Chance Encounter Read online

  “Chance Encounter”

  An MM Gay Romance

  Jerry Cole

  © 2020

  Jerry Cole

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This book is intended for Adults (ages 18+) only. The contents may be offensive to some readers. It may contain graphic language, explicit sexual content, and adult situations. May contain scenes of unprotected sex. Please do not read this book if you are offended by content as mentioned above or if you are under the age of 18.

  Please educate yourself on safe sex practices before making potentially life-changing decisions about sex in real life. If you’re not sure where to start, see here: http://www.jerrycoleauthor.com/safe-sex-resources/.

  This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner & are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Products or brand names mentioned are trademarks of their respective holders or companies. The cover uses licensed images & are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any person(s) that may be depicted on the cover are simply models.

  Edition v1.00 (2020.06.24)

  http://www.jerrycoleauthor.com

  Special thanks to the following volunteer readers who helped with proofreading: Earleen Gregg, AliD, C Mitchell, RB, Big Kid, Jenny O., and those who assisted but wished to be anonymous. Thank you so much for your support.

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  Hayden

  “I am having a party at my place, and you must come, Hay.” Becca implored me with her dark eyes, and I rolled mine.

  “You know it’s opening night of HSM,” I reminded her as she sighed.

  “Come over after. Please.” We were at the coffee shop around the corner from The Tower Theater since we both had to work later, and I sipped my cold brew.

  “I’ll try. You’re lucky to have the night off,” I told her as she smiled. Becca was dating a girl that lived in San Diego, and they only saw each other when someone traveled. That was the reason she asked for the night off. The party just ended up being planned after that.

  “I see Mari a few times a month if I’m lucky, ass.” Becca glared at me, and I laughed. “I have to ask for the night off to accomplish that.” She smiled at me. “Mari wants to see you.”

  “I’ll try. You know how crowded opening nights are with the meet and greet. Everyone just stands around and talks forever. I’m the closer, so I leave last.” I shrugged and glanced at the smartwatch on my wrist. “Shit. Speaking of work, we need to hurry.”

  “Ugh.” Becca grabbed the napkins and tossed them as I grabbed our drinks. We left the courtyard and walked down the street to the completely renovated theater that was booming right now. It reopened three months ago, and I helped in every step of that. I got Becca the job at the popular coffee stand in the lobby, and now we worked together, and sometimes lived together if I stayed at her place. That was often, particularly since I broke up with Ryan a month ago.

  She was the sister I never had, and since my conservative family lived out in Ohio, nearly the only family I had around here.

  Tonight was a musical, and it would be crowded with seniors from the nearby nursing homes. They got group discount tickets and came on Tuesdays. It would be a busy night, and Becca would serve a lot of coffee all evening long.

  She pulled a clip out of her purse and wound her curls into a rough twist before pinning it back. Becca hugged me, and I leaned down to further insult her small five-foot three frame. “Have fun tonight!” She told me before we walked in and separated to go to our sections. I did a lot around the building, and tonight, I’d be taking tickets and working as an usher to cover for someone who was sick.

  “Yeah. I’ll get right on that,” I responded as I went to clock in. I entered the will-call office and smiled at the women getting ready for the crowd. “Good evening, ladies.”

  “Hi, Hayden.” They replied as I leaned over to clock myself in. “Ready for tonight?”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I told them, eying the amount of will call tickets that was clear on the screen. “You’d think it was opening night.”

  “This is a popular play. It’s a mix of people watching it tonight.” Helen shot me a smile, and I chuckled. “Britt has the snack bar with Tom, and we can either handle this or sell tickets at the window. It’s up to you.”

  “I’m good with selling. I am also going to usher for Lisa since she’s off tonight.” I raised my eyes and looked across the lobby to see everyone hard at work.

  “She needs to be fired. She’s always off.” Tina clicked her tongue, and I fought the urge to laugh.

  “You’re not wrong, but she’s the owner’s cousin. I don’t see that happening. I’d fight if Becca got fired.” I smiled at my best friend as she set up a large coffee pot.

  “Becca works. There’s a difference,” Helen defended her, and I gave her a grateful smile.

  I took the ticket window when people started to line up, armed with a list of tickets available to sell. I greeted everyone as they approached, selling groups of tickets as we got closer to showtime. Once every seat was gone, I flipped the closed sign forward and shut the lights off. I passed Becca, and she held up a cup.

  “Thank you,” I told her as she grinned at me. I had a place I hid it in while ushering, and then I could watch from the hallway as I drank the coffee. I liked to be close to help anyone out that needed it, and I could watch these plays every night. If I wasn’t performing, I still took it all in as much as I did when I realized that I wanted to act.

  I helped people to their seats along with the other two ushers, offering extra assistance to
people with walkers and even wheelchairs. I was walking back to my greeting area when I saw a guy walking toward me with a woman on his arm. She looked to be a mother, possibly a grandma, but none of that mattered.

  He was gorgeous. The man resembled a well-known surfer with tousled dark blonde hair and full lips that offered a fantastic smile. He approached me, and I smiled as they both looked at me. “Do you have your tickets?” I asked as I gazed into his sugar-brown eyes.

  “Right here,” he offered them to me with a smile. I checked, and he had front seats, which I directed him toward with a nervous grin.

  “Thank you,” he said as the woman smiled at me, holding tight to him as they made their way down the steps together.

  “I’d hold tight, too,” I muttered as I glanced up to see another couple. Lisa was such an asshole for calling in sick again since I was supposed to be helping backstage. That was where my heart belongs, but I’d never have seen that man had I been backstage.

  I sipped my coffee and directed people where needed during intermission. During the second half, I leaned against the wall and sang every word as I sipped my second coffee. I knew I probably wouldn’t sleep tonight, but it was worth it to watch this.

  When the show was over, I clapped along with the audience. I stood back as people began leaving, making sure everybody got out safely. After that, I hurried to the lobby where the cast was waiting to say hello, take pictures, and sign play programs. We had a talented group of people that all of Washington loved. I stood with Becca as we watched the lobby fill with fans.

  I helped to clean up a bit after the theater was empty and headed out with Becca. I only caught one more glimpse of my mystery man as he led the woman through the meet and greet line. He flashed me a smile before walking out the door, making Becca look at me with curiosity written all over her face. Her eyes told me that we’d be talking later over a late dinner if we were alone or at her house if we weren’t.

  We ended up eating with the cast, then went to her apartment afterward. “Talk, friend.” She sat on her couch with a glass of wine, staring at me.

  “I saw him when he was coming in. I think he was with his grandmother, and I told him where to sit. He smiled at me a few times and thanked me, but we never talked.” I shrugged. “I don’t know anything about the man except that he is my fantasy man.”

  “He knows where you work. That’s something.” Becca smiled.

  “We’ll see about that.” I laughed and dropped back to her couch. “So, the party. It’s Saturday night?”

  “It is. Mari will be here Thursday night.” Becca smiled dreamily, and I pretended to gag. “You can ask that boy toy of yours.”

  “I don’t even know his fucking name. Shut up, ho,” I threw a pillow at her, and she ducked, managing to finish her wine. After talking for an hour, she went to her room, and I took the queen bed in her guest room. I tossed and turned for a while before falling asleep, waking up late the next morning.

  I got up and walked through the apartment. “Becca?”

  “I’m still in bed. Get me coffee at the corner. Please.” Her last word was sugary sweet, and I rolled my eyes.

  “I’ll be back.” I pulled on some clean jeans that were in the dresser and found a sweatshirt to pull over my head. I spiked my hair and grabbed the keys before leaving the apartment. Becca didn’t want coffee as much as she was craving a chocolate eclair, and I always got them for her on the weekends.

  Chapter Two

  Hayden

  I walked into the cafe, looking down at my phone. I felt something in front of me and looked up just as I crashed into a warm body. “I’m so sorry.” I immediately looked up to see the man from the theater. “Shit. Are you okay?”

  “Fine. I just walked in, and there’s a line. Is the eclair worth it?” He mused, grinning at me.

  “That’s what I’m here for. Great coffee as well.” I returned the smile, wondering if he was flirting or just being friendly. “How did you two enjoy the show?”

  “It was good. I took my grandma, but I enjoyed myself. I did some theater in school, so I have a taste for it.” He looked ahead, and I leaned over to see a line of ten people.

  “Are you visiting her?” I needed to know if he lived here in Washington.

  “I live here. I graduated a couple of years ago and stayed for Gram. She’s been lonely since her husband died three years ago. I have the apartment next door to her.” He looked at me with curious eyes. “Does that make me some kind of dork or something?”

  “No, it means you care about her. I wouldn’t be surprised if you lived there since it’s expensive to live in this area. What was your major? What do you do for work?” I asked, making him smile.

  “It was a vague one in communications. I work as an assistant for a few podcasts. That way, I can stay close to home. Your job is at the theater?” He looked interested, and I felt butterflies in my stomach.

  “Yes, but I don’t always usher. I kind of fill in where I’m needed. I’ve worked there since high school. I love it, and it pays the bills.” I smiled, and he nodded.

  “Do you live by yourself?” This could be a crucial question.

  “I do. I was at my best friend’s place last night, and she always sends me down for these damn eclairs.” I rolled my eyes, and he raised a brow. That meant he wanted to know more. “She’s been like a sister to me since we were in high school.”

  “That’s great.” He moved forward with the line, and I followed, checking out his ass. My phone beeped, and I pulled it from my pocket with a smirk.

  Chocolate eclairs?

  I know why you sent me down here. I’ll be there once I finally reach the register.

  “That’s the friend in question. She asks me to get coffee, but I know it’s for pastry. She works at a coffee stand and has one of the best machines up there to make her own.” I smiled and understanding crossed his face.

  “Is she the girl you were standing near last night? Bright red hair?” He asked, and I nodded in surprise.

  “That’s Becca,” I replied, realizing that I didn’t introduce myself. This guy made me forget everything. “I’m Hayden, by the way.”

  “I saw that on the tag last night. I’m Gray.” We shook hands as I held back the scream that wanted to fill the shop. He took note of a lot last night, making me feel like he could be interested.

  We talked the entire time we were in line. He waited for me to order so we could leave together, and I couldn’t wait to tell Becca what happened.

  “I have to get this home, but could I have your number?” Gray asked as I smiled.

  “Of course. Want me to put it into your phone?” I asked, and he smiled as he handed it to me. There was no lock on it, and I wondered if he was one of the guys that were open to those close to him. I had a few ex-boyfriends that were not like that. I entered my number and name, even sending myself a message, so I’d have his number. “All set.”

  “Great. I’ll call.” His eyes locked with mine for a moment, and he grinned. “It was great meeting you, Hayden.”

  “It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to hearing from you.” He headed to the right, making me wonder how close he lived as he kept walking. I turned left to take the few steps to Becca’s place, seeing her on the couch as I walked in.

  “That took forever,” she grumbled as I handed her the bag and a coffee.

  “They’re popular on the weekends. During the week, for that matter, have you ever walked down there when Mari wasn’t here?” I asked, making her laugh.

  “I know about the eclairs, don’t I?” Becca looked sad for a moment, and I knew she was missing Mari. Ever since they met at a festival in Seattle, that was it for both of them.

  “So, guess what?” I asked, and she glanced at me as I joined her on the couch. “The theater guy was in line in front of me.”

  “Are you serious?” She asked with wide eyes.

  “I am. I crashed right into him.”

  “Were you on your phone?
” Becca mothered me constantly, and I rolled my eyes.

  “I was, but he was barely inside with that line. Why do you send me there on weekends?” I turned it on her, and she shook her head at me.

  “So, what happened?” We walked to the table and sat down, opening the bag to eat while we talked.

  “We talked, and he noticed a lot of things the other night. Boy was he paying attention. We got to know each other, and he asked for my number.” I bit into a pastry and moaned. “That’s good. He was buying them for his grandma, the woman at the play. He lives next door to her to take care of her. Isn’t that sweet?”

  “Family man. I like that. What does he do for work?” She ripped a piece of eclair, shoving it into her mouth as she stared at me.

  “He helps out podcasts. It’s a home job so he can help his family.” I grinned.

  “If he calls, you’ll go out with him?” She asked, and I nodded. “Invite him to the party!”

  “Let the man call first. He might be in his house, realizing that he didn’t find me to be all he expected. He was quite chatty, if that were the case, but it could happen.” I didn’t want that to be the case but believed in being true to myself. If someone didn’t like me, that was their choice. I was kind to people and found myself helping them more than I felt I should, but it was in my blood. It got me screwed over a few times, but I took it as a lesson.

  “You’re a gem. What’s not to like?” Becca argued as I laughed.

  We finished our breakfast, and she took a call from Mari. I took my laptop to the couch, surfing the net as I finished my coffee. I thought about the depth of Gray’s eyes and his hair that hung in waves around his face. He looked like he should be on a beach in California, searching for the best waves. I was the kind of guy to work on my hair before I left the house and jogged the city several times a week to keep in shape. I could see that Gray kept himself healthy as well, wondering what his favorite activity might be.