Title: Leaning Into a Wish
Series: Leaning Into #5
Author: Lane Hayes
Publisher: Lane Hayes
Release Date: November 22
Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 35000
Genre: Romance, Holiday, Bisexual, Humor, Winery, Working Relationship
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Synopsis
Ryan Haskell loves everything about the wine business. He's fortunate to work at one of the most prestigious wineries in Napa Valley doing something he enjoys with the people who are like family to him. But he could do without the good-natured intern slash former jock with the wicked grin who always seems to be in the way. Ryan isn’t sure why the new guy is under his skin when everyone else loves him. Thankfully he'll be gone after the holidays.Danny Meyers can’t believe his luck when he lands an internship at Conrad Winery. It’s the perfect temporary gig to wrap up his graduate studies. He's left his dreams of tennis stardom on the court to focus on a new career and a new life. However, he didn't count on the spark of attraction he feels for his prickly co-worker. When their tentative friendship blossoms into something more than either man counted on, they may have to change direction and lean into a holiday wish.
Excerpt
A vacuum-like static rang in my ears. It
wasn’t until Danny nudged my arm that the typical raucous bar noises filtered
through again. And when he scooted his barstool back a foot or two and raised
his hand to flag down a server, everything seemed to return to normal. Sort of.
“Gin and tonic for my friend and I’ll
have another martini, please. Thanks.” Danny tipped back the last of his drink
then handed it over before twisting to face me. “So other than being out
twenty-five bucks and possibly having an awkward conversation at work on
Monday, that didn’t go so bad.”
“I—I don’t get it. What just happened?”
“We agreed to let Geordie win the bet,
remember?”
“Sure, but how did I get stuck here with
you?”
Danny snorted. “We’ve already
established that you like me. Stop being an uptight fuddy-duddy.”
“A fuddy—? You’re…” I gritted my teeth
and tried to think of a stinging insult to fit the situation. “Annoying.”
Lame. And the “That’s the best you’ve
got?” twinkle in Danny’s eye told me he agreed with me. I was about to let him
have it when the waiter stopped to deliver our drinks. When we were alone
again, I leaned into him and kicked his shin for good measure.
“Ow. Relax, Ry. I still want to kiss
you, you know.” He popped the speared olive from his martini into his mouth.
“With tongue.”
“You’re reading way too much into a
stick of spearmint gum, honey. Don’t flatter yourself. It was a joke,” I huffed
derisively.
“It doesn’t have to be.”
“Are you fucking nuts? I’m not kissing
you,” I announced primly.
“You want to though. Admit it,” he teased.
I blew out an exaggerated breath, sucked
down half my cocktail, and slid off my barstool. “I’m outta here. See you
Monday.”
Danny grabbed my belt loop and yanked me
to his side. “You didn’t let me finish. I was about to say…”
“Yes?” I prompted with a rolling hand
gesture.
“I want it too.”
We stared at each other for a heated
moment. I had no clue what he was thinking, but it seemed weird to ask for
clarification. When the growing tension went on a beat too long, I wanted out.
“See ya, Danny boy.”
I pushed my way through the crowd and
gulped for air when I finally reached the sidewalk. I didn’t dare stop to enjoy
the refreshing autumn breeze. If I wanted to avoid any further confrontation, I
had to boogie. Danny was the type of guy who liked having the last word, and
that wasn’t happening on my watch. I fished my keys from my pocket and
power-walked toward the parking lot behind the bar.
“Ryan!”
I ignored him and picked up my pace. I
spotted my car and clicked my fob to unlock the door. Danny called my name
again. I could tell from the sound of his footsteps behind me that he was
closing in quickly. I had to hurry or—
Too late. A hand on my elbow yanked me
sideways.
“What the fuck is your problem?” I
fumed, pushing his chest to no avail.
He moved into my space until his nose
was less than an inch from mine. He was too big and imposing, and the look in
his eyes was straight-up dangerous.
My dick twitched in my jeans. Of course
it did. I had a bad habit of coveting what I couldn’t have and getting turned
on by the chase. My past was littered with embarrassing short-term affairs or
crushes on guys like Wes and Finn. Men I admired but never had a real shot
with. I didn’t want to add Danny to that list because against my better
judgment…I liked him. Really liked him.
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Meet the Author
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 well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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