A Cat Named Hercules
Book V in the Men of Marionville collection
The Men of Marionville collection are stand-alone stories, not prequels or sequels.
New in town, Shiloh Rudy joins a group of civic-minded volunteers to better acquaint himself with his recently adopted community. It’s a good way to make friends, network, and help make a difference, not to mention perhaps meet someone interesting - in a romantic sort of way. The one thing Shiloh didn’t expect was a love to rival all others to come with four white paws.
Gale Widmyer is on his feet and moving forward after piecing his life back together following a series of wrong choices. In his darkest moments, the one bright spot in his existence was the fulfillment of his dream to become a veterinarian. Gale’s making good on a promise to himself when an abandoned kitten leads him to Shiloh Rudy and a chance at the happiness he never hoped to have.
Laying the cornerstone for a developing relationship comes easy for Shiloh and Gale. But the wounds of the past often remain unhealed at their deepest point. A few careless words erects a wall of silence between the two men, one Shiloh has to breach if he hopes to win Gale back. It will take more than apologies to win Gale’s forgiveness and put old fears to rest. It’ll take a cat named Hercules.
EXCERPT
“Why haven’t you visited Frolic before today?”
Galen took another sip of his wine, then licked his lips. “It’s pretty complicated. I’m not sure I’m ready to talk about it.”
“I’m a good listener, if that helps.”
He ran his index finger around the rim of his glass. He looked at me, his eyes full of questions. “Shiloh, when did you come out?”
“At my senior prom. I was keeping company with the only other gay boy in my class. We went stag, but halfway through the evening, we decided what the heck? So we slow danced.”
“Wow. I’d have died a thousand deaths.” He twirled the ruby liquid in his glass.
I knew without him saying where his head was. What gay man wouldn’t know and understand? He’d reached the moment we all have to deal with in one way or another.
“Gale, are you about to come out?”
He nodded, his gaze fixed on the tabletop. I reached over and wrapped my fingers around his wrist. “I know it feels like a heavy burden right now, but once you do it, you’ll feel better.”
His eyes closed. Crap. I’d said the wrong thing. Galen took a deep breath and looked at me.
“I should be going.”
I didn’t have any choice but to let him go, but I wasn’t giving up. “May I walk you to your car?”
He drew back a bit, as if the question put him a little off balance. My heart beat faster. If he worried I might kiss him, he had good reason. It was my plan.
“I think I can find the way. Thanks for the wine.” He rose in a fluid motion, nodded, and turned to go.
I gulped the last bit of liquid in my glass and followed him all the way to his Jeep. With his head lowered, I couldn’t tell if he realized I was behind him or not. When we got to his vehicle, he must have seen my reflection in the darkened window glass. He turned, his eyes black and wild with a mix of fear and longing. I closed the distance between us. Galen’s arms snaked their way around my neck. We stumbled hard against the side of his ride. His hold tightened, and I seized the opportunity and covered his mouth with mine.
I felt the shock go through him, but I didn’t back off. I couldn’t. His lips slid over mine as he opened to me, a low moan rolling out of him and into me. He was alive under my hands as I caressed down his backside. His scent was in every rapid breath I managed to take. My cock filled in a few pounding beats. I gripped his hips and flexed my pelvis to his, eager to learn if he was equally hard. Galen sucked in a breath and tore his mouth from mine.
“Shiloh. Shiloh, I have to leave.”
Hot frustration burned inside me, but quickly cooled. He wasn’t playing with me. The man shook violently in my arms. An uneasy realization dawned. I cradled the back of his head and pulled him closer.
“Shh. Lean on me, Gale. Just let me hold you for a second. It’s okay.” I rubbed his back. “Talk to me.”
He eased away from me. “I have to go. I thought I was ready for this, but I’m not.”
“If you want me, know this. I definitely want you.” I reached for him, but he planted his hand in the middle of my chest and kept me at arm’s length.
“What I want doesn’t matter. I swore I wouldn’t…”
A Cat Named Hercules
Book V in the Men of Marionville collection
Available now at:
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Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EQK69GI
Amazon CA:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01EQK69GI
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01EQK69GI
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Universal link to additional booksellers
https://books2read.com/u/4NWx9b
Want to read more about the guys living and working in Marionville? Click here for another excerpt.
https://books2read.com/u/4NWx9b
Want to read more about the guys living and working in Marionville? Click here for another excerpt.
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KC Kendricks http://www.kckendricks.com
My home on the web- Between the Keys: http://kckendricks.blogspot.com
Visit my bookshelf at:
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