Summary:
Professional basketball player, Kasey Johnson, likes guys, but he keeps those longings out of the public eye. Kasey’s secret is safe until he meets a nightclub owner who ignites a passionate inferno in his body.
Ingram Fletcher owns Liverpool, the most popular gay club in Phoenix. He’s lusted after Kasey since they first met a year ago. Unsure of Kasey’s preferences, Gram has never made a move, but a kiss in a crowded club starts Gram wondering if a relationship would be possible.
After a romantic weekend together, Kasey and Gram realize that what starts as simple lust can blossom into love.
Summary:
Will giving him the green flag lead to love or heartache?
CJ Lamont is at the top of the racing world but his winning record is based on a carefully constructed lie. His world falls apart when his ex-wife reveals the truth. As he hits rock bottom, rescue comes from an unexpected source--Garrett Johnson, Hollywood's hottest leading man.
Garrett's acting career is taking off, bringing him accolades he'd never imagined. Good friends and family keep his days hopping, but watching his twin brother fall in love exposes the emptiness in Garrett's life created by the betrayal of his ex-lover.
Garrett offers CJ a place to heal and a shoulder to lean on, telling himself it's only to keep CJ from taking a more destructive path. But as time passes, the two men grow closer and CJ realizes he has a decision to make--whether to rebuild his fictitious life, or admit to loving a man who shines brighter than the Hollywood stars.
Will he reach for the star or sink back into his old life?
Now that Garrett and Gram have found the men of their dreams, it’s time for them to take that last step and ask one very important ques-tion. What better time to ask then a day that represents love, joy and family?
Christmas with the Johnsons is wonderful, yet Gram finds himself too nervous to fully enjoy the day. Will his very own pro player say yes or will he have to find someway to convince Kasey that marrying him is the best game of all?
Garrett loves CJ and he wants to spend the rest of his life with the former NASCAR driver, but CJ’s never said anything about mar-riage. Can he convince CJ that marriage with him will be as much of a rush as driving 100 miles per hour around a track?
Christmas is a season for love. Will four gold rings be the best presents these men have ever gotten?
Out of Bounds #1
Chapter One
"Kasey!"
"Mr. Johnson, how do you feel being the number one draft pick for the Stars?"
"Is there a lot of pressure to contribute right away, knowing it's only the team's fourth year in the league?"
James Kendall, Kasey's agent, stepped in front of Kasey, drawing all the reporters' attention. "My client isn't answering any questions at the moment, gentlemen...and ladies," he amended when he spotted the female reporter from one of the national sport shows. "We're in the middle of delicate contract negotiations. We don't want to mess those up by talking out of turn."
Kasey managed to keep from rolling his eyes. Delicate, my ass. James had gone into the first meeting like he was marching into battle, determined to get Kasey the most lucrative deal he could.
He appreciated the effort, but to be honest, he didn't care what they paid him as long as he got to play. Look at you, sprouting the company line already. The voice in his head sounded like his twin. Garrett would pull a rib laughing if he'd heard Kasey say shit like that. It was true as far as it went, but James wanted to make sure Kasey would be taken care of for life.
Coming out for the draft his junior year of college disrupted his educational path. Yet Kasey planned on doing whatever he had to do to get his degree. Hell, he promised his mom he wouldn't turn his back on that since Garrett had thrown it all away on his silly Hollywood dream. Her words, not Kasey's. Of course, she hadn't meant them. Garrett had surprised his parents with dropping out of school and moving to Los Angeles. To be honest, they hadn't been thrilled when Kasey announced he was entering the draft. Education was far more important to his parents then basketball or acting.
In addition to his parents' beliefs in education, Kasey had seen too many pro players go bankrupt after they retired because they hadn't made plans for after they stopped playing. He wasn't naive enough to think his basketball career would last forever. Ten to fifteen years if he managed to stay healthy by some miracle. He'd retire by thirty-seven and still have a lot of his life left. He was going to invest his money and not go crazy buying shit. If you get a good contract. Don't go spending cash you haven't made yet.
Maybe he'd start his own company or invest in someone else's. He didn't have to decide right then and there. But his future was always in the back of his mind.
"Car's here, Kasey." James motioned for him to follow.
They pushed their way through the crowd of reporters and fans gathered outside the main office for the Arizona Stars, the newest team in the league. Kasey sighed as he settled into the backseat. "I hate all that," he muttered.
James chuckled. "Maybe we should get Garrett to play you when we have to do press conferences."
"He'd love that, if only to feel like he was putting one over on the media." Kasey grinned.
"He can't hate the media already. He hasn't even starred in a movie yet."
Kasey straightened. "Hey, I forgot to tell you. Garrett got the part. He's the lead in some big action movie. It's his shot to hit the A-list."
James glanced up from his phone. "Well, your brother's got the talent and drive. Plus the notoriety of being openly gay in a country where it's still not a hundred percent accepted."
That was true, but if anyone could use that to his advantage, it would Garrett. "Garrett's always marched to his own drum. He's one of those people who think the world should be one way and somehow it remakes itself to fit his image."
Kasey's phone buzzed and he checked the number on the screen. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear...or call," he quipped as he answered.
"What?" Garrett sounded puzzled.
"Nothing." Kasey shifted around, trying to find a little extra room for his legs. "What's up?"
"Rich and I just hit town. On our way to your hotel. We thought we'd check out a club or two since this is going to be your home base for the next couple of years. Gotta make sure the nightlife's exciting around here."
"I don't want to go, Garrett. I really just want to take a shower and veg in front of the tv tonight. Also, don't jinx things. We haven't signed anything with the Stars yet." Even while he spoke, he knew his protest was futile. If both Garrett and Rich, Garrett's boyfriend, wanted to go out, Kasey would be hitting the clubs.
"You've not even in pre-season training, Kase. You can stay out late and drink too much." Garrett's voice lowered. "Even get some action before turning into a monk for the season."
Tension shot through Kasey. He looked over at James, relieved to see his agent on his own phone call.
"I don't shit where I eat, bro. You know that," Kasey said softly.
Garrett sighed. "I know. I can't help but think you're going to be extremely lonely your entire career."
"Maybe but it's my choice. Hollywood's more forgiving." Kasey changed the subject. "James and I are on our way back. Find a good restaurant because I'm hungry and I want to eat before we go anywhere. Pick two clubs for us to visit tonight. It's been a long day, Garrett, and I'm serious about being tired."
Garrett seemed to have accepted his stipulations. Kasey let his twin get his way more often than not, but he could dig in his heels and out stubborn a mule when he wanted.
"Fine. We'll pick ones that are gay-friendly, but aren't straight gay."
They both snorted at that statement.
"You know I don't care about that."
"I know. I'm your cover and I'm fine with that for now."
Kasey heard the implied statement that Garrett wouldn't always be. He knew at some point he'd have to ‘come out', but he didn't think it needed to be right now. Not when he was on the brink of getting everything he'd always wanted. Well, almost everything. Finding someone to love would have to wait. Kasey was used to being alone and he meant what he said to Garrett, he wasn't going to mess around with anyone in Phoenix. Playing for one of the pro teams in the city meant he could be recognized at any time, and again, that was a risk he wasn't about to take.
Kasey heard Rich in the background and Garrett's quickly replied, "Shut up" told him he didn't want to know what his brother's boyfriend said. He bit his tongue. No one in the Johnson family, except for Garrett, liked Rich. Kasey believed Rich hitched his wagon to Garrett's rising Hollywood star. The man liked eating at expensive restaurants and being seen at exclusive parties. He liked going to clubs every night when they were in Los Angeles. Rich wanted to hang with the ‘in' crowd.
He always managed to convince Garrett he needed to have the latest designer everything, and as Garrett's boyfriend, Rich deserved those things as well. It drove Kasey nuts to see his brother manipulated like that, but at the moment, Garrett loved Rich and no one could say anything against him.
Maybe someday that'll change. Hopefully Garrett will see what an ass Rich is. Kasey just hoped his brother's heart wouldn't be broken when it happened.
"Garrett in town?" James grinned.
"Yeah. Already plotting a night out."
James nodded. "Not surprising. An up-and-coming star like he is needs to be seen often, though that boyfriend of his seems to need the attention more."
"That's true."
"What's true?"
Kasey winced, having forgotten Garrett could hear him. "Nothing. How far away from the hotel are you?"
"We just pulled in."
After checking his watch, Kasey said, "We're about five minutes away. Wait for me in the lobby. James got me a suite so if you want to crash with me, you can. Got an extra bedroom."
"Cool. We're only here for the night. I have an audition tomorrow in LA."
"You can tell me all about it over dinner," Kasey promised. "See you in a few. Did you want to join us for dinner?" He asked James while shoving his phone in his pocket.
James shook his head. "I'm going to order room service and do some work before going to be early. You can come to the meetings looking all haggard and sleep deprived. They kind of expect it from rookies feeling their oats. I'm the one who has to make sure you get the best contract possible, so I have to be on top of my game."
"Do you really need me there tomorrow? I thought I might check out some houses. If I'm going to be here for the next two years, I need to have a place to stay." Kasey didn't think he'd be able to take another day of listening to the negotiations between James and the team's lawyers.
"No. Not tomorrow. We're just hashing out the little stuff. Incentives and bonuses. Do you want me to see if Alice can get you a list of houses on the market in the area? If you give me a list of what you're looking for, I can email it to her and she can get it back to you in the morning."
Alice was James' crazy efficient personal assistant and she was paid very well to do whatever James asked, but Kasey didn't want to bother her. Besides... "Nah. My mom already hopped online and sent me some addresses to check out. Once she knew who drafted me, she was on the computer, determined to find me the right house." He chuckled. "I might end up having her fly here and go look for me."
"Mamma Johnson is fierce," James agreed. "She'd find you the perfect place, plus get a great price for you as well. Maybe you should have her as your agent."
Kasey shook his head. "No way. I think you'll do just fine."
The car pulled into the driveway of the hotel then stopped in front of the doors. After climbing out, Kasey stretched and grimaced as his ribs twinged a little. In the national championship game, he'd taken a hard elbow to the ribs, bruising them. Thank God, they weren't broken, but it had taken a while for him to be able to breathe without any kind of pain. The doctors had promised the ribs would be healed before pre-season practices started. Now it only bothered him when he moved just right.
Walking into the lobby, he glanced around when he heard his brother's laugh. His heart leapt a little at seeing Garrett. They were identical twins and appearance-wise that was true. No one could tell them apart just by looking at them. Well, no one but their family of course. If anyone spent any time with them, they'd notice the differences. Garrett was outgoing, always ready to talk or go out. He definitely got all the star genes and as the oldest—by three minutes—Garrett liked to lord it over Kasey.
Kasey knew he was quiet. Maybe it came from having Garrett as a brother. It had always been easier to let Garrett do the talking then to put himself out there. Kasey wasn't shy or anything. He just didn't see the point of talking if he didn't have anything to say. Also, he was more cynical than Garrett, which was odd, considering Garrett made his living in Hollywood. It took a lot to convince Kasey people wouldn't try to use him for whatever they could because he was ‘famous'. Or about to be famous. He glanced at the slight blond man hanging on his brother's arm and acknowledged that most of his cynicism came from being exposed to Rich.
"There you are." Garrett broke away from Rich to rush over and wrap Kasey up in a huge hug. No manly chest bump and shoulder smack for him.
"Hey man, take it easy. My ribs aren't totally healed yet." Kasey grunted, but didn't push Garrett away.
"Oh sorry. Forgot about that." Garrett grinned. "Nice to see you again, James." Garrett offered his hand for James to shake.
"So we have reservations on this amazing Thai restaurant in thirty minutes. You have twenty to change," Rich informed Kasey, his gaze scanning the crowd in the hotel.
"Hello Rich. It's good to see you too." Kasey met Rich's eyes with a bland expression.
"Whatever. I know you don't like me, so we don't have to pretend when Garrett's not around." Rich rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure you don't want to go clubbing in a suit, so you should hurry up."
Kasey swung around to head to the elevator. "I'm heading up to change. You coming with me?"
The others joined him. He stood in the corner of the car, listening as James, Garrett and Rich discussed some starlet's Twitter meltdown. Kasey didn't know who she was or why she was even remotely important. Following social media and popular people wasn't his thing. Hell, he didn't even follow any sports stars. He knew he would have to set up some accounts once he signed his contract. The teams liked when their players interacted with fans as long as they towed the company line.
He said good-bye to James before going to his suite. After tugging off his suit coat and tossing it over the back of the couch, he untucked his shirt as he asked, "Where are we going tonight?"
"Getting Thai for dinner. Then we're going to Elite, which is a hopping new club downtown. Not a gay club, but they won't toss Rich and I out for dancing together. After that, I thought we could go to Liverpool. Supposed to be another amazing club. Not new and probably isn't on the trend setters list, but it sounds good." Garrett grabbed Kasey's jacket and carried into the bedroom to hang up.
Kasey figured he could deal with the clubs. He wouldn't be drinking and dancing wasn't something he did with any kind of grace, so just hanging out with his brother would be enough. Garrett would be the center of attention like always and Kasey was fine with that. Having lived with his outgoing brother all his life, he'd learned to settle into the background.
Maybe at one time, he'd resented how his brother seemed to draw all the light to him. Then Kasey realized that most of the people who circled around Garrett weren't interested in him as a person, they just wanted to bask in his reflected light. They hoped some of his opportunities would rub off on them. Since Kasey was a basketball player, there wasn't much hope of reflections from his sport.
"Are you ready yet?" Rich poked his head in the room. "It shouldn't take this long. It's not like you dress for the club anyway."
Kasey rolled his eyes at Rich and flipped him off. "I'm almost ready. Is the Thai place fancy? Do I need to keep my suit on or can I put on some jeans and a button-down?"
"Here." Garrett handed him a pair of distressed jeans before going to the closet.
"Where did these come from?" Unfolding the jeans, he studied them. "I know they weren't in my suitcase when I packed it."
Garrett snorted. "Of course, they weren't. They're mine. I knew you wouldn't have anything suitable for clubbing, so I brought some clothes for you. Don't worry. They aren't too tight. You can wear underwear. I know how you are about going commando."
Kasey shrugged. "I don't like how the fabric chafes my skin," he mumbled. After taking off his suit pants, he tugged on the jeans. While they were bedazzled on the pockets and that really wasn't his style, they were only slightly tight around his ass. Which means they are super tight on Garrett. He got the bubble butt gene.
"Can you even breathe when you wear these?" He joked as he took the shirts Garrett held out.
"I don't usually sit when I wear those. I'm out dancing or schmoozing the crowd," Garrett informed him. "So it doesn't matter how tight they are on me."
Kasey finished dressing. The white T-shirt and dark green button down shirt somehow managed to look dressy without being too much for the club. He wanted to slap himself. There was no such thing as being too much for clubbing. He'd seen just about everything at the clubs in L.A. when he'd gone with Garrett and Rich. Hell, some of the outfits Rich wore were enough to make Kasey blush.
He brushed his hair and teeth, grabbed his wallet and phone then gestured for Garrett to lead the way. "I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be, which I'm pretty sure isn't near ready enough for you, Rich."
His brother's boyfriend ignored him, which didn't surprise Kasey at all. They tolerated each other for Garrett's sake, but without his brother, they wouldn't have been friends. Hell, he'd never have met Rich if it hadn't been for the man grabbing a hold of Garrett in college and never letting go. Probably figures he's not talented enough to land roles on his own, so he's going to take advantage of every chance Garrett could get him.
"This will be great. It's been a while since we've hung out." Garrett slung his arm around Kasey's shoulders as they strolled to the elevator.
He hugged Garrett close. No matter what he thought of his brother's boyfriend, Kasey loved Garrett and would do his damnedest to enjoy the rare chance to spend time with him.
High Line #2
Chapter One
Garrett Johnson stood on the other side of the wall down in the pit area. Wearing a headset, he listened to the chatter between the driver and the crew chief. Most of the technical terms flew over his head. That's what you're here for. To learn all this car stuff.
"Bring her in, CJ. Someone's here to talk to you." Disdain colored the crew chief's voice.
He let it roll off him. Garrett had dealt with prejudices like the crew chief's all his life. Worrying about other people's opinions took too much time and energy away from the important things in his life.
The stock car flew into pit row and rolled to a stop in front of him. Its front bumper barely brushed the numbered sign someone held out. Garrett studied the brightly-colored vehicle sporting the decals of CJ's sponsors. Some called it "the car of tomorrow". He wasn't sure what that meant, but he had a month to cram all the knowledge he could into his head. He hated not making his characters as authentic as possible.
The noise disappeared. Someone took his headset as he glanced over at the rubber netting where the driver's window should have been. The steering wheel appeared from inside the car and Garrett held his breath. God, it was like the most painfully slow striptease he'd ever seen. The papers had declared CJ Lamont the sexiest driver on the NASCAR circuit and Garrett was eager to see if the man lived up to the hype in person.
CJ emerged from the car, removed his helmet and pulled off his gloves. He turned and held out his hand, flashing Garrett a bright yet shy smile.
Garrett's first thought was God, he's hot.
Yeah, but he's straight.
God, he's hot was his last thought before CJ spoke.
"You must be Garrett Johnson. I'm a huge fan of yours."
Their hands touched. All those thoughts rabbiting around Garrett's head disappeared into their respective holes and his mind went blank.
"Yeah. You must be CJ Lamont." Garrett wanted to smack himself upside the head. What an idiotic thing to say. Who else would the man be?
CJ's chuckle was low and easy. "That's me. One of those crazy rednecks driving in circles all day, making nothing but left turns."
"I do think racing is crazy," Garrett agreed. He held up his hand to stop the argument he could see forming in CJ's eyes. "Don't get all worked up. I think any kind of sport is crazy. That's why I'm an actor. I don't even like basketball and that's my brother's livelihood."
"Kasey Johnson is your brother?" CJ handed his helmet and gloves to one of the crew members, accepting a bottle of water in return.
"Yes. The newest star in the NBA, though he's finding it a lot harder than college."
He smiled as he thought about his twin. Kasey was a rookie in the NBA and his team was working him hard. Garrett rarely got to see his brother because of conflicting schedules.
"Big leagues always are." CJ gestured for Garrett to follow him.
Garrett tried not to stare at the broad-shouldered, lean-hipped man walking in front of him, but he was a healthy gay man and CJ Lamont was the sexiest thing he'd seen in a long time.
"Super Freak" blared from his pocket. Wincing, he answered, apologizing to CJ with a smile.
"Hey, babe."
"Where the hell are you?" Rich's screech filled Garrett's ear.
He glanced at CJ, who gave him a sympathetic look.
"I told you when I left I'd be in North Carolina for a month. I'm doing research for my next role." Garrett sighed.
"No, you didn't." Rich's pout came through loud and clear.
"Yes, I did, but you were either too hung over or too caught up in that party of yours to listen."
He moved farther away from CJ and shoved a hand through his hair.
"It's a party for you, asshole. I told you when it was and you promised me you'd be here." Rich's pitch rose.
"I'm not doing this now, Rich. I never promised to be there. In fact, I told you several times I was coming to North Carolina. You chose to ignore me."
"I'm not going to be here when you get back. I'm going to find someone who really loves me." Rich sniffled.
There'd been a time when Garrett would have folded at the first sign of tears from Rich. No more. Rich had used them too many times to get his own way. Garrett wasn't going to feel guilty anymore.
"Maybe one of these days, I won't come back, Rich. What will you do then?"
Garrett hung up and turned his phone off before sticking it in his pocket. Closing his eyes, he tried to ease his anger and his pain. It was hard to watch a four-year relationship implode.
"You okay?"
He jumped. He'd forgotten CJ stood near him. He smiled his famous "movie star" smile.
"I will be."
CJ nodded. "My wife and I are separated. She's trying to decide if staying together is worth the effort."
"Sounds like you don't think it is." He didn't want to pry, but CJ seemed to be willing to talk.
"She deserves better than me," CJ stated. "You hungry?"
Wow. CJ wasn't going to make any sort of comment about the boyfriend issue. Most of the time, he could shrug off people's disdain or disgust, but he was tired and being fed up with Rich's attitude played havoc with Garrett's patience.
"Thanks. I got in late last night and then overslept this morning. Didn't have time for more than a sip of coffee."
They headed toward a building swarming with people.
"This is the Morik's Racing Team's garage. It's where all the magic happens." CJ gestured to a car on a lift and the men working under it. "I'll give you a tour of it later when there aren't so many people."
A man slammed into Garrett, spilling oil over his shirt and jeans.
"Hey, Chick, watch where you're going," CJ admonished the man.
"Sorry." Disdain and sarcasm dripped from Chick's apology. "Hey, why don't you let one of the PR guys show him around? I need to talk to you about the car."
Chick--the crew chief. From the impression he'd gotten of Chick earlier when they'd been introduced and from the look on his face right now, the oil definitely wasn't an accident.
"We're getting something to eat. I'll come back for the briefing." CJ frowned.
The crew chief stalked away with CJ staring after him for a second.
"Sorry."
Garrett shrugged. "I get that sometimes." He grimaced, looking at his clothes. "I wish I'd brought something else to change into though."
CJ eyed him and Garrett thought of piles of techno-colored vomit to keep from getting hard. Those electric blue eyes combined with the sweat-drenched black curls pushed every button of Garrett's libido.
He turned away, angry with himself. Things had been going badly between him and Rich for a while now, but it didn't give him any right to lust after another man, especially a straight, married one.
"A friend of mine left some of his clothes behind after he got caught in a storm. He's about your size." CJ moved away. "Nothing great, but they're clean."
"Clean is all I'm interested in."
The oil covering his shoes made walking across the concrete floor hazardous, so he stepped carefully. His shoes slid and his weight shifted just enough to throw him off balance.
"Fuck."
Strong hands grasped his arms, supporting him until he caught his balance again. His breath left him when he met CJ's gaze and witnessed the flare of heat in them. It disappeared so fast, Garrett convinced himself it wasn't there. Just wishful thinking.
"You can use this office." CJ let go of him and pushed open a door. "The bathroom has industrial strength soap. It'll get the oil off your hands. I'll grab the clothes and I have an extra pair of boots you can wear."
CJ left the room like his pants were on fire and Garrett sighed. Maybe CJ Lamont was better at hiding his disgust than Chick.
Glancing at his hands, Garrett pushed his worries to the back of his mind. He'd get through the crash course on NASCAR and stock cars. He'd go and make the best movie he could. Afterward, he'd take a break and visit Kasey. His twin always managed to ground him when things piled up.
*****
CJ leaned against the door and bit back a groan. Shit. He almost kissed Garrett Johnson--and in the garage where anyone could see them.
He banged his head on the door. Stupid. Johnson wouldn't have slugged him or anything. The guy didn't hide the fact he was gay, but CJ had both feet so firmly in the closet, it would take a pry bar to get him out. He didn't want to get his ass handed to him on a plate by the guys he worked with.
He shifted and winced. His hard cock made him thank God for constricting jumpsuits, which didn't give him room for much of an erection and unobservant co-workers. Tall and blond, Garrett Johnson was CJ's fantasy man with green eyes and a build like a Greek god. Hard bodies and rough skin tempted CJ, driving him to drink and his wife to a divorce lawyer. If any of the mechanics noticed his erection, he'd figure out some way of explaining it. Maybe as left over adrenaline from his drive.
"CJ."
He gathered his thoughts and spotted Chick stomping toward him. He didn't need another rant from his narrow-minded, homophobic best friend about the evils of gay people, but CJ didn't have the courage to speak out against Chick's spiteful words and chance getting "outed" himself.
"What now, Chick?"
"How long's that fag going to be here?"
CJ rubbed his forehead, hoping Garrett couldn't hear anything through the door. Wishful thinking, considering how loud Chick was talking and how thin the walls were.
"We've been over this. He's here for a month. I'm teaching him how to drive."
"Why doesn't the film company send his pansy ass to a driving school?" Chick shot dirty looks at the door behind CJ.
"They decided getting driving experience from an actual driver on the circuit would be more beneficial than going to a school." He repeated what the P.R. rep told them when she explained what was happening. "Give him a chance and he might surprise you."
Chick looked appalled. "A chance? He's a fucking queer, CJ. A cocksucker. A fag."
"Enough!"
His friend looked startled.
CJ thrust his body off the door. He had to get away before he did something he regretted.
Like blurt out you'd be happy to suck Garrett Johnson's cock if the man asked, a small voice in his head jeered at him.
"Just do your fucking job, Chick. Nobody said you had to be best friends with him. You don't even have to talk to the man." CJ closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I have to get Johnson clean clothes. After lunch, which I haven't had yet, I'll set him up with one of the mechanics to explain about the car."
"Have Maria do it."
CJ ground his teeth together. Chick hated female mechanics almost as much as he did gays. It was a good suggestion though. Maria was a good grease monkey and was less likely to act like an ass toward the actor.
"Fine. I will."
After finding the set of clothing he was looking for, he went back to the locker room. He started to speak as he stepped in, but his mouth went dry.
Garrett was bent over, pulling off his jeans. A tight, tanned ass met his gaze. Holy shit, the man wasn't wearing underwear. CJ bit his tongue to stop the groan from busting out. His view gave him a glimpse of heavy balls between Garrett's thighs and a quick peek at the man's puckered opening. Fuck. Did Garrett shave his groin?
He must have made a sound. Probably a strangled gasp as he tried swallowing his tongue to keep from drooling. Garrett glanced over his shoulder, flashing him the smile that made women and men fall in love with him.
"Here's your clothes. I'll be out in the garage. Have to talk to someone about something."
He practically threw the clothes at the actor before fleeing. By the time he unscrambled his brain, he was half way across the garage and making for the exit.
"Hey, CJ, can I talk to you for a second?" Maria's voice rang out over the noise of the tools.
Nodding, he studied her as she approached him. Maria was beautiful, even under the grease streaking her face. She had curves in all the right places, but she didn't turn him on.
His cock only got interested when the bodies he checked out were hard with muscles and had cheeks rough with stubble or hands covered in calluses.
"Is it true Garrett Johnson is going to be hanging out around the garage?"
Maria's question brought him out of his fantasy of Garrett moving beneath him as he fucked the man.
"U-m-m…"
She gave him a concerned glance. "Are you okay? You look flushed."
"Too much heat and I haven't eaten anything today," he stammered. "You're right. Johnson will be around for a month or so. I'm taking him to lunch. We're discussing what he's looking for from us. I have to meet with Chick when we get back, so I want you to show him one of the cars. Start getting him familiar with it."
Her eyes lit up. "Oh wow. My friends are never going to believe this."
CJ chuckled. "Just don't gush, Maria. He's here to learn and you're here to work."
"Yes, sir. I'll try, but he's so gorgeous." She sighed.
The office door opened and Garrett stepped out. Those grass green eyes met CJ's and electricity shot through him. Yes, he is. CJ's body agreed with Maria's assessment.
"I have to go. You'll meet him after lunch."
He gestured for Garrett to join him, but he wasn't sure if he'd be able to eat or not.
Four Gold Rings #2.5
Chapter One
"You ready?" Garrett Johnson stuck his head around the door frame, glaring at his twin brother.
Kasey grabbed his wallet and keys off the dresser before heading toward Garrett. "Explain to me again where we're going and why I have to go with you."
"Why? Don't you want to support your twin in his decision to take the next step in his relationship?" Garrett lead the way out of the house.
"Dramatic much?" Kasey muttered.
Garrett stopped and shot him a shocked look. "Me? Dramatic? I swear, it's like you haven't known me for twenty some years. When have I not been dramatic?" He flung his arms wide.
"Shut up and get in the car." Kasey shoved him in Quentin's direction. "I don't know how you can stand driving this guy around all day," he murmured to his brother's driver while climbing into the back seat of the black SUV.
"Oh, Mr. Johnson isn't so bad and I only drive him when Mr. Lamont's busy."
Garrett chuckled. "Yeah. You should know better than to think CJ would allow anyone else to drive him. Hell, it practically kills him to trust someone else behind the wheel when I need to go somewhere and he can't be there."
"True," Quentin commented after he slid into the driver's seat. "Mr. Lamont made me take a defensive driving course with him."
Kasey elbowed his brother. "Aww...how sweet."
"It was bullshit." Garrett shook his head. "Like Quentin hadn't had to do all that stuff before he got his license anyway. CJ's just being overprotective."
"He used to race cars for a living. He knows everything that can do wrong and CJ loves you too much to leave it to chance." Kasey rolled his eyes. "At least, he's not trying to use your fame to buy drugs." He grunted when his brother flung himself at him.
"I know. I'm just being my spoiled whiney dramatic self. I'm lucky. How did we end up with two amazing guys?"
"I guess we were born under the right star." Kasey wrapped his arm around Garrett then hugged him tight. "So tell me why you need me to help you pick out a ring for CJ?"
He was happy to accompany Garrett, even though it was a rare time during the season when he had a few days off in a row and he'd rather have spent them in Phoenix with Gram.
Garrett poked him in the chest. "You said it yourself. I'm dramatic. I like bling: bright shiny things. CJ doesn't, plus he works with engines and cars. I don't want to get him something that he'd be embarrassed to wear."
Kasey snorted. "That's ridiculous. CJ would never be embarrassed by anything you gave him. Jesus, you got him the obnoxiously expensive Rolex for his birthday and he wears it everywhere."
"I know."
He laughed at Garrett's smug, yet somehow sappy, smile.
"So he'll love whatever ring you pick out."
"But I want to get the perfect one for him." Garrett eased back so he could meet Kasey's gaze. "What if he says no?"
Kasey and Quentin's snorts of disbelief filled the vehicle.
"Mr. Lamont is crazy in love with you, Mr. Johnson," Quentin stated.
"Yeah. No way would he put up with your bullshit if he wasn't. Ow!" He rubbed his side where Garrett had pinched him. "What was that for?"
"Stop teasing."
Kasey studied his brother. Garrett really did seem nervous, more nervous than Kasey had seen him in a long time. The insecure tone in Garrett's voice caused Kasey to straighten. "Are you truly worried about CJ's answer?"
Garrett looked out the window. "Well when the ruling was announced, he didn't seem all that excited. I was jumping up and down, screaming and dancing like an idiot and he just smiled. ‘That's great news' was all he said. He was more excited when I got nominated for a Golden Globe."
"Could be that he doesn't see marriage as all that special." He held up his hand to stop Garrett's protest. "He's been married before, even if he never should have been. Maybe because he's done it once, he doesn't see it as important. Not like those of us who thought we'd never be able to get married legally."
Garrett jerked as though some awful thought just hit him. "Oh my God! You're right. I never thought of the fact that CJ's been married before. What if he doesn't want to get married again? What if once was enough and he sees marriage as some horrible institution that'll drain the life out of him?"
"Jesus save me from overdramatic actors," Kasey prayed while reaching out to smack Garrett on the back of the head. "Get a grip, brother mine. CJ's played the straight card for most of his life, so in his mind, maybe being able to get married was never that big a deal. That doesn't mean he wouldn't want to marry you now that he can. It just means he's never really thought about it. Have you talked to him about the possibility?"
"I might have said something in passing a couple of months ago when we were at Violet and Rose's wedding. You remember my friends from that country band?" Kasey nodded and Garrett continued, "Anyway, I said something like I'd love to have a big over-the-top Gay Hollywood wedding someday."
"What was CJ's reply?"
"He said ‘of course you would, love' and patted my knee. That's not very encouraging." Garrett crossed his arms over his chest and frowned.
It might not have sounded encouraging to Garrett, but Kasey had gotten to know CJ over the year or so he and Kasey's brother had been together. CJ wasn't a guy who wore his emotions on his sleeve. He wasn't into huge dramatic expressions of his love. The man would hate the three-ring circus that a wedding to Garrett would entail. Garrett Johnson was the hottest commodity in Hollywood at the moment and he'd have to ‘go big or go home' as the saying was if he were to get married. CJ would loath all of it, yet Kasey knew CJ would do anything Garrett wanted if it made Garrett happy.
"So if you're this unsure of him, why are you even thinking about asking?" Kasey rested his hand on Garrett's knee. "Do you really feel as though CJ doesn't love you enough to marry you?"
Garrett sighed then flopped back against the seat. "That's just it. I know he'd say yes if I ask. He'll do everything just the way I want it because he loves me. But what if deep inside he doesn't want to get married, but only does it because he doesn't want to hurt me."
"Here's the thing. Have you ever known CJ to do anything he really didn't want to do, even if he knew it would upset you?" Kasey couldn't believe he was having to talk his brother off the ledge like that. Garrett was dramatic and could be annoying at times, but he'd never be that insecure about where he fit into CJ's life. "Has something happened to make you think CJ would rather not be your husband? I thought you guys were solid."
Garrett flapped his hand. "We are. CJ hasn't done anything. It's just Winston called the other night. You met him, right? He's the clothing designer I'm working on for my new line of suits."
Kasey vaguely remembered meeting someone named Winston. "What does he have to do with this meltdown you're in the middle of?"
"Well, he called in tears the other night. He'd asked Donovan, his partner of over fifteen years, to marry him and Donovan told him no. That he didn't need a piece of paper to tell him what he felt was right. They got in a huge fight over it. It wasn't that Winston wanted or needed the validation of a ‘straight' wedding to prove they were committed to each other. It's just that he's always dreamed of the perfect wedding with the right guy and everything. Finally, we can do that without having to sneak around or fly to some other country."
Garrett turned to look at Kasey. "Don't you want to be able to stand up in front of all your friends and family and declare your love for Gram? To have him slip a ring on your finger just like every straight couple has been able to do forever?"
Kasey shrugged. "I guess I never thought of it. I'm like CJ, Garrett. I'm not into huge public displays. I don't need the words or the ring. As long as I have Gram, I don't need the wedding."
"But if Gram were to ask you to marry him, would you?"
"Sure." Kasey had no doubt in his mind, he'd say yes to Gram. Hell, he loved the night club owner with everything in him. Even came out to the sports world for him. "Marriage would be just one more way for us to commit to each other, but it's not the end all and be all of our lives. If we couldn't get married, we'd still be together. Tell me, are Winston and Donovan still together? They didn't break up over this, did they?"
"What?" Garrett frowned. "No. Like I said they've been together for over fifteen years. Something like disagreeing about getting married isn't going to destroy their relationship."
"Right. There you have it. Buy the ring and ask the question, Garrett. Whether CJ says yes or no isn't going to affect how much you two love each other."
Garrett huffed. "I know."
"You just want the big wedding so you can be the center of attention, diva." Kasey laughed. "Try not to get so worked up. I know it's hard to put yourself out there, but you know CJ loves you and that's all that matters."
"We're here, Mr. Johnson," Quentin announced as he pulled up to the curb in front of a nondescript building.
"All right. Where are we and why did you need me to come with you? Aside from building up your confidence." Kasey exited the SUV then held the door open for his brother.
"We're at Goldenstein's. One of the most exclusive jewelers in Los Angeles. I'm hoping he'll design the rings for our wedding." Garrett motioned for Kasey to follow him. "And I brought you because you and CJ have the same kind of taste. Understated. Not crazy blingy like me. I thought you could help me figure out what CJ might like and wear."
Kasey nodded. "All right. I'm glad to help and I won't say a word to CJ about this."
Though he did pull out his phone and fire off a text to his friend.
Dude, send Garrett flowers or something.Why? I didn't do anything to make him mad.Flowers aren't just for groveling, asshole. They're a nice way of saying you're thinking about him.Like I'm not always thinking about your brother. Is he okay?Just feeling a little anxious about life.Ah. Gotcha. All right. Consider them sent.
Kasey sent a thumbs-up emoji then slipped his phone back in his pocket. Sometimes you just have to drop a hint or two help things along.
There is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
EMAIL: chase.ta@gmail.com
Out of Bounds #1
High Line #2
Four Gold Rings #2.5
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