Two men, one crush and a circumstance they can’t ignore.
Evan Conley left Cedarwood with dreams of fame and fortune. Twenty-five years and one hit song later, he’s now Evan James. He sings songs and electrifies crowds, but he’s got to come home. His grandmother is dying. To make matters worse, the man handling his grandmother’s estate is none other than his high school crush, Mick Ryan.
Mick Ryan wasn’t thrilled to see Evan James return to Cedarwood. He never got over his crush on Evan and isn’t sure being thrown together will do them any good. But Evan isn’t the man he seems and Mick’s desire hasn’t extinguished with time. Can these two men, seemingly opposites, find their mutual attraction is more than enough to make their love grow?
Reader advisory: This book contains expressions of homophobia, and a theme of death and mourning.
General Release Date: 13th October 2020
“Mick, you’re the one I trust. If anyone can get Evan to come home, it’s you.” Martha Conley held his hand. “I know it.”
Mick Ryan nodded to his client. He loved Martha Conley like a grandmother and he’d do his best to take care of her estate, but calling her grandson? How could she be sure he’d get through? The last he’d been told, Evan Conley—better known as Evan James—was famous. He might not take Mick’s call. Everyone in Cedarwood knew Evan James. He was the singing cowboy and he was currently on tour.
“I don’t have much time left.” Martha smiled, albeit weakly. “I’m sorry.”
“Have you tried calling him? There’s a good chance he won’t answer my call.” Mick was good with facts and figures, but not people. “I tend to push guys away with my attention to my job. He might not talk to me.”
“But you can get through to his people and tell them,” she said.
“Won’t he…if he’s worth his salt, he’d be checking with you,” Mick said. He wasn’t wild about Evan. He didn’t fault the man for chasing his dreams, but he could be less hard to find.
“He works hard and keeps getting close to breaking through.” Martha closed her eyes and sighed. “But I won’t lie. I want you to call him because I want him to settle down and I want you to date him.”
“Martha.” He wasn’t sure he liked her plan now that he knew the truth. He wasn’t a pawn and nor was he a fan of Evan. What if Evan wasn’t even gay?
“What? You can’t blame a lady for trying.” She opened her eyes. “Just do it.”
“Fine. I’ll be back.” He shook his head and left the hospital room. The cancer was taking its toll on Martha. She’d grown paler with each passing day. Her cheeks weren’t full and her eyes didn’t shine any longer. She appeared tired. She’d opted for pain medication only and to be comfortable. He could swear she kept hanging on to give Evan time to come home.
Mick strolled into the hallway and dialed the number he’d been given for Evan. He doubted the singer would answer. He hadn’t the three previous times.
The ringing stopped. “Hello?”
Mick froze. Someone had answered. Holy shit. He needed to regain his composure. “Hi. May I speak to Evan Conley?”
“Who is this?”
“My name is Mick Ryan and I’m calling on behalf of Evan’s grandmother, Martha Conley,” Mick said. “I would like to speak to Evan.”
“Grandma?”
“Yes.” If that was what they wanted to call her, Mick would go along with it. “May I speak to Evan? It’s vitally important.” He’d gotten through. He couldn’t let this opportunity vanish without telling Evan the grim truth. “She’s been diagnosed with cancer and wants him to come home. I’m afraid she doesn’t have much time left.”
“My grandmother?”
“Evan?” Really? He’d expected to be speaking with a manager.
“Yeah,” Evan said. “It’s… I thought she’d last forever.”
“I’d hoped she would, too. She and my grandmother, Ethel Brinks, were good friends. Martha was devastated when my Memaw passed,” Mick said. “Look, Martha wants to see you. If you’re considering coming home, make it snappy.”
“I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon,” Evan said. “I’m booking a flight right now.”
“Do you need to be picked up? I can collect you from the airport.” He wanted to get Evan to his grandmother as soon as possible.
“I’ll text you the info. Thank you.” Evan’s voice caught. “Why didn’t she call?”
“She’s too weak to call and she said she’s tried. I tried, too,” Mick said. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Text me and I’ll be there to get you.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He listened to the silence on the other end of the line as Evan hung up. What an odd guy. He didn’t understand the relationship between Evan and Martha, but the way they conducted themselves wasn’t his business. He stepped back into her room. “Martha?”
“Mick.” She’d closed her eyes.
“He’s coming. He’ll be here tomorrow.” Mick resumed his spot on the plastic chair. “I’ll collect him when he flies in.”
“Good.” She sighed. “Now we can all get some rest.”
“Yes.” He stayed in the room until the nurse returned. He needed to get some sleep and recharge for tomorrow. If he had to drive into Cleveland, then he should be rested up. God, he hated traffic.
His phone pinged with a new text. He checked the screen. Evan had indeed texted him with his flight number, arrival time and gate number. Well, color me shocked. Part of Mick had expected Evan to stand him up. He hadn’t.
Mick sent a reply.
Thanks. Will be waiting in the baggage claims area.
He’d done what Martha had wanted and rounded up Evan. He couldn’t help but be intrigued. He vaguely remembered Evan from school and hadn’t been impressed. Evan had been self-absorbed and devoted to his music.
He’d also been very straight.
Mick paused.
If Evan was straight, why would Martha be trying to fix him up with Mick? He didn’t know and wasn’t going to try to figure it out.
He tucked his phone into his pocket. Before he went home, he needed to stop by his office. The paperwork had piled up and he hated being at the hospital. He should get work done and catch a nap. According to Evan’s text, he’d be on the last red-eye flight. If the plane was on time, then he’d have to get up early to be at the airport to drive Evan home.
He was too nice a guy. That was his problem. He helped too much for too little in return. Being nice wasn’t getting him anywhere or doing anything for his career. Sure, being the good guy and saving the day fulfilled him, but sometimes it seemed like he spent more time on things for others than on himself.
He left the hospital. If nothing else, he hoped Evan would do right by his grandmother and be an adult. There was no time to coddle him through the estate process. Martha didn’t have much time left and Evan would have to take over—whether he liked it or not.
Mick massaged his forehead and settled behind the wheel of his car. What have I gotten myself into?
Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.
When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.
Find out more about Megan on her website, and sign up for the newsletter here. You can also check out her Blog, Amazon Author Page, Bookbub and Instagram.
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