A Toast To Love: The Chance Encounters Series, #60

By Monica Moss

Leo and Aiden meet when both run to the liquor store to buy alcohol. Leo's buying a bottle of wine for a date he isn't really excited about and Aiden's buying beer for him and his friends to drink while watching the game. Leo and Aiden bump into each other at the liquor store, causing their bottles to clink together. Leo apologizes, but Aiden just grins and says it's no problem. They struck up a conversation, each admiring the other's choice of alcohol. As they chat, Leo finds himself getting more and more interested in Aiden. As they part ways, Aiden asks Leo if he wants to grab a drink sometime. Leo hesitates for a moment, thinking of his upcoming date, but then he finds himself saying yes. When they meet up at a bar, that spark is immediately there and this time Aiden leans in and gently brushes his lips against Leo's. Over the next few weeks, Leo and Aiden spend as much time together as they can and soon feelings started blossoming between them. But Aiden and Leo are both straight and with their friends and family looming over them nothing could ever happen between them, right?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Short and Sweet Publishing
• Release date: Apr 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223630463

Monica Moss

Monica Moss is a short contemporary romance author. She's always loved short stories and flash fiction. She writes romance flash fiction about chance encounters, love enduring prejudice, and taking the leap of faith for the love you deserve. 

Book preview

AIDEN

As I sit here, staring at my computer screen, lines of code dancing before my eyes, I can't help but wonder if this is all there is to life. Sure, I love my job as a software developer. The thrill of solving complex problems and creating something from nothing is incomparable. But sometimes, in the quiet moments between debugging sessions and meetings, I find myself longing for something more.

My name is Aiden Michael Parker, and I'm twenty-eight years old. Standing at six feet tall with a lean, athletic build, I've always felt comfortable in my own skin, at least on the surface. My striking blue eyes and sandy blond hair often draw attention, but it's my laid-back yet fashionable style that truly reflects who I am. I've perfected the art of looking effortlessly put together, favoring well-fitted jeans and button-up shirts or cozy sweaters.

People see me as outgoing, witty, and charming. I've always had a quick sense of humor, ready with a joke or a clever quip to lighten the mood. I love making people laugh, and there's nothing quite like the sound of genuine laughter echoing through a room. But beneath this confident exterior lies a deep-seated fear—a fear of rejection.

Growing up in a supportive and loving family should have made things easier, but coming to terms with my sexuality was a struggle I faced alone. I spent years trying to suppress my feelings, fearing judgment from others. The thought of disappointing my family, losing my friends, or being ostracized by society kept me up at night. But as I grew older, I realized that hiding who I truly was only led to misery. I found the courage to embrace my identity and live authentically, but the fear of rejection still lingers, a shadow lurking in the corners of my mind.

In matters of love, I've had a few short-lived relationships, but nothing serious. I've never been in love before, never allowed myself to get too close to anyone. The fear of opening up, of being vulnerable, holds me back. What if they see me for who I truly am and decide I'm not enough? What if they reject me?

My biggest fear is losing the acceptance and love of those closest to me. The thought of facing judgment and rejection from society, from my friends, even from my own family if I come out as gay terrifies me. I've spent so long trying to earn their approval, to be the son, the friend they want me to be. But what if they can't accept the real me?

Despite these fears, I dare to dream. Career-wise, I aspire to advance in my field, maybe even start my own software development company one day. But personally, my dreams are simpler yet infinitely more complex. I dream of building a life with a