GENRE: Gay Erotic Romance
LENGTH: 14,117 words
RATING:

After losing Columnist of the Year, Luca visits his favorite bar to drink the night away but runs into his former best friend, rival advice columnist Colton Kent. After a brief confrontation that leads to a passionate and physical exchange in the men’s bathroom, Luca invites Colton back to his apartment.

With the arrival of Hurricane Poppy, Colton spends the night at Luca’s place. One thing leads to another, and they hook up. Colton blurts out the L word, and Luca admits the same.

The next day, Colton isn’t able to leave due to the hurricane’s landfall so the two decide to play 21 Questions to delve into their real feelings. Were the words just said in the heat of the moment? Or do they truly love each other?

EXCERPT:
Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

It was no shocker that at times our fathers would get a bit uncomfortable whenever they were approached with anything that pertains to the gay community. I know my father got a bit uncomfortable when he went to his first Pride parade and was surrounded by rainbow flags, glitter, and a beautiful lip-synching flash mob that performed “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga.

I felt Colton’s thumbs continue to rub against the back of my hands and I smiled at him. “Well, how about we play 21 Questions?”

“Are you serious?” he asked, practically laughing at my idea.

“I tell my readers the best way to get to know if someone is compatible is to play a game of 21 Questions. It’s harmless, to an extent, and not to mention it gets right down to the point of whether two people are truly compatible, as friends or more.”

I have received so many letters from my readers over the past two years stating how 21 Questions was the best game they played and, because of it, they are in happy relationships. While Colton probably thought it's a waste of time, I truly believed this game would help determine if we were compatible and able to pursue something within this odd friendship we were developing.

Colton let out a sigh, probably of frustration, and he nodded his head. “Alright, fine. I’ll play your little game.”

“Good! It’s not like you’re going anywhere. As you can hear, Hurricane Poppy is officially in Torne City.”

The sound of the wind howling outside of the windows proved Poppy was here to stay for the next few hours.

Colton shook his head slowly. “So how do you play this game?”

“Okay.” I smiled and explained the rules. “We ask each other twenty-one questions in total, and it has to be questions we both give our honest answers to.”

I could tell he was a bit nervous to partake in it. “If the questions are something you don’t want to answer, you can only get one free pass.”

I placed my hand on top of his,smiling warmly, “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you.”

Colton met my eyes and e returned the smile. God, his smile was so handsome.

He nodded once again. “Alright, Lane. Let the games begin.”