaken.

“Hey, Candice, make it a double on the espresso. I’m running on empty and stressed,”

the sheriff said.

“Oh dear. Are you still looking for the one who poisoned the new co-owner?”

“Yes. The search is ongoing.” The sheriff stopped and turned his head. “Hello there, Beau,

it’s good to see you again.”

Beau stopped and gave an idiotic wave. “Hello, Sheriff.”

“When did you get back from London?”

“The other night,” Beau said.

Bollocks and fuck a duck, the man’s talking to me! Me!

“I hope your trip went well. I heard from Maggie about your father. I’m sorry to hear he

was so ill.”

“He suffered from a series of heart attacks, but is recovering. My stepmother requested I

fly over to assist with the company. Thankfully, my dad is getting stronger and I left the

company in my uncle’s care.”

“Good to hear. I’m sure you’re happy to be home.”

“I am.”

“By the way, Maggie mentioned something to one of the deputies about some unknown

alarm notices. Would you like me to send someone to your home and check out the system?”

Ready to strangle Maggie for her ‘helpfulness’, Beau cleared his throat and moved

around the shelves to stand in the same aisle as the sheriff. “The code used was one for family.

It’s not a well-known code.”

“Did someone use this old code while you were gone?”

“My half-brother. I’m dealing with him.”

“Sounds like you don’t connect with your brother.”

“I deal with him when he comes around and forget about him when he’s not,” Beau said.

The sheriff sneezed and sniffed at something. He raised an eyebrow and looked at Beau

in a strange fashion. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“Pardon?”

“When did you start smoking?”

Beau blinked at the odd question. He remembered what had happened and cursed under

his breath. “My half-brother. He blew a nasty puff of smoke at me.”

“Weed?”

Beau nodded.

“Hmm. Not you?”

“Shite, no!

“Beau, your order is ready,” Candice said.

Swallowing at the slight awkwardness, Beau glanced back at the sheriff. “Excuse me,

please.”

The sheriff stepped back and waved the path with a hand. “It’s good to have you home.

I’m sure either one of the laptops or a server at the station will throw a kink in the works to get

some of your personal attention.”

“They usually do like to throw their little tantrums.”

“Perhaps you’ll give someone else some personal attention, too, if needed.”

Raising an eyebrow in silent question, Beau wondered if the law officer was attempting

to flirt with him. “Perhaps. If it’s needed,” he said and walked away from the gorgeous man.

He swore he felt a pair of eyes watching his ass.

What the hell is my attraction to foreign accents?

Robin cursed under his breath as his cock continued to throb and press against his zipper.

If it didn’t let up, there would be zipper marks against his shaft. He shifted and lowered a hand

to rearrange himself. Ever since his first lover had whispered sweet nothings in a gorgeous

Italian lilt while fucking him, Robin had been lost when he heard an accent.

Walking into the Shoppe needing an extra kick of caffeine to get his mind moving to deal

with another day of catching an elusive attacker, he hadn’t expected to hear the rich caress of

a British accent. It curled and lifted around the tones, changing them to something more than

mere English.

When he’d recognized that the accented voice belonged to Beau Courtenay, he hadn’t

been able to help but move closer to him. At the same time, he’d lowered his Stetson to hide

his growing erection. It wouldn’t be proper for a law officer to pop wood in the middle of a

store. He’d turned to meet the man’s dark blue gaze when Beau had appeared around the end

of an aisle.

There was something about the slender well-dressed Brit with the bright-colored canvas

sneakers. Beau hid his quirky nature behind a shy smile. Then there was his competence and

belief in his ability to understand and manipulate electronics. Altogether, Beau was an

intriguing and mysterious package.

Why the hell would his half-brother blow weed smoke in his face?

Damn, I want to know more.

After a far too quick conversation, Beau picked up his order and chatted with Candice.

Robin stared at Beau’s bubble-butt covered in dark chocolate slacks as he walked out of

the door.

“One sweet ass,” he muttered.

“Sheriff is hooked, line and sinker,” Candice teased. “By our lovely Brit too. Rather

intriguing.”

“Oh, shush,” Robin said.

Laughing, Candice held out the large cup. “I’ll add it to your tab.”

“Thanks, Candice.” He headed toward the door.

“For what it’s worth, I think you should go for it. He’s single. You’re single. Ask him. All

he can say is no,” Candice called out.

“Don’t need dating advice, nor do I have time to give him the proper attention he

deserves,” Robin said.

“There is more to life than a job. Even for an exceptionally dutiful sheriff of a small

county.”

Robin waved and walked out of the door. He headed to the closest parking lot and

watched a shiny, curvy Audi drive away with Beau at the wheel. He whistled low in

appreciation of the beautiful piece of machinery. He wondered what it would be like to drive,

to get it in the open and feel the horsepower.

Instead, all he could do was get in his SUV and drive to the station. After checking in and

handling the morning conferences and updates, Robin went to his office and studied the

information board, which held everything about the investigation regarding the possible

attempted murder of Samuel Ashford.

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Birthday: A gift for you

A Gift for You

Before the party kicks off with my first guest, I have a few presents to offer you. Extra excerpts from recently released books and maybe some upcoming books to peak your interest. 

First up: 

Stranded

A New Years Eve Novella

Released January 1, 2016

MLR Press            Amazon                   All Romance

Blurb:

Traveling for work around the holidays sucks.

Julian Tucker learns this the hard way when work sends him to fix a crisis from Australia, Japan, to several locations in the States. To make matters suck more, he's sitting in the Denver Airport on New Year's Eve. This wasn't part of his plans. Oh and his boyfriend isn't picking up the phone. His luck gets worse – the incoming blizzard shuts down the airport. He's stuck there.

A fellow traveler, Emmett Bishop, takes the delay in stride. A superhero loving photojournalist, he sails along with the trouble, sweeping Julian up with his enthusiasm and zaniness. Unable to take flight, Emmett figures out another way to enjoy the holiday with Julian.

Suddenly, a snow delay doesn't seem so bad a way to ring in the New Year.

Excerpt:

The schedule sucked big time. The final flight and fix at a branch brought Julian Tucker to this point of sitting in a Denver airport during New Year’s Eve. The only good point was receiving a call from the Atlanta office. The problems stopped escalating after he updated and corrected the algorithms in the Denver branch. So instead of heading up to Chicago, the main office changed his flight to home, to Atlanta.

Checking his ticket for the boarding time, he knocked back the rest of the bourbon. Leaving money on the bar, he gathered the carry-on suitcase filled with clothes he kept getting dry-cleaned and his messenger bag that acted like a traveling briefcase.

Walking through the somewhat deserted terminal toward the gate, Julian settled in another uncomfortable chair. Able to look out the wall of windows over the tarmac, he didn’t like the look of the dark skies filled with heavy gray clouds and falling snow. This storm blew in yesterday while he fiddled with the algorithms, built into a massive blizzard, and hadn’t let up since.

He looked up at the closest TV and found the station tuned to one of the many televised New Year’s Eve parties. The party just started since the countdown clock said two hours of party time and music until the shiny ball dropped in Times Square.

There were only a few other travelers with him at the gate. The closest was a fellow in fitted slacks in a charcoal color, combined with a faded deep gray T-shirt, and a wrinkled sports coat lying across his legs. Propped in one chair, he stretched his long legs across to the opposite chair, ankles crossed over one another. Stubble covered his jaw and matched the mess of dark auburn curls on his head. With arms resting on his chest, he tucked his chin down, eyes closed, as he tried to catch some sleep. Next to his chair was a set of battered Converse sneakers and a set of mismatched luggage. Both were in a bright blue color. Julian recognized one of them as the popular spinner bags.

What caught his attention was the odd type of a well-padded backpack. He couldn’t figure out the strange array of pockets. One opened from the side while another had the normal top zipper. Instead of being a plain color, colorful logos of almost every type of superhero and team available covered the backpack. He found everything from the Avengers, to Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America, Green Lantern, X-Men, and so many others. It was an awesome array of logos from Marvel and DC Comics and included some of the smaller companies, Image, Dark Horse, and IDW.

Pulling his attention from the colorful backpack, Julian drifted back to the man and admired the long legs. He stopped at the stocking-covered feet and realized the print was tiny rainbows. He didn’t think a straight man would wear those, unless he wore them for his kids. A quick check of the hands, and Julian didn’t see a ring.

Nope, it looks like he bats for my side. Shit...

Why would he lust after some stranger?

Julian scrubbed his hands over his face, trying to push back the exhaustion from all the traveling and stress.

There was no reason to check out a virtual stranger when beautiful, sweet, loving Carson wanted him at home. The manager of an independent bookstore, Carson loved everything about books. Carson was always reading and often spoke about the stories he read, authors he met at different signings, and the store.

Desperate to reach Carson and reassure himself of their connection, Julian dug into the pocket of his military-detailed pea coat. He tugged out his phone and mini earphone. Tucking the earphone in place, he hit the speed-dial for Carson. He silently pleaded for his lover to answer. He didn’t want to leave yet another voicemail. While he waited, he plied his fingers along the thigh-length hem of the cashmere blend coat.

“Hello,” Carson said.

“Carson, hi, I didn’t know if I could catch you. I have great news! I wanted to let you know I’m heading home. Things are fixed, and I’m at the airport waiting for the flight to Atlanta. I don’t know if I can get home in time for the party, but I will be with you for New Year’s Day. We can celebrate together when I get home,” Julian said, rushing through all the news, eagerness in his voice to share everything with his boyfriend. “Where have you been? I left several messages and voicemails. Why hadn’t you called me back?”

“Carson, who is it? We need to get to the club,” someone else said on the other side of the line. The voice was so close and sounded like the person stood damn close to Carson.

“Carson? What’s going on? Who is that?” Julian asked.

“Derek, give me a moment to deal with this. It’s my ex,” Carson said in a low tone.

Julian felt his mouth dry out and his voice strangled around the word, “Ex?”

The other man asked, “Is it the workaholic?”

“Yeah, I need to talk to him. Don’t worry. The party isn’t going anywhere. Only reason we’re running late is because your sexy self is irresistible in those cotton boxers,” Carson said.

There was no mistaking the throaty laughs of lovers with secrets or the shared kiss.

Julian felt his stomach flip and drop. “Carson…”

“Well, hurry it up. You know I want to dance before the ball drops,” the other man said.

“I’m not letting this night go without a dance. Let me handle this, baby. We have time.” Handling the other private conversation Julian never wanted to hear, Carson returned to his conversation with Julian. “Sorry about that. I figured if I didn’t call back or pick up, you would get the message.”

“What message? Why is there another man in our condo?”

“I can’t do this anymore and I’m not at your condo.”

“Can’t do what?” Julian concentrated first on the relationship problem before he tried to figure out where Carson was with this other man.

“Us, this so-called relationship. It doesn’t work when one of us is never here.”

“Please, don’t. This was a freaking fluke of computers.”

“What about the last four trips over this year and six trips the previous year? All of the long hours and weekends when you’re at the office? Even when you’re home, you were on the damn computer. We were together for two years, and I barely saw you. That isn’t a relationship. It’s roommates sharing the same place.”

“I told you what was happening. The corporation acquired a new company, and my department was in charge of merging the computers and records. Then a huge new account for a different company got added to the mix.”

“Right. Work. Always work.”

“You were working. You read and handled the store.”

“I read for fun, and it isn’t work. This isn’t about me. It’s you. I’m not going to compete against your office. I want someone who puts me first. Me. Not a job. Not a computer.”

“Carson—”

“Don’t. Just don’t. As for where I am, you don’t need to know the details. I moved out of your condo. Thanks for letting me crash there when I lost my place though we weren’t together for long. I left the key with the security folks. It’s empty and waiting, just like your heart.”

“Carson, come on,” the other man whined over the phone.

“Be there in a second, Derek,” Carson said. “Gotta go. It didn’t work out between us. It happens. I’m sorry things ended up like this.”

“Can I—”

“No. I don’t want to talk to you anytime soon, even if we cross paths at the club. Bye, Julian,” Carson said and hung up on his side.

Julian heard the annoying buzzing tone in his ear. He tossed the phone back at the messenger bag and yanked the mini earphone out of his ear. He held it tight in his palm and tried not to crush it.

Dumped. Over the phone. On New Year’s Eve. Could my fucked up life get any better?

“Ladies and gentlemen, due to the increasing inclement weather, all flights have been grounded at Denver International Airport. Please head to the nearest customer service desk of your airline to re-book and receive vouchers for a hotel stay,” the voice on the loud speaker said. “Again, due to the growing inclement weather, all flights are grounded until further notice. Thank you.”

§ § §

“Ahh, shit.”

Hearing the muttered curse, something similar echoing in his head, Julian saw the rumpled man sit up and drop his feet to shove them into the waiting sneakers. He smiled when he saw the faded T-shirt had the Green Lantern splashed across the front. It seemed appropriate for someone who covered his bag in colorful logos.

“Feel the same damn way,” Julian said.

“Holiday travels suck the worse. Were you heading to Atlanta, too?”

“Yes, it’s home.”

“Same here. My flight diverted from Portland due to this blasted blizzard. I didn’t expect to spend New Year’s here.”

Julian pointed to the televisions over him. “They just start the Rocking New Year’s Eve Party on TV. They’re counting down to midnight in New York.”

“Already? Shit, thought I had more time. Oh well.” The superhero-loving man rose to his feet, pressed his hands against his lower back, and stretched to let a few vertebrae crack. “These seats are not made for someone almost six feet. Ugh.”

“Same with airline seats. Not much leg room unless you wan

to pay a fortune.”

“You’re right. Airplanes are the one place everyone believes you’re shorter than five-seven. Sheesh.”

Julian gathered his things, tucked his phone and earphone back into his coat pocket, and rose to his feet. He spotted the customer service desk with a growing crowd surrounding it. He pointed to it. “We have to go there.”

Looking around, the man shook his head. “Shit, I don’t like the look of that crowd.” Bending over, he picked up the backpack and slid it on a shoulder while he grabbed the handle of his rolling case.

“By the way, that’s an awesome backpack,” Julian said.

The man grinned. “Yeah, I couldn’t grow up and overcome my love of superheroes. Had a huge crush on many of them when I was a boy and some never went away. Figure this was an easy way to show off my love. I plan on printing the logos on stickers to cover the rolling bag.”

“That would be one way to always find your bag.”

“That was the plan, but something always comes up to push it back.” While a playful sigh escaped, he pouted and said, “Too bad I can’t make Green Lantern’s logo shine with its awesome light to show me the way. You know it can cut through any level of darkness.”

Julian laughed, unable to resist the man’s craziness and appeal, and held out his hand. “I’m Julian.”

“Emmett. Nice to meet ya. Shall we venture into the dangers of the crowd?”

“Don’t have many other options.” Julian checked out the the terminal.”

“Just another fun moment of holiday traveling,” Emmett said with a forced cheer. “This looks like a whole lot of fun. Time to wade in the mess. What I wouldn’t give to have the Hulk around and open a path.”

“More like he would smash his way, and it wouldn’t be polite.”

“True, but it would be fun as hell to watch.”

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Excerpt: Following the Law

To help celebrate the general release of Southern Charm 5: Following the Law, I hope you enjoy this excerpt:

Purchase Links:

Pride Publishing

Amazon

All Romance 

Excerpt:

**Note: This scene takes place during Robin's surprise visit to Beau's home to check on a disturbance, but finds Beau instead.**

As he talked, Beau returned to putting away groceries, pushing stuff over to Robin, pointing to the pantry as he took care of the fresh and frozen items. He left several items out, an idea for a quick dinner coming together in his head.

Robin stopped when he discovered the stash of brightly colored boxes. “Froot Loops? Lucky Charms?” He shook the boxes as he raised an eyebrow in question. “Got a sweet tooth?”

“Yes, is there a problem with a grown man eating kids’ sugary cereal?”

“No. No. Out of the box or in a bowl with milk?”

“Both. Depends on what I need.”

Robin laughed. “Interesting breakfast choice.” He lifted another box. “Oh damn, you have Cocoa Puffs! I love these things. They give you chocolate milk.”

“Do you want breakfast for dinner or dinner-dinner?”

“Food. All I want is food.”

“Dinner it is.”

With the groceries put away, Beau rolled his sleeves to his elbows and washed his hands. Robin perched on a stool at the kitchen bar.

“Do you want beef or chicken?”

“What’s faster and easier for you?”

“About the same since they’re going to be cut into thin strips.”

“Chicken.”

“I figured you for a beef man, but you got it.” Beau placed the package of beef in the freezer. “Want to help?”

“Did I mention I live on freezer meals? They’re there for a reason. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to either end up burnt or blown-up. I have all the local restaurants on my phone for emergencies,” Robin said with a chuckle.

“Wash your hands and I’ll give you a few tips.”

“Okay. I warned you.” Robin slid off the stool and moved around to wash his hands.

“I’ll be here to stop things from going too far.”

After drying his hands on a paper towel, Robin held it wadded in one hand. “Now what?”

“Go ahead and take a seat. You can work on the bar.” Beau placed a cutting board and knife on the counter. He opened a package of thick sliced bacon and pulled out half of the strips. He located the pot and skillet. He set water to boil and placed a package of lo mein noodles next to it.

“Bacon?”

“Everything is better with bacon,” Beau said.

“Hell yeah!”

Beau laid the bacon slices on the board. “I need you to dice these.” He demonstrated how he wanted the bacon chopped. “Got it? Can you do this without nicking a finger?”

“Yup. I can handle this,” Robin said and made a few cuts under Beau’s scrutiny.

“All the slices need to end up like them.”

While Robin made painstaking process, Beau sliced his way through carrots, an onion, mushrooms, fresh ginger root, scallions and snow peas. He located a can of water chestnuts, cut through the top then drained the excess water. He cleaned and dried the chicken strips while letting the skillet heat.

Robin looked up from his accomplishment and saw Beau’s pile. “Shit…”

“No. No. You’re fine.” Beau poured the noodles into the water. He scooped the bacon and tossed it in the skillet.

“So. What are you making?”

“A bacon and chicken lo mein dish. A bit of Chinese. A bit of American. My own version of lo mein.” Beau pushed the crisping bacon around. “Can you fold a couple of paper towels on a plate? The plates are there.” He pointed to a cabinet.

“Sure,” Robin said.

Beau scooped the bacon onto the towel. He got another towel and wiped out some of the fat, but kept some for flavor. He added the chicken to the skillet, and listened as it sizzled. Robin snitched a few pieces of crisped hot bacon. Beau slapped Robin’s fingers when he tried again.

“Ow,” Robin said.

“Do I need to banish you to the living room?”

“I’m hungry.”

“When did you eat last?”

Robin stayed silent.

Beau lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t you remember?”

Robin shook his head.

“Keep an eye on the chicken. If you see smoke, yell for me.”

“Umm. Okay?”

“Just a minute. I promise.” Beau moved to the fridge, pulled out a container of hummus, a bag of baby carrots and crackers from the pantry. He made a quick plate and set it on the counter by Robin along with a glass of iced tea. “Here. Snack on this before you crash.” He hip bumped Robin away and pointed toward the stool.

“You didn’t need…”

“Eat, Robin,” Beau said.

“This is rather different from your sugary snacks.”

“A well-balanced diet.”

Robin smacked a kiss on Beau’s cheek. “Thanks…”

“What the hell is he doing here?”