After Caleb Youngblood proposed to Sebastian Rush, the two men think everything should be smooth sailing. Marriage planning has started and the future is bright. Caleb is an openly out stock car racer, while Sebastian is offered the chance to work with a major TV studio as a cameraman at the Rio Olympics.
But Caleb is at a crossroads. The racing world may not be ready for an openly gay driver. Even though he wants to race, the family business is barely making money. And Caleb, being the face of Youngblood family, may be too much for conservative fans. Meanwhile, when an ex-lover of Sebastian’s reappears, secrets from his past cause friction between Sebastian and Caleb.
Should Caleb continue to race? Is Sebastian’s and Caleb’s love for one another strong enough to overcome what happened in the past? Or is their life together too tough to tame?
“That’s all you have to say?” asked Sebastian.
Caleb sat on the edge of their bed and removed his dress socks, and then removed his pants. Clad only in black boxer briefs, Caleb stood and rummaged through the dresser for a tank top, cotton socks, and running shorts. As he put his top and shorts on, Caleb broke the momentary silence. “What else is there to say? That ... ummm ... maybe you should have told me you were engaged?” Caleb took a seat again on the edge of the bed, and drawled out the last word, his eyebrows slightly arched, his jaw set firm. “I knew you had a serious relationship before me.” Caleb raised his hands up, both palms open. “But a serious relationship and an engagement are two different things.”
Sebastian knew that Caleb was still angry, based on Caleb’s tone and Caleb’s refusal to look him in the eye. “I didn’t tell you I was engaged for only two days because I was embarrassed.”
Caleb straightened and now squinted at him. “Embarrassed?” Caleb’s voice betrayed incredulity.
“David broke up with me. I proposed. He said he didn’t love me enough to marry me.”
“So you proposed to him?” Caleb whispered, who turned away from Sebastian.
“Yes. I did,” answered Sebastian. “But, he’s in the past.”
Caleb stood. “I can’t talk about this right now. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that you wouldn’t tell me about being engaged before. I mean, to me, that’s a pretty serious commitment. It’s something I would tell you if I’d ever been engaged.”
“I didn’t think it was a big deal. If I had known you would be upset by it, by the fact that I was engaged for two days, I would have told you. I don’t love him, Caleb. I love you,” blurted Sebastian. “I didn’t know what love truly was until I met you.”
“Your mom said you were in a pretty serious relationship before me. You said that. Maybe I’m making something out of nothing. Maybe I’m just pissed you’re going to Rio with your ex. I can’t filter all these emotions that are rushing through me right now.” Caleb stood and headed out of the bedroom. “We’re not done talking. But I need to clear my head.”
Sebastian nodded. “I’ll make dinner, okay? I’ll see you after your run.”
Caleb didn’t say anything; Sebastian heard the front door close, then Sebastian sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, his hands clasping the top of his head. Somehow, he had to persuade Caleb that David was in the past. His phone vibrated in his pocket and he fished out the cell.
David had texted him. Nice seeing you. We need to catch up before Rio.
Sebastian had a choice to make, and he knew it. He just didn’t know what to do. He punched in the contact tab on his phone and called his mom.
After a few rings, she answered. “Sebastian?”
“Hey, Mom. How’re you?”
“I’m good. Your sister just picked up your niece.”
“Awesome. Is this a good time to talk?” asked Sebastian.
“Sure, honey. I was about to start dinner but it can wait a few minutes. Why, what’s up?”
“Did Caleb ask you about David?”
“Who?” Ginny asked.
Sebastian repeated the question. “Did Caleb ask you about David?”
‘No. Caleb didn’t.”
“Then how did Caleb know I was engaged?”
“Oh. I told him.” Ginny’s voice trailed then she spoke again. “Was it supposed to be a secret?”
“Mom, I hadn’t told him. You know I was pretty upset about the break-up.”
“I know, honey. And don’t be mad, but I told Caleb that you both shouldn’t rush into getting married.”
Sebastian’s body tensed. “What?”
“Don’t raise your voice at me Sebastian Harry Rush.”
Sebastian rubbed his temples. “Oh, God. Why, Mom? Why?” He pulled the phone from his ear as he closed his eyes and silently counted to five to calm down.
“Sebastian, I’m worried that you’re rushing into a wedding. You haven’t even known each other for a year.”
Sebastian sat there on the edge of the bed. He heard his mother continuing to talk, but he stopped paying attention. She said something about September. Then something about his niece, Mindy. But all he could think about was Caleb sitting in his mother’s living room, and Ginny telling Caleb to delay the wedding. “Mom, I’m sorry. I’ve got to go.”
“Okay, honey. That’s fine. I got to start dinner anyway. I love you, son. You know I’m only looking out for you, right?”
“Thanks,” he whispered. He wanted to scream, but he knew it would only make matters worse.
