Just Dex

Contributors: Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga
Series: Les's Bar #1
Genre: , , , , ,
Release Date: January 19, 2021
Pages: 570

When Dexter Appleton’s best friend Huck commits suicide, it damn near kills Dex too. Huck was a bull rider with a crazy life, and leaves behind a big house, and a ton of unanswered questions. But Dex is just a simple guy, just a Texas redneck trying to scrape together a life, and he can’t handle much more before he breaks.

 

Cyrus Hughes is a professional Dom. He’s shocked to learn that Huck is gone, he’s met with Huck twice a month for years, and didn’t expected to miss a client so much. When he heads to Texas to pay his respects, he instinctively feels protective of Huck’s anxious and unlikely best friend, Dexter.

 

The attraction between them grows, even long distance, until Cyrus insists he needs Dex with him in New York. Clinging to his last bit of hope, Dex takes a leap of faith and moves what little he still owns in with Cyrus, hoping to find his place is in the world, and learn how to love a lifestyle Dom.

 

Their path is full of trial and error, adjusting expectations and discovering how they fit together. Cyrus and Dex try to smooth out the rough edges and create their own family, one where Cyrus hopes to convince Dex that he’s not “just” anything.

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Excerpt:

Dex let himself into Huck’s house, his hand shaking so bad that he missed the lock twice.

Twice.

Huh, you’d think he was a drunk on a three-day binge.

Maybe he would be soon. Who knew? Maybe he’d run away from Salado, drive down to Galveston, up to Beaver’s Bend, away. Maybe he’d just go home and have a long nap. Maybe he’d head to Sixth Street and play with the college kids.

Maybe.

He could hear the alarm deal when he opened the door, distantly, and he wandered to the keypad, turned it off. Huck could do it from his phone—got a kick out of turning it on when he was house sitting, in fact.

Dex stood there in the foyer, the sun pouring into the house, lighting all the wood up, the dust making patterns in the air.

There was an alligator.

A tulip.

A longhorn.

A leaf.

A noose.

His knees buckled and he hit the floor, hands slapping down so hard it hurt.

Suddenly it was like he was Huck, hanging from his bullrope in a hotel bathroom, throat closed, body going heavy and swollen, nasty with gas and bacteria and flies and…

“No.”

The scream that wanted out was just a tiny squeak, but it proved he was here. Here in Huck’s house. Here, waiting for somebody—anybody—to tell him what the fuck to do.

His best friend in all the world—the face he’d known from the nursery at First Baptist, the first guy he’d ever kissed, the person who quit the baseball team when he got thrown out. Huck.

Huck was dead.

Jesus Christ, Huck McNamara was dead, and Dexter was…not.

 

***

 

Tuesdays were quiet enough that Cyrus could sit at the bar. He hauled himself through the front door out of the rain and stomped the water off his boots, shivering for a second as the air conditioning hit him. His iPad was stuffed under his jacket to stay dry and had been tucked against his side so hard he thought maybe he’d bruised something.

Ironic. He’d managed not to pick up any new bruises all day despite his client being particularly needy.

The bartender gave him a wave, and he waved back before hanging up his coat on the pegs by the door.

Tuesdays should be Greg behind the bar, but Greg finally got cast in some new off-Broadway show Cyrus couldn’t remember the name of and might be at rehearsal.

He set his iPad down on the bar at his usual spot with a good view of both the TV and the door.

“Mr. Hughes. Always good to see you.” A mug of hot coffee landed on the bar along with a bowl of pretzels.

Not Greg. Good for him. “Oh, perfect. Thanks, Perry.”

“It’s a fresh pot. I’m mainlining it tonight. I pulled a double yesterday and picked up Greg’s shift tonight. I’m toast.” Perry leaned against the bar, blue eyes shining in the lights. Such a lovely young man.

“Well, I won’t bother you much. I have a little work to do.”

“Bother me when you’re ready for a break. This place is dead with the weather.” Perry winked at him.

“Okay.” Sounded like Perry wanted some company. He’d just get the pressing stuff done, then he could chat awhile.

He took a sip of his coffee and hummed as the warmth chased the last of the damp summer rain away. Then opened up his iPad. His calendar was full. He’d had inquiries from two potential new clients, but fitting them in would be a challenge. He looked his week over and shook his head. The rest of this week was impossible but maybe—

Well, maybe next Thursday if Huck didn’t answer his phone soon. Cyrus had been calling him since he no-showed last week. It was the first time in nearly two years that Huck had missed an appointment; the cowboy was as regular as the sunrise. Twice a month on a Thursday since the very first time they’d met. It was more than a little worrisome.

He pulled out his cell phone and found Huck’s number, trying it one more time.

“McNamara’s phone. What can I do you for?”

Damn, that was…odd. Now he was definitely worried. And curious.

Okay. Discretion. He found his professional voice. He’d done this lots of times. “Hello. I’m looking for Huck. Is he available?”

“Oh hell’s bells, am I talking to his therapist? That’s what comes up on the phone.” So, another Texan—lover? Family?

Therapist was pretty common. He found the different ways people referred to him so interesting. “Yes, it’s Cyrus Hughes. Who am I speaking with?”

“Dex. Dexter Appleton. I—” There was a shaky breath, a pause. “Damn, Sam. This never gets easier. Never. I’m sorry, buddy. Huck hung himself in Nashville. He’s gone.”

“He what?” What? He knew something was wrong, but he was thinking rodeo accident or that Huck was in a wreck. Cy covered his other ear and listened. “I—I’m…sorry for your loss.” Hung himself. Cyrus would never have—he had no idea Huck was— “Shit.”

“Yessir. The funeral’s planned here for Monday. I mean, if you want to come out. You in Austin or Dallas?”

“New York,” he said absently. “I’m in New York.” Huck. Why didn’t you call me?

“New—What? Did you say New York?” The shock on the other end of the line was…huge. Like he’d said he was from the moon.

“Where are you? What was he doing in Nashville? How could he have hung himself?” Right. He needed to stop talking before this Dexter guy hung up on him.

“I’m at Huck’s house. We’re outside Salado. He was at a bull riding, and he used his motherfucking bull rope.” The guy’s voice started to crack, and he heard Dexter take a deep breath. “Sorry. Sorry. You need to know where to send flowers?”

“I think—” I think I need to be there. “When… When did you say the service was? Is it in…you said Salado?”

Perry glanced at him and he shook his head sadly, which made Perry come over and give his shoulder a squeeze. That was kind, but he really had no idea what he was feeling right now. He was in shock, obviously, as Dexter probably was as well. It definitely felt like real grief though.

“Monday afternoon at one. No viewing. Broecker here in town. I’m burying him next to his momma. Hold up.” There was a pause, and then, “Goddamn it, y’all! I am trying to deal with shit. Take that beer outside!”

He typed the date and time right into his calendar and the name of the town and the place into the notes. “Got it. I’m sorry, I won’t keep you. My condolences, I’m really very sorry.” He started to say that Huck was a good man, but what did he know really? He’d learned better than to assume. You’d think after all this time he’d know, but he didn’t.

“Thank you. I’m sure he, uh, he…liked you?” A soft chuckle sounded. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how that works—therapists.”

“He did. He trusted me.” In his world, that was the highest compliment Huck could have given him. “Thank you. Have a good night.”

He hung up and set his phone carefully on the bar.

Perry looked at him seriously. “You okay, Cy?”

Cyrus shrugged reflexively. “I lost a…a client.” It was really strange to think that a man with as much fight in him as Huck would hang himself. Sure, Huck was obviously frustrated, maybe angry, but suicidal? Wouldn’t Cy have seen that?

Should he have?

“Shit. I’m sorry, man.”

He tossed a twenty on bar and pushed off his stool. “I’m going to head home.”

“I get it. Safe home, Cy.”

He scooped up his iPad, tucked it under his arm and stepped out into the rain.

He was nearly home before he realized he’d forgotten his coat.

Fuck.

He’d go back for it tomorrow.

Title: Just Dex
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B08S1R8J3C
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-38-3

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Hide Bound

Contributors: Jodi Payne, BA Tortuga
Series: Les's Bar #2
Genre: , , , , ,
Release Date: January 18, 2022
Pages: 276

Peter Marshall has had enough of working for Parks and Rec when he comes across an opening for a real carpentry job and decides to give it a go. Building things is his passion, so even though the shop seems a little out there, and the owner seems pretty grumpy, Peter decides to go for it.

Brandon McPhail wishes he didn’t have to hire a new carpenter, but his current one is going out on maternity leave. He’s especially wary of this kid who can’t possibly be old enough to spell BDSM, let alone know what the lifestyle means. But Peter impresses Brandon with both his talent and his tenacity, so Brandon hires him on, reminding himself that he’s in a wheelchair due to his MS, he had a terrible experience in his last relationship, and despite how clueless Peter is about the lifestyle, he’s not interested in taking on another sub.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, though, and it’s not long before they’re exploring what they can learn from each other. Peter is a natural at fulfilling Brandon’s needs, and Brandon thinks he’s teaching Peter everything he’s eager to learn, but when danger threatens, they have to help their friends through it while trying to navigate their new relationship. Can they forge bonds strong enough to bind them together for life?

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Title: Hide Bound
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B09PGKXTSK
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-68-0

Wholly Trinity

Contributors: Jodi Payne, BA Tortuga
Series: Les's Bar #3
Genre: , , , , ,
Release Date: January 31, 2023

Dr. Isaac Daniels and Detective Neil Thrope have been on and off Dom and sub since they met a few years ago. Isaac is all in but he’s not everything switch Neil needs, so good as things are between them, they both know it’s not enough.

Being in the BDSM community, Isaac and Neil were there to help when sub Alain Remy Broussard was assaulted by a pair of Doms who didn’t ascribe to the notion of safe, sane, and consensual. Their friend, Dom and therapist Cyrus Hughes offered Alain a place to stay, and has been working with the boy to help him regain trust. When Cyrus is called out of town suddenly, he calls on Isaac, who agrees to take Alain in while he’s away.

Isaac feels instantly protective of Alain, but it’s Neil who quickly bonds with the sub. With Alain in the house, Neil might have found the balance he craves but thought was too much to ask for. Isaac, though, has only ever had that kind of connection with Neil. Will the Dom be able to get on board and love both men as they, and he, deserve?

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Title: Wholly Trinity
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B09RLMLV4G

New Tricks

Contributors: Jodi Payne, BA Tortuga
Series: Les's Bar #4
Genre: , , , , ,
Release Date: May 21, 2024

Miniature artist Kit Swann is starting over when he moves to New York. His late husband left him nearly everything he needs, but living on his own in a big city can be lonely. He’s not sure if he’s ready yet, but that gay bar he’s been watching for a while from the coffee shop across the street is interesting to him, and he’s working up the courage to go inside.

Elijah Russo has been looking for a full-time partner for so long he’s ready to give up. The right man just doesn’t seem to exist until he meets Kit, he dares to wonder if he may have found exactly the man he’s looking for. Still, Kit’s guarded and grieving and may not even know if he wants the lifestyle Elijah could offer him.

The pair have to navigate their differences, from where they come from to what they know about their desires, while the shadow of the tragic death of Kit’s husband looms over them and makes navigating their relationship even more prickly. If they’re going to bring their very different lives together, they’ll have to teach each other some new tricks.

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Title: New Tricks
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B0D2WV6534

Lost Boy

Contributors: Jodi Payne, BA Tortuga
Series: Les's Bar #5
Genre: , , , , , ,
Release Date: January 28, 2025

Lost Boy is an opposites attract, sub top, size difference, BDSM romance featuring a strong but gentle veterinarian and a K-9 police dog trainer with a fiery temper.

Veterinarian and Dom Leo Aetos adores animals, has a great apartment in Brooklyn, and even has a favorite bar. The only thing he doesn’t have is a lover and a sub to share it all with. Finding that man is easier said than done because he’s searching for someone with very specific needs. He needs a sub who steps out of the stereotype and that's tall order. Much like he is, at well over six feet.

K-9 Police dog-trainer and sub Chris Kinney figures there’s no way he’d be anything close to what Leo wants. His last D/s relationship failed miserably and he is convinced it was his own fault. He just couldn’t be sort of sub his ex needed him to be. Worse, he struggles with his temper, and he’s not even sure he belongs in New York.

Leo wants to take Chris on despite Chris's misgivings, with some help from his friends at Les’s Bar. He knows pretty much right away he’s not going to want to let Chris go, but will he be able to convince Chris they can both get what they need, without the ex threatening their new relationship?

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Lost Boy – Chapter One

“Hello, is this Mr. Muffins?”

Leo walked into the exam room where a little girl was holding an all-black cat with gorgeous golden eyes. She nodded to him, her pigtails swinging around her shoulders.

“He’s getting fat.” She was very serious, but her father snorted a laugh.

“We’re not overfeeding him.”

“Okay, so, let’s see what’s the matter with him. What’s your name?” Leo took the cat and put him on the table. He was very well-behaved, well-socialized, and didn’t mind being handled. That was very helpful.

“Amy.”

He did a quick palp of the cat’s belly. “I think I may know…” He flipped the cat over carefully and had a look, pushing fur aside. “I have your answer. Mr. Muffins is pregnant. So…she’s not a Mr.”

“She’s having babies?” Amy looked absolutely thrilled.

“What?” The dad actually took a step forward he was so surprised. “He’s a she?”

Leo nodded. “The chart says she’s an indoor cat, but has she gotten out in the last couple of months? She must have, right?”

“Yeah, actually. She jumped out an open window, and we lost her for a couple of days. Amy was so upset. But he—she—turned up near our building, and my wife found him. Her.”

He wasn’t sure how no one noticed a cat in heat, or why she wasn’t fixed as a kitten, but none of that mattered now so he didn’t even ask. “Well, she is now Ms. Muffins, and she’s got some babies on board. Congratulations!”

“Wow. Okay. I was thinking tumor, so I guess this is best-case scenario.”

He put the cat in the carrier that Amy set on the table for him and closed the door. “On the way out, stop by the front desk, and pick up the brochure on dealing with pregnant cats. And once she’s had the kittens, bring her back to get her fixed.”

“Thank you so much, Dr. Aetos.” The dad stuck out his hand.

“My pleasure. Good luck.”

Amy skipped down the hall behind her dad and he followed. “Lexie? No charge for Mr. Muffins, and please change his name to Ms. Muffins and her sex to female in the chart.”

Lexie laughed. “You got it. You off the clock?”

“Yes. I am going home. But before I go, can you order me some more scrubs?”

“Sure. Let’s see… size super extra crazy tall, right?”

“You got it. And husky.”

Lexie laughed again. “Husky. I like it.”

“Do they have Minions?”

“Uh…” Lexie started scrolling. “Captain America?”

“I have those.”

Lexie pushed her dark bangs out of her eyes. “Kermit the Frog…”

“Got ’em.” He loved them too. They were actually fuzzy pajamas, not scrubs, and they were comfy.

“Sully?”

Hold up. “Ooh. Yes. Get me Sully. But do they have Minions?”

“I don’t see Minions except in normal big people sizes. Not Hulk.”

“I have the Hulk.” He had several pairs in fact, because people thought they were funny and gave them to him as gifts all the time. He would never run out of Hulk pants. He sighed. “You know, are Minions really too much to ask for?”

“Hey, they have Little Mermaid!”

“No shit? In my size?”

“They totally do.”

That was a no-brainer. “Well, I need those. Obviously.”

“Obviously. Is that enough for now?”

“I guess so. But I’m going to keep asking about Minions, so keep your eye out.”

“If I see them, I’ll just order them.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Lexie.”

“You got it, King of the Jungle.”

He rolled his eyes. There wasn’t a big, tall, or giant joke he hadn’t heard. Not one. But they were all in good fun, and he didn’t mind.

There was no reason to get all caught up in drama when there was so much joy out there to discover, after all.

He changed out of his Lightning McQueen scrubs and clogs and into blue jeans and boots making his six-foot-four frame even taller, pulled on a clean T-shirt and his jacket, and headed out into the still-cold early-spring evening.

He got on the subway and had two stops to make up his mind before the train took him home. If he got off and changed trains, he’d leave Brooklyn and head into Manhattan where he’d spend his evening at Les’s Bar.

Or, he could go home, curl up on his couch, and watch a movie.

One stop… two stops…

Oh why not? He got off and switched trains.

The bar would be warm, busy, and a decent place to spend an evening. There was something about Les’s—not fancy, but absolutely not a dive. It was simply a good place for men of his predilections to hang out.

The only drawback, living in Brooklyn, was the bar was a bit of a trip. But he always sprung for a ride home. He could afford it, and at the end of the week, he deserved a little treat.

He got off the subway and walked the last couple of blocks, arriving after happy hour, but it wasn’t too late to order a bite to eat. He smiled as soon as he walked in the door, glad he’d decided to come out. He was always so relaxed here. He glanced at the booths where they normally sat people that wanted to eat but walked right by them.

He just didn’t fit. He always ate at the bar.

“Master Leo! How’s it going?” One of the bartenders offered him a warm smile. “Good to see you.”

“Drew.” He smiled. “Always good to see you. May I please look at your menu?” He always asked to look even though he practically had it memorized. “And whatever cabernet you have open. Thank you.”

“Of course, Sir.” In moments, he had a glass of wine and a menu, along with a warm smile.

“Thank you, boy.” Drew was adorable, and every sub in here knew just how unattached he was, so he got a lot of hopeful smiles. He wasn’t that guy, though. He didn’t take just anyone home for some fun. He had a weird tendency to crush on adorable subs whether they were really suited to his needs or not.

He couldn’t help it. He didn’t just like people; he fell a little bit for almost everyone.

“Dude, did you hear about Master Neil’s friend?” One of the little ones was gossiping to his bar mate. “My Master took me to the diner, and we saw him. He’s crazy, man. You can see it in his eyes.”

“Boy.” He interrupted in an admonishing tone. “I don’t think that kind of gossip appropriate in this setting.” Neil probably wouldn’t appreciate it.

One of them whispered, “Dammit,” while the other said, “Sorry, Sir!” in a tone so bright it was ridiculous.

Neil was in law enforcement, if he remembered correctly. It didn’t seem like Neil would have an unstable friend who worked in a diner. But then, one of Neil’s partners was a shrink, so anything was possible.

They weren’t at the bar often, honestly. He saw them once a quarter, maybe. Isaac didn’t seem like the bar type.

He looked the menu over and put it down, waving Drew back to him. “Spaghetti and meatballs, please. And what is this about Neil’s friend? Is Neil okay?”

“Master Neil? Oh, they’re talking about Chris. He’s a dog trainer. He’s from… somewhere with mountains. His apartment flooded, and he’s been staying with the three of them. I’d question more if Master Isaac is okay…”

“Four of them under one roof? That’s a lot. A dog trainer is cool though.” It sucked to lose an apartment, though. “You’re probably right about Isaac; he’s a routine guy.”

“Yes, Sir. Very much, and Alain and Neil are up and out at four a.m., while Chris is a night owl, so…”

“Oof. That sounds terrible.” He shook his head. “Why are they saying he’s… unstable?”

“He’s a bit of a wild one, that’s all. You know, a little bit of a drinker, one of those ‘I’ll submit if you can force me’ types.”

He lifted one eyebrow. “Oh yeah? So, no Dom of his own, I take it.” Interesting. He wasn’t sure what “wild” really meant though. “I’m sure Isaac loves that.”

Isaac could put his foot down, but he wasn’t one for a fight. He knew that much.

Drew shook his head, lips twisting. “No, Sir. They were in here a few nights ago, and Master Isaac took Alain home.”

“Hm. Maybe I’ll give Neil a call and see if he needs some help.” He could take the boy out for an evening, give them all a break. He knew his way around a willful sub; they’d be all right for an evening.

“Somewhere with mountains” made it sound like the boy didn’t have anywhere else to go.

“Oh, you are the sweetest man, Sir. Let me put your order in. Xavier’s in a great mood, so the food should rock.”

“Tell him extra garlic.” He wasn’t going to be kissing anyone tonight.

Leo pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts to see if he had Neil. Neil was a switch, an interesting guy. They’d flirted a little once, but he backed off when he found out about Neil’s needs. He knew he had a problem with investing in subs, and that would have been a poor investment for both of them.

Neil was a fascinating person, though, and could tell stories about when he’d been a cop for days. Now that he co-owned a diner with his lover, Leo could only imagine how amazing the stories had become.

He didn’t have Neil’s number. Hm. “Hey, Drew? Can you find me the number for Neil and Alain’s diner? Or even Isaac’s number would work.”

“Let me get Les for you, Sir. He’ll be able to help you.” Oh, good boy—protecting their customers.

He ought to have known better. “Of course. Thank you.” Drew ducked through a swinging door, and Leo waited for Les. Just as well, because Les might have more details. Maybe he was overstepping by thinking he could help. It was possible that Neil wouldn’t want it, of course.

But Neil was capable of saying “No, thank you,” and being perfectly polite about it.

Les came out from his office, a smile on his face. “Dr. Aetos! Welcome.”

He stood and offered a friendly hand to shake. “If it isn’t the Les, of Les’s Bar.” He grinned. “Good to see you.”

Les bowed, then snorted. “It’s good to be seen. Sorry about Drew. We have rules about giving out information, and he is… scrupulously honest.”

“No, Drew did exactly the right thing, I ought to have known better. I overheard something about Neil having a challenging visitor, and I thought I might be able to help. I can contact him another way. Stop by the diner, maybe.” The food was amazing, it would be a worthwhile trip.

“Yes. Oddly enough, Isaac had to take Alain out when they were here, and I believe Neil and his company are staying in a hotel…”

“Oh my. That’s worse than what I’d imagined. Did you meet this friend when they were here?” Maybe volunteering to help was a poor idea.

“I did. He’s…” Les pursed his lips. “Not a man you would take as a submissive. He’s very willful, strong, hungry for a struggle and unapologetically so.”

Not a man he’d take as a sub. Interesting. “Is he actually a sub? Or is he just a guy with issues?”

“Neil seems… very sure. Incredibly sure.”

“Hmm. It sounds to me like Neil has a problem.”

“Yes, well—we do know that is an issue for our friend, don’t we?”

He nodded. “Do you have any sense how long this guy is going to be in town?”

“Oh, he worked with Neil. He trains K9 dogs for the police.”

That probably meant that Neil was going to get the guy a job. “So… permanently. Issac must be a wreck. I barely know him, but I know enough.”

Les rolled his eyes, but his smile was fond. “Hopefully things will work out quickly. Isaac hates being at odds with Neil.”

“I’m going to drop by the diner. I kind of like the headstrong ones. They can be fun. Maybe I can give them a night off. Thanks for all the info.”

Drew came out with a plate of pasta and meatballs that made his mouth water from three feet away. “Oh. Come to papa.”

“Enjoy, Sir! Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Let me know how things go with Neil. I’m interested.” Les tapped the bar. “Enjoy your dinner. Always good to see you.”

He nodded and managed to say thanks around his bite of meatball.

Dinner at the diner tomorrow. That was a plan. The rest he’d play by ear. He didn’t mind. It sounded like fun.

 

 

Title: Lost Boy
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B0DSCQQHM1