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

“Welcome back, Mr. Grayson, so wonderful to see you again,” said Bertie, her voice instantly adopting that subtle prying tone I had come to appreciate, while her bright blue gaze immediately zeroed in on his form-hugging T-shirt. “Nice slogan, which reminds me—Eli, here, has been filling me in on everythingthat’s happened these past few days. I’m so pleased you two are seeing each other socially. So about yesterday afternoon, did Eli set up that bed to your liking and—”


“Say nothing, Gray!” I interrupted, viewing his stubbled jaw drop in surprise. “I didn’t tell her everything, as she boldly claims. Don’t let her con you into divulging a blessed thing.”


“Oh, Eli,” shrieked Bertie in faux exasperation. “I said it earlier, but it bears repeating. You’re just nofun. No fun at all. Just when I thought I’d have a chance to wring some juicy details from your boyfriend and win some wagers, you ruined it!”


Chapter 33