Finally His

By Shawn Lane

Jay Anderson lives next door to the ruggedly handsome man of his dreams, detective Drake Hanover. He wishes their friendship could turn into more, but there's a problem -- Drake's ex-boyfriend, who has a habit of calling Drake after his breakups. After Drake once again caters to the whims of his ex, Jay about gives up hope Drake will ever see him as anything but the sweet, young twink next door.

Drake notices the sexy Jay -- who wouldn't? -- but the decade age difference between them and his needy ex keep him from thinking he could ever be more than Jay’s friend.

When his ex’s behavior gets to be too much even for Drake and the selfish man manages to hurt Jay, Drake realizes his feelings for Jay go far beyond friendship. Now if he could just convince Jay before Jay becomes his ex-neighbor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Jul 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781634861328

Shawn Lane

Shawn Lane is a multi-published author of gay romance. She lives and works in Southern California. She has been published by Loose Id, Amber Quill Press, Evernight Publishing, MLR Press, JMS Books, and Ellora’s Cave. For more information, visit smlgr8.blogspot.com.

Book preview

Finally His

By Shawn Lane

Published by JMS Books LLC at Smashwords

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2016 Shawn Lane

ISBN 9781634861328

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Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

NOTE: This book was previously published by Amber Quill Press.

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Finally His

By Shawn Lane

Chapter 1

Did you really just turn down a date with that guy? Geoffrey Ridgley asked his best friend, Jay Anderson. Geoff’s eyes were wide, bugged out, like maybe from a cartoon. Well, maybe not that much.

Jay watched the man, an admittedly good-looking muscular beach type, like a lifeguard or something, walk away toward the tropical-themed bar. The man sat on the barstool he’d previously occupied before weaving his way to his and Geoff’s table.

Jay picked up an onion ring and dipped it in pineapple mango sauce. He turned his attention back to Geoff.

Well, yeah, I guess I did.

Dude, you’re hopeless. That guy is hot. Geoff blushed to the roots of his dark hair. Or I’d think so if I was gay.

Jay rolled his eyes. Right. Actually he is pretty hot, but I’m just, you know, not ready to date right now.

Geoff picked up his hamburger. This was their regular Friday lunch get-together. Every other Friday they met at Poppy’s Hawaiian Grill in West Hollywood. Opposite Fridays they usually met at a pizza place they both liked.

Jay and Geoff had been practically raised together, living across the street from each other as boys. Geoff had been the first one Jay had come out to in junior high. Now, Geoff was in college getting his political science degree with plans to eventually go into law. He had a perky, pretty blonde girlfriend.

Jay, on the other hand, had decided not to go to college. He’d barely managed to make it through high school. At the moment, Jay worked in the cosmetics department of a large department store.

You make it sound like you just had a tragic breakup or your lover died or something, Geoff said. "Not ready to date. You’re just hung up on your neighbor."

Well, yeah.

Jay rested his chin in his hand and moved onion rings around his plate. Maybe. He’s twice as hot as that guy was anyhow. But you know, I want to know something.

What? Geoff spoke around a big mouthful of burger.

Well, that guy came over here to ask me out, right?

Uh-huh.

Jay shrugged. How’d he know I was gay? It’s not like I’m wearing a pink shirt emblazoned with a rainbow or anything.

Geoff laughed. No, but you might as well be.

Huh?

Jay, you are as slim and pretty as a girl. I bet if we asked everyone in this restaurant if they thought you were gay they’d all say yes. Geoff shrugged. Besides, we eat here a lot and I think I’ve seen that guy here before. He’s been scoping you out for a while.

Jay frowned. Eavesdropping you think? He glanced back at the man sitting at the bar.

Could be. Anyway, it’s not the first time you’ve set off gaydar and you know it.

Yeah, I suppose, Jay conceded. It’s not like I’m trying or anything.

I know.

And anyway, how come he didn’t think we were a couple?

For one thing, we act more like friends than boyfriends. And for another, Tammy’s joined us here a few times. He’s probably seen her with me.

Jay narrowed his eyes. Damn it, I hate when you make sense.

Geoff chuckled. Annoying, isn’t it?

God yes.

You should go out with him. Getting laid might do you some good.

I don’t know. I guess maybe if he asks again I might.

It wasn’t as though his neighbor was remotely interested in Jay. And Jay happened to know the man was gay. Still not interested. They were just friends. Just his luck.

What are you and Tammy doing tonight?

Geoff squirmed. Funny you should ask. We’re having dinner at her parents’ house so I can meet them.

Oh. Wow. Getting pretty serious between you two, huh?

Yes. So, needless to say I’m really nervous.

Jay smiled and waved his hand. Don’t worry, they’ll love you.

Hope so. Geoff smirked. You wouldn’t want to come with me, would you?

He choked on the sip of iced tea he had just taken. What?

I wouldn’t have so much pressure if you were there. Everyone thinks you’re adorable They’d be oohing and ahhing over you instead of scrutinizing me.

He rolled his eyes. "First of all,