Sunday, August 10, 2025
Sunday's Safe Word Shelf: James's Birthday Party by Felice Stevens
Summary:
Man Up #5.5
When Malcolm discovers James has never had a birthday party, he's determined to make it a night James will never forget.
The bonus audio of the story is included.
Malcolm
“You’re kidding.”
James arched an elegant blond brow at me. “Really? Me, kid?”
True. While James could have a wicked sense of humor, it was normally reserved for something deliciously evil that might annoy me, but the ultimate payout and reward were worth every torturous second.
“Okay. So let me rephrase. “You’re sure you never had a birthday party? Not even cupcakes after school with a bunch of your friends, or a movie on the weekend with pizza after?”
His face in profile, James took a sip of his scotch and set the glass on the table with a steady hand, but I saw his features tighten. “No, I’m certain. I didn’t have many friends, and we didn’t have the money.”
Fuck me. What an ass I was. While I’d grown up the spoiled, only child of ridiculously wealthy parents, I tended to forget James had grown up dirt-poor, the hidden, forgotten son of his wealthy bastard of a father. He might’ve beaten the odds and grown rich on his own, but he allowed that grinding poverty and hatred of his father to cloud every decision he made.
It had even prevented us from connecting emotionally until our hate burst into a lust so strong, we couldn’t keep away from each other.
“Well, Jamie, that’s unacceptable. Everyone deserves a birthday celebration.”
He rolled his eyes. “No, they don’t. I’m going to be thirty-five years old. I hardly need cake and balloons.”
“I wasn’t exactly thinking that.”
To be honest, I hadn’t thought about it at all until just now, but the more James protested, the more I wanted to give him a night he’d never forget. Having planned hundreds of charity events, the wheels began to turn as I gazed into my glass.
And because he knew me so well, his lips twitched as he heaved a sigh. “Okay. Spit it out. Knowing that demented mind of yours, I’m almost afraid to ask what you’re thinking.”
I grinned and rubbed my bare foot over his. We were in our apartment, sharing a drink before James got ready to head to Sparks for the evening. Frankie had the management of Man Up running smoothly, but I knew James was the type of person who needed to keep his finger on the pulse of everything important. The sun set over the river, and I luxuriated in my peaceful space. Our apartment, decorated by Austin, had become a sanctuary for me, where I could do my philanthropic work, no longer needing to run to the ends of the earth to find excitement. I had everything I needed right next to me.
“Why, Jamie, whatever do you mean?” I struck a pose, pretending to think. “I’m merely thinking of what little boys like at birthday parties.”
“Lots of other little boys? That’s what I would’ve wanted.” He laid his head on my shoulder, and contentment such as I’d never known filled me.
“No looking at anyone else but me, Jamie-boy.” I nuzzled him. “It took long enough to make you mine. I’m not giving you up.”
Saturday Series Spotlight
Felice Stevens
Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary award nominee, and Lambda award winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir.
James' Birthday Party #5.5
Man Up Series
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