A Thousand Summer Secrets

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ROMANCES BY KELLI A. WILKINS

A Deceptive Match*

A Secret Match*

A Most Unusual Princess**

A Most Intriguing Temptation**

A Most Unfortunate Prince**

A Thousand Summer Secrets

Beauty & the Bigfoot

Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover

Cupid’s Schemes (Volume 1)

Cupid’s Schemes (Volume 2)

Dangerous Indenture

Four Days with Jack

In Another World

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing

Love, Lies & Redemption

Loving a Wild Stranger

Midsummer Night’s Delights***

Midwinter Night’s Delights***

Redemption from a Dark Past

Trust with Hearts

Ultimate Night’s Delights***

The Viking’s Witch

* A Deceptive Match and A Secret Match are related titles with shared characters. However, each novel can be read separately.

** These titles make up the Royal Desires series. Although connected, each book stands alone as an individual read.

*** These novellas complete the Naughty Nobles trilogy. It is recommended that they are read in sequence.

Visit Kelli’s website: www.KelliWilkins.com for additional titles as they become available.

​​TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ROMANCES BY KELLI A. WILKINS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

LOVE GAY ROMANCES? DON’T MISS...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chapter 1

Eric straightened up from the refrigerator as he heard the cabin’s front door open. Shit! Someone was here. A wave of panic sliced through his belly. What if he had royally screwed this up and the cabin belonged to someone else now?

A second later, the sound of male voices reached him.

If nobody’s here, then why are the lights on?

How the hell should I know?

Eric took a deep breath and tried to settle his nerves. Be calm. Whatever happens next is supposed to happen, he told himself.

He stepped into the dining room, thankful that the cabin’s open floorplan let him see to the front door. A young man with light blond hair wearing denim shorts and a blue t-shirt stood in the living room near the couch. Eric recognized him in an instant. Matt?

Matt’s blue eyes widened and he broke into a broad grin. Eric? Is that you?

Eric? What the hell is he doing here? A tall, dark haired guy marched up to Eric and stood nose-to-nose with him. You’ve got balls showing up here. How the hell did you get in? he snarled.

Eric noticed his brother was carrying a large red cooler. Spare key was in the usual place, Jamey, he said, forcing himself to keep his voice steady.

Jamey, who is this? a guy with a crew cut asked from the doorway.

Eric looked at him, then noticed two girls, a blonde and a brunette, standing behind him. His gaze flicked back to Matt. He was holding a large cardboard box filled with groceries. Apparently Jamey had planned a Fourth of July party.

This is my homo brother, Eric, the murderer, Jamey growled.

The girls gasped, then Crew Cut said, I didn’t know you had a brother. Should we kick his fag ass and throw him out?

Eric flashed Crew Cut his best smile. Nice to meet you, too. He turned to Matt. Would you like to put that box down? Kitchen’s this way. He waved Matt over and led him into the kitchen.

I can’t believe you’re here, Matt said as he set the box on the counter. I’m amazed you remembered me.

Of course I remember you, Eric replied. Their gazes locked for an instant, then Matt turned away and started unpacking the box.

Eric leaned against the counter, his heart racing. How could he forget Matt? The cute boy next door he had known for years had grown up into an adorable guy, with an oval, clean-shaven face, small nose, and round chin. His wavy blond hair was tousled around his forehead and nearly came down to his shirt collar. Matt’s gorgeous blue eyes were framed by long lashes. Seeing him was a shock, but he was glad Matt was here. Maybe it was a good sign.

What are you doing here with Jamey? Who’s the other guy?

Matt put packages of hot dog and hamburger rolls on the counter. That’s Dave. He works with Jamey. I just met him today.

Let me help. Eric reached into the box for a bottle of ketchup at the same time Matt did and their hands touched. An electric tingle ran through his body and he glanced at Matt.

Matt kept his gaze focused on the box and Eric withdrew his hand. He moved back toward the refrigerator. And the girls?

The blonde is Jamey’s. Her name is Ashley. The three of us drove up in Jamey’s Jeep. The brunette is Megan. She came in Dave’s pickup. The girls are best friends. They seem okay.

No girlfriend for you? Eric asked, then inwardly cursed. What was wrong with him? He hadn’t seen Matt in ten years and he immediately started asking personal questions.

Nope. Matt unpacked paper plates and napkins. I’m not seeing anyone right now. You?

No. I’m unattached. He paused. You know, since you’re here, we should—

Jamey barged into the kitchen. Eric, you need to go, now. You don’t belong here. I could have you arrested for breaking and entering.

Breaking and entering? How? I had a key.

Jamey stuck his index finger in Eric’s face. Don’t mouth off to me.

Eric forced himself to show no reaction and gave Jamey a blank stare. Jamey hadn’t changed too much over the years. He had dark eyes, a square face, slightly pointy nose, and his nearly-black hair was cut short like their father’s. His baby brother had filled out and had gotten taller—now he stood six-foot-one—but he still had three inches on Jamey.

If I call mom and tell her you broke in, she’ll—

Go right ahead, Eric said, shrugging. I’d love to see her. Or at least talk to her on the phone. She’s never returned my calls.

You miserable son of a bitch. Jamey stomped out of the kitchen, muttering curses to himself.

What’s his problem? Matt asked. You think he’d be happy to see you.

It’s complicated, kid. He closed his eyes for a second. Why did he call him that? But I’m not too concerned. Wait until he realizes there’s no cell service up here. That’ll really piss him off.

A few seconds later they heard Jamey yell, Goddammit! No signal.

What do you mean there’s no signal? We can’t call or text? What’ll we do all weekend? one of the girls asked.

Eric looked into the dining room and smirked at the sight of everyone bent over their phones, frantically trying to get a signal. It was no use. They were in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains, three hours north of Albany. The nearest town was half an hour away and had a population of 600 people. There was nothing but trees, lakes, and scenic views as far as the eye could see.

I expect complete anarchy and mayhem to start soon. I don’t think the girls will make three hours without social media or texting, Eric joked. Maybe they’ll all get desperate and leave, go find a hotel somewhere.

Matt grinned. "Why are you here? And how did you get here? There’s no car parked out front."

Eric stared at the floor, unwilling to meet Matt’s gaze. He had never expected to see Matt again, and he had a hard time facing him. I was hoping to reconnect with the family, and I knew someone always comes up to the cabin for Fourth of July. I figured I’d surprise them. He rubbed his beard. As for the how, I flew to Albany, took a few buses, hitched a ride, then walked the rest of the way.

Well, Jamey is surprised... and pissed.

Ya think? What about you? You’re still friends with him after all these years?

Yeah, well, we— Matt broke off as Jamey carried the cooler into the kitchen and handed it to him.

Here’s the beer. Put it away for me, Jamey said. Dave and the girls are bringing in the other cooler with the rest of the supplies.

Jamey faced Eric. You’re lucky there’s no signal. Otherwise I’d have the cops on your ass. But since I can’t call them, I’ll throw you out myself. Get your shit and get lost. He gestured with his thumb over his shoulder.

Why? What did I—

Are you deaf? I don’t want you here, so get the fuck out, Jamey said, shoving Eric’s shoulder.

Eric’s stomach twisted and his heart started to race. Stay calm. Breathe. Be strong. Don’t show fear. He folded his arms across his chest. Where am I supposed to go?

I don’t care, as long as you’re gone in five minutes.

I don’t have a car, so how am I going to leave?

Start walking, Jamey snarled and shoved him again.

Jamey, what’s wrong with you? Matt said, setting the cooler on the floor. He can’t walk back to town now. It’s ten-thirty and pitch black out.

Jamey looked at Matt over his shoulder. Put the beer away and keep out of this.

Eric shot his brother a nasty look. Who did Jamey think he was, ordering Matt around? Matt’s right. I can’t go to town now. It’s dark out and too far to walk. And in case you didn’t hear, three bears were sighted around here.

Bears? The blonde, Ashley, came into the kitchen carrying another cooler. There are bears here? Jamey, you never told us about any bears. You said we’d come to the cabin and party, not be stranded in the middle of nowhere with bears wandering around.

Megan and Dave stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room. Megan was holding several shopping bags. And don’t forget there’s no signal. Not in here or by the truck. I just tried it. How are we supposed to have fun?

Megan plopped the bags on the counter and faced Dave. Why did you bring me here? We could have gone to my cousin’s barbeque instead of driving up here to sit around and do nothing.

Hey, you wanted to come, Dave said, bending down and opening the cooler. He pulled out a can of beer, opened it, and took three swigs. And as for what we can do... He wrapped his left arm around Megan’s waist. I’ve got lots of ideas that don’t involve phones. If any bears break in, I’ll save you. He kissed her on the side of her neck. Let’s go upstairs and unpack.

Eric rolled his eyes as Dave steered Megan out of the kitchen. Lovely. If he was going to be stuck here with his stupid brother and his jerk friend, maybe he would leave. Maybe this whole thing was a bad idea after all. From the way Jamey was acting, he obviously hated him, and his parents probably did too. Still, he had promised himself—

Why don’t you two figure this out tomorrow? Matt suggested. We just drove here, it’s late, and everyone’s tired—

Why are you defending this queer? He’s nothing but a— Jamey turned to Ashley. Go upstairs and unpack. I’ll settle this.

Okay, whatever. Ashley said as she left the kitchen.

I’m trying to keep everyone from killing each other, that’s all, Matt said. But if you want Eric gone, or if he wants to leave, give me the keys to the Jeep and I’ll drive him to a motel.

Nope. Jamey took a beer out of the cooler. You’re not driving his queer ass anywhere. It’s not safe to get in a car with him, Jamey said, staring into Eric’s eyes and smirking. Is it, bro?

The smirk was the final straw.

Fuck you. He didn’t have to stand here and take this. I’m sorry I ever came up here. You want me gone? Fine, I’ll leave in the morning. You’ll never see me again.

Eric pushed past Matt and stormed out the screen door that led to the deck. He crossed the deck in four strides then headed down the wooden steps toward the beach. The nearly-full moon gave him