Colton Harper doesn’t believe in long-term relationships. He prefers one-night stands and friends with benefits. Everything changes when he sees Julius Collier. It’s love at first sight for him. He’s excited when Julius, surprisingly, takes the initiative to ask him out on a date. The problem is he doesn’t know what to do on a date. He gets ideas from his older brothers and by researching things online before making a list.
Colton’s feelings for Julius grow stronger and deeper with each passing day. Things proceed smoothly between him and Julius. Then, on one of their dates, his past catches up to him. He and Julius meets one of his friends with benefit while out on a date. He feels ashamed about his past. He doesn’t know how Julius feels about the encounter, and he doesn’t have the guts to inquire about it.
Will Colton get his happy ending with Julius?
“Welcome to Helen’s Bakery!”
Colton glanced in the direction of the cash register, and he noticed two familiar faces standing behind the counter. He knew their names, Beverly and Helen, and the two women had been together for years. Helen, the one who had greeted Colton upon entering the bakery, was a chatty and friendly woman who loved to talk. A lot. Colton didn’t really mind that. It was better to interact with someone like Helen than some of the horrid assholes out there. Colton nodded at the women in greeting, and he was about to avert his gaze and head over to the shelves, which were filled with breads and all kinds of cakes, when he noticed someone walking through the door.
The man must have just come out from the kitchen, which was located behind the counter. Judging by his face, he must be younger than Colton. The stranger was incredibly cute, and Colton was taken aback when he realized a short while later that he had been staring unabashedly at the man. He hadn’t meant to do that, but he couldn’t help it. He didn’t know what it was about that unknown man that caused his heart to beat wildly, but for the first time ever, he was overwhelmed by an odd sensation. He didn’t know what it was exactly that he was feeling at the moment, but he was certain that it was more than lust. He had been sexually aroused many times before. He knew damn well what that felt like. However, the sensation currently coursing through his entire being was a different sort.
Colton looked away in a hurry and picked up a tray, along with a tong, before making his way toward the shelves. He selected some of his favorite breads. Then he added two new ones before joining the line that had formed in front of the cash register. Fortunately, there were only two other customers before him so he wouldn’t have to wait for too long. While standing in line, he discovered that Helen and Beverly were nowhere to be found. He guessed that the two women must have gone into the kitchen, leaving the new man to handle the transactions.
Colton was simultaneously delighted and nervous. He was happy because he would be getting an opportunity to possibly strike up a conversation with one of the most attractive men he had ever laid his eyes on. However, he was also apprehensive about it because he might end up stumbling over his words like an idiot. He forced himself to calm down, but that was easier said than done. He was trembling a little when it was his turn to pay for his purchases. He avoided looking at the adorable man while placing the tray and tong on top of the counter.
“Hello! I’m Julius Collier. Did you find everything you want?”
Colton briefly glanced at Julius, but that was a freaking huge mistake because he immediately started sweating like a pig. He didn’t know why he was having such a weird reaction to Julius. It wasn’t as if he had never seen a good-looking man before. However, for some reason, Julius was different. He wasn’t just stunningly cute. Colton found it slightly hard to breathe because of his proximity to Julius.
“I’m Colton. Colton Harper. I t-think I‘ve gotten everything I liked. Thanks for asking. I think. I mean, yeah. I mean ...”
Colton trailed off, feeling beyond mortified. He didn’t know why he had been talking like an idiot, but it was difficult for him to focus when he was standing so close to Julius. He suppressed a sigh. Julius must be thinking that Colton was an inarticulate idiot. Or worse. However, when Colton finally mustered up the courage to peek at Julius, he was confused when he noticed that the man seemed shy. He got so lost in his thoughts that he was startled when Julius called out his name. Then he did something terribly embarrassing. He stared at Julius like a fucking moron. Fortunately, he wasn’t drooling. If he did, he would be too ashamed to ever return to the bakery in the future.
“Is there something on my face?”
Colton was startled. “I’m sorry. Can you please repeat the question?”
Julius chuckled softly. “Is there something on my face?”
“Nothing,” Colton answered quickly. “It’s perfect.”
Julius seemed simultaneously taken aback and bashful. “What?”
Colton wished he could dig a hole and bury himself in it. He didn’t know what was wrong with him.
“Your face is perfectly clean, I mean.”
Judging by the expression on Julius’s face, he was amused. “Okay then.”
