Five years and then they could divorce. That was the plan when Kellan Rhodes married his best friend, Emma, tohide their sexuality from their very traditional, wealthy families. After one drunken, despondent night together produced their daughter, that plan changed.

For Abigail’s sake, they stick with it, playing the happy family. When Emma’s father passes and she gains the keys to the kingdom, she’s finally ready to come out of hiding and be her authentic self. She has the money and the power to protect Kellan’s coming out, as well, only he’s terrified of his cruel father—a conservative, homophobic US Senator...

Five years and then they could divorce. That was the plan when Kellan Rhodes married his best friend, Emma, tohide their sexuality from their very traditional, wealthy families. After one drunken, despondent night together produced their daughter, that plan changed.

For Abigail’s sake, they stick with it, playing the happy family. When Emma’s father passes and she gains the keys to the kingdom, she’s finally ready to come out of hiding and be her authentic self. She has the money and the power to protect Kellan’s coming out, as well, only he’s terrified of his cruel father—a conservative, homophobic US Senator from Texas—and what the man might do if the world learned his secret.

In a desperate bid to show Kellan what his life could be, Emma arranges for a discreet companion to meet him when he travels to Italy. Kellan’s under the impression he’s there to meet with the agent who’s selling her father’s lakeside villa. He arrives to find the unwanted surprise, only to realize it’s a familiar face—a handsome acquaintance he’s desired for well over a year.

How could he send the man away before experiencing a bit of fantasy made flesh?

This story originally appeared in the Elite Connections Charity Anthology.