My Birthday Gift: A Superhero Birthday: Part 1

A special birthday gift - A Superhero Birthday: Part 1!

A Southern Charm Short Story

After all the work they put into renovating the Southern Charm and generating all new interest to promote reservations after the grand re-opening celebration, Dakota Mitchell knew he needed to step-up for Samuel’s upcoming 30^th birthday. It’s a huge milestone for his partner and lover. He wanted to make sure they would celebrate in a big way, but not at the Charm.

They both adored every single one of the Marvel movies. They drooled over their favorite heroes and scenes – though both agreed on Captain America’s time in the boxing gym was near the top. When Dakota mentioned a trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures theme park in Orlando where they could delve deeper into the Marvel-themed area, Samuel said he never went to any of the theme parks. Not even when he was a kid. His parents were busy with the multiple hotels and rarely took a vacation, unless it was a trip to a hotel. Once he heard that, Dakota quietly made his plans for an extended weekend in Orlando for Samuel’s birthday.

It took some convincing, but Dakota talked Chandler and Sully into taking over general manager type details with the Charm. Malcolm could handle the Delights, the restaurant Dakota created and added to the B&B located just below Pensacola on a spit of land and outside the small town, Shore Breeze. With the Charm in capable hands, Dakota made reservations at one of the hotels, tickets for the theme parks, and a few extra perks. He also grabbed tickets for a movie night to see the newest Marvel movie.

When it got closer to the date, Dakota packed a weekender bag for each of them. He made sure to run out and grab a better sunscreen for his pale-skinned lover. Samuel and Florida sunshine still didn’t get along. His poor guy still ended up looking like a boiled lobster if he wasn’t careful.

After a seven-hour drive through Florida, Dakota turned off the highway.

“No freaking way! Really? I mean… Really?” Samuel said, leaning forward to stare at the massive gray parking garages.

“Yeah. Happy Birthday, love,” Dakota said. He followed signs to the hotel and managed to get a parking spot. “Let’s check in, get settled if the room is ready, and hang out at the pool for a bit. I figure we can hit CityWalk tonight, check out the clubs and enjoy dinner. We’ll get into the parks early tomorrow.”

“Islands of Adventure?”

“Whatever you want to do.”

Samuel bounced in his chair. He stopped only to lean over and smack a kiss on Dakota’s cheek. “This is so damn awesome!”

Dakota laughed. Once he parked the car, he pointed a finger back at Samuel. “No work. No worrying about the Charm. Sully, Chandler and Malcolm have everything in order. Fun. Got it?”

“Selfies.”

“Of course. No work.”

“I know. I know.” Samuel held up his hands in promise.

“Let’s go check in.”

***

After enjoying a long day around the pool, they strolled through CityWalk, hand-in-hand. Samuel continued to bounce in enjoyment. He tried to look at everything, yanked Dakota into the different shops, stopped to watch whatever was happening or listening to music at one club or another.

Both of them decided on Jimmy Buffets’ Margaritaville restaurant and club. To his surprise, Dakota insisted on a table inside. When they got to it, Dakota pointed to a specific chair.

“Why? I want to people watch and look everywhere,” Samuel said. He sang along under the breath to the classic songs. He picked up the menu and flipped through it.

                                                               

“Trust me.”

“That’s a kick ass volcano.”

A waiter wandered over, welcomed them to the restaurant and took their orders. He returned after a bit with their drinks.  

Samuel sipped at the fruity alcoholic drink. “Oh, wow, this is fabulous.”

Dakota chuckled. He relaxed in the chair and enjoyed his beer.

“This is just…beyond anything I could think of.”

“I wanted to do something special after all the work we put into renovating the Charm. After everything you did, even moving down here and rearranging your entire life. I don’t know how to always tell you how much you mean to me,” Dakota said. He reached out a hand and clasped Samuel’s hand.

“Such a sap,” Samuel teased. He leaned over and kissed Dakota.

“Honest. I’m actually opening my mouth and speaking words.”

Samuel chuckled. “I know and I wouldn’t make any other choice. This is what I wanted. Once I got past your prickly exterior,” he said and placed his fingers on Dakota’s chest by his heart. “There’s a very good and warm man inside. I fell hard and never looked back. Nothing was keeping me in New York. Not even the city herself.”

A rumbling noise moved through the restaurant. The song changed to classic one about a volcano going. Someone announced the volcano was about to blow.

“What the…”

Dakota pointed to the massive volcano taking over one part of the restaurant. “Watch.”

Samuel turned to the growing spectacle. Lights flickered. Smoke rose from the top. ‘Lava’ rose and flowed through special tubes and over the edge by the bar.

“That is…” Samuel paused for even more effect. “Awesome!”

“It’ll do it every once in a while. It’s some part of the bar and drinks. I’m not quite sure.”

“Love it.”

When dinner came, they both dug in with gusto. Every time the volcano went off, Samuel stopped so he could see the entire thing and loved it more everytime.

***

Once stuffed to the brim, they left the restaurant and walked back through the heart of CityWalk.

“Movie or a club?” Dakota asked when they stopped to make a decision.

Samuel nibbled on the edge of his lower lip. “Dance.”

“Dance. But…”

“Dance, please, baby, please,” Samuel pleaded. He grasped Dakota’s hand and swung it between them.

“Oh, no, not the big puppy eyes,” Dakota said as he held a hand to playfully ward off the look. “No. No.”

Samuel laughed and tugged on Dakota’s hand. “Dance with me.”

“We could neck in the back the theater.”

“Umm. We have a room with a nice king-size bed.”

“Right. True.”

“Club it is,” Samuel said. With a triumphant call, he led the way to club he wanted.

It wasn’t a long wait, but soon they were inside. The music blasted. The crowd was lively within the fun atmosphere and a little liquor assistance.

Samuel turned, took Dakota’s hand, and crooked his finger at him. He walked backward to guide Dakota toward the crowded dance floor.

“You know I don’t always dance well,” Dakota said, the edge of a whine.

“Shush. You danced when we went to Pensacola. Shook your fine ass and had a blast. Come on.”

“Yeah, at a gay club. This is…” Dakota waved a hand around.

“Doesn’t matter. We have every right to get on the floor and dance our butts off.”

Dakota shook his head, but continued to follow Samuel onto the floor.

Samuel shifted and wiggled until he found a space for them. He tugged Dakota close and started to move and flow with the music. He raised his hands, bobbed his head, and swayed to the rhythm. He turned, backed against Dakota and got him to move with him. He glanced over his shoulder with a smile when Dakota placed his hands on Samuel’s hips.

They danced like that for hours, fast and slow songs. Samuel’s easy fluid grace drew attention. Dakota loved watching Samuel dance, lost to the music and anyone around him. He was the one exception.

They remained in the club until it was time to return to the hotel. Neither one wanted to be exhausted for their first day at the theme park.

To be continued….

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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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Southern Charm Short: A Little More Research

This short story is for Danny B, who wanted Chandler to do some more research and find something to entice his Sully. Only, things don't go how Chandler wants. Or so he thinks.

A Little More Research

 Sully Tarleton & Chandler Braddock

How the hell did he even click on this site? This wasn’t what he wanted to search.

“Stupid mad Tumblr messing up a simple search on sex,” Chandler muttered as he tapped the table three times with his fingers.

A video started.

Chandler felt his eyes pop and bug out.

“Eeewww! Ick! What? No. No. No. God in heaven, no!” he said to the screen and his jaw dropped at the next section. “I did NOT just see that.”

The blasted video continued.

“Eeewww!” Chandler screamed, slammed the laptop shut and leapt out of the chair. He did a crazy wiggling dance in the vast great room as he brushed his hands down his arms. He wanted to get what he saw out of him and off his body. “Eeww! All that slime and goop… Eeeewww! I’ll never get that out of my brain.”

“What would you like to get out of your brain, love?”

Turning at the sound of Sully’s deep timbre voice, Chandler bounced on his toes and pointed at the misleading laptop. “You don’t want to know what I saw. I don’t want to know. Now I can’t get it out of my head.” He shuddered and rubbed his hands down his arms. “Eeww. Eeww. Eeww.”

There was a crooked but confused grin on Sully’s face when he returned in Chandler’s view. Since Sully wasn’t at a construction site, he remained perfect. And clean. While a sweaty Sully had a different quality, a clean Sully was far better. Chandler breathed in the tea-tree shampoo and wash he found and how the scent clung to Sully.

His Sully.

Even after all these months of dating and living with him, Chandler still couldn’t believe he had a lover as handsome and gorgeous as the one standing in front of him. He was the crazy one. Lost in his issues, rituals and stuck in numbers, he was the one who never looked up and jumped. Until Sully came into his life.

When Sully placed his wide calloused hands on Chandler’s hip, he settled down and calmed his erratic busy mind swirling around the goop and slime. Chandler tucked a couple of his fingers into the front belt loop of Sully’s jeans. He tilted forward and rested his forehead on Sully’s broad chest. He tapped his fingers three times on Sully’s lower belly with his other hand.

“Are you better?”

Chandler felt the rumbling in Sully’s chest as he spoke. He lifted his head and tilted back to meet Sully’s steady stare. He noticed it contained some curiosity about what he saw, but he didn’t press Chandler with loads of questions.

He made a moue of disappointment and said, “I need brain bleach.”

“Sorry , love, but I don’t think you that in your arsenal of cleaning supplies.”

“It figures I would miss that one.”

Sully traced light circles on Chandler’s lower back. He kept his touch simple to work with the multitude of Chandler’s issues. From the moment they met, Sully accepted and worked with Chandler’s issues and didn’t try to change or alter him. Though, with Sully’s care, Chandler had found most of his problems lessened. No longer caught within the rituals or processes like he had been when he lived alone in Manhattan, Chandler could breathe and enjoy life.

Since Sully shouldered his way into Chandler’s life, Chandler knew he was truly living life and looking forward to a forever with Sully. It took Samuel calling him to beg and plea to fly south and help him. This one decision planted him in front of Sully Tarleton. It was the best decision of his life.

“What put you in such an agitated state, Chandler? Samuel and Malcolm aren’t here in our home, so it can’t be something they did,” Sully asked as he guided Chandler to the sectional sofa. He stretched his legs on the chaise lounge, tugged Chandler with him and tucked him close to his side.

“I was only doing some simple research. Went to one site, then another that led me to Tumblr. Holy. Shit. That place is temptation and evil. Have you seen it?” Chandler brought his head up to look at Sully as his eyes widened with memory of what he saw. “All those moving gifs, animations and pictures. Holy. Shit.”

Sully flushed and shrugged. “If you follow the right folks, it can be paradise for a single gay male.”

“You have an account?”

“Yup, but it’s been a while since I scrolled through. My attention has been kept elsewhere and I don’t need erotic images on a screen.” Sully stole a kiss from Chandler. “Did something on Tumblr bother you to send you into that frenzy cooties dance?”

“No, it was another link from Tumblr that I clicked on for an online magazine or something. When it opened, it wasn’t anything I expected.” Chandler swallowed and straddled Sully’s thighs. He rested his butt back on his feet. “Oh. My. God.”

Sully chuckled, but held still under Chandler. He tilted his head to look at him. “Go on. What did you find?”

“It’s this crazy alien thing. It’s a flexible tube with a funnel at one end. You stick it up your butt.”

“Sounds kinky.”

“Oh no. Not kinky in a good way. That wasn’t the horrendous part.”

“Okay, a flexible tube up your ass isn’t the problem. What was it?”

“You shove a freaking gelatin formed egg through the tube and into your body. What. The. Hell. It was slimy and gooey and a freaking egg! An egg!”

Sully smothered a chuckle as he paused in his circling fingers around Chandler’s hips. He raised an eyebrow and studied Chandler. “Love, how did you get to a site that shows the Ovipositer?”

“I told you Tumblr led me down the dark rabbit hole. Wait—” Chandler shook his head and held up his hands. “How the hell do you know what that thing is called?”

“I work in construction, love. We’re a loud, lusty bunch like an older frat house. This wasn’t the worse thing they shared over the years. From your reaction, I take it you stumbled upon one of the videos.”

“Holy. Shit! The video had this guy playing with this thing on a table. He shoved the eggs in the bottom and squeezed with his fingers to mimic your butt until it plopped out.” Chandler worked his hands in the fashion the man did on the video. “There was all this sticky goo and slime. Like the worse case of an oversize bottle of lube exploding all over you.”

“Don’t know I would go that far.”

“All that slimy goop. That egg thing is huge! Huge! Why the hell would a sane man want to shove that up his ass and let it lodge in his gut? I mean… Come on. It’s not designed to birth anything but poop!”

Sully laughed. Hard. So much he almost sent Chandler tumbling off his lap and the lounger. Chandler managed to save himself from falling like an idiot. He punched Sully in the shoulder. Three times to satisfy his OCD.

Sully held his hands up as a plea for no more. Tears streamed down his face. He wiped them away as he worked to catch his breath. “Damn, Chandler, my love. You and that crazy noggin. I love you so damn much,” he said as he sat up and embraced Chandler against him.

The movement dragged Chandler closer to Sully until their interested cocks, trapped behind layers of cloth and jeans, met. He moved his hips in a way that got Sully moaning and cursing. It took a while to find this hidden gem within Sully that if taken to a certain point, he loses all control of his mouth and curses a storm in between pleas for more. The finding also happened when he moved his life and blended it with Sully’s vastly different style. To satisfy his OCD, he took control of all cleaning and Sully backed away without an argument. Though, after he spent the time to alphabetize the spice cabinet, it never failed that he would find it deliberately rearranged. He knew it was Sully’s way of teasing and letting him know he loved him. Quirks and all.

“Hold those hips,” Sully said as his hands clamped on Chandler’s ass.

“What? Why did you stop?” Chandler said on the edge of a needy whine.

“What kind of research were you doing?”

Chandler flushed and ducked his head to look away, but Sully didn’t let him.

“Chandler.”

Chandler let out a harrumph. “Sex research. Ways to seduce your man.”

Sully blinked. The rest of his face remained blank.

“What?”

“Love, you had me when you walked off that plane swathed head-to-toe from all possibilities and touch. You opened yourself in so many ways since that meeting. You let me into your heart.” Sully cupped the side of Chandler’s face in one palm. “There’s no reason to seduce me. I’m already yours.”

“I just wanted to find something other than those articles on how to give your man a hand-job or blowjob. “

“Well, you know I certainly appreciated the one about hand-jobs and your careful explanation,” Sully said and grinned at him.

Chandler flushed at the thought of that memorable heated moment in his office where he jacked Sully for the first time. At least the article was right. “I wanted something like that, but more to surprise you. Instead, I found gooey slimy eggs shoved up your butt. Crazy alien shit. How long would you be stuck on the toilet shitting that egg back out?”

Sully chuckled and shook his head, not dare going there to answer the question. Instead, he dug his fingers into Chandler’s butt and shoved him forward to press their cocks together. He nibbled along the length of Chandler’s neck. When he got to the one spot that made Chandler squirm and plea, he suckled on the flesh and added a little extra bite.

Sent into a pleasurable high, Chandler moaned and grabbed handfuls of Sully’s shirt to hang on. He would have a grand old hickey on his neck. While he was proud to show off the love marks his man gave him, he would have Samuel, Malcolm and Dorian razzing him. He pointed out their love-bruised marks and beard burn to even the playing field.

“Trust me on this, love. You don’t need anything to seduce or surprise me in bed. No articles, toys or even gooey eggs. All I need is to look at you, know you hold my heart and how much you love me back,” Sully said, his timbre tone low and deep in Chandler’s ear. “You, my Chandler, are all I need to get me going.” He nipped at Chandler’s neck. “Like the Energizer bunny.”

Chandler chuckled at the old reference. Truth though, they could spend a weekend going at it like bunnies. They made sure to stock up on food to nibble on in bed and put their phones on silent. The rest of the weekend was all theirs to enjoy.

Sliding his hands down Sully’s body and around his back, Chandler took advantage and captured Sully’s mouth. He kissed him hard and deep, lost in those beautiful words. While their mouths moved, he tucked his fingers under the cushion behind Sully’s butt. Finding the prize, he pulled it out and tilted back, breaking the kiss.

Sully’s eyes widened when he dangled the lube bottle between them.

“Wanna have a little whoopee?”

Perhaps this time his research went way wrong this time, damn Tumblr, but he figured there was always another chance to surprise his lover. A little more sex research never hurt anyone.

Southern Charm Short: Dorian's Birthday Moment

Dorian's Birthday Moment

From the Southern Charm Series

Even in the middle of construction and chaos, Dorian Stewart could see the promise of what the beautiful old Southern plantation-style B&B would become when finished. The Southern Charm was always filled with grace and beauty from the time he came here as a child to enjoy a meal with his mother. From the first time stepping in the doors, Dorian told his mom he would work here one day. It was in the style of any determined kid who wanted to figure out what he would become as a grown-up. His mom laughed, but encouraged him to join her in the kitchen. He learned the basics of cooking and creating from her, but taught more under the studious careful hands and mentoring by head chef Dakota Mitchell and sous chef Malcolm Bissete. Mal became his best friend over the years.

Walking up the back porch, the new 'entrance' during construction, and entering the side hall of the restaurant. Dorian looked around, seeing new signs of construction, but no one was around.

"Hello? Anyone here?"

Turning a corner, Dorian pushed through the doors.

"SURPRISE!"

Dorian jumped and screeched at the thundering sound of all the voices screaming together at him.

"Happy Birthday, Dorian!"

Pressing a hand to his chest, Dorian learned how to breathe again. "Holy crap."

"Oops. I think we were a little over enthusiastic," Mal said as he pushed forward through the crowd.

"Ya think?"

Mal cracked up laughing. He wrapped his arms and hugged Dorian off his feet. "Happy birthday, buddy." He patted Dorian's back several times.

"Wasn't expecting all of this," Dorian said.

"Did you think we would forget about your day?"

Dorian shrugged.

"Silly guy," Mal said. "Come on. We have a day planned for you. With a special surprise…"

"What surprise?"

"Me, son, I'm your surprise," someone said with a soft voice.

Dorian turned and saw his mother, Penelope Stewart, appearing from the crowd. Curled in her wheelchair, she had a blanket wrapped around her legs. Most of her body was useless from the ravaging effects of the multiple sclerosis, but her eyes were bright and full of love. He looked from his mom's face to Dakota, who pushed the chair for her.

"Mom, what are you doing here? How…" Dorian crouched in front of her. He kissed her soft cheek, smooth and unwrinkled.

"I wanted to be here and Dakota helped the nurse and I leave the house. There's no way my son would spend his 20^th birthday without me."

"Thank you for being here, Mom, but you're not strong enough."

"I'm strong enough for today," Penelope said.

"Come on, Dorian, it's a celebration," Mal said, tugging Dorian away to the gathering crowd.

Hours passed with the celebration, no work, no arguments, and fun. Dorian and his mother enjoyed everything from the music, to the guests, the delicious food, and large cake created for the party.

As the day wore on, Dorian and others could see his mother start to fade. Her energy and health wasn't good. He didn't know how much longer he would have her in his life. This made the celebration even more special. His mother was with him. He would cherish whatever time they had together.

This made this birthday the best he'll have in his life.

See more about Dorian and the others who live and work around the Southern Charm in my series with Pride Publishing:

Book 1: Rules of the Chef – Available now!

Book 2: By the Numbers – Available now!

Book 3: On the Green – Available now!

Book 4: When in Bloom – Available now!

Book 5: Following the Law – Available now!

Book 6: According to Design – Coming Soon in 2016!

Book 7: Beach Wedding – Coming Soon in 2016!

Book 8: Unexpected in the End (Dorian's story) – Coming Soon in 2016!

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?”

Fresh Fiction Post

To help celebrate the General Release of Following the Law, I was invited to Fresh Fiction.

Thanks to Robin's helplessness in the kitchen and Beau's ability to whip up something to feed the poor Sheriff, I thought I give you the recipe of their first meal together.

I hope you enjoy it!

Fresh Fiction

Southern Charm Short - A Gift for a Chance

Southern Charm Short Story
A short story featuring Malcolm Bissette and Sully Tarleton
This story takes place after the timing in Following the Law (also known as October-ish)
Enjoy!

While Reece worked hard with his crew to finish the majority of work on the Charm's massive landscaping renovation, Malcolm Bissette went in a different direction to follow Reece's request for another chance. Since his stay at Reece's house after the unfortunate drunken mishap, things were better between them. Reece opened both his home and heart and their relationship became stronger because of it, but some things remained. They continued to spend more time at Mal's small condo than Reece's place as if Reece wasn't sure how to move forward.

Mal decided it was time to take a chance. With Reece exhausted from the long hours working outside, Mal managed to coax him into staying full-time at his condo for the last few weeks without going back to his place. Though Reece was concerned about his plants and hybrids, Mal reassured him they wouldn't wither. Lucky for him, most nights Reece didn't have the energy to put up much of an argument, let alone get out of bed. He wanted to finish the project on time for the Charm's grand re-opening. He made sure he was never late finishing a job, especially one for his best friend.

Able to take advantage of the situation, Mal spoke with Sully Tarleton and a young builder, Bryce, about what he had in mind. Together, they designed a greenhouse to build behind Reece's home to give him a special permanent place for his plants, hybrids and other paraphernalia. Amazing, Sully mentioned how long he wanted to get those plants out of Reece's home, but the man had been stubborn and resistant to any changes. Now Mal could take the initiative and Sully went along with him.

While Reece remained occupied at the Charm, Mal, Bryce and a small crew laid out the grid and pad for the greenhouse and raised it off the ground. Mal learned more about construction than he wanted. He worked harder than he had ever thought to help Bryce and the others. If this gift worked the way he wanted, it would help change everything for them.

As the building continued, Mal researched what the plants would need. He learned which ones would require certain sunlight and growing requirements, the list of supplies and how to organize everything. They even made sure there was a system to mist and water everything along with a cleaning station with a sink and counter. At times, he went to town to speak with the local florist, Jude, on some details and purchased new pottery from the artist, Wyatt.

When Bryce finished the interior, Mal had everything they needed and organized. With help, he transferred all of the plants, except for a few houseplants, into their places. He placed all of the supplies, tools, potter and other items on the various shelves and the main storage area.

Once the house's interior was clean, Mal spent the next day cleaning everything from top to bottom. Without the tables of plants, the house did feel empty. He wanted to move his things into Reece's home, but waited for permission. He already moved the plants without it and he wasn't sure what Reece's reaction would be to all the changes.

After he cleaned everything, he showered, changed and ran to the grocery store for dinner ingredients and things to dress up the evening's meal from candles to cloths. He wanted to finish the surprise with a homemade meal. It would either top off the magnificent night or pacify Reece's anger. When he could let the tenderloin finish in the low oven, he raced back to the Charm as the crews finished their work.

Mal leaned against Reece's Jeep to wait. He grinned at the sight of his sweaty, dirt-streaked man walking around the corner talking with his second-in-charge. Reece's T-shirt clung to his chest, damp with sweat, and clumps of dirt and weeds caked on his jeans and boots. Even this disgusting, Reece remained gorgeous and scrumptious.

"Hey there, handsome," Mal called out.

Some of the crew whistled to get Reece's attention away. Reece looked over and smiled at Mal. He finished his conversation and jogged over to Mal with a faster purpose. He stopped in front of Mal. "Hey, you, I missed you. Where have you been all day?" Reece asked and pressed his lips against Mal's mouth in a light kiss. "Sorry. I'm still a sweaty mess and you're all squeaky clean."

"You know I don't mind at all. I was working on a surprise and it's finally finished."

"A surprise?"

"Hmm. A gift for you," Mal said and tapped a finger on the end of Reece's nose. He reached into his back pocket and tugged out a handkerchief. "Tie this around your eyes and no peeking. I'm going to drive."

"I would hope so, but…"

"No, I'm not giving any details. Do you want your gift?"

After a pause, Reece climbed in the passenger seat and tied the bandanna in place. He held the keys out in his palm. With a triumphant giggle, Mal got in the driver's side, snatched the keys and drove them back to Reece's home. He helped Reece climb down and led him around the outside until he faced his surprise.

"This is my gift to you with love and the hope we can move forward into a closer relationship," Mal said as he removed the bandana. He worried his lower lip between his teeth and watched Reece's reaction.

Reece blinked and stared. Quiet. Not moving or saying anything. All he did was study the greenhouse with the bright red ribbon bow attached to the door.

Mal continued to worry his lip. He reached out and opened the door to invite Reece to step inside. His reserved landscaper did follow his invitation and looked around for another long observation.

"My plants… My hybrids…"

"They're all there in the order you had them in the house. All are safe and sound. No mishaps. I did some research and spoke with Jude about the placement, but you can change them since you know far more than I ever could," Mal explained and led Reece to the different areas to point out everything. "Whatcha think?"

"Why did you do this?"

"So you could have a special place for your plants and a spot in your home for something else," Mal said.

Reece turned to stare at him as he asked, "What something else?"

"Me. A future together." Mal worried the inside of his cheek for a moment. "Did I fuck up everything? Oh, shit, I did, didn't I? Oh crap, damn, I'm so—"

A long deep kiss swallowed the rest of his apology and knocked him out of his socks. He didn't give a shit Reece stank to high heaven. His man was kissing him out of his mind and breath and he didn't want it any other way.

"You crazy, conniving, devious, wonderful man," Reece murmured in between kisses. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Not kill me for changing your home without asking?" Mal asked in a bright, hopeful tone. "Oh, and not hide any of my hair color kits from me."

Reece laughed and kissed him again. "I love your gift and thought behind it. Thank you for such a wonderful idea."

"Sully said he mentioned doing something like this a long time ago for you, but—"

"I never had a reason or motivation to follow through. You took it out of my hands and thank you," Reece said with another kiss. "Show me the house. I'll check out this place in more detail this weekend after we finish the Charm project."

"Will you be finished finish?"

"Just a few details would be left, but the majority is done."

"That's awesome."

"I'm proud of what we accomplished," Reece said with a grin.

"So…" Mal waved a hand at the greenhouse. "You don't hate all of this?"

"Hell no, I love it."

"Oh, good, just wanted to double check."

"Silly man. Show me the inside of the house."

Mal took Reece's hand and led him out of the greenhouse, through the unlatched lanai door and then the sliding door. They stood at one end of the massive great room.

Reece lifted his head and sniffed several times. "Something smells good."

"Dinner."

"You did all that work in the greenhouse, cleaned everything in here, and you cooked dinner? How?"

"The majority of the greenhouse was finished yesterday. I cleaned today. As for dinner." Mal waved a hand to dismiss it. "Cooking is easy. I'm a chef and I love your kitchen."

"Only love me for my kitchen. All I get," Reece teased.

Mal smacked him on his shoulder.

With a laugh, Reece walked around the emptied great room. It included the dining area, living room with the couch, flat screen, and console, and the front hall space. He turned around and shook his head. "Rather empty in here."

"I thought the same," Mal said as he went to check on dinner. He opened the oven and basted the pork tenderloin and vegetables a few times.

"Where's your stuff?"

Mal looked up from the oven. "What?"

Reece gestured around him. "Why didn't you move in your things to complete the change?"

"Umm. Wanted permission?"

Reece laughed as he entered the kitchen. Mal closed the oven door in time for Reece to yank him back in a tight embrace. He shivered at the caress of Reece's warm breath against his ear.

"Consider this giving you my full permission. I want you in my life, Malcolm, every part of it. I would love if we could share something like what Dakota and Samuel or Sully and Chandler have. In a strange way, I envy them."

"They worked for what they have. We all know no relationship is ever perfect. It takes time and work."

"But they didn't screw up shit as bad as I did with you," Reece murmured, tucking his face against Mal's neck for a moment.

"Reece, don't," Mal said as he turned in Reece's embrace and cupped Reece's face between his hands. "I love you. A stupid silly crush for years turned into this. It's here, now, and so much stronger and different, but it's better. This love is between us. You have my heart."

"You're not getting it back," Reece warned with a lopsided smile.

"As long as I have yours—"

"You do," Reece interrupted.

"Then I don't want mine."

"Will you move in with me? We can sublet your place for a bit. You can help turn this place into a home with me. How about it?"

"I would love it," Mal said with a smile.

Reece grinned and kissed him. Their embrace lasted for a long moment until the need for breath parted them.

"Now, stinky man of mine, you need to go shower and change. I'll finish dinner," Mal said and turned Reece so he could walk across the great room to the master bedroom. "Hop to it, mister. Don't let dirt and crap fall all over those clean floors."

Reece laughed and crossed halfway. He stopped and looked over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow and sensual expression. "Can dinner hold up for a bit longer?"

Since he knew exactly what Reece was asking, Mal laughed and hurried after him. Either way, he would spend the rest of tonight and hopefully, forever, in this man's arms. It was just what he wanted.