Change comes to all of us. For Theo Bascopolis, the first time is when he's fifteen. He finds his life falling apart when his father discovers Theo is gay and orders him to become straight or leave. Having no choice, in spite of what his father might think, Theo leaves. But where can a fifteen-year-old go? Especially when it starts to rain. He thinks things are looking up when he meets a striking man named Franky, who seems very attracted to him. However, once again Theo's life changes when he learns all Franky wants is for him to hustle. And so Theo becomes the rent boy Sweetcheeks. However, Franky underestimates Sweetcheeks, and the results of the ensuing fight sees Sweetcheeks fleeing to Washington DC, where he crosses paths with a group of rent boys who take him in. Finally Sweetcheeks has a family, a home, and an additional source of income in the form of apartments they're able to rent out. His life changes again a few years later when a mysterious tenant by the name of Mark Vincent becomes the reason behind the assault on one of Sweetcheeks's boys. Vincent visits the boy in the hospital, bringing with him his equally enigmatic trainee, William Matheson. The instant attraction blindsides Sweetcheeks. In spite of knowing love isn't for rent boys, he hopes Matheson can see beyond the body he's offered to so many. But Matheson has secrets of his own. Can Sweetcheeks overcome his insecurities enough to believe in the quiet man who's come into his life? Can Matheson keep his actual occupation a secret without it jeopardizing their budding relationship?

Pick Up the Pieces

The afternoon had worn into the evening. My legs were like rubber, and I could barely walk to gather up my clothes. The exec grinned at me and slipped some folded bills into the front pocket of my trousers.


“It’s been a while, and you two have made it a pleasure. Thanks.” He tucked bills into the cleavage of the silk robe Delilah had put on and kissed her cheek.


“I’m going to get some rest. I’ve got a big meeting tomorrow.” He limped into a spare bedroom, not bothering with his clothes.


“Thanks, Sweetcheeks.” She gave me my half of the fee.


I went up the stairs, my own gait a little gimpy. I was going to feel this for a while, and I decided to take the night off.


The bills the exec had put in my pocket were a tip, and I took them out and counted them, givinga low whistle. I’d gotten good tips before, but this was equal to my fee.


Chapter 30