All the Honorable St. John Ashford ever wanted was his father’s love, but if he can’t have that, he’ll settle for being noticed. In an effort to do that, St. John sets his sights on Andrew Dorincourt, a man for whom the Viscount has nothing but disdain. Surely this will draw his father’s attention?  Unfortunately, while Andrew seems willing to date him, he appears entirely disinterested in anything else. St. John knows it’s just a matter of time before all his plans going up in smoke, especially when Andrew becomes attracted to an exotic young man he rescued from Malossini’s House of Oddities.<br><br>Robin Dorincourt is something of a playboy who enjoys nothing so much as flitting from one boyfriend to another. He doesn’t poach, though, and when he finds himself attracted to St. John Ashford, he does what he can to keep a healthy distance between them, using taunts and teasing. It’s difficult, until he realizes his brother is in love with someone else. Robin’s path toward St. John is clear, and he makes his move.<br><br>But is his path as clear as he imagines? St. John might be as attracted to Robin as Robin is to him, but he’ll be damned if he allows himself to be passed from one brother to the other as if he’s nothing more than a poor second choice. Now it remains is for Robin to persuade St. John he’s no one’s second choice.

More, by All Mores

Shortly after I’d brought St John home the day after Boxing Day, I’d gone in search of the ring. I’d slipped out of the house to have it engraved, determined to do the romantic thing—I’d present it to my lover on the stroke of midnight, when the New Year began.


But now…“St John…” Before I could decide whether to give it to him right then or follow my original plan, he smiled sadly and stepped out of my arms.


“You said you were hungry. I had better feed you, before you do decide to eat me.”


Well, that put paid to all thoughts of giving him the ring now. He removed his cufflinks and handed them to me. I put them in the same pocket that contained the ring and watched as he rolled up his sleeves. He took out some bowls and the bag of flour, then tucked a tea towel in his waistband to protect his trousers.


“Preheat the oven please, Robert.” He weighed out flour and salt. “I need to bake the pie crust.”


Chapter 34