Author: Andrew Grey
Series: Senses Series
Genre: M/M,
Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Press
Release Date: Mar 18 2016
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
Blurb/Synopsis:
Artist Arik Bosler is terrified he might have lost his
creative gift in the accident that left his hand badly burned. When he’s
offered the chance to work with renowned artist Ken Brighton after winning a
contest, Arik fears his injury will be too much to overcome.
He reluctantly travels to Pleasanton to meet Ken, where he
runs into the intimidating Reg Thompson. Reg, a biker who customizes
motorcycles, is a big man with a heart of gold who was rejected by most of his
family. Arik is initially afraid of Reg because of his size, however it’s his
heart that warms Arik’s interest and gets him to look past the exterior to let
down his guard.
But Arik soon realizes that certain members of Reg’s
motorcycle club are into things he can’t have any part of. Reg can’t understand
why Arik disappears until he learns Arik’s injury was the result of his
father’s drug activity. Though neither Reg nor Arik wants anything to do with
drugs, the new leadership of Reg’s club might have other ideas.
“Let’s take a break,” Connor called after the saw whined
down once again.
“Good idea,” Reg agreed. Patrick nodded and grabbed a bottle
of water, then left the room. Reg followed him with his gaze, waiting until
he’d left to ask, “What’s with that kid who’s staying with them?”
Connor shrugged. “I just met him, but I saw the way he
acted.”
“Like he wanted to crawl inside a wall to get away from me.
He stopped at the station for gas, and I expected him to make a run for it any
second, acting like a scared rabbit.” Reg grabbed two bottles of water from the
cooler and handed one to Connor.
“Did you see his hand?” Connor asked. “Maybe that has
something to do with it. Those burns aren’t that old.” Connor grinned. “And
let’s face it, you don’t project love and happiness, or have little bluebirds
landing on your fingers.”
“Fuck no, I’m not a princess,” he growled and then sighed.
“But that kid is cute as a button.” Reg knew it would be best if he put Arik
out of his mind. The guy was scared as hell of him.
“Yeah, the growliness is the perfect way to keep the kid
from running for the hills.”
Reg did it again. “I am who I am. Never claimed or tried to
be anything but.” If he was big and strong, then no one messed with him and
that was just fine. He’d taken more than his share of shit in his life, and he
was done with that. “I’m going to hit the head. I’ll be back in a few, and we
can finish this project.” He checked his watch. He had to be back at the gas
station by six, but that should leave plenty of time to get this project done.
Reg knew the way. He went to the restroom off the entrance,
waving to Claire, who was sitting behind the desk, as he passed. She was a
biker chick at heart, and when he stopped by, they usually talked Harleys for a
few minutes. He pushed the restroom door open and went inside. After taking
care of business, he washed his hands and pulled the door open. Childish
laughter rang through the hall. Reg glanced at Claire, who pointed to the
activity room. More laughter followed, and Reg followed the sound. He peeked
into the room.
“Mr. Reg!” Bobbie Jo raced over to him. “I heard you
working.” She imitated the saw. “I didn’t bother you because that’s going to be
my room when you’re all done.” She grinned, showing her missing front teeth. He
lifted her into his arms and watched as Arik turned toward him and then quickly
looked away again. “He’s showing us how to draw a bunny.” She pointed to a
paper on the table, all smiles and unbridled energy.
“That’s great, sweetheart,” Reg said, carrying her back to her
place.
“He has a hurty hand like me. See?” she said, pointing to
Arik and then lifting her own right hand.
“Does it hurt today?” Reg knew she sometimes dealt with a
lot of pain, particularly after the surgeries or when she was having a growth
spurt.
“Nope.” She smiled and wriggled her thumb and the next two
fingers. That alone was a miracle and a half, as far as Reg was concerned.
Bobbie Jo’s little fingers hadn’t grown right and ended up twisted and curled.
She’d had surgery on three of her fingers to correct it, and there were still
two to go.
“That’s good, honey,” he said, setting her back in her chair
and handing her the pencil.
“I’ll drawed a bunny for you,” she said and looked to Arik.
“Would you tell me again?”
“Sure,” Arik said gently, but Reg felt his gaze on him and
saw the fear and nervousness in his eyes.
Reg thought about leaving the room, but that would upset
Bobbie Jo, so he knelt on the floor next to her to seem less threatening… he
hoped.
“First you draw the face,” Arik said, going slowly as he
demonstrated, letting the others keep up. “Then the ears.” He drew the first
one. As he made the second ear, the pencil dropped from his hand, rolling along
the table and onto the floor in front of Reg. He picked it up and held it out
to Arik, who looked at it as though it were on fire. Then Arik slowly reached
for it, gently taking it from Reg’s fingers. “Thank you.”
Reg nodded, and Arik continued with the lesson. “That’s so
good.”
Bobbie Jo’s tongue stuck out slightly as she concentrated,
making the shapes Arik showed her. It didn’t look as fluid as his, but Bobbie
Jo was obviously pleased as punch as she added the whiskers.
