Page 1 of Off Limits

Prologue

Gavin

I studied my reflection in the mirror once more, making sure my hair and outfit were perfect. I wanted to make the best first impression possible. It had been nearly four years since I last saw Richmond Holt, though not a day went by that I didn’t think of him.

He was the main reason I discovered my sexuality. At first, I wrote off my attraction to him as just being drawn to his charm, charisma, and humor. But it didn’t take long to recognize it was so much more than that. The moment I realized I was gay was the same moment I knew I was in love with Richmond. I pined over him for years, but never told him my secret.

For one, Richmond was my best friend Wade's dad. I did accidentally spill the beans to Wade one drunken night. After his initial shock, a hefty dose of confusion, and then a shit load of teasing, he accepted my feelings. He appreciated my honesty, and I was grateful I didn’t push him away with my admission. His friendship meant everything to me.

After he came to terms with everything, Wade had encouraged me on more than one occasion to tell his dad how I felt, but fear of rejection kept me from doing so. Most of my life, I’d been a scrawny, awkward nerd who had zero game when it came to men. I knew I’d never be good enough for Richmond until I became good enough for myself. I had to grow up and make some changes, so that’s exactly what I did.

Wade and I went off to college together four years ago. We shared a dorm room as we studied, partied, and learned as much about ourselves as our upcoming careers. Though Wade regularly went home on holiday breaks, I stayed on campus, keeping my distance from Richmond.

That didn’t keep me from asking about him; I drove Wade crazy with all of my questions. I mourned every time I heard Richmond was in a relationship, and celebrated his single days. All the while, I was working hard in school, making good grades, and eventually earning my degree in marketing with a minor in business.

But it wasn’t just my mind I was improving. I hit the gym daily, lifting and sweating until my body changed from weak and noodly to a tight, toned machine. Once I was comfortable in my skin and my confidence rose, I began to experiment.

The only experience I’d had up until that point were raging fantasies of Richmond, which usually culminated in wet dreams and sad longing the morning after. I wanted more. Granted, I wanted it with Richmond, but that wasn’t an option. And if it were to ever become an option, I wanted to be ready for him.

So, I had my fill of one night stands with guys who were just looking for a bit of fun. I learned tips and tricks while staying safe and never forming connections. Now I stood confident and ready for my future. I could only hope Richmond would be a part of it.

I nodded at my reflection and headed towards the kitchen to start on dinner. My stomach was tied in anxious knots. My years-long wait was over. I was finally going to see Richmond Holt again. I just hoped he finally saw me.

Chapter One

Richmond

I knocked on my son Wade’s front door, looking forward to seeing him, as well as his place. It had been a couple of months since I last saw the home, when I signed the rental agreement.

Wade had just graduated from college, and I wanted to give him a place to stay which was close to my home…without inviting him back into my home. I loved him dearly, but it was time for him to stand on his own two feet.

I was happy to help him by covering the cost of the apartment. It had been my idea, actually. I’d made a great life for myself, working hard over the years to climb the corporate ladder. I wanted to share my good fortune with my only son, while relieving his stress and giving him the best start at adult life.

Plus, I knew that once he found steady work, Wade would take over the rent payments. I just hoped he found a job he enjoyed, and was qualified for. Unfortunately, he didn’t follow in my footsteps in financial analytics, instead pursuing an art degree. There was nothing wrong with art, of course, but I knew nothing about it, or how to help him with his career path. But I could help him financially until he found his own way in life.

I wasn’t the only one looking after Wade. Gavin, his best friend since grade school, was going to be living with him. They’d been inseparable for years, even living as roommates as they attended college together.

I hadn’t seen much of Gavin lately, but I knew him very well. I think he spent just as much time at my home throughout the boys’ grade school and high school years as he spent at his own place. He had a rocky home life growing up, and I was pleased I could provide a space where he felt safe.

Even though Gavin had been through a lot, he was a great kid with a good head on his shoulders. He was smart and grounded, and I hoped those attributes would rub off onto my somewhat flighty son. Granted, they hadn’t yet, even through a decade of friendship and four years at college, but I could still dream.

The door opened and I smiled widely at Wade. It was like looking at a younger version of myself; we were both tall with broad necks and shoulders, but my frame was more padded than his. My graying hair was thinner than his dark, curly locks, but we had matching slate gray eyes, and the same long, slim nose. We even trimmed our facial hair the same way, though his short beard was dark brown while mine was salt and pepper.

“Hey Dad,” he greeted as he pulled me into a back-slapping hug.

“Hey. Are you getting settled in okay?” Unfortunately, I'd been tied up with work and didn't have a chance to help him move in, but I hired a company to help the process go smoothly.

“Yep, the place is all done. Check it out.” Wade ushered me inside and closed the door behind us.

My jaw dropped in shock as I looked around the living room. I expected to see piles of boxes, which I came prepared to help unpack. But instead, the house was totally put together. The furniture was neatly arranged, stylish rugs lay on the floor, and nice decor speckled shelves and the walls.

“I’m impressed. I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting it to be this put together.”

“It was all Gavin,” Wade replied with a shrug. “He’s been busting his ass the past couple of days to get everything set up.”

That made more sense; if it had been left up to Wade, things would be left in piled boxes. But I wasn’t surprised that Gavin took care of things. He’d always been a responsible kid. At any rate, not having to unpack would give us more time to catch up.

“What would you like to do for dinner?” I asked, pulling my phone from my pocket, assuming he’d want to order something.

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