Keeping the Romance Going

This month I’m revisiting another pair of my beloved characters, Corbin and Matt from Starting Over. Their story was my second one written as part of the 1 Night Stand Series and my first published M/M story. I enjoyed writing about these two very special men and their path toward healing internal issues from their pasts. It was a second chance at love, a coming out, and a fairly hot romantic discovery.

Here’s another look at the story’s blurb and a quick glimpse into their lives today. I’m also offering a contest in honor of my two heroes. Be sure to read all the way to the end of the post.

BLURB:

   A virgin gay man, Corbin is finally ready to ease into his new lifestyle, still, making the move scares him shitless. He’d spent years fantasizing about embracing his true self, but what had possessed him to agree to a 1 Night Stand hook-up? As he nears his date, a long, lean man with shaggy, graying hair, a hard on pushing at the front of his swim trunks, and a sexy-as-hell grin, dreams pale in comparison, and easing in takes on a whole new meaning. 

   Though tired of being lonely, Matt considers changing his mind about the one-night arrangement until a tall, well-built man strolls across the pool area toward him, then all thoughts of leaving flee. Those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, the spattering of dark hair on his chest…all of it calls to him. He wants to touch it, play with it. He forces himself to calm down. Matt would be his date’s first male lover, and he intends to find the inner strength to take his time. 

   Intense physical attraction and Madame Eve’s magic ignite a nearly uncontrollable sexual fire, but will it be enough for two men stating over?

A LOOK AT THEIR LIFE NOW: 

   Corbin was running late, again. It seemed like that was how he operated these days: too busy and always late. He drew in a steadying breath as he headed for the same private bungalow at the Caribbean resort where he’d first met Matt almost three years ago. His stomach rolled with nerves just as it had on that fateful day. He’d been about to face his first male lover. 

   That had been the craziest thing he’d ever done. He’d been so far out of his element, scared bone deep, and yet determined. He wasn’t out of familiar grounds now, but he was bone deep frightened again. He’d allowed far too much distance—emotionally and physically—to come between he and Matt over the last six months. It hadn’t been just life getting in the way. No, he’d let business almost take over his life. And he’d sensed that he was losing Matt. 

   As he put the key card in the slot, he tried to calm his pounding heart. He couldn’t afford to screw this up. But he still didn’t even know if Matt would come here. They hadn’t seen each other in nearly a month. When Matt had told him he was moving back to California temporarily because of business, Corbin had been too involved in a big project to give it much thought. Until Matt had emailed him to say he’d probably be staying longer than he’d planned. Finally, panic spiraling through him, he’d come up with this “second honeymoon” type plan. 

   What if Matt didn’t show up? What if…. 

   When he heard the front door of the bungalow opening, a huge sense of relief rolled over Matt. Corbin had arrived, thank God. Even though his lover had sent him the tickets here as an out-of-the-blue surprise and left a somewhat cryptic email and voicemail, he’d wondered if Corbin’s plans would change. Too many other times they’d made plans over the last year something had come up. Matt had tried to be patient, to assure Corbin that it was always all right. In truth, it hadn’t been. 

   He sipped on the same fruity island drink he’d had on the day when he’d first met Corbin. Except he’d had the bartender put more alcohol in it this time. He’d needed the liquid courage, especially if…. 

   But he didn’t need the drink now. He released the tense breath he’d been holding when he heard the rattle of the door handle. Yet he stood by the sliding doors to the patio, pulse racing, nervous. He wasn’t proud of himself, but he wanted Corbin to make the first step here. 

   Their gazes locked. Matt didn’t say a word. Actually, conversation of any kind wasn’t what Corbin was interested in at the moment. Particularly not with Matt waiting for him, standing there in nearly naked invitation. The black swim trunks he wore only added to Matt’s male perfection. They hid little, and Corbin knew exactly what they hid. All he wanted was to touch the man who owned his heart. It had been too long. His fault. 

   He closed the door, dropped his bag to the tiled floor, and strode across the living room. Heat, need, desperation sped through him. His cock pressed against the front of his slacks. When he noted the desire simmering in the depths of his lover’s eyes, he began lifting off his polo shirt. 

   Matt met Corbin halfway. Who took a “first step” no longer mattered. They would be okay again. 

I hope you enjoyed this little look into Corbin and Matt’s life as it might be today. Too often we all get caught up in the whirlwind of life and begin to miss out on the magic of a loving relationship.

CONTEST: One lucky commenter will win a really fun “To Do” list and a small surprise. The winner will be chosen May 19^th.

Starting Over

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, GLBT

Heat Level: 4

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