Worth a Shot

By Kim Dare

Hot, confident and dominant to the core, Tony Landon is one of the brightest stars of the Falconer Institute of Training’s athletics team. As well known for his talent in the sack as he is for his ability on the track, Tony’s the guy all the straight men want to be, and all the gay men want to be with.
There’s only one person at the institute who seems completely oblivious to Tony’s charms and that’s Donovan. Tony’s been flirting with Donovan ever since the guy joined the institute’s archery programme, but he’s hardly managed to raise a smile from him, let alone get him kneeling at his feet wearing nothing but a pair of handcuffs.
Donovan Matthews might seem oblivious, but looks can be deceptive. Fascinated by Tony, yet terrified of him in equal measure, Donovan is trapped in a web of uncertainty and fear. As much as he wants Tony to tie him up, he can’t even accept a drink off him without hyperventilating.
But, one overheard comment, one moment of bravery, and suddenly the impossible seems possible. It’s not going to be easy for two men who are so different to make things work, but with chemistry like theirs it’s definitely worth a shot.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Dare
• Release date: Aug 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463258538

Kim Dare

Kim is a bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released over 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she moved into self publishing in 2013. While she occasionally enjoys writing other pairings, most of Kim's stories focus on Male/Male relationships. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.

Book preview

Content Information

Additional content notes for this title are available on the author’s website, but please be aware that they contain significant spoilers.

Table of Contents

Blurb

Content Information

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Also in the FIT Guys Series

Also by the Author

About the Author

Chapter One

Here’s to more time spent sprinting and less time spent screwing.

The words pulled at Donovan’s attention, dragging it back toward the same table of guys that he’d been discretely observing ever since he’d plucked up the courage to start drinking in that pub.

Luck hadn’t been with Donovan that particular night. By the time he’d arrived, all the seats that would have allowed a clear view of Tony Landon had already been claimed. Still, the occasional glimpses he caught of Tony’s profile from his current vantage point were something. Donovan wasn’t above taking what he could get.

As Tony’s companions laughed and drank to the toast, Tony shook his head and slumped back in his seat.

To the longest three weeks of Tony’s life, Cosmos, a long distance runner from the Falconer Institute of Training’s athletics team, suggested. Once more, everyone in the group raised their drinks.

Tony drained the last of his beer and glared at each of the men around his table. I’m so glad you all find our coach’s decision to torture me amusing.

Haslet does have a point. You are kind of slutty, Cosmos pointed out. You’ll have much more energy for training if you’re not getting any.

Pot, kettle, black? Tony shot back, without missing a beat.

Cosmos smirked. Call me what you like, sweetheart—I’m not the one who promised Haslet he’d stay celibate until after the Trentmoore meet.

Donovan looked from Tony to Tony’s friends wishing, not for the first time, that he had the confidence to sit with them around that table and joke about things the way they did. But, no. It was useless, even the thought of joining them was making his grip on his glass turn white knuckled and his throat close up.

It’s only a couple of weeks, said another man at Tony’s table, Mike—the team’s shot putter, in a more sympathetic tone of voice.

Donovan lifted his gaze just in time to see Cosmos pat Tony on the shoulder. Yeah, Tony. It’s only the longest you’ll have gone without sex since you turned legal…

Tony glared down at him. You’re a real bastard at times. You know that, right?

Yep, Cosmos said, more cheerfully than ever, obviously not the least bit worried by the fact he was half Tony’s size. Everyone at the table laughed.

Tony pushed his hand through his spiky, blond hair as if he was at his wits end. But, when he turned to get up from the table, Donovan saw that Tony was smiling too, as if he didn’t really mind their teasing. I’m going to get another drink.

Careful, Tony, Cosmos called after him. Too much of a good thing and Haslet will probably make you give up alcohol, too.

Tony didn’t bother to turn around. He just held two fingers up to the whole group as he walked away. Donovan watched him go, automatically dropping his gaze to admire the way tight jeans stretched across Tony’s arse.

As Tony moved out of Donovan’s line of sight, the jokes Tony’s friends had been making gradually presented themselves for Donovan’s consideration. Tony had promised his coach he’d give up sex for the next three weeks.

Donovan frowned at his drink.

Tony and sex were so closely linked in his mind, it was almost impossible for him to think of one existing without the other. Tony not being intimately entwined with the very essence of sex was wrong. But at the same time…

It probably wouldn’t make any difference, but it was worth a shot. Hell, anything that might tip the balance in his favour and make it possible for Donovan to speak to Tony without hyperventilating was worth investigating. Donovan abandoned his lemonade and headed after Tony.

As he rounded the corner, he saw Tony standing halfway along the bar, waiting to be served.

He hesitated. At the last moment, his courage deserted him. He changed course and ended up standing about two metres to Tony’s right. Donovan stared down at the battered wooden surface, cursing his own cowardice. Maybe if he tried to—

Hi.

Donovan jerked his head up. He didn’t need to sidle down the bar. Tony now stood right alongside him. For a few seconds, Donovan’s vocal cords refused to cooperate, just as they had so many times before. All he could do was stare at Tony like a prime candidate for the post of village idiot. Finally, he managed to clear his throat.

Hi. It might not have been the height of wit, but it was pretty close to a normal pitch. It could have been worse—it had been worse on several other occasions when Tony had tried to start conversations with him.

How did the nationals go?

Donovan blinked at Tony. The nationals?

The archery nationals, they were last week, right? Tony asked.

Donovan nodded. Yes, they were. Except nobody knew that, because while athletics might be popular enough that everyone at the institute would recognise half the team, archery wasn’t the kind of sport that anyone who didn’t own a bow ever noticed.

So…? Tony promoted.

Donovan managed to pull a few brain cells together. They went well. The institute’s team came third.

What about the individual event—how did that go? Tony prompted.

As Donovan stared up at him, he had the strangest sensation that Tony already knew the answer to that question. I won, he blurted out.

Tony failed to look the least bit surprised. Congratulations.

What can I get for you?

Donovan jumped at the sudden interruption from the other side of the bar.

The bartender looked at the empty beer bottle Tony had placed on the bar. Same again?

Tony shook his head. Coke this time, thanks.

That meant he was driving. Donovan had been paying attention over the months. If Tony was driving, he stopped after one. If he wasn’t driving, he drank every one of his friends under the table and still never slurred a word.

As Donovan watched, Tony pulled his wallet out of his jeans pocket and turned to him. What are you having?

No—that was what he always said. Whatever Tony had suggested each time he’d approached him, Donovan always panicked and said no, regardless of the answer he actually wanted to give.

Not for the first time, he tried to pull sensible thoughts to the front of his mind and push his nerves aside. Tony isn’t a psychopath. Tony isn’t a complete bastard. Tony isn’t Ryan. None of it helped. Tony can’t expect anyone to fall into bed with him tonight, he’s not allowed to have sex. Bingo!

The same, thank you. To Donovan’s amazement, the words sounded completely calm.

As the barman got their drinks and Tony handed over the money, Donovan stared straight ahead. It might work. God help him, but this might actually work… Apparently, the sure and certain knowledge that Tony wasn’t going to assume they’d have sex that very moment really did make it possible for Donovan to have a drink with him without completely freaking out.

Come on, there’s a free table over there. Tony pointed to a completely different part of the pub to where his friends were sitting.

Relaxing slightly as he realised that he wasn’t going to have to face an entire group of guys, Donovan made his way to the empty table. Jacket in one hand and his bottle of Coke in the other, he shuffled his way awkwardly onto the bench that half-encircled the corner table. Tony slid in after him, every movement fluid and confident.

Silence. Damn. Donovan’s nerves made it impossible for him not to attempt to fill the hush with words, any words.

How did you know the nationals were last week?

Well, I kind of know one of the guys on the institute’s team, Tony said. Although, if I’m honest, I don’t really know him that well yet. We’ve just flirted now and again. At least, I’ve flirted with him. Until this evening, he’s always just nodded politely and rushed away at the first opportunity.

Donovan met Tony’s eyes for a horrified moment as he recognized his own behaviour being quoted at him. I don’t flirt. Not anymore.

Never? Tony asked. With anyone?

Donovan shook his head.

Good, Tony said, with an easy smile. In that case, I won’t take it personally. He took a sip of his Coke.

Donovan gulped down some of his own drink. He tried not to stare at the way Tony’s mouth caressed the rim of his Coke bottle. He tried not to imagine that it was his cock pressed against Tony’s lips. He failed on both counts.

So, flirting aside, do all bi men make you nervous, or am I special? Tony asked.

The question hit the air just as Donovan was taking another swig of his drink. He promptly choked on it.

Tony reached out and patted him helpfully on the back. Donovan caught his breath, but somehow, Tony’s hand stayed there, resting high up, near his shoulders. The heat from Tony’s skin soaked through the thin fabric of his shirt. Donovan waited for air to stall in his lungs and his heart to race, but for some reason, it didn’t happen. The only reaction his body offered up in response to Tony’s touch was a rapid hardening of his cock. He discretely moved his jacket to rest over his lap.

Well? Tony asked, with an unrepentant little grin. Should I feel special or not?

Donovan took a careful sip of his Coke while he played for time. Glancing up, he met Tony’s eyes. He had the distinct impression that lying to Tony wouldn’t do him any good. Maybe you do make me more nervous than most men in here, he confessed.

Because I’m bi and most of them are gay? Tony asked, conversationally, as if he really wouldn’t take offense if Donovan said yes.

Damn, but it was tempting to say yes. The only other option was the truth and there was no way in hell he could actually say: Because I really want to have sex with you, but I think I might have a panic attack if I try to do that.

Heat rushed to Donovan’s checks at the very idea of uttering those words. He looked up from his inspection of the table top and accidentally caught Tony’s gaze again.

Tony’s eyes sparkled, as if he’d guessed at least part of what the honest answer would be. How long have you been out?

Donovan remembered how to breathe. About three years. I came out when I was nineteen. What about you? That was three calm and reasonably complete sentences in a row. Donovan couldn’t help but feel a little proud of himself.

Tony chuckled. I wavered between thinking I was straight, then gay, then straight again for so long I’m pretty sure my family thought I was going to build a revolving door on the closet by the time I finally shrugged and settled on being bi. Since that happened, oh, all of eighteen months ago, I guess I was twenty-three.

Donovan smiled. It was easy to smile at Tony, even while Tony’s hand lingered on his back. The last time he’d been that comfortable smiling at a guy had been back before—

Donovan shut that train of thought down very firmly. I think it’s different if you’re gay, he babbled, eager for any distraction. I always knew.

Tony still gave no sign of thinking he was sitting next to a mad man. My little brother was the same. He’s in the swimming programme here. He’s been out since… He frowned slightly. Damned if I can actually remember him not being gay. He shook his head and pushed his hand through his hair, disordering the blond spikes as he apparently dismissed his brother from his mind.

Donovan watched with appreciation as Tony’s lips caressed the rim of his Coke bottle once more.

You haven’t dated anyone since you joined the institute, Tony said.

Donovan just blinked at him. That had definitely been a statement rather than a question.

I asked around, Tony admitted, without any trace of embarrassment. I found lots of guys who’d struck out with you, and a few girls who’ve tried their luck with just as little success, but no one you’ve actually dated.

Oh. Donovan couldn’t think of anything else to say except possibly: I could name at least twenty of your previous lovers off the top of my head. They all say you’re kinky as hell.

So, I’m left wondering if you dated anyone before you came here, Tony added.

Are you trying to ask me if I’m a virgin? Donovan closed his eyes, but yes, he had apparently said that out loud.

When he forced his eyes open, Tony was making an obvious attempt not to laugh. I thought I was being subtle, but yeah, pretty much.

Even though he was sure he was blushing bright red, Donovan couldn’t help but chuckle at the easy way Tony had of taking anything anyone said in his stride.

Tony took another sip of his drink. Well?

Donovan’s laughter faded away. No, I’m not a virgin. There was a guy at university.

Didn’t end well? Tony asked, his voice gentler than it had been before.

We weren’t dating. He wasn’t my boyfriend or anything like that.

Tony didn’t say anything. The silence demanded words. Unfortunately, the only words Donovan had to hand were the truth.

It…it all kind of… Suddenly, he assumed we were going to… I mean, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to… But, I… He shook his head as he felt memories and panic start to bubble up inside him. I’m sorry—I’d rather not talk about it.

Tony’s hand started moving against his back for the first time since Donovan had choked. It travelled in slow circles, rubbing his back through his shirt. It felt nice and, maybe because of Tony’s temporary vow of celibacy was tipping the balance and reminding Donovan that this situation was very different to the one he’d been in with Ryan, it didn’t feel at all threatening.

Suddenly things were going faster than you wanted them to go, but you couldn’t pull the brake? Tony suggested, still in that softer tone of voice.

Donovan nodded—that sounded so much more sensible than his fractured explanations had.

So maybe that’s made you nervous about getting to know any guys here—you’re worried that if you tell someone you’re interested, things will start to go too fast and you won’t be able to slow them down again?

Donovan stared at his Coke bottle. I know it’s stupid. Logically, I know that—

It’s not stupid, Tony cut in. His tone changed and suddenly allowed no argument. He seemed to think for a few seconds. I have an idea.

Donovan glanced up at him. An idea?

Yeah. Tony turned a little more in his seat, pulling his knee up onto the bench between them. An idea. Will you do me a favour?

Not sure what else to do, Donovan nodded.

Tony set his drink down on the table. I’m going to do something. I’d rather you didn’t slap me without at least hearing me out first. Okay?

Still no closer to understanding what the hell was going on, Donovan nodded again. Okay.

Tony smiled. A second later, he leaned forward and dipped his head.

His lips brushed against Donovan’s mouth, both firm and gentle at the same time. Then, before Donovan had a chance to register anything else, Tony pulled away.

Donovan gasped. He looked down. That was the only reaction he managed to scrape together. The rest of his body remained completely frozen in place.

Panic. There should be panic. There was always panic. Even those times he’d managed to get drunk enough to talk to another man, any movement toward doing anything other than talking always brought a wave of memories that swept away any possibility of wanting to be within a hundred miles of another living person.

Donovan, look at me.

There was nothing harsh about the words, but they were undeniably an order. They demanded to be obeyed.

Donovan slowly looked up at him.

You were only going to get more and more nervous, sitting there wondering what would happen if I made a move on you. So—I’ve made my move.

Donovan swallowed. He could still feel Tony’s mouth against his lips.

That means the next move is yours, Tony added. Nothing past a kiss will happen until you decide you want it to.

Donovan merely stared at Tony’s mouth in complete fascination.

"You’ve heard me out. This is the point where you’re free to slap me if you