Winning Jordan: Loving Jordan, #3

By Andrea Dalling

Love is one thing, but coming out? That could ruin it all.

Rick Ferguson is torn in two, happier than he's ever been, and more miserable. He's moved in with his boyfriend, Jordan Callahan, and it's all he dreamed it would be. But Rick's buried in the closet, and his mom still tries to fix him up with every single woman she can find. The longer Rick lives the lie, the more he'll hurt his family when the truth comes out.

Jordan's sure Rick is being paranoid. Is being gay really such a problem these days? What kind of family would turn against their own son because of who he loves? But when the truth emerges it sends a shockwave through both their families. Rick backs Jordan into a corner to try and rescue their lives from the tatters.

As the deception grows, Jordan will have to risk the love he's always wanted to keep Rick from widening the chasm with his family—before Rick makes a mistake he'll regret for the rest of his life.

This steamy gay romance novella has a hard-earned happy ending and no cliffhanger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Artesian Well Publishing
• Release date: Feb 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781942198048

Andrea Dalling

Andrea Dalling lives in the sexy Southeast U.S., where the summers are hot and the romance hotter. She loves to torture her characters but eventually rewards them with a happily-ever-after.  Married to her college sweetheart, she's an ally and an advocate for LGBT rights. When she's not writing, she enjoys gardening at her Raleigh home and scuba diving in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean.  You can follow her on Facebook (andrea.dalling.romance) or on Twitter (@Andrea_Dalling). For news about upcoming releases, sign up at http://eepurl.com/00WxP or visit her website at http://andreadalling.com. Want free books? Sign up for her ARC Club to receive advance reader copies. http://eepurl.com/2c4DH

Book preview

Chapter 1

2013

Rick Ferguson gathered the bedcovers around him to ward off the December chill, dreading the ordeal looming over him. A dull ache gathered in his temples. He snuggled up close to Jordan Callahan, resting his head in the crook of Jordan’s neck, seeking the comfort of his lover’s touch. He wished their bodies weren’t separated by boxer briefs and T-shirts, but he was too cold to strip them off.

Jordan’s arm encompassed him. Morning. He kissed Rick’s cheek, stubble rubbing against stubble.

Rick loved the way that felt, the hard, masculine sensations of Jordan’s body. Morning.

This is nice. Jordan pressed into him. Waking up to you is still the best part of my day.

Happiness awoke in Rick’s chest. Mine, too.

Rick had moved in with Jordan a month earlier, after being best friends since childhood. He’d had a long struggle coming to terms with his sexuality, mostly dating women while pining after Jordan. The past few weeks had been the happiest of his life, but a storm cloud still hung over him. He had to tell his family the truth. He couldn’t put it off any longer.

I hate to say it, Jordan muttered in a throaty voice, but we have to get up. Mom wants me in Chestnut Grove in time to get to Grandma’s by noon.

Rick nodded. Do you want to get up first?

No, because it takes you longer to get ready. With your primping and trying on three outfits—

All you have to do is step out of the shower, and you look perfect. Damn, the image that conjured—Jordan’s lean, muscled body wet and glistening, dirty-blond hair slick and plastered to his neck, leaving plenty of access for kissing... Rick forced the thought out of his mind and said, My hair is a disaster if I don’t spend fifteen minutes gelling and drying and smoothing it—

Yes, but I love running my fingers through your dark curls.

Rick grunted. Straight is better.

Jordan smirked and ground his erection into him. But if you were straight, you wouldn’t have me.

I didn’t mean it like that. Rick lay flat on his back, splaying his arm out beside him. It’s just complicated.

Stop worrying over nothing, Jordan insisted. You’re not going to your execution. You’re going to spend Christmas with your family. Your parents won’t reject you when you tell them you’re gay.

My mom will hate it.

Your mom will get over it. Jordan leaned on his arm, facing him. Ricky. Your parents are PFLAG members. When I came out, they were as supportive as my own family.

This is different. I’m their son.

"You’re right, it is different. They love you more than life. Stop worrying."

In his head, Rick knew Jordan was right—but every time he thought about it, his gut tied up in knots. And not like the simple knots he’d learned in scouts as a kid, before they’d kicked Jordan out for being gay. More like the ones for sailing or rock climbing.

He pulled Jordan close. I have to go a whole week, sleeping without you.

"We could have avoided that—if you weren’t so set on waiting until after Christmas to come out to your parents."

You know my mom. She spends 364 days a year planning for Christmas. On the twenty-sixth, she’ll be shopping the sales for next year’s decorations. I don’t want to ruin the holiday for her.

Jordan kissed him. Your parents will be fine.

They’ll be disappointed.

Give them some credit.

I’ve got Kat on my side, at least, Rick said of his sister. She’s been sending me texts with pictures of hot guys attached. She thinks it’s hysterical we have the same taste in men.

Jordan chuckled. The only man you’re supposed to have a taste for is me.

In real life, you are.

You mean you fantasize about other guys? Jordan tickled him.

He squirmed and pulled away. You’re always there, too.

Three-ways? That’s what you’re into?

Rick’s shoulders tensed. "It’s not something I actually want to do. But don’t forget, you’re the only man I’ve been with. So I imagine what it would be like to get fucked by some big hairy guy while I’m sucking you off, or to fuck some hot twink while he sucks you off. He frowned. That’s okay, isn’t it?"

Whatever you fantasize about is fine.

Rick waggled his brows. What do you fantasize about?

Jordan chuckled. Go take a shower, and I’ll show you.

Rick threw off the covers and hopped out of bed. I can do that. Heading toward the bathroom, he wiggled his hips and sang, I’m bringing sexy back...

You’re an asshole, Jordan called after him.

And you love me for it.

Rick undressed and stepped into the shower stall, letting the hot water run over him. As he rinsed the shampoo from his hair, the sound of the shower door popping open caught his attention. A moment later, Jordan’s warm kisses caressed his neck. Rick dried his eyes, grateful there was room for two.

I’m sorry things suck right now. Jordan reached for the body wash. Let me help you relax. Turn around.

Rick’s cock jumped. He wasn’t sure what Jordan had in mind, but for the moment, he was willing to go with it. He faced the tile, gray porcelain accented with glass in burgundy and blue. Jordan rubbed the gel over Rick’s shoulders, loosening the tight knots. Feels good, he said.

Just getting started. Jordan massaged Rick’s neck, his fingers loosening the thick cords of muscle. His hands glided down Rick’s spine, working the muscles on either side.

Moans escaped his throat. The strong hands on his body soothed Rick, replacing tension with a cool tingle. When Jordan got to the small of his back, Rick groaned, the pain in the stubborn knot easing as it gave way under his lover’s ministrations.

Feeling better? Jordan murmured in his ear.

Mmm.

Hands rolled the muscles of his ass cheeks. Rick loved the warm feeling, but anticipation tightened his stomach. In the corner of his eye, Jordan squeezed silicone-based lube onto his hand from the handy-dandy bottle they had stashed in the shower for just such an occasion.

Instinctively, Rick backed into the warmth of Jordan’s hand on his crease, the lube coating him. His cock thickened, but his shoulders clenched.

Jordan tugged on Rick’s ear with his teeth. Hands against the wall.

The growl in Jordan’s voice told Rick there was no point in arguing. Jordan was usually the more agreeable one, but he had a stubborn streak once he’d made up his mind.

Jordan’s slick finger stroked Rick’s entrance. Heat rushed through him. Jordan’s touch felt like heaven, teasing the sensitive nerve endings. Rick wanted to please him, but... Are you sure this will work, standing up? He’d fucked Jordan this way, but Jordan was more used to bottoming than he was.

We’ll make it work. Trust me, Jordan plunged his fingers inside. Don’t tense, babe. Let all the stress leave your body. It’s just you and me, and we’re crazy happy together. The rest of the world doesn’t exist.

Jordan’s thrusts drove the tightness out of Rick’s muscles. He breathed slow and deep, letting the hot water ease the tension in his back. Jordan’s fingers brushed against his prostate, and Rick moaned.

That’s it, Jordan murmured. "I’m going to drive all the way into you. We’ll go as slow as you need to, but you will take it all. And I don’t want you touching yourself. Your hands don’t leave that wall."

Rick closed his eyes, pushing away thought and letting sensation fill him. He liked it when Jordan took control, and he could just feel. Those long strokes put him on edge and left him hungry for more.

He threw his head back. Now, babe. Need it.

Not until you’re ready to beg.

Rick whimpered. Jordan’s fingers pumped him fast. Rick’s cock, full and needy, bobbed in response. Please, he groaned.

Please what?

Fuck me. Rick couldn’t keep the urgency out of his voice. He pressed hard against Jordan’s hand, taking as much as he could.

Jordan clasped his free arm around Rick’s waist. He pulled out his fingers, lubed himself up, and pressed at Rick’s hole. I own you.

Yes.

Jordan slid into him, the head gliding past the circle of muscle. Rick gasped, then breathed out, pulling the length further inside.

Shh, Jordan murmured in his ear. It’s okay, babe. I’ve got you. I’ll go slow. Relax and breathe. I won’t hurt you.

The stretch and burn eased as Rick’s muscles adjusted to the fullness. Damn, how did Jordan talk him into this—make him beg?

Jordan eased back, then moved forward again by millimeters. The gentle motion on Rick’s prostate made his toes curl. As his body relaxed, Jordan moved faster. Rick remembered why he had begged.

He reached for his cock, but Jordan grabbed his hand and placed it back against the wall.

No fair, Rick complained.

You’ll go off too fast. Just enjoy the moment, babe. Don’t be so goal-oriented. He pushed deeper.

Rick moaned. He felt impossibly full, but he knew Jordan had more to give him. He closed his eyes and breathed, letting his muscles go loose. Each time he exhaled, Jordan’s cock buried itself further inside him.

Almost there, Jordan said. Push toward me.

Rick angled backward, and Jordan’s pelvis thrust into him. Jordan’s rhythm sped up to an urgent pace. Pleasure built in Rick’s gland, a burning hot and deep. His balls grew taut, and his neglected cock ached. Please, Jordy. Touch me.

Jordan’s still-slick hand curled around him. Rick felt like a geyser about to blow, all that stored energy needing an outlet. Oh, fuck, yeah!

Not yet, Jordan warned. His hand squeezed but didn’t