Elliott & Sage

By Ellie Isaacson

A second chance. A love that will last a lifetime.

 

Elliott was the one that got away. My best friend-turned-something more, and the guy I lost because I was afraid. I'd never forgive myself for hurting him, and I'd do anything to get him back.

 

Sage hurt me more than anything; but then again, whoever said love doesn't hurt? The years without him brought me a small dose of fame, due to the songs of heartbreak I wrote while thinking of him. Now, back where it all started, this chance meeting could be the dream I'd always wished for, but could I trust his heart not to break me again?

 

Elliott & Sage was previously published in the Hot Boy Summer anthology, but now has an extra 5k words. Don't miss out on this steamy MM novella.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ellie Isaacson
• Release date: Feb 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781952606243

Book preview

1

ELLIOTT

My tires crunched over the rocks that were strewn across the end of the driveway. The heavy weight that had been on my shoulders shifted, settling upon my heart as I aimed my rental car toward the garage and rolled to a stop. I put the car in park, then leaned back against the headrest and closed my eyes.

You still there? The voice that came over my headset was as clear as if she were sitting right next to me.

A moment passed as I released the breath I held in my lungs. Yeah, just got to the house.

Unaware of the turmoil thrashing through my soul, Amie went on. I really think this could be good for you. Get you out of the public eye, let you focus on your music. I hate to say it, Elliott, but it’s been a while since you wrote a new song.

As if I wasn’t well aware. That’s why I’m here, Ames.

But as important as this is, I really wish you would have given me more notice before you disappeared off into the woods. I’m still working on rescheduling your calendar.

Thank you, I said in lieu of what was really on my mind.

There was a reason for my sudden departure from Los Angeles. For disappearing into the woods, as she put it. I peered up at the front of the house I’d rented for the month from one of those vacation rental websites, and those reasons pulsed inside my head.

Climbing from the car, I stuffed my keys into my pocket and glanced down at my phone. Amie was still jabbering about all the meetings she was rescheduling, as if I didn't pay her to do that exact thing.

Do you really want me to cancel on the movie premier? Her voice was laced with longing and regret, and it made me feel bad for giving her my answer. 

Yes. I’m not coming back until the end of the month, at the earliest. My focus has to be on this album. She sighed heavily, so I added, There will be other premiers. I’ll take you to the next one.

Really? That longing gave way to her usual happiness, and it brought a smile to my lips. One that was swept away as I glanced back at the house. 

Who else would I take? The minute the words were out, I regretted them. Not that I’d said it, but that they were true.

Amie had been my plus-one since we met. Our pictures were regularly splashed across the tabloids, and the world had come to accept our unconfirmed togetherness.

It wasn’t the truth, of course. But why let the paparazzi know that? Why not play into the charade so they’d leave me alone?

It was bad enough there were rumors that I was washed up. My first album had been a hit, the small tour a good success. But the words stopped flowing and my fingers struggled to find a melody on the strings of my guitar.

The house in front of me was supposed to change that. 

At least, that was my hope.

I ticked through the random checklist I still had in the back of my mind, comparing the house to memories from my past. Same bright yellow paint. Brighter white shutters. That wide front porch with a new cobalt blue front door. Off to one side sat a couple chairs with a table between them that looked brand new. On the other, the repainted old porch swing swayed in the light breeze. 

Everything had been redone to the point that, at a glance, I barely recognized it from what it had once been. And yet, it felt like coming home.

A sudden ache formed in my chest, and my fingers itched to touch my guitar, even if the words and the melody I’d been searching for weren’t quite there. I looked down at the phone in my hand and the clock counting away