Whiskey and Salt

By Mere Rain

Harlan is only in Vegas for two nights for his brother’s wedding. His parents want Harlan married, too, and not to a man. What would people say? Not that Harlan cares. He doesn’t like most people, and he enjoys making sure they dislike him in return. He can play nice long enough to finalize a contract or get laid, what more does he need? He definitely doesn’t need a date with his smart-mouthed waiter. But he wants one. Maybe more than one.

Apolo doesn’t get paid enough to take crap from customers. On the other hand, he might be willing to take something else from the rude but hot whiskey snob in the expensive suit. Especially since he seems amused rather than offended by Apolo’s attitude. Apolo doesn’t have anything (or anyone) better to do tonight. But if it’s just sex, why has he somehow agreed to go to a wedding with Harlan? As Harlan’s husband?

Harlan is abrasive and Apolo is prickly. They both want the last word and neither likes to lose. Is it possible that being equally stubborn is how they both win?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Feb 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685500368

Book preview

cover.jpg

Whiskey and Salt

By Mere Rain

Published by JMS Books LLC

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2022 Mere Rain

ISBN 9781685500368

Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

* * * *

For Joseph Ferrer, who is much too nice to be a character in this story.

* * * *

Whiskey and Salt

By Mere Rain

Harlan couldn’t have told anyone what he ate at his brother’s rehearsal dinner.

The food came with wine, which he also couldn’t describe except that there wasn’t enough of it to make talking to his family bearable.

As soon as the dessert plates had been cleared, Harlan stood and headed for the door. He didn’t make it six feet before his younger brother intercepted him, handing him a half-full champagne flute and clinking his own glass against it without paying any attention to Harlan’s glower.

Congratulations, Harlan said unenthusiastically.

Thanks. About time it was your turn, Braden said jovially.

When Hell freezes over. Harlan emptied his glass.

His brother laughed, as if Harlan had been joking. That’s what they all say. But when you meet the one—

The one Mommy and Daddy tell me to get shackled to? Not happening.

Fuck you, Har, Braden whispered, glancing over his shoulder toward his fiancée and her family.

Stop that, his mother said, pulling Harlan aside. Braden wandered away. This is your brother’s wedding. You’re here to celebrate his union, not squabble. And he’s right. How do you think it looks, you still being single?

Harlan raised an eyebrow. As if I had more common sense?

Don’t you think you’ve kept up this rigmarole for long enough, Harlan? she hissed. You’re thirty this year. Stop behaving like a petulant child. People will start to talk about you.

They have only to ask. I’m happy to confirm their suspicions.

Don’t you dare. Especially not now, not here in front of our friends.

Your business connections, you mean. Harlan’s lip curled.

She waved a hand, and Harlan turned to see his father approaching from behind him.

Talk to your son, Bernard, she ordered. I need to speak to Elina.

Harlan’s father raised his glass in acknowledgement and watched her walk away. Without looking at Harlan, he said, While I understand your desire to thwart your mother, son, she isn’t wrong. A man your age should be married. Think about the future.