Today I am so pleased to welcome Lane Hayes to Joyfully Jay. Lane has come to share an exclusive excerpt from her latest release, The Wrong Man. She has also brought along a great giveaway. Please join me in giving Lane a big welcome!

 

Excerpt

“You know what I always loved?”

His use of past tense made me wary. I swallowed hard and made an “hmm” noise, indicating he should continue while hoping he wasn’t going to say something to kill the mood.

“Your skin.”

“My skin?”

“Yeah, it’s a perfect blend of light and dark.” He chuckled to himself. “Sorry, that sounded stupid. I don’t do compliments well.”

I pursed my lips together and made a funny face. “I didn’t mind your compliment at all. You said ‘perfect’ and after that, it got fuzzy. I heard what I wanted. Enough said.”

Jake laughed and kissed my mouth in an impulsive move that made me want to respond by throwing my body over his and grinding into him like a pole dancer.

“What I really like is the way you look against me. The contrast, light and dark.”

“I know what you mean. I used to think the same thing when we were teenagers. I still see it. I didn’t want to, but I can’t help looking at you now and wondering about the ways you’ve changed physically over time. I hate admitting it ’cause you know I’m not one for reminiscing. It’s almost unbelievable in a way to be here with you. If anyone would have told me you’d be naked in my bed a few months ago….”

I let my words linger. He didn’t need to know I would have considered the idea a horrible nightmare. I had a feeling he understood anyway.

“My memory for detail isn’t as good as yours. I remember things like your eyes, your skin, your laugh, and the way you moved. And your sassy mouth.” He made a comical face before continuing. “But other than to know you’ve matured and are sexier than ever….” He waited for a heartbeat as if making sure I was okay with his compliment this time.

“Yes, that’s nicely put, Mr. Westley.”

He grinned and traced my lower lip with his thumb. “I can’t remember anything else.”

I licked his thumb and then bit it playfully. “That’s all right. I remember. Sometimes I think my memory is too long. I’m afraid of it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I cling to memories. I don’t set anything free. I’m extraordinarily detailed in every part of my life. Sometimes it’s a blessing, like with my work. My eye for color, proportion, rhythm… it makes me a better designer. But in my personal life? It makes me neurotic. It’s why I don’t like thinking about the past.”

“Let’s make a pact not to talk about our past, our high school years, anymore. There’s no point. Twelve years have gone by, and we’re different people now because of those years. What do you say?”

“Just let it go?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

We shared a smile as we stared at each other across our pillows with our hands clasped. I had a good feeling about this. About us. Maybe we really could move forward without fear of the past dragging us down if we were both on the same page. It wouldn’t be easy, but yes, I would let go.

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Blurb

Lane Hayes - The Wrong ManSuccessful owner of an upscale boutique in fabulous West Hollywood, Brandon Good swears by his personal edict to “live in the present.” After a bad break-up, he agrees to dog sit to keep his mind off his ex. Never did he expect the dog to belong a man from his past, the only man to ever truly break his heart.

When Jake Westley relocates to join the WeHo fire department, the last thing he anticipates is reuniting with his secret high school love. Thrilled with the prospect of reconnecting with Bran, Jake feels no guilt in using his charming old dog as an unwitting matchmaker. As they rekindle their friendship, it becomes clear the intense attraction they once felt is stronger than ever. But as hard as they try to leave the past behind, painful memories resurface. Bran will have to confront his fears and consider the possibility that the man he swore was absolutely the wrong one might be perfect after all.


Bio

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to a well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles both be men! Lane discovered the M/M genre a fews ago and was instantly hooked. Her first novel was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards and her third received an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Rainbow Awards. She loves travel, chocolate, and wine (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and the coolest yellow lab ever in an almost empty nest.


Giveaway

Lane has brought a $10 gift card to give away to one lucky reader. Just follow the Rafflectopter link below to enter. 

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