Broken by Dawn Kimberly Johnson

Author:Dawn Kimberly Johnson
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: M/M Contemporary, Source: Amazon
ISBN: 9781615810871
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2009-11-02T00:00:00+00:00

“SUGAR, when are you and Alec going out again?”

“Out?”

“Like three weeks ago when you went to Soho,” Ilsa said. “You couldn’t have seen it all in one day.”

“I don’t know. He hasn’t asked again,” Eli said.

He sat at the kitchen table watching her cook. He’d been doing that a lot lately, trying to fill his day. Lyle was working more, Tony was painting in the basement and couldn’t be bothered, and Alec was job hunting. Eli had thought about picking up a few more clients. He’d posted a call for them on several university bulletin boards but hadn’t gotten any nibbles yet.

“You might suggest it.”

“He might get the wrong impression,” Eli said.

Ilsa stopped stirring her stew and looked at him.

“It won’t be the wrong impression. He’ll get the idea that you like him, and you do,” she said. He didn’t respond to her evaluation. “I thought something weird was going on between you two.” She shook her head as she stirred seasons into the pot.

“Not weird; it’s just been a bit awkward, but we’re already past it. We’re fine.”

He was trying to convince himself more than Ilsa. They weren’t fine. Last month, when he’d woken up on one end of the sofa and seen Alec on the other, he had to smile. He’d sat there for a long time watching Alec sleep. However, when his thoughts strayed to that clinch and kiss Alec had laid on him, Eli fled to his room, pausing only to cover his friend with the blanket. He is my friend… that’s enough… better not to think about it.

Unfortunately, that’s all he was thinking about: how good Alec had felt pressed against him and how badly he wanted more. He’d thought about waking Alec with a kiss that night. He’d thought about running his fingers through that thick mop of black hair again, but he had suppressed those feelings and was sticking by his decision.

It simply wouldn’t work. Eli wasn’t one for casual sex, and he didn’t believe he could offer Alec anything beyond that. He remembered what he’d said: “I’m broken.” What he had failed to mention was, “I’m scared.”

There was a ruckus at the front door as Alec entered.

“Thanks, Mira! I’ll see you when you get back!” he shouted. “Be safe!”

Eli remained seated as Ilsa checked and removed her bread from the oven. He was determined to show her that they were more than comfortable with each other.

“Mmm, what smells so good?” Alec asked as he entered the kitchen.

“Beef stew and homemade bread,” Eli answered. Alec smiled at him, and he returned it. Ilsa ran the tip of a stick of butter across the top of her loaf as she watched the two of them.

“Dinner’s ready when you are, Alec,” she said.

“Okay.”

“Busy day job hunting?” Eli asked.

“Not really. I was out shopping with Mira. I’m still waiting to hear on the university position.” Alec reached over the counter to pinch a bit off the hot bread, but Ilsa slapped his hand. Eli smiled as he sipped his coffee.

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