From the farms of Tennessee, Beau Watkins had it all in high school: the cute girl, the popular jock lifestyle, a loving family. As a rising freshman at an out-of-state college, he's determined to find out who he really is behind the fake it 'til you make it attitude. He joins Rainbow Connection, the gay student alliance, hoping to find himself. Instead, he meets Vin Reyes. Raised by his grandparents and the heir to a prosperous company, Vin has been out of the closet since he figured out what that meant. He has it all: fashionable clothing, fancy cars, huge houses, and a real party lifestyle, even a bodyguard. Most of all, he has a secret. Uncomfortable with Vin's generosity, Beau fights his growing attraction for the president of Rainbow Connection, instead chasing a series of shallow affairs. Vin's never been denied anything he wants, though, and now he wants Beau. But it isn’t until an old rival puts Beau in the hospital that Vin realizes Beau means more to him than a simple affair. Can the two of them bridge the gap between their worlds and roll with the all the punches life throws at them?

On a Roll

“Oh. I guess I jumped the gun on that one,” Vin said. “If you only…”


“Well, now that you’ve started it, I think you’re required to tell me the story.” Beau stubbed out the Dunhill reluctantly. “I’m Beauregard—people call me Beau—so believe me, I know where you’re coming from.” Was he flirting? Actually flirting? He offered his hand to Vin and was surprised by Vin’s firm grip. Nothing limp-wristed there. Vin’s fingers lingered just a moment longer than might have been appropriate, warm and friendly.


Vin cocked an eyebrow. “It’s Vinyl. Vinyl Elvis Reyes. Which would be why Shannon calls me ‘the king.’ She is under the misapprehension that she’s being amusing.”


“Wow, and I thought my mom didn’t like me,” Beau said.


“Actually, my mom loved me very much,” Vin said. His pale brown eyes shifted uncomfortably to the sidewalk.


“She died. I was four, so I don’t remember her very well,” Vin said, waving off any advanced sympathy. “My grandparents brought me up.”


Chapter 3