From a Trick to a Treat

By Pelaam

When Harvey accompanies his sister-in-law and her children for trick or treat, his nephew makes sure he’s introduced to Castille, a man living alone in a big house nearby in whom Harvey is interested. There’s an instant chemistry between them and they agree to meet later, which is something very much out of character for the home-loving Harvey.

With his attraction to Castille burning through his veins, Harvey finds his normal, placid world is turned upside down. But when they go out together, he’s warned against Castille by a bartender. He chooses to trust Castille, but after a night together, Castille fails to contact Harvey the following day. Or the one after that.

Is the barman’s warning true, and Castille tricked Harvey? Or will Harvey be treated to a happy ever after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Oct 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685503000

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

Book preview

Chapter 1

At the sound of children’s voices and frenzied activity in the hallway, Harvey looked up from his book and smiled. The kids are always so excited to go out on Halloween. I can hear Faith fussing around them. I hope my brother realizes how lucky he is. She’s an amazing woman.

You ready to come out with us, Harvey? Almost on cue, Faith popped her head around the door and peered in. Then frowned. You’re not changed.

"What are you meant to be?" Harvey stared at the black wig, complete with bandana and charms that hid Faith’s normal mousy-brown hair.

I’m Captain Jack Sparrow, of course. She stepped into the room, trinket-laden wig jingling, and theatrically brandished a plastic cutlass. It’s a bit dated, but it’s also a bit steampunk as well as suitable for Halloween. And I liked it. She tugged at the pants, then waggled her sneaker-clad feet. And these are way more comfortable for walking in than pirate boots. When she looked up at Harvey, her smile turned mischievous. Is tonight going to be the big night, then?

What? Harvey jerked up his head so fast, that he heard his neck crack. He set down his book and stood.

Oh, come on, Harvey. Faith jammed her hands into her hips. For the last twelve months, you’ve gone and stood on the corner of the same street, looking toward the same house. Even the kids have laid odds on when you’d pluck up courage to walk up the path and ask him out.

He may say no. Harvey’s eyes went wide and he slapped a hand over his mouth.

He may say yes, but you won’t know unless you ask.

Oh, fuck. Harvey covered his face with his hands. "The kids? You are kidding me. He spread his fingers to peer at his sister-in-law, but her smile never wavered. You’re not, are you?"

"Nope. The kids are growing up fast, Harvey. They notice things. Petey didn’t understand a year ago, but even he does now. Plus, the way you went and stood, just staring, made them even more curious. Jake thinks Hugo needs to sit you down and have a talk with you."

"Oh, fuck," Harvey moaned, and Faith burst out laughing.

Oh, I can just imagine how that would go.

"I wish Hugo were here. He could have gone out with the kids tonight." Harvey sighed, slowly lowering his hands.

"That wouldn’t have saved you. Hugo certainly wouldn’t have let you wait an entire year. Faith sighed. I’ll be glad when he’s home. This is the last year of his army life, and the last time he’ll be deployed away. I can’t wait. But not long now. A few weeks at most."

You’ve done an excellent job in his absence. You have great kids. Harvey smiled, pleased to see the light return to Faith’s eyes.

Thanks. I often wonder if they miss his influence, but they’re good kids. Now, you need to change, Harvey. Hurry!

Okay. I’m going, I’m going. Harvey held up his hands and scuttled from the