Straight Boy: Red Sky, Texas, #8

By Beau Brown

These feelings of attraction I'm having for Luis are so different from anything I've felt before.

Alpha Daniel Jones is still trying to find his place in life. He's twenty-six, but unable to find a girl who lights him on fire. He reassures himself the problem is he travels so much for work, but when he gets laid off, he doesn't have any more luck in the romance department than before. While there are plenty of girls he can sleep with, no one makes him eager to take the next step of claiming them.

Omega Luis Brighton has known Daniel for years as a work acquaintance. In fact, Daniel even set him up on a blind date with his dad, Sharky. Unfortunately, Sharky was already in love with someone else. Luis is forty-four and ready to settle down, but he's very picky and the right alpha just hasn't come along yet. He feels pressure to take an omega before he gets any older, since he's already pushing it when it comes to having kids. Most alphas are looking for a much younger omega to breed with, but is that any reason to settle?

Daniel and Luis start hanging out more, drinking and complaining to each other about how lonely they are. One wild night of way too many tequila shots, they step over a line neither one of them is comfortable crossing. Daniel is shocked to discover he's sexually attracted to a man and Luis is mortified he's hot for a guy eighteen years younger than him. They both agree it was a terrible mistake, and just want to put that night behind them.

Things really spin out of control when Luis discovers he's pregnant with Daniel's child.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beau Brown
• Release date: Mar 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201268183

Book preview

Straight-Boy

By Beau Brown

Chapter One

Daniel

I was officially a third wheel.

It happened by default when my best friend Kurt married my dad. It was inevitable I suppose. No matter how much they tried to include me, it was impossible not to feel outside the bubble. Especially when they gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes every chance they got.

Of course, Kurt and Dad were still very much in the honeymoon stage. They’d only been married four months. They’d waited to tie the knot until after their baby daughter Erin was born. Including their foster son Toby, they were a loving foursome. I was definitely pleased for them, and only wanted their happiness. The problem was I had no one special in my life, and being around people who were madly in love just made that more painfully obvious.

We were sitting in their living room, and as I watched their little nuclear family interact together, once again the familiar ache of loneliness settled over me. Why couldn’t I find the right girl? It wasn’t like I hadn’t tried. I blamed my job mostly. I traveled a lot and it was hard to fall in love when you weren’t around anyone for more than a week at a time.

Sighing, I stood. As fun as it is to hang out with you two lovebirds, I need to get going.

Kurt glanced up, scowling. Already? He gently patted Erin’s back, trying to coax a burp from the infant. I thought we were having dinner.

I told you yesterday I had a date.

Not that I remember.

Yes, I did tell you, bro. I said Luis was setting me up.

A look of distaste swept over Kurt’s features. Luis. Why do you hang around with that guy?

I laughed. He’s cool.

He’s a snob.

He is not.

He’s always in a suit. Why? Why is that asshole always in a suit and tie? Kurt moved to lay Erin down on a baby blanket on the couch. Does the guy not own jeans?

He wears jeans plenty. I sighed. You certainly do hold a grudge.

Dad was sitting on the floor with Toby, building a small fort with blocks. Luis was a nice guy, Kurt. I don’t know why you dislike him so much.

Kurt lifted his brows. You don’t know why? Are you serious?

Grimacing, Dad said, We had one dinner. In fact, we didn’t even have dinner, we had a drink with each other. He pointed at me, smirking. Blame Daniel. He’s the one who ambushed me into that date.

Oh, believe me, I am blaming Daniel too, Kurt muttered.

Come on, Kurt. That was ages ago. I studied my best friend.

Naturally, as alphas, you two don’t understand the depths of betrayal I felt, when my best friend set up the man I loved on a date with Luis.

Hey, I had no idea you two were a thing, remember? You guys were keeping your relationship a secret. Dad seemed lonely. I was trying to help.

Still, grumbled Kurt. That was one of the worst nights of my life.

Don’t be ridiculous. Dad smiled affectionately at Kurt. I only have eyes for you, and you know that. I bailed on Luis that night to drive you home, remember?

I remember, muttered Kurt.

I laughed gruffly. You should appreciate that. I was mortified. Here I went to all that trouble of setting Luis up with Dad, and you had to go and steal him away. Luis was bewildered by what was happening. He’d never had a date ditch him before.

Kurt grinned suddenly. Good. That’s what he gets for trying to steal my alpha.

I shook my head. God save us from jealous omegas.

So tell us more about this date you have tonight. Dad pinned me with his curious gaze.

I don’t know anything about her really. Her name is Zoey and Luis thinks we’d be good together. I lifted one shoulder, ignoring the flutter of nerves in my stomach. I hated blind dates, but I trusted Luis’s judgement.

I can’t believe you’re not staying for dinner, Kurt grumbled. I made enough lasagna for a small army.

Are you pretending you, Dad, and Toby won’t polish off that casserole just fine without me? Please, I’ve seen you three eat. It isn’t pretty.

Dad laughed.

Kurt stifled his smile. Shut up. You don’t exactly stick your pinky in the air when you eat.

I grinned. No. I also eat like a hungry wolverine.

Toby looked up from playing with the blocks. I’m gonna eat three servings.

I smiled. I believe it. You’re a big eater.

Yep. Toby nodded. I’m getting muscles now too.

I noticed.

Kurt caught my gaze. So where are you taking this date of yours?

It’s actually a double date. I’m meeting Luis and his current boy toy at The Dusty Rose. I glanced at my watch. And I’m now running very late.

Get going. You don’t want to make a bad impression before you even meet the girl. Dad frowned.

Kurt studied me with an assessing look. We all know the problem won’t be this girl won’t like Daniel. The problem will be Daniel won’t be interested.

Wrinkling my brow, I said, That’s not fair. I’m no player.

Not on purpose, murmured Kurt.

What does that mean?

Dad sighed. You do seem to have trouble sticking with any one girl, Son.

I laughed. This is rich, coming from you two. Neither one of you could find anyone until you got together.

Kurt’s expression became serious. That’s because we were fated to be with each other. It never felt right with anyone else.

That’s right, Dad said softly, holding Kurt’s gaze.

My heart squeezed at the look they exchanged, and I moved to the door. Okay, I’m taking off for real now.

Maybe tonight will be the night. Kurt’s voice was bright. There’s someone out there for you.

I hope so. I don’t want to be one of those old alphas who hangs out at the park, playing chess all day. I sighed.

You won’t be. Kurt said. For one thing, you suck at chess.

I grunted. Because that was the point?

Just relax and be yourself, Dad said. Who knows, maybe you’ll actually enjoy this blind date.

If things work out with this girl, maybe we can double date. Kurt grinned. That wouldn’t be weird at all, right?

Not sure I want to go on a double date with my dad.

Kurt sighed. Well, you’re no fun.

Toby climbed to his feet. Can I go on a blind date?

Sure. Dad laughed. In about fourteen years.

Giggling, Toby moved to sit in Dad’s lap. You’re silly.

Am I? Dad raised his brows.

Yep. Toby leaned back against his chest, looking content. The silliest daddy ever.

My dad tickled Toby’s tummy. Nah, uh. You are.

No. I’m not even a daddy. Toby’s laugh was high pitched.

Kissing Toby’s auburn hair, Dad grinned. Are you sure you’re not a daddy?

Yes. Toby kicked his legs. I’m just a kid.

I really should get going, I murmured, watching my dad with Toby. Whether I was in the mood to go on a blind date or not, I’d already promised Luis I’d show up. I was stuck. Maybe I can get a raincheck on dinner.

Fine. Abandon us. I don’t care. If you love your new friend Luis more than me, there’s nothing I can do. Kurt gave an exaggerated sigh.

I smiled. You know you’re my favorite.

I’d better be. Kurt grinned.

I opened the front door. Wish me luck.

Good luck, Dad called out. Keep an open mind. Don’t judge this girl too harshly.

I won’t.

Don’t sleep with her either. Kurt sounded amused. Maybe that will help you stay interested longer.

I scowled. I didn’t plan on sleeping with her tonight.

I’m just going by your past track record, Kurt said. We’re trying to help you steer clear of any pitfalls.

Thank you for all of your wonderful advice. I’ll be sure to ignore most of it. Their laughter followed me as I stepped out onto the porch.

It was a humid night, the air thick and warm with the scent of impending rain. In the distance flashes of sheet lightening illuminated the sky. I headed to my car feeling strangely agitated. I truly hated blind dates, but Luis had been so insistent that I’d like Zoey, I’d agreed to the meet up. I prayed he was right about her. How amazing would it be to meet the love of my life tonight, merely by chance?

The drive to the bar was short, and in no time at all I was walking into the dark lounge. Jazz played softly from speakers in the ceiling, and across the room I spied Luis in a corner booth. Next to him sat a male omega and they were accompanied by a female omega. My stomach swirled with nerves as I approached them, but I relaxed slightly when Luis smiled at me.

You made it, he said brightly.

That I did. I forced a smile and met the female’s curious gaze.

Daniel, this is Zoey. Luis gestured to the girl.

Her smile was warm and she held out her hand. Hello, Daniel. I’ve certainly heard a lot about you from Luis.

Luis laughed. Don’t worry, it was all good.

I took Zoey’s offered hand. It’s great to meet you, Zoey. Her palm was soft and warm in mine, and I relaxed a little. She seemed open and friendly, perhaps this night would be a success after all.

Luis nodded toward his date, And this is Glen.

I smiled and met his date’s gaze. How do you do?

I’m honored I finally get to meet you in the flesh, Daniel. Glen was around Luis’s age, nice looking with a hint of silver at his temples. He looked confident and his arm rested possessively around Luis’s shoulders. Luis can’t say enough good things about you.

Really? I smiled at Luis. That’s nice to hear.

He does seem to be a fan of yours. Zoey’s eyes were blue and her lips full. She was definitely prettier than I’d expected and her body was nice too. The dress she wore was low cut, exposing a generous glimpse of her creamy bosom.

Sit. Luis waved toward the end of the booth closer to Zoey. I hope you don’t mind, I ordered a couple of pitchers of margaritas.

I grinned. How dare you ply me with delicious booze. What a monster.

Luis’s green eyes lit with amusement. I’ve never actually seen you drunk. Maybe tonight is the night.

It’s not as fun as it sounds. I twisted my lips, sliding into the booth and taking my place next to Zoey. I tend to get sleepy.

Me too. Zoey nodded. Although I can also get chatty.

I get horny when I’m drunk, Glen announced.

Luis lifted one perfect, dark brow. "Yeah, I’m aware. Why do you think I ordered two pitchers of margaritas?"

We all laughed, and Glen clamped his hand on Luis’s shoulder. I wasn’t sure why, but the possessive gesture kind of annoyed me. It was as if Glen was making a point of marking his territory. Why was he doing that? Did he think I was into Luis? Why in the world would he think that? Perhaps it was simply because we were both alphas and he felt the need to assert dominance.

I scooted closer to Zoey and gave her my full attention. Luis tells me you work in pharmaceuticals?

She nodded. Sure do.

Zoey travels a lot too. Luis met my gaze.

Is that right?

Yep. I figured she’d be understanding about how much you travel, since she deals with the same schedule.

I turned to Zoey. How often do you fly out?

She sighed. At least once a week. Sometimes more.

I smiled. Sounds familiar. It’s hard to meet people when you’re never home.

Tell me about it, she muttered.

Even if I do meet someone I click with, by the time I get back to town, they’ve usually moved on.

She put her hand on my arm. I feel your pain. It’s so damn hard. I love my job, but I do worry I’ll never find my alpha if I keep up this pace. I’d like to have a family someday soon.

This is a pretty heavy convo to have when you just met. Glenn narrowed his eyes.

It needs discussing. Luis shrugged. When you’re serious about finding your mate, you need to have the hard conversations.

Glen gave a gruff laugh and glanced at Luis. How come we’ve never had a serious conversation about that stuff? We’ve been dating two weeks now.

Luis pursed his lips. Maybe I don’t consider you settling down material.

Glen raised his brows. No?

Laughing, Luis said, I’m just teasing.

Oh, okay. Glen looked relieved. You had me going there for a minute.

I wasn’t sure Luis was just teasing. When we hung out, he didn’t talk about Glen. Ever. That seemed weird to me. If he was really into Glen, he’d probably at least mention the guy from time to time. I’d known Luis several years now, but couldn’t recall anyone he’d dated over a few weeks. He always got bored. He said he wanted to find his alpha, which was the only reason I’d set him up with my dad. But sometimes his actions made me wonder if he had it in him to be faithful to one alpha. He definitely had a roving eye.

Luis likes pushing people’s buttons. I smiled.

Luis smirked. Moi? He nodded approvingly at the waitress when she delivered the pitchers of margaritas.

Yes you.

I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. Luis flicked his amused gaze to mine. He picked up one of the pitchers and began filling our glasses. Daniel likes to exaggerate.

Is that right? I laughed.

Yep. He handed Glen his drink.

I’m the one who exaggerates?

He twisted his lips. Didn’t I just say that?

I see how it is. I cleared my throat. I once did a consulting job in Paris with Luis.

Luis winced. Please don’t tell the Paris story.

Oh, I’m telling it. You’ve impugned my reputation.

He just laughed and continued pouring us drinks.

As I was saying, I once spent a weekend in Paris with our dear friend, Luis.

Glen frowned. You spent the weekend in Paris together?

Relax, we had separate rooms. Luis twisted his lips. Unfortunately.

I laughed, my face warming. Unfortunately? I was surprised he was being flirtatious in front of Glen. Luis was a huge flirt, but I never took him seriously. He knew I was straight.

Luis grinned. What? You’re sexy. I’ve told you that before.

My face only got hotter as Glen shot me a resentful glance. He’s yanking your chain. Remember how much he loves pushing buttons?

Luis shrugged. I’m being serious. What’s wrong with admitting someone is attractive? My friendship with Daniel may be platonic, but I have eyes.

Zoey gave an awkward laugh. I guess I get what Luis is saying. There’s nothing wrong with noticing someone is attractive.

Exactly. Luis smiled at me. I simply admire Dan from afar, like a beautiful painting. I have no desire to sleep with a Monet, but I can certainly appreciate how nice it is to look at.

Okay, then. I laughed gruffly, and took a big gulp off my drink. Once I’d swallowed, I said, "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted…"

Luis snorted a laugh.

After one of our meetings, we got back late to the hotel. The day had been long and boring, so we decided to have a nightcap. The hotel just happened to have a really nice bar, and as I recall Luis also thought the bartender was very nice.

Luis sighed. I don’t recall any of this.

Liar. I smirked. We went into that bar and Luis proceeded to chat up the bartender until 2 a.m. By the time we left, he had the bartender convinced we were Soviet spies.

Zoey chuckled. Are you serious?

As a heart attack. I met Luis’s amused gaze. But he’s trying to say I’m the one who exaggerates? Nobody can spin a yarn like Luis.

Oh, yeah. Luis grinned. "Now I remember."

I thought you might. I smiled, taking another sip off of my drink.

Luis nodded. That was a fun trip.

I held his gaze. Yeah, it was. I saw a different side of you that weekend.

Oh, yeah? Zoey raised her brows. In what way?

I studied Luis. Up until that point, Luis had always been reserved. I’d mostly seen him at business meetings and things like that. That was the first time we really relaxed with each other. I got to see his mischievous side.

We all have many sides. Luis shrugged. I’m sure you do too, Kurt.

Do I? I laughed. I feel like with me, what you see is what you get.

I highly doubt that. Luis sipped his drink, watching me over the rim. You portray yourself as very easy going, but I suspect there’s a more controlling side to you.

His green eyes seemed to sink into me and I shifted uneasily. I don’t know why you think that.

You’re an alpha. All alphas have that need to control things. They can’t help it.

He’s right, Glen growled. It’s in our DNA.

I’d been so mesmerized by Luis’s odd conversation; I’d almost forgotten Glen was at the table. I met Zoey’s confused gaze and smiled. Like I said, pushing buttons is Luis’s favorite thing.

She laughed, looking relieved. I think I see it now.

Anyway, Paris was amazing, Luis said.

Zoey sighed. I’d kill to go on a business trip to Paris. Of course, knowing my boss he’d put me in the cheapest hotel available.

Yeah, Luis said quietly. But you’d still be in Paris.

I nodded. It’s a beautiful city and there are so many things to see. You don’t spend that much time in the room.

Glen gave Luis a lecherous smile. I guess that depends on who you’re rooming with. You and I would never leave the hotel.

Probably not. Luis’s smile seemed forced.

No separate rooms for us, baby. Glen leaned in and gave Luis a long, tongue filled kiss. Luis stiffened, but didn’t push him away. When the kiss ended, Luis’s face was flushed as if he was embarrassed.

I smiled at Zoey and she looked as uncomfortable as me. I wasn’t a fan of PDA and especially hated it when it was forced. Glen was definitely trying to assert ownership over Luis. Luis flirting with me certainly hadn’t helped the situation any. Glen obviously felt a bit threatened and so he was being obtusely territorial. I decided to try and put Glen’s mind at ease. Otherwise I might be subjected to an entire evening of Glen trying to prove he and Luis were hot and heavy.

Yikes.

I cleared my throat. I once set Luis up on a blind date with my dad.

Zoey laughed. Oh, wow.

Glen widened his eyes. Seriously?

Yep. I smiled. They’re the same age. Eighteen years older than me.

Do you get it, Glen? Not only am I straight, Luis is old enough to be my father.

Luis nodded. Yeah, that was a cool night until he ditched me for your best friend.

I winced. I know. Sorry about that.

He ditched you for… wait… what happened? Zoey looked confused.

Luis gave a pained smile. Daniel set me up on a surprise date with his dad, but his dad was already in love with Daniel’s best friend.

No way. Zoey widened her eyes.

It didn’t go as planned, I muttered, giving a weak smile.

No. And now Kurt hates me. Luis frowned.

Kurt? Zoey asked.

That’s my best friend. I had no idea Kurt was dating my dad. I sighed. It was a whole messy thing, but it’s all worked out now.

Luis chuffed. Not counting the part about Kurt hating me.

He doesn’t hate you. He doesn’t even know you. Kurt’s actually a great person. He’d give you the shirt off his back.

I’m not sure about that. Although, I’m not sure why he seems to resent me so much. He won. He has your dad. Luis rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful.

Dad made a huge thing about their age difference. Kurt is my age and Dad is Luis’s age. On paper, you were the perfect omega for my dad. That intimidated Kurt.

If I’m so perfect for your dad, why am I still single? Luis laughed.

I shrugged. They’re fated mates. You can’t fight that.

Luis sniffed. Fated or not, I can’t believe your dad settled down with a guy that young. He’s just asking for trouble.

I frowned. I get what you’re saying, but they’re literally perfect for each other.

No idea how that’s possible, Luis said. Not with an age discrepancy so huge.

Frankly, I don’t see what age has to do with anything. Zoey lifted her chin. It’s what’s inside a person that counts. Not their biological age.

I agree, I said firmly.

You think that because you’re both very young and full of romantic nonsense. Luis smirked.

Glen scowled. Jesus, what could they have in common?

They’re extremely happy. Compatible. I was a little annoyed at how closed minded Luis and Glen were being. Who were they to judge?

Luis sighed. "The sex is probably great. But to be in an actual relationship with a guy that young? I wouldn’t want that. No