Release Day!!

Oh guys!  It’s here.  Something Like Hope is out!  Right now you can get it directly from Amber Quill and when other places become available I’ll update with links.

In the meantime, how does an excerpt sound?

I got to the set at three minutes after seven the next morning, and when I saw the Camaro in the parking lot, I moved quickly.  I walked straight to Lucas’ dressing room.  The door was cracked open, and I could hear the soft strains of some 80’s rock ballad.  I didn’t knock, didn’t ask for permission, just walked in the room and shut the door quietly behind me.

            It took him a second to realize I was there.  When he did his face lit up with a grin, before a scowl quickly took its place.

            “I wanted to say thank you.”  I kept my voice soft and calm.  “They’re beautiful, and I really appreciate it.”

            He opened his mouth, and for a second, I knew he was going to deny that he knew what I was talking about.  I could see it all over his face.  But then he deflated and blew out a breath.  “You’re welcome.”

            I waited, but he didn’t say anything else. Okay, then.  It was up to me.  I cleared my throat.  “Look, Lucas, I think we need to talk—”

            “Yes,” he cut me off fast, his gaze darting wildly around the room like the thought there might be someone spying.  “But not here, okay?”

            I nodded slowly.  I didn’t know the source of his nerves, but I didn’t want to spook him.  “Okay.  Not here.  Where?”

            “Um.” He licked his lips, and then his gaze finally settled on a spot somewhere over my left shoulder.  His voice dropped even lower, like he didn’t want to be overheard.  “Come to my place tonight?  I should be done and home by eight.”

            I weighed that for a long moment, really thinking it over.  It had to be a good thing that he was inviting me over.  He must finally be ready to talk, and I took that as a good sign.  As I stood there studying his face, I saw something like hope in his eyes.  He was a terribly confusing individual, and I didn’t understand anything about him or his motivation. But there was only one way to find out.

            “Okay, yeah.  I’ll come by tonight.”  I hadn’t taken my gaze off him, and I did not miss that brief flash of relief that crossed his face.

            “Good.  Okay.  Good.”  He blew out a breath, and he focused on me.  His lips quirked into a tiny smile.  It wasn’t much, but it was nice to see.  “I’ll pick you up on my way through, okay?”

            But I didn’t want to be stuck there if things went south.  I wanted to be able to leave if it got ugly.  I shook my head, but softened it was a smile.  “Just text me the address.  I’ll find it.”

            “Um.  All right.”  Lucas looked disappointed, but he dutifully rattled off his cell number for me to put in my phone.  I quickly shot him a text, a smiley face, so he would have my number as well.  That concluded, we both stood there, awkwardly staring at each other. 

            I broke first, laughing at the situation.  Lucas’ smile was sheepish, and he shook his head.

            “I’ve got to go to makeup,” he murmured.

            “Yeah,” I responded.  Then looked him straight in the eye.  “I don’t have to be here today.  I came to track you down.”

            His nostrils flared as he sucked in a deep breath, and his pupils widened.  “We’ll talk tonight.”

            My gaze didn’t waver.  “I’m looking forward to it.”

Television actor Aaron Zeller is thrilled when the character he plays on a popular primetime crime drama begins a gay relationship with one of the main characters on the show. While the cast and crew are mostly supportive, lead actor, Lucas Logan, is not. Aaron feels nothing but inexplicable coldness from the man.

Lucas admits his attraction for Aaron, but he is reluctant to act on his desires because of the potential detriment to his career should his sexuality become public. What they have between them could be sizzling hot, but is it worth the risks?