Page 73 of Secret

Tyler opened the door and both men went out into the cold.

Alec looked at Demarco. "We've never had secrets, D. Now our hubbies are in on things before me. I'm hurt. I've lost my seniority."

"No, you haven't. I slipped up and said something yesterday while you and Jack were in town buying groceries. Your man gave me the side-eye. I caved."

"He's good that way."

"He's goodeveryway, Alec."

"OK, OK. So, what's the news?"

"That book you wrote..."

"True."

"Yeah,True. I slipped Sheronda a copy."

Alec stared at Demarco.

"Are you at work on others?"

Alec nodded. "Yeah. The second one is almost finished and I've outlined a third."

Demarco grinned.

"Holy fuck," said Alec. "Sheronda Fienes wants to option my book?"

"No. Not quite. Romance—well, pure romance—isn't really her thing."

"Then what?"

"She has a cousin in Atlanta that's a producer at Lifetime."

"Lifetime... the network for women and gay men." Alec said, recalling a dated catchphrase they used to use.

"Don't knock it. How many gay romance movies have you ever seen on TV?"

"None."

"Exactly. I mean, look at all the Lifetime and Hallmark channels, all those romance movies. Someone is watching them or they wouldn't be making them. There's a market out there for what you're writing, and I think Lifetime wants to be the first to break down that door."

Again, Alec just stared at Demarco.

"So, what do you say to that, Mr. Montana?"

In his best Demarco voice, Alec said, "I ain't mad."

"Good."

"What did Tyler say?"

"He's happy if you're happy."

"I am happy."

"I think we all are. But there's always room for more. I added Tommy to the mix, and... now I'm thinking a little girl might be nice."

Alec grinned. "I never pictured you as a patriarch."