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

One face in the sea of humanity was not happy. Narrowed eyes and a set jaw glared out at him from the crowd. Chris, Vin thought, a brick of ice taking up residence within his gut. Not at him, Vin realized; the deadly gaze was directed at Beau, who drove the pickup with jaw-clenching concentration. Vin pulled out a handful of throws and tossed them, drawing attention to himself. He whipped his phone out of his pocket, momentarily cursing his practically-painted-on shorts and as the parade watchers cheered and screamed, he snapped several pictures, the flash going off bright against the evening air.


Chris tore his vengeful glare from the pick-up’s cab, distracted by the flash, in time to see Vin waggle the phone in his direction, beaming a wide, evil smirk. Chris snarled and flicked Vin his middle finger.


Chapter 23