Because his pool is untended and filthy, romance author Robert Fine needs to hire a pool boy for the summertime position at his estate. So at the beginning of summer, he places an ad for a pool boy to hire. Enter Kent Tacoma, an ex-Navy stud, handsome, who lands an interview. Almost immediately Robert enjoys his company and himself, hiring Kent on the spot. As Tacoma tends the pool, Robert cannot keep his hungry eyes off the young man. All he can think about is his desire. Unfortunately, Tacoma starts to break Robert’s house rules with a local bad boy named Katz Strong, Tacoma’s opposite. Soon a jealous Robert is convinced Tacoma is under Katz’s bad influence. As Tacoma pulls away from Robert and grows closer to Katz. Robert finds his rage building. Can’t the three men just get along? As summer comes to a close, Tacoma becomes the center of everyone’s attention. Whose heart will survive the heated summer?

The Pool Boy

I nicked my chin with the disposable razor. Blood formed a thin line of broken flesh. Maroon droplets fell into the sink, one by one. I dropped the razor and yelled, “Dammit!” Tears stung my eyes and my right hand began to shake. It took over three minutes for the bleeding to stop, and for me to calm down. A part of my sanity became lost during that short period of time as I found a box of Band-Aids and antiseptic pads in the medicine closet above the sink.


Once bandaged, I stared at the wound on my chin and said into the mirror, “This is what he’s doing to you, Robert. This is how he’s going to slowly take everything from you…slice by slice. If you’re a smart man, save yourself and fire him. Let him go. Let him fly away. He’ll do well somewhere else. Save yourself from death and madness. Get rid of the young man before he tears you apart piece by piece. It’s the smart thing to do.”


Outside the bathroom door, I listened to Tacoma tap on the wood three times.


Chapter 22