Darts and Dashers — V.L. Locey

One fake date, one weekend awards ceremony, and one new love about to be neatly sewn up… It's been one hell of a season for Chicago Steelheads captain Paul Rocha. His team won it all, his name was announced as a finalist for a prestigious award, and his ex-boyfriend—a player in the league as well—left him for another man. So yeah, a season of ups and downs. Now he's faced with attending an awards ceremony in West Palm Beach alone, something that would put a damper on what should be a joyous occasion. He's about to cancel the trip when his PA whispers in his ear the name of an exclusive agency that can provide the superstar with a tasteful companion for the weekend. Dreading the thought of showing up stag when his ex has his new man on his arm, Paul contacts Elite Connections for a discreet date. His match is a man who turns his structured world on its ear in all the best ways possible. Roth Morrison needs cash. Like yesterday. The young sewist has just lost his job as a barista at a coffee shop in his sleepy New Hampshire neighborhood. No job means no rent being paid, no food in the fridge he shares with four other struggling college grads, and no material to create more outfits. His online shop is struggling despite the accolades from people who have purchased his quirky matching outfits for them and their pets. Knowing his options are limited—and the rent is due in two weeks—Roth gives in and applies for a position at Elite. To his amazement, he's quickly matched to some jock seeking a date. The payment and destination are enough to have him packing his tiny swimsuit and matching beach hat before he can reply to the email properly. Roth's not at all prepared for his date for this testosterone-fueled weekend to be so tall, so handsome, and so utterly charming. Darts and Dashers is an age gap, low angst, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine M/M romance with a rather set in his ways hockey player, a bubbly pet modiste, a weekend filled with luxurious settings, copious amounts of smiles and sunscreen, incredibly bright beachwear, and a perfectly fitted happy ending. *This novella was previously published in the Elite Connections Charity Anthology*