Title: Taming the Beast
Author: Andrew Grey
Series: Standalone
Genre: M/M
Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Press
Release Date: Oct 13 2017
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
Blurb/Synopsis:
The suspicious death of Dante Bartholomew’s wife changed
him, especially in the eyes of the residents of St. Giles. They no longer see a
successful businessman… only a monster they believe was involved. Dante’s
horrific reputation eclipses the truth to the point that he sees no choice but
to isolate himself and his heart.
The plan backfires when he meets counselor Beau Clarity and
the children he works with. Beau and the kids see beyond the beastly reputation
to the beautiful soul inside Dante, and Dante’s cold heart begins to thaw as
they slip past his defenses. The warmth and hope Beau brings to Dante’s life
helps him see his entire existence—his trials and sorrows—in a brighter light.
But Dante’s secrets could rip happiness from their grasp…
especially since someone isn’t above hurting those Dante has grown to love in
order to bring him down.
Dante turned back to Bobby. “Do you know what we’re going to
have for dinner?”
“Roast beef and potatoes and beans.” Bobby made a face. “I
don’t like beans.”
“Bobby,” Beau said gently.
“Why not? They’re good, and they make you grow up big and
strong. My mom always made me eat my green beans, and look at me.” He sat up
straight, and Bobby’s eyes widened.
“These are green and yellow beans together,” Beau clarified.
“Even better. The yellow ones make you smarter. I really
like those. And it’s good to be smart.” Dante nudged Bobby. “I’ll make a deal
with you. If you eat all your beans, then after dinner, I’ll see if they have
any ice cream for dessert.”
Bobby shook his head. “There’s cake.” He pushed out his
lower lip. “I can’t have cake. It has gluten in it.” He turned away, his little
shoulders drooping.
“I see.” Dante pulled out his phone and made a very quick
call to Harriet at the house, then began to eat. When he was done with his
starter, his salad was placed in front of him, and he ate it slowly. As he
finished, the lady from the other couple, who had been quiet so far, asked him
about what the Foundation did. “It’s to better the people and community of St.
Giles and Maryland in general, though we localize our work to the Eastern Shore.
We take proposals from anyone and evaluate them for community impact and need.”
“Do you get anything out of it?” she asked.
“I own the porcelain works, and half the profits go into the
Foundation. We invest the money and then arrange to distribute the earnings
through our projects. The principal is never touched, and so far it has grown
each year through contributions.” Dante finished his salad and glanced at
Bobby, who was carefully eating one piece of lettuce at a time.
“I’m Clyde Harrison, and this is my wife, Jean. I’m a
second-shift foreman at the porcelain works.” He reached across the table to
shake hands, and Jean did the same. They both seemed nervous, like if they said
one wrong thing, Dante would fire him.
“It’s nice to meet you, Jean.” He turned to Clyde. “I’ve
seen you at the plant.” He thought for a second. “You were the one who came up
with the idea to reroute the laboratory-ware line last year. That was a great
idea, and it’ll be done next month. We figure it will save us quite a bit.” Dante
had already arranged a bonus for him, but he’d let that work through the
channels.
The conversation died, and Dante turned to Bobby, who had
eaten about half his salad and seemed to be finished. “Are you done?” Dante
asked him, and Bobby nodded. The servers collected their plates and brought the
dinners.
“Do I have to eat all this?” Bobby whispered. “Mama says I
have to clean my plate and not waste food.” He looked at him and then at Beau.
“Just eat what you want and have some of the beans.” Dante
winked, and Bobby took a bite of the beans and ate a few before starting on the
rest. Beau helped Bobby cut his meat, and then the kid ate like a trooper. “Is
it good?” Dante asked.
Bobby grinned, nodded, and went back to eating. Dante took a
few bites and ate a little of the roast beef. It was okay. The potatoes weren’t
exceptional. He ate the vegetables and enough of the rest to make his hunger
abate and then waited for his plate to be cleared.
As the conversation in the room increased while the courses
were changed, Dante excused himself and left the room. Roberts stood waiting
for him. “Harriet added some ice to make sure this stayed cold.”
“Thank you.” Dante took the small cooler bag and carried it
back into the banquet room. Pieces of cake had been distributed, with one
sitting in front of each place, including Bobby’s, taunting the poor kid. Dante
moved the cake aside and opened the bag. Dante took out a bowl of Harriet’s
homemade chocolate ice cream and set it at Bobby’s place. “Guaranteed
gluten-free.”
“Thank you!” Bobby said and began to eat like he hadn’t just
had dinner.
