Because of a deathbed promise to his father, Elijah Peck reluctantly left his friends and successful career in Bridgeport to return to Willowby, Connecticut, the small town of his upbringing, in order to run the antique shop that had been in his family for generations. Now, in just the span of two years, Eli has morphed into a social recluse, isolated in what he believes is a stuffy, suffocating nowheresville. With no thriving gay community at his disposal, and with his entire existence wrapped around the store he never really wanted, Eli's devoted little time to his personal needs. As a result, instead of acting like a man in his mid-thirties, living out his own dreams, maybe even finding love with the right guy, he often feels like just another item in his shop -- a dusty, moldy antique that has seen better days.<br><br>But all that starts to change when a stranger moves to Willowby.<br><br>One night outside his shop, Eli has a chance encounter with Neville "Gray" Grayson, a wickedly handsome musician who's purposely left the bustle of New York City in favor of quiet country living. Eli is instantly drawn to Gray, and the flirtatious jazzman stirs dormant feelings inside Eli, reinvigorating his hopes for a brighter future. Not only does Gray make Eli feel attractive for the first time in years, but also makes him appreciate small-town life in a way he never has before. And Eli can't help but wonder if Gray's presence also offers the promise of finding much-needed companionship, sexual fulfillment, and perhaps even love ...

When the Jazzman Sings

Thankfully, once the Duncan Phyfe stood in all its regal glory and Gray and I put the mattress into place, the Miller Lite had firmly kicked in, mellowing me and placing other, more pleasant thoughts in my head. Especially when it came to my companion. Even as I helped him to put on a fresh mattress pad, sheets, and a blanket, I couldn’t help but imagining them rumpled from vigorous lovemaking.


Gray seemed to have similar notions. After he shook the bedposts and headboard, thumped the mattress with his fists, he plopped down several times on the edge. Obviously satisfied with the bed’s secure construction, he gave me one of those devilishly heart-melting smiles. “I almost feel like hitting the hay. Sure seems a shame to not test out the merchandise, you know?”


Chapter 20