Smoldering Desires Read online

  Table of Contents

  Synopsis

  By the Author

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  About the Author

  Books Available from Bold Strokes Books

  Synopsis

  Evan McGarrity is a sophomore at Milton University in Western New York. Tired of one-night stands, he’s looking for honest love and someone to share his life with. When he meets Sebastian Tantalos, his life unexpectedly takes a turn for the better. The new romance is everything Evan has hoped for: Sebastian is funny, intelligent, exciting, articulate, and handsome as hell. Just as Evan realizes he’s starting to fall in love with Sebastian, trouble in the form of Sebastian’s old boyfriend, Brent, rears its ugly head.

  Brent is determined to win Sebastian back, no matter the cost and by any means necessary. As Brent begins to weave his web of hatred and deceit, Evan starts to doubt Sebastian’s love for him. When Evan turns to his old flame for comfort, the relationship is torn apart.

  Can these two men find their way back to each other and salvage their love?

  Smoldering Desires

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Smoldering Desires

  © 2016 By C.E. Knipes. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-62639-715-6

  This Electronic Book is published by

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, New York 12185

  First Edition: October 2016

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Jeanine Henning

  By the Author

  Smoldering Desires

  Written as Zavo

  The Return of Jake Slater

  Hot on His Trail: e-book format

  The Case of the Rising Star: A Derrick Steele Mystery

  Derrick Steele Private Dick: The Case of the Hollywood Hustlers

  Hot on His Trail

  Dedication

  To my husband, Gary.

  Chapter One

  When I woke, the gray light of dawn was giving way to a blood-red rising sun. As its light penetrated the window and swept across the foot of the bed, I remembered I wasn’t in my dorm room. A moment of panic seized me as I took in the unfamiliar furniture and pictures on the walls. A sudden loud snore startled me. I looked to my right to discover a naked man beside me. Last night’s events came back to me as if by magic: the drinks at the Inn Between, followed by pool and slightly drunk conversation with this same man. What was his name?

  The second week of classes had just ended. I had gone out last night with a bunch of the students on my floor. That is where I had met this man. Typically, I did not get lucky that easily or quickly. Or that often, truth be told.

  He had started buying me drinks. Many drinks. Then came the proposition: Would you like to come back to my room? By that time, I would have invited myself. The rest of the night was a blur of hair, sweat, and his substantial cock. That I would not soon forget.

  The covers were completely off him. I studied him intently. His eyes were closed so I couldn’t determine their color. Nor could I recall from last night. He had a dark brown mustache, and his hairy right arm was slung over his equally hairy chest and stomach. I’ve always had a penchant for hairy men. My gaze traveled from his stomach to his crotch. His cock was thick and long, even soft, with a large head. It lay to the right. Above it was his thick patch of dark brown pubic hair.

  His eyes opened and he smiled at me.

  “Good morning, Evan.”

  “Good morning.”

  His name still escaped me. Would he realize this? Would he care if he did?

  He pulled me on top of him and kissed me deeply. His breath smelled of beer and pot. Without warning, he rolled me onto my back once more. He rose up on his knees and grabbed a packet of lube and a condom from the nightstand. He tore the condom packet open with his teeth and deftly rolled it over the head of his cock and down its length. The lube was next; some for him, the rest for me. Without ceremony, my legs were in the air and he was deeply inside me. His plunges were deep, quick, and powerful. Obviously, this was “one for the road.” But with the equipment he was packing, I wasn’t about to complain. I grabbed my cock and began stroking it in time with his thrusts. After several more minutes, he released deep inside me. I did the same, crisscrossing the hairs on my stomach.

  I found my clothes and quickly dressed. I was hoping to breeze through the awkward good-byes and any offer of breakfast. Or asking to see me again or could he have my number. I hated one-night stands for these very reasons. But a man has his needs.

  “Can I give you a ride home?”

  “No, thanks. I can walk. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

  “Good-bye, Evan. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.”

  “Odds are good that we will.”

  My response sounded lame even to my ears. When he didn’t respond, I was certain he had realized my urgency to leave and officially end this night. Don’t get me wrong. He had been a powerful lover. Of course, I didn’t have many to compare him to.

  I exited his room and found myself in a carpeted hallway. I was not in another dorm. I had ended up at a house off-campus. The next trick was to make it out the front door without running into any other occupants. I found the stairs and then the front door. I bounded down the steps and paused when I reached the sidewalk. I didn’t recognize this neighborhood. What’s-his-name must have driven us here. I looked up and down the street for any familiar building. I didn’t see one. I had no choice but to walk till I recognized a landmark. After walking several blocks, I spied the statue on the roof of the library at Milton University. This meant I was only a few minutes’ walk from my dorm, Breckinridge. It was named after a local philanthropist.

  When I reached my dorm, I took the stairs to my room on the second floor. Luckily, no one was up yet and hanging out in the main lounge. I wasn’t up for answering any questions this early in the morning. I unlocked my door and closed it behind me. A second blessing of the morning: no potential roommates to deal with. I’d paid extra for a single room this semester. I’d had a bad experience my sophomore year with my roommate. I had not been looking for a repeat of that this year.

  I lay on the bed. Maybe a quick nap before I headed to the library? When I woke up, two hours had passed. Damn it. I should have set my alarm. I undressed and wrapped a towel tightly around my waist. Thankfully, no one was in the shower.

  I turned the water on in the shower and let it get hot. Steam was rising before I stepped underneath it. As I began lathering my chest, my thoughts returned to this morning’s tryst. Stanley, that was his name. My hand involuntarily stole to my cock. I just as quickly removed it. This was not the place
to be caught doing that.

  I took a nice, long shower. That is, till one of my suitemates yelled at me for taking so long. I turned off the water and, wrapped in my towel, returned to my room. As I dressed, I mapped out my plan for the day. I would head to the library because I still needed to finish this weekend’s homework. After that I would grab dinner with my best friend, Jessica Thompson. We had been best friends since kindergarten. We grew up only a few blocks from each other in Lancaster, New York. She knew me better than anyone. And I her. She was also in her junior year at Milton University. Even though it was sunny outside, fall had arrived, and with it there was a chill in the air. I grabbed a jacket on my way out.

  I left my dorm and headed to the library. Milton University had been built on a series of small hills. The library was centrally located and was an uphill climb from this end of the campus. I ascended the stairs that led to the library and stopped when I reached the top. I stood for a moment to take in my surroundings. The college was located in a small farming community in Western New York. I could see rolling farmland stretching to Lake Erie.

  Once inside the library, I headed for the row of study carousels on the second floor. I preferred this section because the carousels afforded me the same view I had just had from the stairs. It was evident that I wasn’t the only one who appreciated the view. There was only one empty carousel, at the far end of the row. As I walked past the individual carousels, each student turned to inspect me; it was like running a gauntlet.

  As I neared the last desk, a young man poked his head out and smiled at me. He appeared to be about my age, with thick black hair and light blue eyes. He had longish sideburns and several days’ growth on his cheeks and throat and above his upper lip. His teeth were white, even, and dazzling. But not too large. I was taken aback, so much so that I didn’t notice his chair leg was in my path. I tripped over it and felt myself falling forward. I would have most likely crashed headlong into the window, or possibly through it, if he hadn’t quickly jumped up and grabbed my right arm.

  “Geez, I’m sorry about that. I was just getting up to leave. Are you okay?”

  Even in my present predicament, his strong grip on my arm sent ripples of excitement coursing through my torso. As I strove to regain my balance, he placed his free hand on my waist to steady me. My forward motion turned me around and landed me against him. He braced me against his body, and I immediately sensed his strength.

  “I’ve had guys fall for me before, but never like this.”

  His laugh came easily. It was rich and throaty. Mine quickly echoed his, though mine displayed a touch of nervousness.

  He asked again, “Are you okay?”

  His voice was deep and melodious, with no trace of an accent.

  “I’m fine. I’m more embarrassed than hurt. Thanks for saving me from a possible bad fall.”

  It was then that I realized he was still holding me at the waist and by the arm. I was hoping it could last forever. His cologne was completely enveloping me. It was almost intoxicating. He sure was handsome.

  “I guess I can let go of you now.”

  “Only if you want to. I don’t mind.”

  Open mouth insert foot. Now he for sure knew I was gay. He would politely excuse himself and walk away as fast as he could. Instead, he stood his ground. His grip on my waist never loosened.

  “I don’t mind either.”

  I swallowed hard, certain he had heard it. His blue eyes bore into mine. I felt mesmerized. Bewitched. I was only aware of the two of us. No one else in the room existed. My heart was beating loudly in my ears. Okay, was I stuck in a bad eighties movie?

  “If you continue to hold me you’re going to have to buy me coffee afterward.”

  He laughed again as he released me. Once more, the sound was pleasing to my ears.

  “I’d love to buy you coffee. I should first introduce myself.”

  He extended his hand. I noted the back of it was covered in fine black hair, but not in a scary, Neanderthal way.

  “My name’s Sebastian Tantalos.”

  His hand was strong and warm. And not too rough.

  “That’s Greek, correct?”

  “Greek on my father’s side, Italian on my mother’s.”

  “I’m Evan McGarrity. Irish on both sides.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Evan.”

  “Same here, Sebastian.”

  “Is this your first semester at Milton?”

  “No, I’m a junior this year.”

  “You?”

  “I’m also a junior. I’m enrolled in the School of Business Management program.”

  “I am as well. I wonder if we share any classes?”

  “I was just finishing up here. Why don’t we go grab that coffee and we can compare our schedules?”

  “Sounds good. There’s a diner, Perry’s, on Main Street. They have decent coffee.”

  “I know it well.”

  I waited while he powered his laptop off. My heart was beating faster, and my palms were puddles of sweat.

  I followed him down the library aisle, the second story stairs, and out the front door. All the while I couldn’t take my eyes from his broad shoulders or the contours of his ass. He sure filled a pair of jeans nicely. When we reached the flagstone sidewalk, I fell in beside him.

  I felt an almost instant camaraderie with this man. He carried himself well and received several approving glances from both men and women. He kept up a pleasant chatter as we walked, mainly regarding his decision to attend Milton. I found myself hanging on each word. His voice was mesmerizing. When we reached Perry’s, he held the door open for me.

  “Thank you. I’ve found myself a true gentleman.”

  He responded with another award-winning smile.

  The diner was bustling for a Sunday afternoon. We found a small booth by a window that offered a view of the adjacent park. It was full of students engaged in various athletic and academic activities. Everyone was enjoying the fall sunshine. Within a few weeks, winter would be rearing its ugly head.

  “What’s your pleasure, Evan?”

  “I should be treating you, Sebastian Tantalos, after saving my life.”

  As lame as it sounded, Sebastian was polite enough to laugh at my come-on.

  “Okay. I’ll take a large mocha, no whipped cream please.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  I took my place in the order line. I wanted to turn around and look at him. But I didn’t want to be caught doing so. When it was my turn, I gave my order. I couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to steal a glance at him. I turned to find him staring at me. He tried to appear nonchalant but failed miserably. He smiled and waved. I smiled back. I was sure my heart was going to thump right out of my chest. I ordered one black coffee and one mocha, no whipped cream. As I gave the cashier a twenty-dollar bill, I noticed my hand was shaking almost uncontrollably.

  The barista gave me my drinks and change and I thanked her and headed back to the table. I half expected to find Sebastian gone. However, he was still there. All smiles and sexy cologne. I was seriously attracted to this man.

  I placed our coffees on the table and sat across from him. I hoped he wouldn’t notice my hands were shaking. I went to slide his drink to him right as he reached for it. When our hands touched, the sensation was amazing. Neither one of us pulled away for several seconds. Something was happening here. Something good.

  I was the first to withdraw. I took a sip of my coffee.

  “Black coffee. How very retro of you.”

  “It’s the only way I’ve ever been able to drink it. I’ll have an occasional mocha. But for the most part, just black, no sugar.”

  “So, tell me about yourself, Sebastian.”

  Not a very original opening line, but an effective one.

  He began by confirming that he was indeed gay. I felt a huge sense of relief; I often fell for the straight ones. He was also currently not seeing anyone. He was from Lockport, a small town a few hours from Buffa
lo. He came from a large Greek family, with four older siblings: three sisters and a brother. He was the youngest. Both his parents were architects, as well as third-generation horse breeders. In addition to a major in management, he was also working toward a minor in computer technology.

  We took a moment to compare schedules. We had Leadership and Organizational Behavior on Mondays and Wednesdays at ten a.m., and Business Consulting on Tuesdays and Thursdays at eleven a.m.

  “Now I’m very curious to learn about you, Evan McGarrity.”

  The words literally poured forth from me as if from a fount. I felt very comfortable talking to this man I’d met less than an hour ago. I pretty much told him my life story. When I was finished, my coffee was gone.

  “I’ll get us refills.”

  “Let me get this one, Evan.”

  “Okay.”

  I watched him openly as he went to the counter to order. I didn’t look away when he turned around to check if I was watching him. He smiled and turned back to the cashier. Incredibly, we talked for the next two hours, switching to plain water after two more cups of coffee for me and another mocha for Sebastian. I excused myself to use the restroom. When I returned, again I half expected him to be gone. There was an element of the unreal about this. These types of things didn’t happen to me. I was the one-night stand type of guy every few months. Nothing ever gained any permanence, even though that was my desire. But none of the one-night stands had ever captivated me as Sebastian had this afternoon.

  We talked about everything and anything: politics, sports. His favorite sport was soccer; he played for the college team, the Milton Marauders. We also discussed literature and entertainment. His favorite actors included Alec Baldwin, Chris Pine, and Benjamin Cumberbatch. He was very well read, both for pleasure: Stephen King, J.A. Jance, and Clive Cussler; as well as the literary greats, including Fitzgerald and Hemingway. When I caught him stealing a glance at his watch, I was embarrassed I had been keeping him so long. It was almost dark, and I hadn’t even realized it.