chapter one

Milo Landon really didn't want to be there. This wasn't his job, but he was filling in for his Uncle Eric who'd had some kind of out-of-town emergency.

As the sun set and night descended, the twinkling lights strung throughout the venue came to life, casting a warm glow over the outdoor wedding reception. The sweet strains of a slow melody filled the air, luring Milo closer to the celebration. The bride rested her head on her new husband's shoulder as they swayed gently on the dance floor, lost in each other's embrace.

Other couples were out there, too.

Laughter bubbled up from tables where friends and family were gathered, their voices blending into a symphony of happiness. The delicious scent of food wafted through the air, tempting guests to replenish their plates at the buffet or refill their drinks at the open bar. The atmosphere was alive with celebration and love, a perfect moment frozen in time.

A moment Milo longed to be a part of instead of bussing tables, trying to remain invisible to the guests.

He paused, watching as an enormous guy in a sleek black suit slowly danced with another guy who had to be a good foot shorter than him. It wasn't the size difference that caught his attention.

It was the pure love on their faces as they gazed at each other.

Why couldn't Milo find someone who looked at him like that? Unfortunately, his past two boyfriends had deep-seated issues that eventually surfaced, turning them into jerks.

Sighing, Milo carried his tub to the next table, clearing away dishes and discarded napkins. As he bent down to collect a glass that was under a chair, he noticed a stranger watching him from a nearby table.

Their eyes met for a brief moment before someone walked over and drew the stranger's attention away.

"You're supposed to be blending into the background, not trying to catch a guest's attention," Dan said from behind him.

"I was picking up a glass off the ground," Milo defended. He had to keep his tone polite because this was Eric's gig, but it was hard when Eric's boss kept breathing down his back, micromanaging everything Milo was assigned to do.

"Empty your tub then clear tables three and four." Dan hurried toward another worker like he was about to scold the guy.

Which tables were three and four? For the life of him, Milo couldn't remember.

"I could accidently spill red wine all over his white tuxedo jacket," a deep, masculine voice said from behind Milo. "He seems pretentious." A low, velvety laugh filled the air. "I just learned that word and love throwing it around now."

His heart hammering, Milo looked over his shoulder and stared right into beautiful green eyes. It was the guy who'd been watching him. "You used the word correctly." Milo swallowed hard at how breathtaking the stranger was.

"Colt." He took Milo's hand in his, lightly stroking the back with his thumb. "Who might you be?"

"Nobody."

Colt raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That's a cruel name for someone as bewitching as you."

"Milo." He cleared his throat. "My name is Milo."

"Much better." Colt gave him a smile that set his pulse racing. "Do you have a break coming up? I wouldn't mind getting to know you better."

Milo nodded then shook his head, so enchanted with Colt that his brain wasn't working. No man this good-looking had ever paid attention to him, let alone acknowledged Milo's existence.

Colt's sensual laughter rippled through Milo's body like a sexual pulse. "Which is it?"

"Yes, I do have a break coming up. I'm just not sure when," Milo admitted, glancing at Dan who was still hovering by the other waiter. "I'm not trying to be rude, because you're the highlight of my evening, but if I don't get back to work, Dan will have my head."

Colt's eyes followed Milo's gaze. "That pretentious asshole?"

Milo snickered. "You really do like that word."

The even whiteness of Colt's smile was dazzling. "If the shoe fits…"

When Dan started toward him, Milo jerked his hand from Colt's. Great. Now Dan was going to crawl all over Milo for not doing his job.

"I apologize, but I really do need my help to get back to work," Dan said to Colt.

"If you hadn't noticed, I was speaking to your help," Colt replied.

"And you are?" Dan asked.

"The bride's brother." Colt raked a contemptuous glare over Dan. "If I'm not mistaken, if a guest needs attention, it's the job of your staff to provide it."

"You're quite right, sir. Milo will help you with whatever you need." Dan pivoted and walked away.

At least Dan was smart enough not to argue with a guest, but Milo wondered if the jerk would say something later to him about simply standing there and not working. Dan was too uptight and needed to breathe and trust his staff to do their jobs.

"I think you just got Eric fired." Milo glanced at Dan's retreating form. He hoped like hell that wasn't the case. He didn't need to give his uncle an excuse to explode.

"Who's Eric?" Colt's dark brows furrowed.

"I'm filling in for my uncle." Milo drew his attention back to Colt. "This isn't even my real job."

"What is your real job?"

"Apparently getting people fired." Milo set the tub on the nearby table. His arm was cramping. "I'm a cashier at the local grocery store."

Colt waved a hand toward the dance floor, which now only held the bride and groom and that big and small male couple. "If you're that worried, I'll have my brother-in-law smooth things over with Dickhead Dan."

"The huge guy?" The one who'd been lovingly staring into the shorter guy's eyes? The same couple Milo envied?

"No." Colt grinned. "The shrimp he's dancing with. Atlas's dad will set things right."

"I don't think it's polite to call someone that." Especially when Milo had been picked on in the past because of his short stature. "I'm about his height."

"I meant no offense." Colt tugged at his tie. "I think this suit is affecting my brain. If Atlas sees me tugging at my clothes, he'll put me in time-out."

"You're…you're a very strange man, Colt."

There was a faint glint of humor in his green eyes. "I'm just more comfortable in jeans than slacks. I'm dying to kick these shoes off. They've been irritating me all—" He blinked then sniffed deeply.

Wrinkling his brows, Milo sniffed, too. The only thing he smelled was the buffet. "Are you hungry? There's still plenty of food left." The only good thing about working this gig was the fact that the help was allowed to take leftovers home instead of the food being tossed in the trash. Not that Milo wanted any of it. He wasn't a big eater and had made sure to eat before he'd left for this gig.

"Peaches." Colt's eyes fluttered close for a moment as he inhaled again, more deeply this time.

"I don't think peaches are being served." Milo reached up and slid his hand over Colt's firm jaw, the guy's facial hair tickling his fingers. He'd never felt so fascinated with anyone before and couldn't seem to resist touching Colt, even though it was very inappropriate to do so.

Colt's eyes slid open. Milo tried to jerk his hand away, but Colt gripped his wrist in a gentle hold, keeping Milo's fingers on his face.

"I like your hand on me." Colt's green eyes darkened further.

"Um, okay." Milo scratched Colt's beard. "It's so soft."

A smile touched Colt's lips, and now Milo wanted to kiss him. "You have no idea what your fingers are doing to me, handsome."

"They're scratching your beard." Milo thought that was pretty obvious since he'd commented on how soft the hairs were.

"Come home with me tonight."

Milo pulled his hand from Colt's grip. "Why would I do that?"

What on earth was wrong with me?

He had an overwhelming urge to touch Colt again. Milo was on the job and shouldn't be fondling a guest's face. That was completely unprofessional, yet he couldn't seem to stop.

"Because you feel the undeniable attraction between us." Colt stood so close that Milo felt his body heat, and it was affecting him in ways that made him want to strip naked and offer himself to a guy he'd just met.

It was as if Milo's hands had a mind of their own. He rested them on Colt's lean waist, dying to touch other parts of the guy's body. He just bet that Colt had an amazing body under that expensive suit.

"Milo!"

He snapped out of whatever trance he'd been under at the sound of Dan's furious voice behind him. Milo spun, cursing himself. The guy had a knack for sneaking up behind him like some agile ninja.

"I apologize for this," Dan said to Colt. "I have strict policy guidelines that I expect my employees to follow. Touching guests inappropriately is grounds for dismal."

"What's going on?" the large guy from the dance floor asked as he and Atlas joined them.

"A small issue that I am on top of." Dan clasped his hands tightly, looking as if he'd have a complete meltdown at any moment. "Milo, please leave the venue immediately."

"He wasn't touching me inappropriately," Colt snarled. "He lost his footing and grabbed me to balance himself. I don't have an issue with that."

Wait, what? The only thing Milo had lost was his mind. And had Colt snarled? Why on earth did Milo want to hear that sound again? He needed to focus on keeping Eric's job instead of what noises came out of Colt.

"Be that as it may," Dan replied. "I must—"

Atlas held up a hand to silence Dan. "This just seems to be a misunderstanding, Mr.…?"

"Castel," Dan replied. "The owner of Castel Catering. And you are?"

"My son." A vision of elegance approached them, her strapless cream-colored dress hugging her petite frame. Despite her short stature, she exuded an air of confidence and grace. Her hair, as dark as the night sky, was artfully swept up with tendrils escaping in strategic places. The strands caught the light from the strung lights, causing them to dance and shimmer like stars in her gray eyes.

"Mrs. Havis." Dan's hands clenched tighter together—if the color draining from them was anything to go by—as his nervous gaze shot from Atlas to her. "I was simply informing your other son about the spotless reputation of Castel Catering and our commitment to providing exceptional service. Any wrongdoing or misconduct—"

"Milo tripped and grabbed my waist to balance himself," Colt said to her as his eyes flashed with anger. "Mr. Castel is trying to fire Milo for inappropriate touching."

That growly sound erupted in Colt's throat again, seeming almost animalistic. Milo wanted to back away and draw closer at the same time. What in the hell was wrong with him tonight?

His gaze darted among everyone as his anxiety grew. Eric was going to be furious about this. Jobs weren't easy to come by in Midnight Falls, and if he was fired…

The large guy glanced at Colt, then at Milo, before turning his attention back to Dan. "Mr. Castel, there's no need for Milo to be fired over this."

Dan paled slightly as he opened and closed his mouth a few times. "But I have clear guidelines that must be followed."

Atlas arched a brow as he regarded Dan with cold gray eyes. "Colt said the guy just lost his footing. You're telling me that's grounds to fire someone?"

The large guy chuckled as he clapped Colt on the shoulder. "You see, Mr. Castel? No harm done."

Dan looked like he wanted to argue further but seemed to think better of it. "Very well," he said stiffly as he cleared his throat. "I'll overlook the incident and Milo may stay for the rest of the event."

This was far from over. Dan had only backed down because guests had rallied around Milo. He was a bit stunned complete strangers had stuck up for him but was thankful they had as Dan walked away.

Mrs. Havis squeezed Milo's wrist. "I'll have a word with Mr. Castel later. Something tells me he's not going to let this go."

It was as if she'd read his mind.

"I'm just filling in for my uncle," Milo replied, still worried about Dan. "It's Eric who's going to suffer."

And then Milo would suffer.

"I'll make sure that doesn't happen." She gave him a reassuring smile, but Milo wasn't as confident. Even if his uncle wasn't fired, he would be livid that this had happened.

"Mind telling me what's really going on?" the tall guy asked Colt when Mrs. Havis returned to the guests she'd been talking to before joining them to help out.

"Dickhead Dan is just an asshole, Kellen," Colt said. "Okay, so maybe my mate was touching me, but—"

"Your mate?" Kellen's eyes bulged as his gaze shot to Milo.

A wide grin split Atlas's handsome face. "No shit."

Was Colt calling Milo a friend? He had no clue what was going on. Their reactions seemed a bit much for Colt making a friend. This was the strangest night of Milo's life. "I have to get back to work. I've probably forfeited my break, but if that's the worst that happens, I'm fine with it."

"You never answered my question," Colt said to Milo.

Milo didn't like the way Kellen was looking at him. Like Milo was a rare specimen that intrigued him. Was it that rare for his brother to make friends? "What question?"

"If you'll come home with me," Colt said.

"We're gonna leave you two alone." Atlas grabbed Kellen's arm. "Don't get him into trouble again, Colt. It's his uncle's job riding on the line."

"Yes, Dad." Colt rolled his eyes.

Milo quickly grabbed his tub off the table and tried to escape before Colt turned back around. This night had turned into a complete disaster, and he still wasn't sure why he'd touched the guy. He'd known better, and now he was going to pay the price when Eric found out.

"Not so fast," Colt said.

"Stop it." Milo pivoted on his heel to glare at the guy. "This was just a fun way for you to pass the time, but it's not your ass in a sling if I get my uncle fired. If you're that bored, go hang out with your mom. Stop using me for entertainment."

There was a lethal calmness in Colt's eyes. "Don't pretend to know me. She's not my mother. My own mother was a cruel, heartless bitch who derived pleasure out of torturing me."

Images of Eric's own abuse surfaced in his mind. Colt was speaking in past tense, but Milo's torture was still ongoing.

"I don't play with livelihoods, Milo. I know the cold pains of hunger and wouldn't wish that on anyone." Colt stormed away.

Tears stung Milo's eyes as he hurried over to where he could deposit the dishes and trash from his tub. After he emptied it, he moved quietly around the tables, grabbing dirty dishes as he fought to compose himself. Dan would be all over him if Milo started crying in front of everyone.

"Hi. I'm Atlas."

Milo kept his eyes cast downward as he continued to clear the table he stood in front of. "I really don't want to get into trouble again."

"I'm not trying to get you into trouble, Milo. I just wanted to check to see if you were okay."

Milo hadn't been okay for a very long time.

"I appreciate your concern." Milo bent and grabbed some stray napkins off the grass. "I just—" He squatted there, holding the back of the chair as tears threatened to spill again. If only he could switch places with the people around him.

Mrs. Havis seemed like a supportive and loving mom. The idea of Atlas experiencing any kind of abuse or hopelessness seemed far-fetched. On top of that, the guy had someone special in his life. Kellen would most likely pulverize anyone who looked at Atlas the wrong way.

Milo stood and blinked back his tears. "Just…thanks."

"We'll talk again," Atlas said.

That wasn't happening. They were from two different worlds. Midnight Falls was a small town, but there were divided social classes. While Milo lived with his uncle in a house that was in serious disrepair, Atlas likely lived in a much nicer home. The guy didn't know anything about struggling just to get by or the nightmare of being abused. Not that he held that against Atlas. It was nice to know that not everyone was as miserable as he was.

"It was nice meeting you." Milo hurried away when he saw Dan watching him.