Starting His Engine

By W.S. Long

Athletic and handsome, Florida boy Caleb Youngblood has always wanted to race stock cars like his father and his brother. The roar of the engines, the smell of the burning rubber and the thrill of speed courses his veins. Racing is as much a part of him as the sun and surf of the Florida ocean he loves.

But, when Caleb falls in love with sports writer Sebastian Rush, he must make a decision. Will he stay in the closet and follow his dream, or can he make a life with Sebastian and follow his heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Nov 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781634862561

W.S. Long

Raised in a military family, I lived in different places. This peripatetic life forced me to take refuge in books at a young age. I can't tell you how many books I read. But in middle school and through high school, I loved reading Victor Hugo, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens, and Jules Verne. Books were an escape.I eventually left home at seventeen to join the military and thought my issues with same-sex attraction could be solved.But, I was wrong. Luckily, I found someone in my life after undergoing trials and tribulations.Why do I read and write male-male romance? Frankly, we all need love and romance in our lives.You can never have too much love, or romance. Right?

Book preview

7

Chapter 1

Your dad is looking for you.

Caleb Youngblood groaned, wiped the sleep from his eyes, and sat up as Sebastian handed Caleb’s phone to read the text. Caleb kicked the sheet that covered his lower torso and eyed his cell. How long had they napped? The late afternoon Florida sun intruded into Sebastian’s bedroom as Caleb read the words his sister, Joan, texted him.

Dad wanted to know where you were. Are you ever going to talk to him?

"Are you going to call him this time?" asked Sebastian, who stretched out, and angled his body to face Caleb.

Caleb sighed. I’m not ready.

I don’t know your family at all, but this issue has been bothering you. Wouldn’t it be easier if you talked it out with your father?

Lately it’s a one-sided conversation, so what’s the point? Caleb bit his lip, realizing his question was not only rhetorical but also sounded abrupt.

Caleb knew that the blow-up with his father a few days ago would eventually simmer down, and then they could talk again, but he wasn’t ready to make the call. It was abundantly clear that Caleb’s older brother, Garrison, was the favorite son. Until their argument, Caleb had thought he had a future as a NASCAR driver, too. I don’t know. I think I’ll talk to Joan first. If there isn’t a future in this family racing, then what’s the point?

I don’t want to sound like I’m repeating myself, but you should call him and talk. Not talking about it and avoiding him won’t get you anywhere. Sebastian sat up in bed now, and half-smiled. What about Garrison?

You mean talk to him? Nah. Garrison is like my dad. Not good at talking about things. And my relationship with him since Mom died, well, it hasn’t been the same. Caleb paused before he spoke again, his voice barely a whisper. So, I’m not calling my father right now, but you’re right. It has been bothering me a lot. I feel like my life is going in a different direction and I don’t have control of it.

I’m sorry.

Caleb studied Sebastian. Nothing for you to be sorry about, Sebastian. Caleb moved closer and with his finger tapped Sebastian’s nose. And nothing for you to worry about. Sorry if I just snapped just then.

I know what it’s like to be in a bad family situation. When my parents got a divorce a few years ago, my sister and I barely spoke to our parents for a long time. We’re just now getting back to some normalcy.

 Caleb thought about Sebastian’s comments. A lot of this stuff has been brewing a while. It makes me second-guess myself more. Like should I have finished college? Should I have come back?

Sebastian smiled. It’s not too late. You can finish up and go on to medical school.

I don’t know. I think UCF will require me to take some classes over since I broke catalog.

What does that mean?

It’s been over three years. I may have to take biology and chemistry again.

Come on. You’re pretty smart. It’ll be no big deal.

Caleb bent down and kissed Sebastian, who accepted the intrusion of Caleb’s tongue without delay. Sebastian placed his hand on Caleb’s bare chest.

You don’t think at twenty-six I’m too old to go back to school?

You can do it.

Ha. I think you’re just a little biased. Caleb winked at Sebastian. Being my boyfriend and all.

Sebastian laughed. Not biased at all. Sebastian put his head on Caleb’s chest

Does it feel weird for you to call me that?

What? asked Caleb.

The word ‘boyfriend’?

Caleb shook his head. No. Why would you say that?

Because when we met, I figured I’d never have a shot with you. You acted so indifferently.

I had a hard time keeping in all my emotions when we met. It’s not often I get a very cute television cameraman who freelances sports writing wanting to talk to me for an interview.

You’re being very sarcastic, said Sebastian.

Caleb rubbed Sebastian’s back as he spoke. You know I have a hard time talking about things that aren’t about sports, NASCAR, and surfing.

So if we didn’t have a mutual interest in sports, swimming, surfing, then I probably didn’t have a chance?

I’m not saying that. But it’s easier, right?

Sebastian remained silent for a moment. We have to thank our mutual friends who suggested meeting, said Sebastian. He leaned in and kissed Caleb. I mean who wouldn’t fall in love with the most beautiful-looking guy in all of Volusia County?

Caleb laughed. The county? That’s a bit much.

I am a little biased because I love you.

Caleb flushed, not used to hearing the word love—at least not from another man. He sat in bed for a few minutes as he collected his thoughts. Sebastian had asked him twice in the last few days to move in with him since Caleb’s lease was coming up for