Hot August Comes

Leo Corbin shook the dust of Westfall off his shoes to pursue opportunities among the bright city lights. When his mother suddenly dies, Leo returns home to settle her estate. His grief at her passing quickly turns to shock at what she left behind and rekindles old questions about the identity of his father.

Harrison Wade stuck by his father to help run the family farm. Life for a gay man in Westfall has limitations, but Harrison knows how to make the best of them. When Leo Corbin returns to town, Harrison's quiet existence tilts. Leo is the guy who put an end to the high school bullying Harrison endured so many years ago. Harrison quickly discovers his old boyhood crush on Leo has matured into an adult attraction.

As the mercury rises, Harrison and Leo's friendly buddy arrangement heats up. When hot August comes to Westfall, they discover home is more than where a man hangs his hat. It's where he gives his heart.

* * *

"You country boys never waste a good resource."

"No, we don't. Leo, I heard the story about you, you know."

Leo cringed inside but he refused to let his dismay show. "I wondered. How much has it grown over the years?"

"You really want me to say what I heard?"

No, he didn't but maybe it was something he should know. "Sure. Lay it on me."

"That you were the one to seduce Stan Stoler, not the other way around. You left town because he wouldn't leave his wife for you. You didn't really trick him at the church, did you?"

Not much shocked Leo, but that did.

"At the church! Hell no!" He downed a few swallows of beer. The cool liquid was refreshing on a muggy night.

"Here's the truth, Harrison. Mr. Fabulous Gym Teacher seduced me at the high school, in the locker room, in the shower. I didn't fight him off."

"So you wanted it?"

"I was almost eighteen and I wasn't a virgin. I knew what he was about when he approached me. If you think I'm the only gay boy to walk the hallowed halls of Westfall Senior High, you're mistaken."

Harrison snorted and sipped his beer. "I know for a fact you're not although you're the only one to get caught with the former coach."

***

This story is part of the By the Month collection.