Better Than Beginnings: A Better Than Good Short Story Collection (Better Than Stories Book 5) Read online

  Better Than Beginnings

  A Better Than Good Short Story Collection

  Lane Hayes

  Copyright © 2020 by Lane Hayes

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Places, names, characters and events are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, or persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Cover content is for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted on the cover is a model.

  Cover Design by Reese Dante

  Edited by Flat Earth Editing

  Blurb

  Matt Sullivan knows he met someone special the night he spots the sexy man on the dance floor. However, he doesn’t know his life is about to change forever. First of all, Matt is straight. Okay, maybe not, but he doesn’t think falling in love and spending the rest of his life with a hotheaded, unapologetically fabulous diva is an option.

  Aaron Mendez is confident, smart, and very comfortable in his skin. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. And though he might have reservations about falling for someone newly out of the closet, no one has ever looked at Aaron the way Matt does.

  Navigating a relationship has its challenges, but both Matt and Aaron are willing to deal with difficult parents, holiday blues, and learning curves. They know their happy ever after is worth fighting for and that true love is better than good.

  *This collection of short stories follows the lives of Matt and Aaron from my first novel, Better Than Good. The end of one chapter is the beginning of a whole new story from ordinary everyday life to an engagement, a wedding, and more. This collection is dedicated to Matt and Aaron fans and those who believe that the real love story happens after the first “I love you.”

  Author’s Note

  Better Than Good was written in 2012 in the days after my oldest son came out as a sort of love letter to him. The story was a very simple romance about stumbling into the unexpected and embarking on a journey of self-realization, love, and acceptance. The author in me fell in love with Matt and Aaron. I wrote countless shorts that I shared on my blog and later in my Facebook reader’s group, Lane’s Lovers. Those snippets highlighted anything from major life events to silly conversations the guys had while brushing their teeth or loading a dishwasher. Matt and Aaron fans loved getting a glimpse into their everyday lives and asked me to compile a collection. After writing a couple more shorts, including their engagement and wedding story, I figured it was time.

  This collection begins where Better Than Good ends. I’m thrilled to share this edited and expanded compilation of short stories following Matt and Aaron through various holidays, Pride, and birthday celebrations to their engagement and, yes…wedding. And I couldn’t resist sharing a new twist that I’m hoping will launch additional stories in the Better Than series!

  Better Than Good will always have a special place in my heart. I hope the message of unconditional love, hope, and pride resonates now more than ever.

  For Dana, Emma, Liliana, Eleanor, Abi, Wendy, Dani, Louise, Cassandra, Heather, Paula, Michele, Annery, Linda, Lily, Tracy, Cathy, Cerys, Cameron, Ramona, Monica, Maria, Manda, Debi, Jenny, Angela, Shannon…and all the Matt and Aaron fans out there who’ve enthusiastically voiced their love for these characters over the years. Thank you for your support and encouragement. This one is for you.

  A special thank you to Hope and Jess at Flat Earth Editing for patiently editing and helping me bring the old stories new life.

  And again for Bob, my love

  Contents

  1. Better Than Graduation

  2. Better Than Meeting the Family

  3. Better Than Candy

  4. Better Than Pride

  5. Better Than Birthday

  6. Better Than A Christmas Tree

  7. Better Than Engagement

  8. Better Than Wedding

  9. Better Than Beginnings

  Better Than Series

  Out in College Series

  Starting From Series

  About the Author

  Also by Lane Hayes

  1

  Better Than Graduation

  “You want something that feels like the real thing. You are that to me.”—Better Than Good

  Graduation day arrived on a gloomy mid-May Sunday, however, the sky didn’t look dark enough for rain. I strummed a few notes on my guitar in an attempt to keep my nerves at bay. Within the hour, my roommates and I would be heading over to Healy Hall and the grand commencement ceremony on the Lawn. I’d obviously been to (and in) quite a few graduation ceremonies, but this one stood out as being particularly significant. Even our robes were grand, in their royal-blue color with a regal purple velvet piping. It all screamed “Big Deal.” I was glad to know Aaron was going to be in attendance somewhere in the massive throng of bodies. He’d sent me a text first thing that morning:

  So proud of u. I’ll try to find u there…xoxo

  I looked at that text repeatedly with a stupid grin on my mug before finally picking up the guitar to give my fingers something else to do. Curt came out of his room with his freshly pressed gown over one arm and a bottle of expensive champagne in his other hand.

  “I think a celebratory drink is in order. Gather round, gentlemen.”

  He cleared his throat as if in preparation to make a speech. Dave filled in the silent gap with a large belch, and Curt made a move as if to smack him upside the head. I busted up laughing. It wasn’t so much that anything was really funny, because it wasn’t. It was an almost hysterical reaction of acknowledgment of the significant connection the three of us had shared over the past couple of years. Today would signify the end of a chapter in our lives. I’d only known Dave and Curt for two years, but we’d become close friends as well as roommates. These guys knew what I’d been through—they’d been immersed in the same shit. Endless hours of studying, reading, and writing countless papers while trying to prove ourselves as bright young minds at our internships.

  We still had the bar exam to pass, but a major milestone would be reached today, and I was as proud of their accomplishments as I was of my own. They were good people and had become lifelong friends. I trusted them implicitly. They, along with Jason, who was with his girlfriend that morning, were the only people who knew about Aaron and me.

  I should have said all that and then some, but tears were threatening. I cleared my throat and lifted my glass.

  “To us. May we all have bright, shiny careers and hell, why not bright, shiny lives, too? Cheers.”

  We clinked our glasses together and let the moment’s significance fill the void of speech. Dave raised his glass and Curt and I looked at him, wondering what words of wisdom he was about to impart as we rolled our eyes in his direction.

  “I never thought I’d end up rooming with a couple of homos. One who’s a recent convert to dick, no less. But I want to say one thing…” He held up his hand both to indicate he still had the floor and to fend off Curt’s attack. “You guys are the best friends I have. Jase too, of course. I know this would have sucked big time if I hadn’t had you both here to motivate and push me a little. You guys are awesome. Thank you. You almost, almost,
make me want to be just like you. Just not gay.”

  What an asshole. We laughed and then got busy finishing the bottle before walking toward campus, feeling a nice fizzy buzz.

  As expected, the ceremony was long—two hours, at least. But by late afternoon, I was officially a law school graduate. What followed was an endless paparazzi brigade. Photos with family, friends, friends’ families, professors—you name it, I posed for it. The only person I really wanted to see and hadn’t caught sight of was Aaron. A girl from my first-year Criminal Law class had just asked me to take a picture of her with her extended family when I heard a familiar voice behind me. I dutifully snapped the shot and turned to capture my man in a tight embrace. He gasped in surprise but returned the gesture in kind.

  “I’m so proud of you. Wow! That was a lot of big words and important-like folks talking fancy talk, Matty. Are you going to start speaking like that all the time now that you’re a lawyer?” Aaron looked up at me and batted his lashes as though everything coming out of his mouth wasn’t a complete tease.

  “First of all, I’m not a lawyer yet. I still have to pass the bar. However, I am confident in a favorable outcome after years of diligent scholastic application. Perchance the title of lawyer might soon rightfully be mine to claim.”

  Aaron’s face was a picture of incredulous puzzlement. I knew he was humoring me, but I found it charming. His entire face lit up as a breathtaking smile claimed his pretty mouth.

  “I like the big words, Matty. Can you say all that in bed later and maybe find a pair of nerdy glasses?”

  “Don’t say another word. I am so fucking horny, I can’t stand it.” I took a brief look around and spotted my parents busily chatting with Dave’s folks. The rest of the family would be close by.

  “Don’t worry. I’m not staying.”

  “Hey, I’m not worried. In fact, if you want to hang around and meet everyone, that’s cool by me.” Once I’d said the words, I realized I was completely serious. Why not?

  “No. Now isn’t the time. I don’t want anything to take the focus from your special day. I’m leaving, but call me later. You can bring over your toothbrush and PJs. We’ll have a slumber party to celebrate. Just me and you.” Aaron squeezed my hand and disappeared into the mass of graduates and well-wishers.

  “Matthew! Oh, there you are!” My mom pushed her way to my side. I gave her a smile, and she hugged me for what had to be the hundredth time that day. She mumbled a teary congratulations into my shoulder again and grabbed me by the arms, giving me a good, long look. A “mother” look. All-knowing. I wondered if she’d seen me with Aaron. We hadn’t done anything inappropriate, so even if she had seen us, she wouldn’t know anything. Or would she?

  “We’re so proud, sweetheart!”

  “Thanks, Mom. For everything.”

  She had that “about to cry” look, so I searched for a quick subject change. Thankfully Curt showed up that moment and greeted my mother in a friendly embrace. They exchanged pleasantries and more congratulations while I looked around to see if I could spot Aaron one more time. He was gone. I would have to wait until tonight. PJs? Yeah, right. I smiled to myself. I looked back to see Curt and my mom staring at me expectantly.

  “Sorry? I missed it. What did you say?”

  Curt rolled his eyes, but my mom was wearing a scrutinizing expression. Oh, boy.

  “Hey, I just saw Aaron, by the way.” Curt must have been dropped on his head. Why was he telling me this in front of my mother, the inquisitor?

  “Erin?” My mom lifted one eyebrow comically.

  I didn’t say a word. Curt decided to shut up too, which was a minor miracle. It was too late, though. My mom was a super sleuth. I should have given up, as it was really just a matter of time before she got what she wanted.

  “So Erin is her name?”

  Ah, that’s right. Of course my mom would assume the “E” spelling.

  Curt turned coward and made a sudden departure. Supposedly he’d just seen someone he had to say hello to. Jerk. My dad and the rest of the family were making their way toward us, but my mom took one last shot.

  “Well, Matt. At least tell me that. Please. Is Erin the name of your special someone? That’s all I’m asking. Just a name.”

  Now, I could have played this a couple of ways. I could have lied and said her name was Erin and dealt with having to explain the he-she angle later. Or I could have come out then and there. “Mom, I’m bi. Erin is actually Aaron, and I’m totally in love.” Brave, but I wasn’t sure I could handle it at that moment. Plus, I’d promised Aaron that I would wait until after graduation. I know he didn’t mean for me to wait till right after the ceremony either. Did I do either of those things? No.

  “Yes.” I even smiled. What an asshole.

  “Well…all right. I respect that you’re keeping this a secret for now. But please promise me that we’ll get an introduction soon.”

  “Yes, Mom,” I dutifully replied. It was a promise I intended to keep. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was time.

  Obviously it was also the correct response. My mom was thrilled. I shook my head and tried to stay away from thoughts of my parents’ collective disappointment. It was too overwhelming to contemplate.

  My family headed back to Pittsburgh that same evening after a light dinner together. Everyone had work and school the next day, so the party was officially coming to a close. As great as it was seeing everyone, I was ready to say good-bye. And my mind was with Aaron already. I yearned for him in a very physical sense, and I don’t just mean that I wanted to have sex with him. I absolutely did, but I wanted to see him, touch him, talk to him, smell him, and hold him. We sent text messages earlier, and I was mentally already driving myself to his apartment for our “sleepover.”

  I knocked on his door a short while after saying my last good-byes to my family when the driver came to whisk everyone to the airport. It was later than I’d hoped. Aaron had to work in the morning, and if I was a nice boyfriend, I would have called to see if he thought it was too late. But I was selfish. I was done waiting.

  He opened his door a mere couple of inches and then wiggled a few fingers through the small opening.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi to you. You letting me in?”

  He peeked his head through only a slightly larger opening.

  “Yes, but I need to ask that you wait two more minutes out here. I know it is unbearably rude of me, but trust me, it will be worth it.”

  “Uh, okay.”

  “Come here.” He motioned for me to bend down toward him, planting a chaste kiss on my lips. “I’ll be quick. Two minutes!”

  I leaned against the wall facing his apartment and checked email messages until he cracked his door open a couple of minutes later.

  “Hello? Two minutes, not ten! Hurry up! Geez!”

  He shut the door again and much to my amusement, I could hear him stomping loudly inside. I let myself in as instructed and came to an immediate halt in the candlelit living room. Let me rephrase that. The room wasn’t lit by a candle or two. It was positively awash in candlelight. Candles were arranged in groups throughout the entire space. Along the kitchen countertop, on the small kitchen table, on the modern coffee table and along the console table under his mega large-screen television. There was a faint glow coming from his bedroom too. Small, medium, and large; some skinny, some fat; but all of them were white. The effect was luminously beautiful. I was speechless. I looked around for Aaron once I’d found my voice, but he wasn’t in the small living area.

  I headed for the bedroom, my heart racing. I hadn’t even touched him, yet I was primed and ready to go. With blood singing through my veins, I stopped short at the sight before me. The bedroom was similarly lit with candles, but I only had eyes for the gorgeous naked man lying seductively on the charcoal-gray sheets with his hands folded casually behind his head. He watched me closely as I approached the bed, my heart thumping wildly.

  “Happy Graduation.”

&
nbsp; Fuck. I could barely put two words together and suddenly, I couldn’t move either. I wanted to pounce on him, ravage him, take what he was offering, but I was paralyzed by the intensity of my desire. My tongue felt heavy in my mouth; my head was light. My dick, however—I knew had never been this hard. Ever.

  I undid the buttons on my jeans, pushing them and my boxers down and freeing my feet before whipping my T-shirt off my head. Aaron leaned on one elbow and grabbed my hand, pulling me over him. It was sheer bliss. We both groaned aloud when our naked bodies pressed together for the first time in what felt like forever. We kissed passionately while our hands roamed. I kneaded his ass as he wrapped his legs around me. Then I devoured him with my mouth, trying to get as much of him at once as humanly possible. I was ravenous. Our tongues were so far down one another’s throats that we finally had to separate just to breathe.

  “I want you inside me,” Aaron panted.

  “Yes.”

  Fuck. I moved over him and reached for the supplies on the nightstand. I poured a generous amount of lube on my fingers and kneeled between his thighs, working them into his opening. He laid a hand on mine to still my fingers.

  “I prepared myself for you. Just do it. I need you, Matty. Fuck me.”

  His voice was low and husky with desire. I had to take a deep breath to get my senses together. I nodded again and got to work on the condom. My fingers were shaky and unsure. Aaron sat up and, laughing, took it from me. He opened the wrapper and placed it on the throbbing head of my cock, gazing into my eyes as he rolled it down my length. I closed my eyes briefly and swallowed hard when he got on his hands and knees. He glanced over his shoulder and leaned his head on the pillow, stroking his hard dick with one free hand. God, he was beautiful.