Snowed In: Sam and Lincoln

By Shawn Lane

Every year, Lincoln Willets arranges a buddy trip for his old friends from high school, and he’s always especially thrilled when Sam Stryker can participate. All of Lincoln’s old friends are successful, but Sam is a star. Literally a celebrity who has made a career starring in blockbuster movies. Lincoln isn’t starstruck, but back in high school he had a thing for Sam. He never acted on it, for number of reasons, but mostly because he assumed Sam was straight. And nothing leading up to their trip in Mammoth has clued him in otherwise.

As his other friends leave the cabin in Mammoth just ahead of a storm that promises to close the roads, Lincoln stays behind with Sam, who had a rough night drinking. By the time Sam emerges, the snowstorm has hit and the roads are closed, stranding Lincoln and Sam for the next couple of days. The time alone together turns out to be an eye-opening experience for Lincoln. Sam is not all that straight and just as attracted to Lincoln as Lincoln is to him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Jan 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781634867924

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

5

Chapter 1

Damn, it’s fucking freezing out here, Lincoln Willets declared as he pulled his down jacket and scarf tight around his torso and neck. The wind had picked up, too, which no doubt accounted for a lot of the frigidness in the air.

He stood next to his brother’s Jeep, having just helped Monroe pack it for his long journey back to Los Angeles from the Mammoth Lakes area.

The predicted snow had not yet started to fall, but Lincoln knew it was only a matter of time. The overcast sky showed signs of becoming threatening.

Monroe grimaced at him from under his woolen beanie. I hope I make it out of here before the snow starts. I hate driving in that shit.

If you get started now, you should be okay.

Monroe looked toward the condo building. They’d been staying there for the weekend, courtesy of Lincoln’s friend, Ellen, who owned the place and spent the better part of the season renting it to vacationers. Ellen had let them have the place for free.

And so they’d had a sort of guys’ reunion over a long weekend, Thursday through Sunday. It was made up of guys Lincoln had gone to high school with, having graduated ten years earlier, and his little brother, Monroe, had wanted to be involved.

Two of Lincoln’s buddies, Rupert and Jameson, had left an hour ago to make their way toward San Francisco and Sacramento, respectively.

When do you think you’ll get out of here? Monroe asked.

Collin’s just about ready, and Winston’s just heading off to the Yosemite area so he doesn’t have too far to go. Said he’d be out of here within the hour. Of course, Lincoln had to stay to the last as he’d told Ellen he’d lock up the place when they were through.

And Sam? Monroe raised his eyebrows.

He’s still asleep. Lincoln chuckled. He had a lot to drink last night. I thought I’d let him stay in a little longer. Soon as everyone else is gone, I’ll wake him.

You and that crush of yours. Monroe shook his head. You don’t stand a chance with him, Linc.

Lincoln scowled. It’s not about that. I’m just trying to be nice. Jesus. Get out of here, will you? He clapped his brother on his back and pushed him toward the driver’s door of the Jeep. And text me when you get home. In fact, if you stop along the way for food or gas or whatever, text me then, too.

Yes, Dad, Monroe said as he opened the door. Just as he slid into the seat, the first flakes of snow began to fall. Damn it.

Just be careful until you’re out of the area. You’ll be okay. By the time you get up the road by Bishop, you’ll be out of the snow for sure. Probably before that even.

Okay.

Lincoln squeezed his brother’s arm. Text me from Bishop. Just so, you know…

Worrywart.

Maybe a little, but they keep saying this is supposed to be one hell of a storm up here. The sooner we all get out of here, the better I’ll feel. Bye.

He stepped onto the sidewalk, shoving his cold hands into the pockets of his jacket, wishing he’d put on gloves before coming outside. He watched as his brother made his way out of the parking lot.

These were pretty rustic condos, really. On the outside, they were covered in wood shingles. They were two stories, four condos to a building. So two on top and two on the bottom. Ellen’s place was on the top right. It had most of the amenities. A fireplace, central heat. A kitchen, living