The Broken Road Read online

  Table of Contents

  Legal Page

  Title Page

  Book Description

  Dedication

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Epilogue

  New Excerpt

  About the Author

  Publisher Page

  A Totally Bound Publication

  The Broken Road

  ISBN # 978-1-78430-117-0

  ©Copyright Anna Lee 2014

  Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright July 2014

  Edited by Sue Meadows

  Totally Bound Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

  Warning:

  This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Simmering and a Sexometer of 1.

  THE BROKEN ROAD

  Anna Lee

  Confined to a wheelchair, Kason Tyler feels invisible, but Ryen Moore wants to show him what real love is all about.

  Nearly a year and half ago, Kason Tyler’s life was turned upside down when a drunk driver hit his car. To make matters worse, Kason’s boyfriend Blake walked out on him while he was recovering. Now, confined to a wheelchair and insecure, Kason is afraid he’ll never find someone to see past it. Then he meets Ryen Moore in his coffee shop. Falling head over heels for Ryen is easy. When Blake keeps reappearing like a bad penny and tries to steal their happiness away, Kason puts his trust in Ryen and realizes that his broken road has led him to love.

  Dedication

  To my dear friend, Vicci.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Audi: Audi AG Corporation

  Beauty and the Beast: Disney Enterprises, Inc

  Brave: Disney Enterprises, Inc.

  Chevy: General Motors LLC

  Corona: Cervecería Modelo, SA

  Criminal Minds: CBS Studios, Inc.

  CSI: CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

  Disney World: Disney Enterprises, Inc.

  Hot Wheels: Mattel, Inc.

  Marines: US Marine Corps, a component of the US Department of the Navy

  Masterchef: Reveille Independent, LLC

  Mets: Sterling Mets LP

  Navy SEAL: Department of the Navy

  Netflix: Netflix, Inc.

  Ralph Lauren: PRL USA Holdings, Inc

  Tweets: Twitter Inc.

  Skype: Skype Corporation

  Super Bowl: National Football League

  Superman: DC Comics

  World Series: Office of the Commissioner of Baseball

  Glock: Glock Inc.

  Chapter One

  Kason knew he was going to have to stop this before he was caught. Going to The Daily Grind every morning for the past week and staying for hours on end had to have been noticed by the staff and the owner, Ryen Moore. Ryen was his problem—or maybe not a problem per se, but his reason for sticking around. He’d met Ryen after coming into the coffee shop on a whim to wait for his sister, Lexie, and had felt an instant attraction to him. Ryen was his type, and perfect, from what he’d learned while sitting there pretending to drink the coffee he normally avoided because it made him jittery.

  Handsome and charming, Ryen had coffee-brown eyes and a mop of black hair that flopped adorably over them, causing him to brush it back whenever he was irritated. Today he was wearing a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and faded blue jeans. He was tall and strong, with muscular forearms that made Kason think of how easily Ryen could make him forget all about his problems for a while.

  “How’s the blueberry muffin today?”

  “Oh, um, it was…really good…” Kason passed Ryen the plate with the remaining crumbs.

  “Good. Need anything?” Ryen often talked to him about everyday things—the weather, the coffee, interests they shared—but nothing too personal, as if he was hesitant or maybe just bothered by Kason practically stalking him here.

  Kason could think of a few things he wanted from Ryen. He didn’t have the courage to ask if he would sit and talk over coffee. Besides, Ryen wouldn’t be interested. No one was anymore.

  “No, thanks.” He forced a smile.

  Ryen seemed concerned, but then another customer gestured for him and he had to leave. With a sigh, Kason stared at his laptop. Why was he putting himself through this?

  He knew why. He wanted to ask Ryen out, to dinner, a movie or maybe a baseball game. He thought of it often. It was there on the tip of his tongue whenever Ryen spoke to him, yet he couldn’t take the risk. Instead he sat there, laptop in front of him and an empty document, complete with blinking cursor, open. A cup of cold coffee by his left hand.

  “I forgot to ask. Refill?” Ryen’s deep voice cut through his thoughts and caused him to jerk his head up.

  “Um, no thanks.” Kason paused then gestured to the cup. “To be honest, more than one and I’m bouncing off the walls.”

  “So then, it’s not the coffee, huh?” Ryen’s gaze appeared to contain a hint of curiosity and that, combined with his words, left Kason confused.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “You know.” Ryen put his hand on the table and leaned in a little. “You’ve been here every day this week. I know my coffee blends are good, but not that good.”

  “I…uh…” Kason tried not to get flustered as he met Ryen’s gaze. That ended up being a mistake. The amusement there and the twinkle in his eyes had him wanting to pull Ryen closer. “I-I’m writing a screenplay, like I told you.”

  “Yeah, I remember. But what’s it about?”

  “Um, it’s sci-fi. Aliens, time travel, you know, uh, that sort of stuff,” he said lamely, wishing he could get his brain to work and stop him from babbling.

  “Interesting.” Ryen flashed him a bright smile, showing off his white teeth. He ducked his head around to peek at the screen. “You appear to be stuck.”

  “Yeah, writer’s block.” Kason knew his face was turning a bright red. He would’ve run out if he could.

  “I see that.” Ryen nodded. “So, tell me, how did you get to be so cute?”

  “I was born this way,” Kason said with a laugh, remembering how Lexie always told him he was a smart aleck. He was pretty certain he had heard that line from a favorite show of his. He paused, gathering courage before daring to add, “How did you get to be so gorgeous?”

  He didn’t think it possible, but Ryen’s grin grew. “Tons of cosmetic surgery.” He gestured to his face and Kason laughed harder. “You should’ve seen me before. I could’ve be
en the Beast.”

  “I hope you’re not saying I’m Beauty.” Kason huffed as if affronted, hoping that Ryen could tell he was kidding.

  “Definitely not a damsel in distress.”

  “Hell no.”

  “Gorgeous though.” Ryen raked his eyes down Kason. Before, Kason had known he was attractive with wavy golden hair, baby blue eyes and a lithe body. His smile used to get him whatever and whomever he wanted. Not anymore, though. Now it was rare because no one noticed him. He was a bit thrown that Ryen was checking him out and surprised to feel his cock twitch in his pants. It’d been far too long since he’d felt that instant flare of arousal. “I’ve been watching you too, y’know?”

  After swallowing hard, Kason said, “What?”

  After pulling out the chair next to Kason’s wheelchair, Ryen sat and turned toward him. “I kept waiting, I’ve been wondering what you’re doing here…” He laid his hand next to Kason’s, fingertips almost touching. “I’m done waiting.”

  “Look, I’m sorry,” Kason whispered, dropping his gaze. Though he enjoyed the banter and flirting, he knew Ryen wouldn’t want to go any further. No one ever did. He tried to school his expression as if it didn’t hurt to be rejected again. “I know you’re not interested. I’ll, uh, go and make sure I don’t come back.” He reached for the brake on his wheelchair, but Ryen grabbed his arm, sending a shock of electricity through Kason.

  “Whoa! Wait. What in the world are you talking about?”

  Gesturing to his wheelchair, Kason shook his head. He didn’t want Ryen to see his disappointment. The connection was there, but of course Ryen was only being nice. This is why he hadn’t put himself out there since the accident. He was afraid of rejection, pity or whatever else someone might throw at him. Robbed of his confidence, Kason knew the fantasy he had of Ryen picking him up and making him forget his issues was just that—a fantasy that would go no further. “This turns everyone off.”

  “Not me. It’s a chair, no big deal.”

  Surprised, Kason glanced up and saw sincerity in Ryen’s eyes.

  “I wanted to ask you out.”

  Kason couldn’t believe it, but a tiny bit of hope flared up. “You do?”

  Ryen scooted forward and he reached out, barely touching Kason’s cheek. “Someone did a real number on you, didn’t they?”

  Shrugging, Kason tried to control the urge to lean in to nuzzle Ryen’s hand. He was thrown by how badly he wanted that comfort. “How can you tell?”

  “It’s right there in your eyes if you look.” Ryen cupped his jaw for a moment before dropping his hand. The touch left Kason wanting more. “You know, my great-grandfather was in the Mafia. You give me a name and I’ll take care of it,” he said with a horrible fake Italian accent.

  Unable to stop himself, Kason chuckled. “Thanks, but it wasn’t all his fault.”

  “No?”

  With a sigh Kason answered, “I got in an accident—drunk driver—that’s why I’m in the chair. Incomplete spinal injury. I’ll save you the medical jargon, but it really messed me up in a lot of ways and not just physically. He left me, but I can’t really blame him… It was a big change.”

  Blake had been unable to cope with it all. His leaving had left Kason feeling worthless and responsible since he knew part of the trouble had been his lack of interest in what had once been a healthy sex life. It had taken time for him to work through it, some medications, and he was only now starting to feel comfortable with himself again. Blake had refused to wait and had made things worse. He hadn’t wanted to change his life or cancel the hiking trips and ski resort plans. Their loss of intimacy and, even worse, communication had led to the breakup, leaving Kason depressed and alone when he had needed someone the most.

  “That’s no excuse.” Ryen was clearly angry and Kason’s heart did a flip when he realized Ryen was upset on his behalf. “You had to be going through hell. He should’ve been there.”

  Shrugging, Kason replied, “Maybe I should’ve let him be. Like I said though, I wasn’t in right headspace.”

  “How long has it been?”

  “Since the accident? A year and a half. Since he left…almost six months. I’ve been on my own, learning how to live this new life I’ve been given. It’s not easy,” Kason confessed, unable to stop his guts from spilling now that he’d started talking about it. “Some days I hurt, some I’m angry, but others are okay. I don’t always want to be on my own, but this is a lot for anyone to deal with and I’m done playing the field. I’m not good with rejection anymore. I’m not who I used to be.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry, I’ll stop rambling now.”

  “Why? I’m listening.”

  “This is not how I planned our first conversation going.”

  “Really?” Ryen broke into a grin when he nodded. “Well, how about you join me for dinner tonight? I’ll cook and then we can talk about whatever you had hoped.”

  “There wasn’t much talking going on when I thought of it.” Kason could feel his cheeks reddening again as Ryen chuckled.

  “That works too.” Ryen rested his hand on Kason’s knee.

  Kason couldn’t feel the weight but somehow, he felt the heat of the touch and he hoped Ryen wouldn’t notice him shift in his seat. “So, was that a yes?”

  “Yes,” Kason said so fast they both laughed. He didn’t want this to be a one-off, but right now he would take what was offered and hope it would lead to more without him being crushed.

  “Good.” Ryen turned the laptop and his fingers flew over the keys. “Here’s my address and cell number. You want to meet me or should I pick you up?”

  Again, the image of Ryen picking him up had Kason all flustered. He could just imagine Ryen kissing him and pressing him against a wall as he held him, in complete control.

  “Um, no, I can meet you there,” he managed to say, deciding he would need a cold shower before going.

  “How’s seven?”

  “Great.”

  Squeezing his knee, Ryen started to stand, but then leaned in to kiss his cheek before he did. Kason swore his heart stopped as he felt those soft lips against his skin. “Until then. Unless you’re going to stay and work on this?” He pointed to the laptop.

  “No, I should get going. My niece has a swim meet and I promised to be there.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you later then. You want a coffee for the road?”

  “Nah.” Kason grabbed his carrying case from the floor and stuffed the laptop inside. He twisted and hung the bag on the back of his chair. “I’ve had enough for the day.”

  Laughing, Ryen walked him to the door and held it open then stepped outside with him. “Bye, Hot Wheels.”

  After rolling his chair toward him, Kason swatted Ryen’s arm. “You did not just call me that.”

  “What?” Ryen shrugged and Kason saw that he was unrepentant. “You’re hot and you’ve got wheels.”

  Blushing, Kason pushed himself back. “You’d better think of something else to call me or we will be just talking tonight.”

  Striding forward, Ryen then put his hands over Kason’s so he couldn’t move. He leaned in so close that Kason could feel his breath on his lips. “Oh, there will be very little talking.”

  He stayed there, teasing, his eyes twinkling, and his lips full and kissable. Wanting to move his hand and tangle it in Ryen’s hair but unable to, Kason instead surged forward, smashing their lips together and catching Ryen off guard. He gasped when Ryen’s hand came up to his neck, holding him possessively.

  Opening up under the pressure of Ryen’s tongue was easy. Ryen slid it against Kason’s in his exploration of his mouth. Ryen tasted of rich coffee and caramel. Kason lost himself in the kiss—it was hot and languorous. All his insecurities and nerves faded away. No one had ever kissed him like this and it had never felt so good. He didn’t want it to end.

  Moaning, he pressed up as Ryen’s hand brushed against his cock. It hardened in its confines and he ached for more. He just wanted to be touched,
to have Ryen want to give him pleasure, without the disability coming between them. Ryen didn’t seem fazed by it all. He didn’t even seem to care about the injury, only how quickly he could get into Kason’s pants. And Kason was more than good with that right now.

  “I’ve wanted to do that for a while,” Kason whispered against Ryen’s lips when they parted for air.

  “Me too.” Ryen gave him another quick kiss. “You’d better go, I can’t be held accountable for what I’ll do to you if you don’t.”

  Glancing around, Kason was relieved the parking lot was nearly empty and no one was nearby. Luckily, the blinds covered the shop’s windows so no one in the coffee shop had seen Ryen practically grope him.

  “Yeah, okay.” Kason broke into a smile and stared down at their hands. Ryen still had a hold on one. “You gotta actually let me go.”

  “Oops.” Ryen shared the smile as he wrapped his hand around Kason’s wrist and brought it up to his mouth. “Didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  “Not at all.” Kason gave him a heated look that Ryen seemed to pick up on.

  “Oh.” Ryen’s eyes darkened. “You liked it.”

  Kason had more than liked it. He had to will himself back under control. “Yup.”

  “Good to know.” Ryen winked and took a step back after a long moment. “See ya later.”

  “See ya.” Turning his chair, Kason started to wheel away, but he gave Ryen one more hungry look before he did.

  * * * *

  “So who do I send a ‘thank you’ to for putting that grin on your face?” Lexie asked him.

  His sister sat next to him, his chair parked beside the bleachers. They were waiting for the meet to start and the sun was beating down on them. Kason hoped it wouldn’t be much longer—he was already breaking a sweat. He tugged his baseball cap down so he could see the pool, thankful he had worn his cargo shorts and a tank top.