by
Sometimes finding your place in the world can lead to love.
Kieran Walters is the illegitimate son of a successful businessman. Despite striving to win his father’s affection, a confrontation that has been years in the making leaves Kieran devastated to realize he will never be good enough. Jealous of the half brother he’s never met, and who most likely doesn’t know of his existence, Kieran vows to find out what makes his brother so special in their father’s eyes.
Darius Jensen manages a nightclub. He loves his job, but is reluctant to commit when given the opportunity to become a partner. His previous foray into business ownership with a boyfriend had disastrous results, and Darius is still paying the price, both financially and emotionally.
When Kieran starts working with Darius at Sparks, Darius shows him it’s not too late for Kieran to realize his dreams—the fulfilling career, a loving family, and someone who loves him for who he is. If only Kieran can convince Darius of the same thing. But before Kieran’s and Darius’s dreams can come true, Kieran needs to come clean with his brother and deal with the resulting fallout… which threatens his relationship with Darius.
Note: This book was originally published as part of the Memories with the Breakfast Club Kindle World. The text remains unchanged.
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Editors:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 4
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 18-25
Protagonist 2 Age: 26-35
Tropes: Hurt / Comfort, Office / Workplace Romance
Word Count: 33,000
Setting: New York City
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Same Universe / Various Characters
The fluttering in his stomach, the rapid pulse and breathing, could all be put down to nerves. Although that didn’t really explain the frisson of excitement that accompanied the flock of butterflies that had taken flight in the pit of his stomach when they’d touched hands.
“Thanks for seeing me.” Kieran cleared his throat, embarrassed at the slight shake in his voice. “I was hoping to talk to someone. The manager?”
“That’d be me.”
That surprised Kieran. “I thought Marcus Feldman was the owner and manager.”
“Marcus is the owner but he’s stepped back at bit now that he has other commitments. I’m in charge of the day-to-day running of the place.”
“Oh.”
Blond eyebrows raised. “You look disappointed. Do you know Marcus?”
“God no. I’ve just read about him in the media, that’s all. I’ve never met him.” That much was true. Marcus was his brother and he’d never even met the man.
Anyway, what can I do for you? Brad said you were looking for work?”
Kieran fidgeted uncomfortably. “Yeah. I was hoping you had a position behind the bar.”
“You have experience?”
“I’ve been slinging drinks at Blue Horizon for about a year.”
“So what happened? Why aren’t you working there anymore? Why here?”
An image of Marcus flashed into Kieran’s mind, not that he’d tell Darius about his interest. “I tried to pick up some more hours at Blue Horizon but they can’t give me any more shifts than I already have. They’re happy to keep me on, and I’ve got references.” At least that much was true.
Darius studied him for a moment, giving Kieran the once-over, as if trying to gauge how genuine he was. Internally Kieran squirmed under the scrutiny, but suddenly his thoughts took an entirely new direction when he saw the look of approval in Darius’s eyes. Darius really was a striking-looking man. Broad shouldered, in a dark suit with a black shirt. The open collar showed a glimpse of golden skin with a smattering of fair hair. His short blond hair and piercing blue eyes contrasted with the dark tones of the suit. The heat crept up Kieran’s throat and he knew he was flushing, but he couldn’t stop the blush or the sudden rush of desire. Holy shit! He hadn’t had such an intense reaction to someone in a long time—if ever—and it was unexpected in the middle of a job interview. He swallowed heavily, desperate to get some moisture back into his dry mouth. Darius’s gaze followed the movement of his throat before landing on his face again, his attention making Kieran squirm further.
Then something clattered over at the bar area and Darius looked away. The moment was broken, leaving Kieran wondering what had just happened. Surely Darius felt it too? The attraction, the connection?
“Well.” Darius cleared his throat before continuing. “We don’t often employ people who wander in off the street, but this must be your lucky day. I can’t offer you anything full-time, but I am looking for someone to work the bar Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and the tips are good.”
“That’d be awesome. When can I start?”
Darius laughed, the sound deep and rich. “Hold your horses. Let’s see what you can do first and then we’ll give you a trial shift.”
“Sure,” Kieran mumbled, embarrassed that he had made assumptions. “Sounds good.”
“Head over to the bar. Brad can give you a quick rundown of the layout, then I want you to make two drinks. Make a cosmo, that’s one of our best sellers so you need to be able to turn those over real quick, and a cocktail of your choice.”
“Okay.”
Darius rose and Kieran scrambled to his feet. Standing next to Darius reminded him of just how solid Darius was. Over six feet tall, he had a few inches on Kieran’s five eleven, and he was definitely wider—not too beefy or overly muscled, rather strong and clearly defined. He obviously worked out if those thighs were anything to go by, and that ass. Jesus. Kieran jerked his eyes up when he realized he was following Darius across the room with his eyes glued to Darius’s backside. It didn’t help when he saw Brad’s smirking face.
“Kieran is going to show us his skills,” Darius announced when they got to the bar.
“Oh, I just bet he is.” Brad’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he winked at Kieran and gave him access to behind the bar.
“His bartending skills, Brad.” Darius’s voice was stern but there was a touch of humor there.
“Well, damn.” Brad stamped his foot in mock disappointment. “And here I was hoping you were one of the new dancers. You sure look like you could move that body.” Brad looked him up and down then turned to face his boss. “Right, Darius?”
“Brad.” Narrowed eyes accompanied Darius’s warning, and Kieran looked back and forth between the two men.
Brad picked up a tea towel. “Okay, okay. Just having a bit of fun. Come on, kiddo. I’ll give you the grand tour.”
“It’s Kieran,” Kieran responded automatically. For God’s sake, he wasn’t much younger than Brad if Brad’s appearance was anything to go by, and he found himself not wanting Darius to think he was a kid.
