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

Given reason, the tears finally welled up and without warning, he was sobbing on her shoulder, all arms and elbows, too tall but she was strong under him, bearing him up with her uncompromising attitude.


“I speak only the truth, Vinyl,” she said. “He needs you. And you do not need to do this to yourself.”


“You didn’t have to hit me,” he protested. She stepped back and dug around in her purse until she came up with a packet of tissues.


“Yeah, I actually think I did.” She handed him a tissue. “Blow your nose, don’t sniffle like that. It’s unattractive.”


“You are the queen of telling people nothing at all that they want to hear.” Vin wiped his eyes and blew his nose. Despite the headache, he felt better. Hollowed out, like a pumpkin ready for carving, ready for a candle and a gap-toothed smile. Not there, mind, but ready. All right again.


“Queen Shannon. I like it. You may address me as your majesty.”


Chapter 38