Pete and Chris live and work in Chicago's Boystown, a gay community where pride and same-sex love is a way of life. Aiming to boost his career at his uncle's tattoo shop, Pete enters the ink he's doing on muscleman Chris into a local contest. However, to bare his body for the crowd, Chris wants a chance at more than friendship with the sexy artist. At minimum, Chris demands a real date - and hopes he'll get dessert.
Pete doesn't mix business with pleasure. His rules are clear but Chris is out to break every single one and win Pete's heart and body. The sex and ink are hot but Pete knows it'll catch up to him. However, since he's doing the work for free, that means Chris isn't really a customer anymore...
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An Excerpt From: LOVE THOSE BROAD SHOULDERS
Copyright © CHERYL DRAGON, 2011
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
Chris walked into the men’s room. Part of his job really, once the men stopped pouring in another bouncer took over and Chris worked the crowd and made sure the bathrooms weren’t an orgy. Ernie’s was a mixed club, straights were welcome and things couldn’t get out of hand.
Watching Pete splash water on his face was just a perk Chris couldn’t ignore. “You okay? I know you don’t love the club scene.”
“Fine, it just got hot out there.” Pete sighed.
Without hiding it, Chris checked out Pete. The jeans with ink residue, the white T-shirt that showed off his muscles Pete downplayed. Not as bulky as Chris, but that’s what Chris liked. Pete had a shy quality that most people didn’t see. He could be personable and fun in his tattoo shop, but in quiet moments, Chris got to see the deeper man, filled with conflict.
“I am hot without my shirt but I didn’t think I had that effect on you.” Chris stood behind Pete and made sure they were alone.
“Don’t start, Chris. Carlos was being his usual self. That’s all.” Pete straightened up and turned around. “I should go home.”
“No, don’t go because of me. Dance with the guys.”
“I can’t dance. I’m terrible.”
Chris had to agree with that assessment but that was just another endearing quality Chris loved about Pete. “No one is watching out there.”
“Right, every guy out there is guy watching.” Pete tried to leave.
Chris blocked his path. “I know, but you’re supposed to dance like you don’t care what you look like. Get the stress out.”
“That’s better done alone. Besides, I have early ink to do tomorrow. I don’t want to be sleep deprived.” Pete stuffed his hands in his pockets.
“I know. Uncle Teddy has a lot of rules. I’m not trying to mess up your goals.” Chris liked that Pete had aspirations and talent. Working in the club scene did make things blurry at times and Pete had family and support that helped keep him stay on track.
“I appreciate that. I know there is a strong chemistry between us. But it might not work. We’d ruin a friendship and…” Pete trailed off.
“You’d lose a customer.” Chris smiled.
“I don’t care about that. It’s not about the money, it’s about the ethics. You’re not going to get a body full of ink. I like that about you. The pieces are special. But if you use the customers like a dating service… I can’t be that guy. I want to be here long term. I want artists and customers to respect me, not talk about who I’ve screwed.” Pete’s deep brown eyes darted behind his stylish glasses.
Chris wanted to hold Pete, hug and then grope him. There was no doubt in Chris’ mind they could make each other feel better. Just running his hands through Pete’s spiky short brown hair would take the edge off the need. “You could always be a monk or something. Or find a guy who never wants one single tattoo.”
“When I’m ready to settle down, whatever that means, it’ll work out. I have to prove I can take over the shop. My uncle’s offer to make me a partner is a big chance. I don’t have a ton of cash so I have to earn my way in.”
Moving in closer, Chris nodded. “I get it and I won’t mess it up for you. I came in here because I wanted you to know the truth. I want that ink. You designed it just for me. I love the skyline and it’s not something I’ll regret. I’ve heard all your tattoo lectures about commitment and placement. As long as I have a shirt on, it won’t show. And it’s not like I’m going to be applying for jobs downtown anyway. And I’m not doing it just to be close to you. So don’t let it all go to your head.”
Pete nodded. “I know. It’ll be a great piece.”
The hesitation still flowed off Pete like bad cologne. Chris was close enough to know Pete smelled wonderful but this tattoo meant a lot of time. All the others Chris had done were less than two hours. He had to give Pete an out.
Clearing his throat, Chris shrugged. “I could always have Carlos do it. The drawing is done. He can run it through that machine and just follow the lines. Would that make it better?”
“No!” Pete blurted. “Carlos will take twice as long so he can grope you and you’ll pay double. Uncle Teddy watches me closer because I’m family.”
Chris let the hope fester in him but baited Pete more. “Uncle Teddy then. He’s got more experience.”
“No, that’s my work. No one is doing it but me!” Pete stepped into Chris and they were inches from kissing or fighting. But Chris could never hurt Pete. That’s why he’d waited so long and been patient about it. They had to get the playing out of their system.
Either way worked for Chris. “Okay, you can have your hands all over me for hours and hours. But don’t say I didn’t offer to let you out of it.”
“It’s style too. My art isn’t some print-out piece of crap anyone can do. Carlos and Teddy are good but they’re different. They wouldn’t do it the same way.” Pete lifted Chris’ sleeve and revealed the band. “I’ve done all your ink.”
The note of possession in Pete’s voice only encouraged Chris. “So it’d be like I’m cheating on you? I’d never do that if you want me.”
Pete started to step away but Chris couldn’t let him. Not this time. Grabbing Pete by his hard upper arms, Chris pulled him in. No time for protest or distraction, he kissed Pete softly. Pete leaned in and his hands pressed to Chris’ chest.
It’d get deep and sexual, if Chris let it. But he didn’t, he kept it gentle. His body raged to press against Pete and take him. If it was just the sex, they’d have gotten this out of their systems years ago. Chris needed more out of this.
Pete’s tongue searched for more and Chris gave him just enough. Nipping Pete’s lower lip, Chris eased his hand up Pete’s shoulder and into that hair. When Pete moved closer, Chris inhaled and got in one last kiss before stepping back. It took all his control but it wasn’t happening like this.
“Damn it, Chris,” Pete said.
“I just wanted to get it out of my system before your hands are all over me tomorrow.” He nudged Pete’s glasses up his nose. “Looks like we fogged up your lenses. Wouldn’t want that to happen with the needle in my back would we?”
“No, I already know you’re a bleeder.” Pete walked toward the door. “If you’re so horny, go play with the guys here. They’re great for flirting and randomly making out. I have to get that tattoo ready. See you tomorrow.”
Chris smiled and watched Pete leave. There was nothing random about what Chris wanted. It was a risky move, he’d thought about that first kiss so many times. But it was worth it. He just hoped it lingered with Pete as much as it would haunt Chris’ mind tonight.
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