The Stranger — Alex Jace

Jem suffers from intense anxiety -- he can keep his fears under control as long as he stays on familiar territory. Then Carlton walks into the bookstore where Jem works. Carlton is dangerously handsome, irresistibly charming and hell-bent on getting Jem into bed. Best of all, he makes Jem feel safe. If Jem can take a risk on this unpredictable stranger, the rewards could be spectacular.

5600-word MM erotic romance. First in a series.

Excerpt from THE STRANGER:

The stars were gorgeous, the glow of the city outlining the soft curves of the land around them. Climbing roses dipped their heads over the archway, shedding petals below.

“Carlton?” His voice came out tight. He was scared and excited both at once, a heat that shivered through him, as though he had been drinking too much.

Carlton turned toward him, one hand finding his side to pull him closer. Carlton dipped his head so that only a few inches separated them. His eyes were dark beneath lowered lashes. “Yes?”

“I -- ” Jem could barely hold back the urge to talk, to tell him how grateful he was for tonight, how much he liked him. The words piled up and he couldn't speak.

Carlton lifted a hand, tipped up his face so that Jem caught his breath, fingertips against his cheek, his throat. Jem felt more alive than ever before. Every breath was catching in his throat. “May I?” Carlton murmured.

“Yes,” Jem whispered.

Carlton finally closed the gap. His mouth found his gently at first, a feather light brush of his lips, then again. That slight touch ignited a burst of heat and Jem stretched up to him without thinking, arms coming up around his neck, mouth opening under his. Carlton's fingers curved over the back of his neck to keep him in place and Carlton kissed him again, still keeping it gentle, while Jem leaned into him helplessly, clinging even, breathless, his hands fisting in Carlton's sweater. He was on fire, his heart skipping, his pulse fluttering, and as Carlton's hand found the small of his back to drag him closer Jem heard himself whimper, a small sound of desperation. That seemed to be giving the right signal, because the kiss turned hungry, setting him ablaze. Carlton dragged harder, crushing him against his body, burning hot where they touched.

Jem was suddenly struck by the delicious strength of his body against his, the strength of his muscles. His hands were at the back of Carlton's neck and Jem opened them, smoothing his palms over those strong shoulders, exploring the planes of the muscles beneath. He could feel Carlton's rapid heartbeat against his, feel the catch in his breath when Jem pressed harder against him.

A car engine rumbled nearby. They broke apart, breathless, startled by the reminder that they were in public. Jem lifted a hand stupidly to touch his lips; they were tingling. He burned and smouldered with desire. All he could think of was dragging Carlton back and kissing him again.

Carlton was intent on him, his eyes such a dark grey now. He didn't ask permission this time. He took Jem hard by the front of his shirt and dragged him further into the shadows of the garden. In one dark corner he pushed Jem up against a trellis. Jem hit the wooden frame and gasped, petals and leaves falling around him, catching in his hair. The second he was against the trellis Carlton was on him, pinning him with the weight of his body, a hand in his hair to keep him at the exact right angle as Carlton kissed him. Jem couldn't breathe, couldn't think, Carlton was so hot against him, so hard and demanding. Jem couldn't survive a single moment longer without getting his hands on him. He fumbled with Carlton's sweater, his shirt, finally managing to get underneath it. Carlton drew a sharp breath as Jem discovered the heat of his bare skin. His muscles contracted deliciously beneath Jem's exploring fingers.