Straight Lines (Dylan’s List - Vol. 2): Dylan's List, #2

By Mason Lee

Volume Two of the Dylan’s List series!

Dylan is a young, blond, hunky bartender working in the only gay bar in the resort town of Cape Shoals, Florida. Life is pretty sweet for Dylan: he sleeps all day, works at night at a bar by the beach, and sleeps with as many cute boys as he can get his hands on.

Dylan has not made much progress on the List because he's been so satisfied by his hot boss, Chris. However, Chris has had less time for him recently and has been urging him to find some new guys to date.

A flirtation at a local store reminds Dylan of his number one guy on the list, a sexy 21-year-old surfer named Blake.

However, there's one problem: Blake is straight. And has a girlfriend.

Will Dylan finally get to cross his name off the list?

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

I could have put the typical synopsis here.

Boy meets boy.

They fall in love.

They live happily ever after.

The end.

But this is not that story.

Also includes sneak peeks at upcoming stories!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roja Publishing
• Release date: Oct 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536597615

Mason Lee

Mason Lee is assistant professor of practical theology and director of contextual education at the Abilene Christian University Graduate School of Theology.

Book preview

Volume Two of the Dylan’s List series!

Dylan is a young, blond, hunky bartender working in the only gay bar in the resort town of Cape Shoals, Florida. Life is pretty sweet for Dylan: he sleeps all day, works at night at a bar by the beach, and sleeps with as many cute boys as he can get his hands on.

Dylan has not made much progress on the List because he's been so satisfied by his hot boss, Chris. However, Chris has had less time for him recently and has been urging him to find some new guys to date.

A flirtation at a local store reminds Dylan of his number one guy on the list, a sexy 21-year-old surfer named Blake.

However, there's one problem: Blake is straight. And has a girlfriend.

Will Dylan finally get to cross his name off the list?

––––––––

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

I could have put the typical synopsis here.

Boy meets boy.

They fall in love.

They live happily ever after.

The end.

But this is not that story.

Also includes sneak peeks at upcoming stories!

Vol. 2 – Straight Lines

The last three months had been great for Dylan. He was finding a new love and passion for his job all over again. Business had noticeably picked up at The Cape Shoals Bar & Patio, as everyone who had stayed away because of his former boss Raul had started come back, plus there were new people coming every week, hearing that the Patio was a great gay destination. He had people coming as far as Orlando to visit him. Dylan had even more regulars than ever and tips were also better than ever. He loved working alongside his hunky current boss, Chris, who was respectful and fair to all the employees, unlike Raul. He and Chris were also having mind-blowing sex on a regular basis.

It was 2:30AM on another early Sunday morning, or a late Saturday night, if you had already been up all day. Dylan was counting his tips, and closing up the bar. Chris walked by Dylan's bar, looking hot in a tight tank top and khakis.

Hey, sexy! How was your night?

Chris, I think this was my best night since I started working here. I made like $400 tonight in tips!

Hey, darling, that's great! Yeah, I'm so glad business is picking up. So, I know we were going to hang out tonight, but I've got to cancel. Too much work to catch up on, and I need some sleep. Sorry.

Aww...that’s too bad. I was really looking forward to it. I understand though.

This was the second time Chris had canceled on him in the past week. Dylan knew he should not take it personally; he knew Chris was really busy. Plus, Chris and Dylan had agreed to keep their relationship casual. Dylan was not really upset, although he had been looking forward to pounding Chris' hole that night.

Maybe you can finally accept an invite from one of your other admirers? You are seeing other guys, aren't you, Dylan?

Since Chris and Dylan met and started hooking up, Chris had been telling him to sleep with other guys. He insisted it was perfectly okay. However, Dylan had been so busy at the bar, and spending his nights with Chris, that there really had not been anyone else since Jason on the beach a few months ago. By his bed, Dylan still had The List: names of guys around town he wanted to fuck. However, he had not done much of anything about making The List shorter yet.

If you keep canceling on me, I may have no other choice but look somewhere else. Dylan said with a sly smile.

Sleeping with Chris regularly had kept Dylan's high libido in check, so this week without any Chris time had made him a little stir crazy.

Do it! I'm telling you! Don't wait around for me! Hey, also don't forget next Friday is Luau Night. Make sure you have something appropriate to wear.

One of Chris' ideas that had been pretty popular was theme nights once a month. All the staff dressed up, the bar ran some specials, and everyone in Cape Shoals came out for the party. Dylan usually made a lot of money of theme nights.

Will do! Have a good night! Dylan was done and ready to go home.

G'night, babe! I promise we'll hang out soon. Chris and Dylan kissed. Seriously though, in the mean time, Dylan, find some cute boys your age to date. You don't want to hang out with the old man forever.

Even though Chris was only 39 and had a better body than many of the 25-year-old guys in town, he liked to jokingly refer to himself as the old man. That bit of self-deprecation was yet another reason Dylan liked Chris so much.

The next day, Dylan woke up early, around noon - early for Dylan, at least. Any day he woke up before 1pm felt like an accomplishment. He had been less stressed with Chris there at work and was sleeping better than ever lately. Since he never went to bed before 4AM working at the bar all night, Dylan kept a schedule very different from most people's. Dylan was excited to be up and feeling refreshed, and decided to get some chores done. First thing on his list: find something to wear for Luau Night. Dylan could easily wear some board shorts and throw a plastic lei on and Chris would have no problem with it. However, Dylan found if he got a little creative with his outfits, he usually got better tips. It was worth the extra cost to buy something different to wear on theme nights, so Dylan decided he'd stop by the surf shop before work and see what he could find.

Patterson Surf Shop was just a few blocks down from The Cape Shoals Bar. Dylan loved going there to buy anything he might need beach-related or for new bathing suits to wear for work. Jerry Patterson, the owner, was a big fat hippie who was always really nice and generous to anyone who walked through his store's doorway.

Dylan! Jerry smiled when Dylan walked through the door. How's the best bartender in Cape Shoals doing?

Jerry gave Dylan a big old bear hug. This greeting was typical at Patterson Surf Shop. Jerry looked like a cross between John Goodman and Jerry Garcia. An aging hippie who wore Hawaiian shirts, khaki shorts, and flip-flops, no matter the weather, Jerry also had a considerable girth to him. His big personality and his big size tended to overtake a room. He had probably been an attractive man in his younger days, but that had been a long time past. Like any good hippie, Jerry insisted everyone call him by his first name.

I'm fine, Jerry. I'm looking for a bathing suit, something with a Hawaiian theme to it. Maybe large flowers, prints, not sure yet. It's for work, for one of our theme nights.

Well, let's see what we could do for you. You know, Blake is better with the inventory than I am... Jerry turned away from Dylan to a back office. Blake! Jerry bellowed, Could you come out here a moment?

Dylan froze for a moment. Blake was Jerry's son. He was also one of the hottest guys in Cape Shoals. Blake came bounding out of the office. At 21, Blake Patterson's looks were already in Greek god territory. Blake was about 6'3" with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a blue T-shirt and a pair of checkered shorts. Blake was a dedicated surfer and swimmer. Dylan has seen Blake without a shirt a few times, and he had an Olympic swimmer's build with the most defined six-pack Dylan had ever seen. Even Chris' body did not look as good. His skin was smooth and tan, and looked like he had somehow managed to escape any the scars of acne during his teenage years.  

When Dylan first started coming into the store two years ago, Blake was a skinny 19-year-old. Cute, but not someone on Dylan's radar. However, about a year ago, Blake started to get more serious in his hobby as a surfer. Mr. Patterson had told Dylan that Blake wanted to eventually surf professionally. His newfound love of the water caused Blake's body to blossom and for Dylan to develop a raging crush. Blake was not just on The List; his name was on the very top. There were only two reasons why Dylan had not already tried to hook up with Blake. First, Blake had only recently become old enough to come to the Patio and, secondly, Dylan knew Blake was straight. Blake had been with his girlfriend Chelsea since they were juniors in high school. Chelsea even went to a local college so that she could be near Blake while he was working at his father's shop.

What's up, Dad? Oh, hey, Dylan! What can we do for you today? Blake smiled at Dylan and Dylan felt like he could melt into a puddle right on the spot.

One of our favorite customers here is looking for some Hawaiian-style bathing suits. Any leads for him? Jerry always radiated this warm demeanor whenever Dylan visited the store that made him want to do repeat business with Jerry. That and, of course, his Greek god of a son.

Well, I'm not entirely sure what we have at the moment, Dylan. However, follow me and we can take a look.

Dylan followed Blake down to the other end of the store where the swimsuits were displayed. As Dylan was watching Blake's back, Dylan took his finger and traced an imaginary line around the outline of Blake's torso, hugging every muscular curve of his body with his mind. When Blake got to the swimsuits, he sifted through the racks, looking at every man's swimsuit.

No. No. No. I don't think any of these work. Do you want to take a look?

Dylan moved closer to Blake and the rack and began sifting through himself. Being so close to Blake was making Dylan a little horny. He tried to focus on the swimsuits.

Hmmmm, not really sure anything here will work. I was really hoping for something with big flowers or pineapples or something like that.

Well, we can special order something for you. Blake smiled again and Dylan's knees almost buckled.

The only problem is I need it by next Friday. Don't special orders take a while?

Yeah, they take at least ten days. Wait, I have an idea. We're getting a huge order coming in on Thursday. Why don't you come back then and browse? I think we'll have something you will like. Here, I can show some of the stuff we ordered online. Follow me.

It always struck Dylan how mature Blake was for his age. Working in his father's store and dealing with customers made Blake grow up quickly, Dylan guessed.

Blake headed back towards the front of the store to a sales computer. Jerry disappeared, probably helping someone or doing some paperwork in the back. Blake went behind the counter and started moving the mouse while Dylan watched. Blake's arms were so well-defined that Dylan could see the muscles in Blake's home tighten as pointed and clicked.

Here you go! What do you think of those? Blake swiveled the flat screen monitor so it was facing Dylan's direction.

Well, I like those ones. Dylan pointed to a pair of red board shorts with large white flowers on them. Blake moved the monitor back towards his direction.

Those look Hawaiian. What about these? He scrolled down and pointed to the screen. Dylan leaned over the counter and closer to Blake. He saw a pair of dark blue shorts with large red flowers.

Oh yeah, those would work, I think. Do you have anything skimpier? Maybe a grass skirt that doesn't quite cover my butt? Dylan was not sure why he said that. For a second, he regretted it, and then Blake started laughing.

God, Dylan, you're just too funny! Blake tried to compose himself, but started chuckling again. He finally stopped and sighed. You know, Dylan, I don't think I've ever told you this, but if I ever decide to go gay, I would want to be with someone like you! You're just so charming and funny.

Those words hung out there in front of Dylan like a mist. No, Blake had definitely never said to him. Dylan and Blake always got along well, and Dylan tended to pour on the charm when Blake was around. Dylan could not help it; Dylan did his best to impress any guy he liked, gay or straight. Dylan wondered to himself if maybe this boded well for him starting off his ‘List’ with number one.

Thank you, Dylan replied sheepishly. Dylan was not really sure what to say. He only knew he needed to say something.

That's a huge compliment. Only Chelsea makes me laugh like that.

Dylan knew Blake was pretty gay positive because his mother had left Jerry to be with another woman. They had been together for ten years and lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Blake went to visit them once a year. However, Dylan did not realize Blake was that gay positive that he would feel that comfortable to make such a remark. Dylan was starting to over think things, and decided he probably needed to make an exit.

I need to get to work. Thanks for all your help, Blake. I'll be back on Thursday!

No worries! I'm glad we can help you. Have a great day! Blake smiled and Dylan could feel his knees want to buckle again. He grabbed a hold of the handle of glass door and made his way outside into the warm air.

He left his car by Patterson's and decided to walk to work. He was hoping tonight would be a lucrative night, so he did not have to worry about the upfront cost of the suit. Sundays usually were not bad, and he enjoyed the crowd. He could also usually leave early on Sundays. He walked into work and set his sights on getting his bar together. He walked into the storeroom and encountered Tanya, already rifling through boxes. She had become a sort of assistant manager, helping Chris with things like inventory.

Hey, sexy Dylan! What's shaking?

Not too much. Having a great day. You?

Same shit, different day. How's your relationship with our boss? Still humping like gay rabbits?

Tanya tended to be pretty blunt. It had pretty much become an open secret at the Cape Shoals Bar and Patio that Dylan and Chris were fucking. Dylan was aware that when it started that it would not stay a secret for too long. The only person besides Chris he had ever discussed the relationship with is Tanya. The other ladies of the bar did not have the balls to confront him about it. It came out after Raul left that many of them had been giving Raul special attention (namely, blow jobs) for good tables and extra shifts. They, therefore, knew it would be kind of hypocritical of them to confront Dylan. However, Tanya had never done any of that and had a pretty in-you-face attitude about these things.

Actually, our relationship has kind of cooled down. He's canceled on me like twice this week. Plus, he keeps telling me I should see other guys.

Well, why aren't you? You're hot shit, Dylan. And all the boys in this town seem to think so.

Dylan blushed. Not ALL the boys, Tanya. Maybe...a few.

I wish I had a dollar for every queer boy who comes into here asking me, 'So, where's Dylan today? What days does Dylan work?' Especially lately. The gays that come in here have increased like ten-fold in the past few months. Chris' plans to get some gay dollars flowing into this place seem to have worked. I'm not complaining though. Gay guys tip way better than straight guys. And they don't try to play grab ass with the waitresses.

I'm glad you like the improvements, T. I'm enjoying it too.

If I were you, I would be taking every advantage of your surge in popularity and getting some high quality ass. Especially if your boyfriend is saying to go for it.

T! You know he's not my boyfriend!

Well, whatever the fuck you're calling it, I'd take full advantage of your newfound popularity and your butt buddy's permission to do so.

Thanks for the advice, Tanya. I'll consider it.

Tanya did not know about the List. No one, not even Chris, knew about it. Dylan figured he'd keep it his own special secret. It's one thing to make plans to fuck your way across town. It was another thing to have everyone know about it. If Dylan told even one person about The List, the whole town would eventually find out. Besides, the List was for Dylan, no one else.

Dylan grabbed the bottles he needed from the storeroom and made his way to the bar. He set up and was all ready for his shift, with fifteen minutes to spare before he had to be open. This has become the new norm for Dylan. His first customers of the day were Jim, Harry, and Wes, three old gay men who were the most loyal of Dylan's regulars. They always seemed to come in together.

Hey, boys! You're here early!

We wanted to make sure we got a good seat in front of our favorite bartender, said Wes. Every time we walk in, it seems like there are not any spots left at your bar!

Wes was right. The bar had been busier. Of course, Dylan enjoyed being busy and making more money, but he could see how some of his regulars might not enjoy it as much.

Aw! Well, sit here. Dylan patted at a spot in front of him. I promise I'll take good care of you guys tonight!

Don't listen to Wes. He's just a cranky old queen, said Harry. I'm happy this place is so busy now. Wes will adjust. She's just an old biddy set in her ways!

Harry, Dylan and Jim all laughed. Wes pretended to be annoyed, although he probably really was not. The atmosphere at the Patio seemed lighter now since Raul left. The customers seemed more willing to joke, without worrying about Raul coming out and throwing one of his tantrums or berating a gay customer.

Seriously, said Jim. We're happy that you're staying busy and making good money, Dylan. And we're happy with the new influx of gays. They are so many new cute boys around this bar.

Still none as cute as you though, Dylan, Wes quickly added.

Aw! Thanks boys! said Dylan.

Dylan went over to the other side of the bar to make their drinks. He spotted Kevin coming towards the bar. Kevin lived in the apartment below Dylan's. Like Blake, he was totally hot and supposed totally straight. However, Dylan could not help but crush on him a little. Tall with black hair, he had dark Italian features, a little exotic for the blond hair blue-eyed crowd that dominated Cape Shoals. He had a great body, as Dylan often saw him jogging or at the gym. The sexiest part about Kevin was that he worked as a lifeguard on the beach. Dylan always thought lifeguards were hot, and Kevin was one of the hottest. Despite being straight, Kevin's hotness earned him a spot on the List. Dylan swallowed as a he approached Kevin.

Hey, Dylan! What's new?

Hey, Kevin! I never see you here. Kevin was pretty athletic, and rarely drank, at least out in bars.

"Yeah, I don't