GENRE: Gay Spicy Romance
LENGTH: 8,496 words
RATING:

When Jake's sister arranges for him to attend her aloha party, a kind of Christmas in October, he is sad and concerned. Lynn has cancer and this may be the last time he will see his beloved older sister. In an effort to heal some of the rifts in their family, he calls his estranged brother Ron and tells him about Lynn's condition.

Lynn asks Jake to keep her brother-in-law Mitchell company for the duration of the visit. When he arrives, Jake is first stunned to discover Ron there, he and Lynn having made up their differences. As an extra bonus, Jake is absolutely smitten by the gorgeous Mitchell.

A few weeks later, Mitchell flies out to visit Jake. Although their mutual attraction can't be denied, Mitchell is several years older than Jake, which may be a problem. By the time Christmas rolls around, Lynn is very weak and Jake and Mitchell rush to her side. Will there be good news to share with Lynn? And does she have one more surprise for Jake, too?

EXCERPT:
Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

Things were about to get emotional when Leo came back. He had his brother Mitchell with him. Whoa! I was going straight to hell for thinking what I’d wanted to do to that man while I stood in a hospital room where my sister was passing her remaining time. He was gorgeous. Tall, older than me by a good ten years I’m guessing, but mercy, the things that man did to blue jeans.

“Umm, Mitchell? We met at their wedding a hundred years ago. You’ve aged ... I mean you’ve gotten older ... I mean ...” My ears glowed and my face flushed. I was never tongue tied. So what the fuck was going on? Part surprise and part impure thoughts, I guessed.

Lynn laughed. “Little brother, you’re supposed to host him for a few days. You better get your lips fixed.” Ron just stood there looking as Mitchell came striding over, hand out to shake mine.

“Did you really have a rental booked or were you being too polite to accept my offer of a lift from the airport?” He grinned.

“Rental. Honest. Ask Ron.” Frustrated that I was still falling over my words.

After the visit we headed back to the house. Leo stayed with Lynn and I rode with Ron. I would’ve liked to sit beside Mitchell in his Audi, but somehow it seemed appropriate to ride with my brother.

“You’re not well, are you? Did you tell Lynn? What’s going on?” I'm not psychic, but I could tell when the body was wearing out prematurely.

He looked at me and gave a weak smile. “I have an autoimmune disease, pulmonary fibrosis. It attacks the lungs and I’m too weak for a transplant. Two years maximum. That’s why I’m so grateful for you bringing us together. I was afraid I’d die alone, still am, because Lynn will be gone before me.”

I spoke before my brain engaged, because I heard my voice. The outside voice. “You won’t die alone. I’ll be at your bedside when your time comes, if you want.”

He just nodded. At the house he was heading inside when he looked back at me. “Coming?”

“I’d like to head back to the hotel. I have a lot to think about and I could use the rest. I’ll call a cab. See you tomorrow morning.”

Just then Mitchell pulled up. He got out and looked at me. “I was planning on heading out soon. I’ll give you a ride. Hop in. Later, Ron.” Ron waved to us and went inside.

* * * *

We drove off and I said, “I’m at the Best Western Uptown. Is that on your way?” I smiled, feeling smug that I got a whole sentence out before my lips cramped up.

“It is if they have any rooms available. I’d planned to stay with Leo, but with all those kids it won’t be very quiet. Besides, I’d like to buy you dinner since you are going to be my keeper for a few days.”

Was that an evil gleam in his eye? I grinned. “Keeper? I’m a keeper?”

He snorted a laugh. “Oh baby, I sure think you could be.”

I flushed. “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”

His smile widened. “I did.”

Right about then all the blood rushed out of my head and into my dick.