Chapter 1 Andrew

Twenty-four-year-old Andrew Star gripped the steering wheel of his brand-new red Mustang convertible. This wasn't just any car; it was an extension of himself, a promise of speed and freedom. He nudged the gas pedal, the engine growling in response. Then, fueled by adrenaline, he slammed it down with such force that the vehicle shook. The speedometer needle climbed, the engine roaring as the car sped towards the ninety mile per hour mark—unheard of on these peaceful, two-lane roads.

The piercing wail of a siren echoed through the air, causing him to release the gas pedal. In the rearview mirror, the silhouette of Officer Duarte's patrol car loomed closer, its lights a blur of red and blue authority. He shouldn't have pushed it, not in Foggy Basin where Officer Duarte knew everyone and their driving habits.

Pulling over, Andrew's gaze lingered on Officer Duarte as he stepped out of the patrol car. The officer's uniform was a testament to his pride in the Foggy Basin Police Department, sharply tailored to fit his muscular frame. The dark navy fabric of his trousers was immaculate, the gold badge gleaming on his chest, reflecting the California sun. His duty belt was an arsenal of responsibility—handcuffs, a radio, and a holstered sidearm, each item a symbol of his oath to serve and protect. Andrew wondered how he played in bed and with whom. Male or female…no one knows.

As Officer Duarte approached, Andrew noted the sharp contrast of the black tie against the light blue shirt, the stripes on the sleeves denoting rank, and the polished black boots completing the ensemble. The officer stood tall, exuding an air of power that demanded respect. Andrew couldn't help but be in awe of the man. Even though he'd had a crush on Officer Rafael Duarte for years, he had kept his emotions hidden.

Officer Duarte didn't crack a smile. "License and registration, Mr. Star." His voice was clipped and official.

"Good afternoon, Officer Duarte." Andrew's voice betrayed a hint of nervousness. He normally called him Rafael or Rafe, but Officer Duarte had told him and everyone else who knew him not to call him by his first name if he was on duty and wearing his uniform.

Fumbling in the glove compartment, Andrew handed over his documents, his fingers brushing against Officer Duarte's. A spark of electricity shot through him, and he wondered if Rafael felt it too.

"I'm sorry. It's a new car, and I got carried away." Andrew wished he could see Rafael's beautiful brown eyes, but they were hidden by his sexy designer sunglasses. Take them off! Take everything off.

Duarte's lips softened for a moment. "I understand, but I still have to give you a ticket. Speeding is dangerous."

As he watched him write the ticket, Andrew found himself lost in the officer's focused expression, the way his brow furrowed in concentration. There was something about the man that drew Andrew in, a gravity he couldn't escape.

"Here's your ticket." As Officer Duarte handed it over, their fingers met again, and Andrew was immediately hit with a tingling sensation that charged his senses. "Drive safely."

"I will. Thank you, Officer Duarte." Andrew's disappointment at the ticket was overshadowed by their close interaction.

Officer Duarte gave a curt nod and returned to his vehicle. Andrew watched him leave, the ticket in his hand forgotten. He knew it was more than just a crush; it was admiration, a deep-seated respect for the man who upheld his authority with such dignity. And as Andrew started his car, ready to abide by the speed limit, he couldn't shake the feeling this encounter would stay with him for a long time. Especially the sensations when they had touched. He wanted those fingers to touch him all over.

Andrew pulled back onto the road; the joy of driving his new car replaced by a dull ache of regret. He'd learned his lesson, a steep price to pay for a fleeting moment of exhilaration. He'd enjoyed the closeness of Officer Duarte, but he did not know how to gain his attention in the way he wanted.

He drove to the Blue Star Diner eager to show off the new car to his brother Joseph now that he couldn't prevent him from buying it. No one had any idea that he had made such a big purchase. He didn't want Joe to dampen his joy at owning the sports car. Joe was the embodiment of practicality, always thinking logically and finding the most efficient way to do things, while Andrew was known for his carefree and spontaneous nature.

The brass bell above the diner door jingled a cheerful welcome as Andrew pushed through at precisely twelve o'clock. A wave of warmth and the comforting aroma of sizzling burgers and brewing coffee washed over him. Sunlight slanted through the front windows, casting a golden glow on the worn blue vinyl booths around the chrome-trimmed counter.

His gaze drifted upwards to the giant, cobalt-blue neon star clock that blinked merrily on the far wall. A familiar chorus of greetings rose from the booths as Andrew made his way towards the back.

"Hey there, Andrew! Hot sports car!" boomed a gruff voice from a corner booth.

"Thanks."

He flashed a smile at Miss Amelia, a regular and the town gossip since before Andrew was old enough to even reach the counter.

Rounding the corner, Andrew spotted his brother, Joseph, expertly juggling a stack of menus and a piping hot mug of coffee. Their resemblance was undeniable—the same shock of golden-brown hair, the same sparkling blue eyes holding a smile.

"Busy as ever, I see," Andrew said, sliding onto a stool at the counter.

Joseph glanced up. "There you are. The prodigal co-owner graces us with his presence." He winked at a group of giggling teenagers at the counter before turning back to Andrew. "The usual?"

Andrew nodded, his stomach already rumbling in anticipation. There was no place quite like the Blue Star Diner, no place that felt more like home but home itself.

"Look what just joined the family, Joe!" Andrew pointed to the red Mustang in the owner's spot.

Joseph, all cynical twenty-six years, barely glanced up from wiping down the counter. "Another toy, Andy?" His voice dripped with disapproval. "Or another way to burn through Dad's hard-earned cash?"

Andrew's smile faltered. "It's not a toy, it's an investment. Besides, it's not like you haven't got your own toys." He gestured pointedly to Joseph's gleaming motorcycle helmet perched on a shelf behind the counter.

Their verbal rivalry quickly escalated. Joseph launched into a lecture about responsibility, while Andrew countered with accusations of jealousy. The diner, usually a haven of sizzling conversation, fell silent as their bickering echoed off the chrome walls. Andrew moved from sitting at the counter, preferring some time away from Joe.

He slumped into a booth on the window side to look at his car. A chirp from the counter pulled him from his thoughts. Gabriella, her smile as bright as her adorable red miniskirt and matching blouse, sashayed over, her hips swaying suggestively. She didn't work here but wanted to. She carried two coffees over to Andrew's table and set them down.

"Thanks, love."

She had a major crush on him. Gabriella was Rafael's younger sister. The wrong Duarte liked him.

"Hey there, handsome," Gabriella purred, leaning close. The scent of apple blossom shampoo filled his nose. "Looking mighty fine in that shiny new car of yours." She sat down across from him.

Andrew forced a smile. Gabriella, sweet as she was, was a bit too obvious in her pursuit. "Hey yourself, Gabriella. Thanks for the coffee. Just picked it up this morning."

Gabriella's smile widened. "So, maybe you could take me out for a spin sometime? Show me what that Mustang can do?"

Andrew winced internally. He wasn't interested in Gabriella, not in that way. He was gay, a secret he kept locked away, even from his family. "Uh, I don't know, Gabriella. This car is pretty powerful, might be a little much for you."

Gabriella giggled, a tinkling sound that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Oh, come on, Andy. Don't tell me you're scared to be seen with me."

A shadow fell across the table, momentarily blocking the harsh diner light. Andrew looked up, his heart skipping a beat. It was Rafael, the man Andrew truly desired. Rafael, with his sun-kissed skin and lazy smile, the one who'd given Andrew a speeding ticket earlier. What does he want?

"Hey, Andrew," Rafael greeted, his voice a low rumble. He gave Gabriella a pointed look. "Leave the poor guy alone, will you? He looks like he could use a break from your flirting."

Gabriella huffed, her smile fading. "Fine," she grumbled, flouncing out of the booth, turning on her heel and marching off.

Andrew felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thanks," he mumbled, taking a long drink from his coffee.

Rafael chuckled, taking the seat Gabriella had vacated. "No problem. Just looking out for my sister. She's barking up the wrong tree." He leaned in conspiratorially.

Andrew's pulse quickened. This was more like it. What did he mean his sister was barking up the wrong tree? "Sounds good to me," he said, a genuine smile finally gracing his lips. In the flickering light of the Blue Star Diner, a spark of hope ignited. Just maybe, things were looking up.