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

“All douchery aside, Vin, why don’t you just ask him?” Ann-Marie asked.


“Because I don’t want to be a tick mark on his list,” Vin said. “I don’t just wanthim, I like him. If he’s in one of those fuck-and-forget phases, I’m not going to do that to myself.”


It was as honest as he could be, and even that much cost him. His voice quavered near the end and he found himself appallingly near tears. It wouldn’t do any good to explain any further, his throat tightened even thinking about it. Poor little rich kid, he’d heard it before, seen the contempt and anger rising behind concern. No one wanted to hear it, he was rich, he was happy and healthy and accepted by his relations for what he was, and what right did he ever have to want anything more than he had?


“All right, King,” Shan said, ruffling his hair. “C’mon babe, let’s dance.” She offered her hand to Ann-Marie, who let Shan help her up.


As she walked away, she looked back at Vin. “Cop out.”


Chapter 27