Engelbert Trentworthy -- dear God, call him Trent -- is a bit of a slut. Most people don’t take him seriously, and really, neither does he. Trent keeps things simple and doesn’t allow others to get close for reasons he never shares with anyone. Then he meets photographer Elias Lane at the customer service desk where he works.<br><br>Elias is captivated by Trent’s appearance and asks him to be part of a photo shoot. Unfortunately, Trent’s image ends up in a shop window near his job and causes all kinds of havoc. To make it up to him, Elias buys Trent dinner. But when Elias tries to push for more, Trent backs away.<br><br>Somehow, between the coworker who’s harassing Trent for sex and the specter of Trent’s black past, Elias is determined to get Trent to give him a chance, in every possible way.

Paint It, Black

I rubbed my face and wiped away the tears. The bedside clock announced in bright blue letters that it was four in the morning. I didn’t have to be at work until nine. Shit. I got up and took a quick shower. After drying off with a thick black towel, I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. I returned to the bedroom and changed the black sheets since they were soaked, then sat with my back against the headboard while I finished my water.


I knew what had triggered the dream. I definitely shouldn’t have agreed to dinner with Elias. It had dredged up old fears. But I admit it had been nice to be treated to a meal by someone. It had made me feel special, for one. Elias…


Chapter 6