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

“How did you know my last name? I never told you.” And Vince didn’t know. At least I was pretty sure he didn’t know. As for Paul, he’d promised he’d never tell anyone.


“I…I do?” I handed him a plate with a grilled cheese sandwich—I used pepper jack for that extra kick.


He took a huge bite and chewed enthusiastically.


I worried my lower lip. “What else did I talk about?”


He swallowed, stared at my mouth, and licked his lip. “Nothing. Mostly you just mumble.” He slanted me a look. “Except when you’re gushing about what a great lover you have.”


He leaned into me and kissed me. His kiss tasted of sweet peppers and jalape?os, and I sighed and decided to let my worries go worry somewhere else and just relish it.


Vince was pleased with the job Wills had done, and as a reward, he’d given him the day off. We took advantage of it to have lots of make-up sex.


Chapter 76