Why Love Matters

By Jay Northcote

Alastair needs help overcoming issues with touch and physical intimacy in order to clinch a business deal with some demonstrative Italians who prefer hugging to handshakes.

Martin, his assistant, has the perfect solution. His mother runs cuddle workshops, which could help Alastair overcome his fears--if he's brave enough to try. Alastair is nervous not only about the workshop, but also because he will be sharing a room with Martin, who's starred in his fantasies more often than an assistant should.

Alastair reluctantly decides to give it a try, so they head to a commune in Wales where Martin grew up. The weekend at the commune with Martin proves to be transformative in more ways than one.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jay Northcote
• Release date: Jul 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370593774

Jay Northcote

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn't stopped writing since.Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press.

Book preview

One

Alastair was listening to his father, really. But he was a little distracted—as usual—by his PA’s lips as he closed them tantalisingly around the end of his pen.

Damn. Alastair shifted in his seat. What the hell was it about Martin’s lips that constantly drew his eye? It was most inconvenient. Mercifully his young assistant seemed oblivious to the effect he had on his boss.

So, Alastair. Theodore’s voice cut through his drifting train of thought. You’ll be coming with me to Naples at the end of the month when we go to finalise the arrangements with Kilgari.

Alastair snapped his head up to meet his father’s stern, grey gaze. He nodded, not showing his surprise. Yes, of course. If you think I’m ready for that.

Theodore’s grey eyes softened fractionally. I’m quite sure that you are, and you have three weeks to prepare. I have every confidence in your ability and it will be an excellent learning experience for you.

Alastair nodded curtly but the flush of warmth at the rare show of approval from his father threatened to make his face split with an unprofessional grin. He schooled his features into an appropriate half-smile. Thank you. I’ll do my best.

Right. Theodore waved his dismissal to the team who were gathered in the boardroom at Pendleton Enterprises. Thank you everyone.

People started to drift away. Alastair closed his laptop and collected his notes. He stood to leave but stopped at the sound of his father’s voice.

Alastair, I need a private word with you. Can you join me in my office?

Alastair frowned slightly. Martin caught his eye and his full, pink lips twitched in a grin of sympathy. Martin had worked for Alastair long enough to know that Alastair didn’t always find his father easy to deal with. Theodore Pendleton was formidable, and the need for a private word didn’t usually bode well.

Alastair followed as his father swept regally into his office. Alastair closed the door behind them and turned to face Theodore who sat in his high-backed leather chair as though it was a throne. He gestured for Alastair to sit.

Alastair’s previous feeling of pride was replaced by one of foreboding when he saw Theodore’s concerned expression. His father had a remarkable knack of making Alastair feel that he was never quite good enough, never quite the man that Theodore wanted him to be.

This deal with Kilgari is crucial. Theodore’s grey eyes were intent and serious. I know you’re more than capable of handling the financial side of things for this deal. But I’m concerned that the social side will be a challenge for you when we get out to Naples.

Alastair frowned, not understanding, but Theodore continued.

Kilgari, like Pendleton Enterprises, is a family business. Roberto Kilgari likes to do business with people that he trusts and has a connection with. On my last visit to Naples he and his wife Elena insisted on taking me out to many social gatherings. They treated me as a friend as well as a potential business partner.

Okay. Alastair nodded. That’s not a problem, father. I can be very charming when I try.

Theodore’s face softened a little. I have no doubt about that, Alastair. But what you need to be prepared for is how physically demonstrative the Italians are. Theodore raised his eyebrows.

Oh.

The penny dropped and his father’s concern suddenly made sense. Um… okay. Alastair tried to look calm, but he was already freaking out on the inside and that was just from thinking about being hugged.

In Italy, in the south of the country particularly, people are very tactile. Theodore kept his eyes fixed on Alastair. Once you become a friend as well as a potential business partner, it is usual for men as well as women to hug and even kiss on the cheek when greeting each other at social functions. I know this is something that will be challenging for you, Alastair. But you need to find a way to deal with it. Wincing would be considered very rude. Theodore’s lips quirked with amusement for a moment, but Alastair knew he was serious.

I’ll deal with it, Alastair assured his father, ignoring the panicked beat of his heart. You can count on me.

He had three weeks. Three weeks in which to overcome a lifetime of being uncomfortable with physical intimacy. Fuck.

---

Alastair stalked back to his own office and went straight to the window. He clenched his fists on the sill, looked out at the London skyline and took a deep breath to try and centre himself.

His rational brain knew he was being ridiculous. It shouldn’t be difficult to hug someone, to peck them on the cheek and not flinch away. They were only people; it was only touching. But Alastair had always shied away from physical contact. It made him horribly uncomfortable.

Sex was different. Alastair had never had a problem with that. Lost in the moment of sexual intimacy he loved the feeling of another person’s body against his own, but as soon as it was over he wanted his own space back. The idea of sleeping wrapped around another body made his skin crawl. He rarely stayed the night with a partner and his relationships tended to be