Loving the Boss

By Shawn Lane

Alan Sommers has loved his boss, Kincaid Malloy, for as long as he can remember, and though he’s gay, Kincaid doesn’t seem to choose men like him. In fact, Kincaid’s late longtime partner seemed to be the opposite of Alan.

Still, hope springs eternal, and every morning Alan comes in early to make sure Kincaid’s coffee and office are just perfect for him. It’s the least he can do for the man he loves from afar. So when Kincaid asks him to house and pet sit while Kincaid goes out of state for a conference and a weekend rendezvous, Alan agrees.

When Alan meets Kincaid’s neighbor, he thinks maybe it’s time to abandon his love for Kincaid and move on to give someone else a chance. But perhaps it was just the push the stubborn Kincaid needed, and loving the boss won’t be the mistake it’s always been.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Feb 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685504427

Shawn Lane

Shawn Lane is a multi-published author of gay romance. She lives and works in Southern California. She has been published by Loose Id, Amber Quill Press, Evernight Publishing, MLR Press, JMS Books, and Ellora’s Cave. For more information, visit smlgr8.blogspot.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Alan Sommers got to work early every day so he could have his boss’s coffee waiting for him. His boss, Kincaid Malloy, liked dark roast coffee brewed strong with a splash of cream and half a teaspoon of sugar. Alan had been bringing it in for him for the last three years he’d been the man’s assistant.

He placed the blue metal insulated mug full of the steaming brew on the desk next to the phone. Alan straightened the misshapen papers spread all over the desk. No doubt Kincaid had left the papers Friday evening after kicking Alan out for the weekend.

Next, Alan went to the windows overlooking the city park and the Wind’s Bluff City Hall building. He opened the blinds so the view would be ready for Kincaid when he walked into his office. It was a little overcast that morning, but promised to be clear and sunny by the afternoon.

The final touch was to spray the room with a light scent of autumn spice, Kincaid’s favorite scent. He stepped out and closed the door, heading to his own desk just outside the office.

Morning, Alan, Beatrice said from the desk across from his. An older woman of about sixty, she was the admin assistant of the attorney who had the office next to Alan’s boss. She was just putting her purse in her desk drawer.

Good morning, Bea. I’ve made coffee if you want some.

Bea smiled. Of course you have and of course I do. She went over to the little kitchen cubicle near their desks to help herself to the pot of coffee. You seem even more cheerful than usual. Have a good weekend?

Well, I did go dancing Saturday night.

She came to stand by his desk. Did you dance with any handsome men?

A few, he admitted. None that I took home with me or went home with, if that’s what you mean.

She sighed. Why not?

Alan wrinkled his nose. I didn’t like any of them enough for that.

When was the last time—

Do not ask me when the last time I got laid was. He glared at her. "When was the last time you did?"

She turned pink. I’m a married woman.

Yeah, yeah. So, I’m going through a dry spell.

And I know why. Bea took a sip of her coffee.

Alan decided his computer was taking a ridiculous amount of time to boot up so he jabbed at the keys. Like I care to hear your theories.

Bea laughed. That never stopped me. It’s because you are hung up on Kincaid Malloy.

Am not, he said with admittedly childish petulance.

"Please. You’ve been