Architect of Love (Fated Soulmates 2) Read online

  Architect of Love

  (Fated Soulmates 2)

  By:

  John Charles

  Copyright and Legal Notice:

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright 2016

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2016 John Charles. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

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  ISBN: 978-1-882598-14-4

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  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. Please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

  Table of Contents

  Comforted By Love by John Charles (Fated Soulmates 1)

  Architect of Love

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Other John Charles Book

  A message From The Author

  Comforted By Love

  by

  John Charles

  (Fated Soulmates 1)

  Get your Free copy of Comforted By Love (Fated Soulmates 1)

  http://johncharlesbooks.com/comforted-love-john-charles

  Damian had taken care of his wheelchair bound mother since he was twelve years old, when his father walked out, leaving mother and son to fend for themselves. Life dealt them blow after blow, but his mother repeatedly told him "something good will come from this."

  Eight years later, he was juggling community college classes, a part-time job he was sometimes ashamed of, volunteer work at a community center, and caring for his mother. Biking to classes in a downpour, Damian was soaked to the bone. As he locked his bike to the rack, those words rang through his head once again. Damian wondered, "What good will come from this?"

  Frank, an ambitious, successful restaurateur wanted more from his life. Hook-ups had become boring, empty, and shallow. He needed some someone to give meaning to his life. His friends said he was a predator, would never be satisfied with one guy, that he needed the excitement from new prey in his bed each night. But his lust had faded, leaving his him and his bed empty.

  When Frank saw Damian volunteering at the community center, run by his sister, his first thought was "He is Beautiful" "Beth said I make people my conquest, and maybe she was right, but Damian was different. He was neither prey nor a notch in my bedpost." He wanted Damian, couldn't get him out of his mind, and didn't know how to get him. With his sister's help, Frank and Damian met, but it was not lust or sex that brought them together.

  When a corrupt attorney and greedy developer attempt to push Damian and his mother to the brink, Frank knows he needs to help, but how? Can he help mother and son, develop a relationship with Damian, and not drive a wedge between them?

  Each book in The Fated Soulmates series is a standalone novel with no cliffhangers and a

  Happy Ever After (HEA) ending

  Get your Free copy of Comforted By Love (Fated Soulmates 1)

  http://johncharlesbooks.com/comforted-love-john-charles

  Architect of Love

  (Fated Soulmates 2)

  By:

  John Charles

  He could work miracles with His Hands

  Lance Bartner loved working with his hands, made his living refinishing furniture. Nights out were for fun with friends and the occasional hook-up. Though the L word had never been spoken, he would have enjoyed a relationship had the right man crossed his path. But who would want a laborer like Lance? He wasn't college educated, didn't live in a fancy loft condo, didn't drive a Lexus, and didn't even own a suit.

  Forrest Dentren, was an architect and city planner who had become a local name when his design for the Monroe City Center was chosen as one of the top three contenders. Well educated, extremely well built, and as both men and women put it, just plain hot. Some said he was married to his job, others said he was too picky, many said he didn't want to share the spotlight.

  One hot, uninhibited sex-filled night

  When Forrest broke his routine and went clubbing on a weeknight, he spotted Lance. The attraction was immediate from both sides of the dance floor. They both felt it. A few drinks later, still feeling it, they left for Lance's apartment.

  It was never supposed to turn into anything more than one hot fuck

  Two people from opposite ends of the world, no roadmap, not directions, no ideas how to make it work.

  Architect Of Love is a hot and steamy, gay romance novel with no cliffhangers. It is the second book in The Fated Soulmates series and can be read as a standalone.

  Chapter 1

  The tall blond kicked the door closed with his foot as he pinned the shorter, more muscular man against the wall. One hand held the shorter man's hands above his head, the other a handful of his shirt.

  "Lance is a pretty name for such a muscular guy. Why'd your mother name you that?" His face was mere inches from Lance's. They breathed the same air as they stared into the other man's eyes.

  "She has a thing for different names. Don't ask me why, she just does." Lance was almost hyperventilating; his brown eyes were wide with curious anticipation, the pupils dilated. "I might ask what was in your mother's mind when she named you Forrest. Were you conceived in the woods?"

  A growl emitted from the tall blond. He pushed Lance harder against the wall, his entire body now firmly against the shorter man. "Never asked where they fucked and don't want to know, but the name works for me. Does Lance suit you? Are you?"

  "That's a rather personal question, don't you think? After all, we just met." Lance struggled to keep his body under control. He could feel the heat emanating from Forrest, his breath smelled of Scotch, his muscles were taught as a lion's ready to pounce. His groin pressed just above Lance's and it was hard with desire as was his own.

  They held eye contact for a long minute then Forrest moved his head, slowly as if testing the space between them. Lance followed his full lips as they neared his own. They were heavy with lust, slightly open, tongue barely visible. When they touched his, he felt a tingle down to his toes. He moaned.

  Forrest held Lance in place, as he tasted the shorter man. Beer mingled with breath mint met his tongue as he pushed to gain control. He
heard Lance's moan and continued to push for more. His body was ready to burst. He felt Lance's heat against his and knew the man wanted what he presented.

  Suddenly as if on attack, Lance twisted in the taller man's arms. He forced Forrest around and pressed him against the wall where his back had lain seconds prior. "How does it feel now?" he whispered unable to voice anything louder. "You want more? Can you handle it or are the trees too big, Forrest?"

  Forrest could feel Lance's long, calloused fingers holding his wrists. Short, muscular legs stood outside his encasing him. The hand pushing against his chest caused his heartbeat to sound and feel harder and louder. It was his turn to hyperventilate. "I can take anything you throw at me. Care to try something else or is this all you've got?"

  Lance pulled Forrest from the wall keeping a tight grip on his wrists. He walked his captive backward to the couch at the far end of the small room. With a push, Forrest was lying on his back, Lance straddling him. For the first time, Forrest took in his surroundings. They were in a small, tidy apartment. The furniture looked old as if from garage sales or thrift stores. Though old, the couch felt soft and comfortable. A bookcase held a small TV and several hardcover books, the titles he couldn't make out from where he lay. Warm, comfortable, masculine were his thoughts, thoughts that were interrupted as Lance sensuously moved his ass along Forrest's throbbing erection. Lance's actions brought a whimper of pain and pleasure from his lips.

  Lance sat on Forrest wondering just how far he could go with this hot man who picked him out of all the other guys at The Hole, a club on the gay strip in the south end. He frequented the area. The clubs provided an easy way for him to satisfy his fantasies without too much involvement. He had been the one to pick up others most nights.

  Tonight, though, he sat with two friends, no one interested him. Then this hot man, clearly out of Lance's normal league, asked if he wanted a refill. That refill was not finished as they readily agreed to take the night further. A quick cab ride brought them to Lance's apartment.

  Slowly with a little uncertainty, he unbuttoned Forrest's shirt revealing a solid hairless chest. "Mmm, smooth, just how I like my men," he said as he pulled the shirt from Forrest's too tight pants. Forrest lifted his butt as Lance pulled the shirt from his body and threw it to the side chair.

  Forrest reached up and pulled Lance's shirt over his head throwing it on top of his own. He ran his fingers threw the nest of dark hair on the smaller man's powerful chest. Grabbing a handful, he pulled Lance down for a passionate kiss, one that had both men moaning into each other's mouths.

  Lust raged in both men. Lance moved down Forrest's body rubbing his ass along his groin as he did. He unbuttoned his jeans, pulled the zipper down revealing what he thought - Forrest was commando, erect, and already dripping with lust. He lifted Forrest up enough to pull his pants to his thighs, then undid his own and threw them onto the growing pile of clothes.

  When Forrest reached for Lance's hardness, he was met with a calloused hand stopping him. "No, let me take care of both of us." Lance moved up slightly, enough to put his cock against the one standing tall in front of him. Taking both into his rough hands, he used the wetness to slide up and down in a sensuous motion designed to cause both men to hurt with pleasure.

  He leaned down, keeping his hands moving ever so slowly, and kissed those hot lips again. When he felt Forrest grab his ass, Lance moaned, spread his legs encouraging exploration. They were gasping for breath when Forrest shouted, "Oh Fuck," and came so hard his body spasmed. Lance followed seconds later. He laid his head on Forrest's chest trying to get control of his breathing and listening to the man below him gasping for air.

  The cab ride to his apartment had Forrest dwelling on the man who took his breath away. Not his normal type, Lance was shorter, more muscular, had dark hair contrasting Forrest's blond hair and emerald green eyes. He was clearly a man who worked with his hands, not a professional, but could hold his own. Their conversations were interesting, intelligent, and broad in scope. Forrest had learned to stay away from politics and religion. He was pleased that Lance didn't broach those topics either.

  Forrest had a busy life, busy work schedule, and firm rules about living that life. He didn't go out on work nights. He didn't break his rules. He was tired and would pay for his indulgences in the morning.

  Lance didn't fit his type. Normally Forrest went for the younger twinks. Muscles were not usually a turn on for him, but damn if this guy broke that rule, too. He allowed himself to close his eyes for a minute seeing the broad shoulders of the man pinning him down on the couch. Though shorter, Lance was clearly stronger. He wondered just how far this one nighter might have gone if it were not a work night.

  His dreams were interrupted by the cabbie announcing they were at his destination. He paid, gave the man a good tip and made his way into the three-story building. He took the stairs two at a time and entered his own apartment. Keys, wallet, loose change was thrust into the blue glass bowl near the door. Shoes removed, Forrest wiggled his toes in the thick white carpet beneath his feet.

  What a night, he thought as he made his way to the master bedroom. A hot shower was in order. The water flowed over his tall solid body. Eyes closed, head under the spray, he tried to clear his mind. Water ran down his back, between his ass cheeks, and along his sculpted thighs. His body was the result of years of healthy eating and hard work at the gym. His mind refused to settle down even as his muscles did. The image of Lance against the wall, eyes wide with anticipation, heart beating fast, his hardness pressing into his leg, those lips as they kissed filled his mind.

  Enough! He quickly finished washing, dried his smooth body, and settled into his bed, naked and hard again. Get some sleep Forrest; you have a busy week ahead of you. Never breaking this rule again!

  Chapter 2

  Forrest moaned at the chirping of his alarm. His body was so attuned to his schedule; he was normally showered and dressed by this time. Today was different. He couldn't remember the last time he awoke to his alarm. He felt as if he had a hangover, that his body seemed weak and lazy; he needed coffee - something he didn't usually drink.

  Forcing himself out of bed, he stumbled to the en suite. Looking in the mirror, he saw a drawn, tired face staring back at him. Rules are in place so this doesn't happen, he reminded himself. Now get your ass in gear and never let this happen again.

  His morning was filled with meetings and project reviews. Forrest lived for his work and loved every minute he spent in the design world. He started drawing before he learned to walk. His mother gave him crayons and a large easel pad at his first birthday. His initial attempts were nothing but scribbles, random circles, and shapes. As the years passed his ability to draw more complex images flourished. By the age of five, he was drawing cities, solar systems, and houses complete with landscapes and cars parked in driveways.

  When he entered first grade, he found he could use his love for art to get him favors so he drew pictures for his teachers and classroom assistants. The art teacher contacted his parents telling them Forrest was beyond talented, that he might be a prodigy. They refused to treat him differently than other kids and made him learn that the world didn't revolve around art alone.

  Forrest learned that grades were just as important as his passion for art. He did well, made the honor role most of the time and continued to hone his drawing skills. By high school, Forrest knew his art was different. He saw the world from a different prospective and was able to transfer his mind's images to paper. He began winning awards for his out-of-the-box creative designs. Some called them futuristic, others just admired his work.

  He did well in high school and was awarded scholarships to several highly praised colleges for architectural studies. He chose California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo (commonly known as Cal Poly.) His four years there were like a dream come true. He lived and breathed architectural design, received awards for his work and had the pick of companies to work for when he graduated.
He chose to get his masters in sustainable design instead. That decision turned out to be the right choice. He was recruited to a prestigious design firm that specialized in sustainable city planning. There he honed his skills for five years.

  When he felt he had to make a break, he decided to branch out, start his own design and build firm. The first two years in business were lean, but rewarding. As he built a client base, he added more staff. His first addition was Eyanna Cooper. She would initially serve as an all around office person, but soon proved her worth and became his assistant. As business grew, more architects were added to the firm. Now cities all over the world came to him for his unique sustainable planning designs.

  By lunch, Forrest was ready for a break. He loved his job, but knew that his body and mind required more than consistent work. "You look like shit," said Rachelle as she sat opposite her lifelong friend at their favorite restaurant. "Tell me what has you so stressed out."

  Forrest couldn’t hide anything from Rachelle. They had been friends since first grade when she moved into the house next door to his. They shared secrets, love stories, bad dates, and all things personal. Rachelle was the first person Forrest told he was gay. She looked at him, smiled, and said, "So now I'll know which boys to avoid. And by the way, I already knew."

  Today he didn't feel like telling her about his way too long night in Lance's bed. He was tired, mad at himself for breaking one of his rules, and didn't need her heckling him about it. But he knew she wouldn't let it go until he did. "I was out too late last night." He sipped his hot coffee hoping his openness would be sufficient.

  It wasn't. "You went out on a work night?" Rachelle was well aware of his personal rules. "Really? Were you overly horny or just being stupid?"

  Forrest looked at his friend wide eyed and annoyed. She always spoke her mind, no filters, no political correctness, just her mind. "In hindsight, it was stupid, but I needed to get my mind away from everything that's been going on. So I went to The Hole for a drink."