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

“It was something I could do, honey,” Vin said. “I couldn’t stand sitting around, doingnothing. I’m not making this about me, it’s not about me, but I don’t—I lost ten years of my life, looking down on you in that parking lot, wishing it was me there instead, wanting anything but for this to have happened. I’ve never felt so helpless. I can’t…I’m not emotionally capable of sitting by. I can’t take the pain away, I can’t make this unhappen, but I can and I will do everything possible to make everything after as easy as possible.”


Beau tugged on his hand and Vin released it immediately. “Come here, damn it,” Beau said. He curled his fingers around the back of Vin’s neck and pulled him close. “You are the best friend I’ve ever had. I mean that. Even if you can be a railroading dick sometimes. Thank you.” Beau tugged Vin just a little closer, kissed him softly on the mouth.


Chapter 39