Winning Over Harmon

By Megan Slayer

FROM POPULAR AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE MEGAN SLAYER

Book three in the Love Me Do series

Second chances are possible if you're willing to give love a chance.

Harmon Keyes wasn't looking for romance when he visited Roy Mars' gallery show, but the moment he sees Winston Saint, he's smitten. He has no idea who Winston is, but the attraction is off the charts. He also isn't sure if he'll ever see the man again. Can a trip to Dye Hard Style help get him together with Winston?

Michael Winston Saint knew the second he spotted Harmon that he'd fallen head over heels. He'd never forget the geeky guy who talked too much or that kiss full of electricity and passion. Unfortunately, he has to leave the gallery show before he can give Harmon his number. He returns to Norville for a rest and the chance to connect with his dream man. Winston's determined to win over Harmon at all costs.

Will the teacher and the rock star be able to make a go of their relationship? Or will the gossip and complication of small-town life be more than they can handle?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: May 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781839432019

Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com. When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Book preview

Pride Publishing books by Megan Slayer

Single Books

Constant

Permanent

Vaulting

Drive my Car

We Belong Together

Finding Michael

Rogue Royal

Must Love Dogs

The One I Want

You and Me Again

The Real Me

My Other Half

Cedarwood Pride

Home to Cedarwood

Ripples in Cedarwood

Scoring in Cedarwood

Rainbows over Cedarwood

Rocking Cedarwood

Cedarwood Manny

Together in Cedarwood

Doc Cedarwood

Finding Forever in Cedarwood

Silver Fox in Cedarwood

Cedarwood Cowboy

Christmas in Cedarwood

Second Chances in Cedarwood

Starting Over in Cedarwood

Love Me Do

Loving Summer Rain

Complicating Roy

Anthologies

Out of Bounds: Crossing the Line

Out of Bounds: Making the Play

Aim High: Lifetime Hitch

Brothers in Arms: One Night with You

Rules of Summer: Summer Stock

Collections

What’s his Passion?: Wild Card

Love’s Bloom: Love Next Door

Sun, Sea and…: Sun, Sea and Summer Songs

Love Me Do

WINNING OVER HARMON

MEGAN SLAYER

Winning Over Harmon

ISBN # 978-1-83943-201-9

©Copyright Megan Slayer 2022

Cover Art by Fiona Jayde ©Copyright May 2022

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2022 by Pride Publishing, United Kingdom.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.

Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

Book three in the Love Me Do series

Second chances are possible if you’re willing to give love a chance.

Harmon Keyes wasn’t looking for romance when he visited Roy Mars’ gallery show, but the moment he sees Winston Saint, he’s smitten. He has no idea who Winston is, but the attraction is off the charts. He also isn’t sure if he’ll ever see the man again. Can a trip to Dye Hard Style help get him together with Winston?

Michael Winston Saint knew the second he spotted Harmon that he’d fallen head over heels. He’d never forget the geeky guy who talked too much or that kiss full of electricity and passion. Unfortunately, he has to leave the gallery show before he can give Harmon his number. He returns to Norville for a rest and the chance to connect with his dream man. Winston’s determined to win over Harmon at all costs.

Will the teacher and the rock star be able to make a go of their relationship? Or will the gossip and complication of small-town life be more than they can handle?

Dedication

For JPZ

For TPZ

For RB

Trademark Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction:

GQ: Condé Nast Inc.

Chapter One

You’re sure this is the place to find someone? Winston asked. I mean, it’s an art gallery. How many hot guys are going to be here? He elbowed his band member and best friend, Duke.

Why would I tell you to come to this if there weren’t hot guys? Duke shrugged. I mean I don’t know if there are available men here. There are people here and that’s what you need. Look, I don’t care if you find someone or not, but I want you to get on with your life. This is a good place to meet people―even if they aren’t hot men. You just need to talk to someone who isn’t famous and we won’t be recognized here. Promise. The focus is on Roy.

It should be. He spied one of the paintings. The art might have been created by Roy, but the pieces focused on Duke. The romance between the men blossomed and shimmered on every painting and in each photograph.

Winston sighed. He wanted a love like this. Wanted to be desired and craved. He’d thought he had this with his previous girlfriends, but no one had really loved him. They loved the image and the money connected with him. He resumed looking at the art and drinking in the images. People milled around and some chatted, but they did leave him alone, like Duke had said they would. He delighted in being able to walk around without being accosted. No one cared he was famous. The art mattered.

He stopped in front of a gold-framed painting of Duke on a stool. He’d never looked at his friend in the nude—not intentionally. They’d shared moments in the shower when the entire band had had to use one hotel room, but he’d never looked at Duke like a lover. But this way made him seem sexy and approachable, but sad and lonely, too.

Have you ever seen anything so sensual? a woman beside him asked. It’s like the artist captured him at his most vulnerable. She clicked her tongue. I love it.

It’s nice. He wasn’t sure he wanted to keep looking at Duke this way. He wandered over to another piece, an abstract one. He liked these better because he could interpret them as he pleased. He liked the play of color blocks.

Do you like that one? The curator gestured to the work. Only three thousand dollars. Might be wonderful above the sofa.

He snorted. He didn’t have a couch, much less a home to put either in. Oh, I don’t know.

About its worth? Or the placing? the curator asked. I’m sure you could come up with a better placement. Just a suggestion.

This seems more like a statement piece than a placeholder in a room. He nodded. But I’m considering buying it.

You are? The curator grinned. I’ll let the others know it’s under consideration.

Sure. He glanced over to his right and paused. A man he’d never seen stood before one of the photograph series. Winston’s breath lodged in his throat. The moment he looked at the guy, he wanted to get to know him.

He strode across the room, dodging and weaving around the people in the crowd until he reached the mystery man. He’d never forget him if he tried. He liked the way this person’s sport coat seemed tailored for his body, the way he carried himself with confidence and the slight graying at his temples. He wanted to touch him and memorize every detail of his face. To dance with him and kiss… Oh God, he wanted to kiss him.

What are you doing? Duke asked. He nudged Winston. You’re drooling.

Would you believe I’m in love? He faced Duke. The moment I saw him across the room, I fell in love.

You fall for someone after every concert, too. Duke rolled his eyes. Who is it?

The guy over there. He gestured to the man, trying not to be obvious. Dark hair, dark eyes, tall…handsome. I want him.

He’s not a possession. Duke swatted Winston’s arm. He’s a person.

I know that. He glared at his bandmate. Jesus. I’m not heartless. He didn’t want to own this guy. Just experience him and find out if they could be together forever. It’s like that old song. I’ve seen his face and I can’t forget it. I can’t forget that I want to be with this person, and I want everyone to know I’m in love.

Duke snorted. In love. You have no idea what love is.

Maybe it’s time I found out. He swatted Duke’s arm again. Excuse me. I need to meet my destiny.

Right. Duke didn’t chase him.

Good. He didn’t want to be chased. The attraction was instant. He needed to know this handsome man in the suit coat. He stopped beside the guy. Do you like this painting?

The man rocked on his feet and chuckled. I like a lot of art. He met Winston’s gaze. Do you?

Like this work? Sure. Winston swept his gaze over him. Dark hair, deep hazel eyes with chips of green among the brown, thick lashes and the guy reminded him of a professor. The studious nature spoke to Winston. He’d bet this guy wasn’t trouble. Wouldn’t get him into trouble or con him into going back to his drug habit.

Is this your first show? the man asked.

Of this sort, yeah. He stuffed his hands into his pockets. Is it yours?

No, I like to visit the various shows here at the gallery. I appreciate art. I’m not artistic at all, but I like to look at it. He smiled and the warmth in his smile lit in his eyes. My name is Harmon.

He offered his hand to Harmon. He liked the sound of his name and the way his skin tingled when they touched. I’m…Michael. He didn’t want to admit his stage name just yet. If Harmon could like him without the airs of his fame, then they had a chance of making it. Too many people couldn’t see beyond the glitter of celebrity.

Hi, Michael. Harmon gestured to the painting. What do you think of this one? I like the play of light, but the sadness in the subject really gets to me. It’s like I’m looking into the soul of the man, while being closed off from what’s wrong.

Damn. He simply saw yet another painting of a naked Duke. He pieced through what Harmon had said. He hated having to hide his true emotions behind the mask of the character he’d created for the rock music stage. Few saw the pain he hid because he’d closed himself off from so many people.

Is that what you see, too? Harmon asked. I’m famous for getting these things wrong. He chuckled. My friend Suzanne would tell you I see things that aren’t there.

Suzanne? Shit. He hadn’t considered this guy might not be gay. Girlfriend?

God, no. She wants to be more, but she’s just a fellow teacher. She thinks we’ll make beautiful babies. I hate to tell her I’m not interested in being a dad. Ever. Harmon blushed. Shit. I’ve talked too much.

Not at all. Winston snagged two glasses of sparkling cider from the tray. Have one?

Thank you. Harmon sipped the drink. I’m told the artist and his husband are recovering addicts, so no booze. I don’t mind when someone drinks, but I’m not much of a drinker. I can’t hold my liquor. He blushed again. And I’m talking too much again.

You’re fine. Winston liked learning about him. How long have you been teaching?

Twelve years. Harmon grinned and held up his glass. I got hired right out of college here in Norville. I love teaching in a small town. The moment I took the job, I felt like I’d been welcomed into the town. I became part of the family.

It does seem like this place is one big family. Everyone seemed to know everyone else’s business—except Duke hadn’t known Harmon. According to Duke, Norville was the place to disappear into and find his footing.

Anyway, they don’t mind that I’m gay, don’t mind that I like being a history nerd and that I’m not interested in being a parent. Harmon sipped his cider. What about you? What brings you to the show tonight?

My friend encouraged me to come along. More like conned him, then begged and pushed. I’m glad I did. His phone buzzed in his back pocket. Shit. He’d answer it later. I’m glad I got to meet you.

Likewise. Harmon toyed with the stem of his glass. So do you live in Norville?

I’m looking for a place, but I’m living with a friend. He needed to get out of Duke’s basement and fast. Do you know of any good apartments? Or houses?

I live in the Cordell building. It’s three blocks from the high school. It’s a small apartment building and I doubt there’s any openings, but I found it through the apartment finder paper. It’s online now. Search Norville apartments and you’ll find it. Harmon shook his head. I talk too much. Suzanne would’ve chewed me out by now. She’d tell me I disclosed too much.

Oh, I don’t know. He liked how he’d managed to get Harmon to open up. A woman elbowed him and he gestured to Harmon. Why don’t we go over here? I think we’re monopolizing the painting.

Sure. Harmon followed him to the edge of the room away from the works. I tend to get wrapped up in the art and it’s nice to talk to someone who isn’t a fellow teacher.

Then it’s a good thing we met. I’m not a teacher and could never impart information to students. He chuckled and toyed with his glass. I play music.

Are you in a band? Harmon asked.

I was. He still had the band, but the Saints were on hiatus. One day he’d get them back