Not Every Time
Release
Date: December 15
Publisher:
Pride Publishing
Blurb
What
would you give up for love?
Raziel Slade and Jack Hastings have been best
friends since Raz saved Jack’s life twelve years ago. Jack has spent years
searching for the perfect woman with the help of his wingman, Raz, the man he
thinks of as his guardian angel. At a company Christmas party, the world Jack
thought he knew turns on its axis, and feelings he didn’t know he had punch him
right between the eyes. Can Jack learn to see his friend in an entirely
different way?
Openly gay, Raz loves his best friend and has
given up more than Jack will ever know to be with him, but he’s never dared to
tell Jack how he truly feels, or to reveal his true identity. For twelve years,
he has waited in the wings.
Now, with Jack’s sudden epiphany, can these
two best friends work out if they have a future together?
Message
From Alexa ~ Christmas Angels
My mother introduced me to the film, It’s
a wonderful Life before I reached double figures and I still love it.
The story of George Bailey, an ordinary man who does more good than he
realises, is so life affirming. George is helped by Clarence, an angel who
earns his wings by the end of the film. More recently, I’ve become a fan of
another angel, Castiel, from Supernatural, who discovered what it
was like to be human, and, maybe, depending on your point of view, what it’s
like to fall in love.
Traditionally, we put either a star or an
angel on top of our Christmas trees. I have two angels that alternate every
year to put on my tree. They are not exactly the usual sort. This year is Taz’s
turn.
In my story, Not Every Time, Jack thinks of Raz as his guardian angel because he saved his life on the first day they met, and they’ve been best friends ever since. But will Jack ever realise the love he’s been looking for is right in front of him, and is there more to Raz than he knows?
For now, the reader can decide, but there
will be a sequel from Jack’s point of view next year.
Excerpt
Angelo
Raziel Slade glared at the bathroom door behind which stood his best friend,
Jack Hastings. He shrugged on his jacket and sat on the bed. “For heaven’s
sake, Jack, stop complaining. This is your work’s Christmas party, and we’re
only here because I’m tired of you whining about your pathetic love life.”
“I
realize that, but you know how much I hate these occasions. Last year— No, I
don’t want to remember that debacle. I want it made clear that I’m only here because you insisted and said you’d come with
me. You know what I’m like.”
Raz
sighed. He certainly did.
“I’m
hopeless with small talk. Women come up to me and I panic. How come you can
speak to women? Is it something to do with being gay? Do you lot have a special
understanding of how women think, or what?”
Jack
emerged from the bathroom, opened his arms wide and twirled. “So, will I do?”
he asked.
Raz
swallowed a gasp and crossed his legs. Oh,
my God. You will do, but you could wear a sack and you’d do for me. “You
clean up well. I told you a suit would be better. Women prefer men in a suit,
but with more than a hint of stubble and the suggestion there might be
something worth investigating underneath.”
“Is
that the sort of men you like?” Jack asked.
Raz
stood and closed the distance between them. “This tie needs adjusting, though.
Here, let me do it.” Up close, the smell of his friend’s aftershave filled his
senses. Why did he torture himself in this way? So I can be near him. Because I can’t bear the idea of not being near
him.
“There,
that’s better. A tie needs a Windsor knot. My father used to say you should
always make an effort to be at your best.”
“You
must miss them at this time of year,” Jack said, placing a hand on Raz’s arm.
Raz
stared over Jack’s shoulder through the window into the dark December night.
“My father was always too busy saving the planet to have much time for me, and
I don’t remember my mother.”
“Just
as well that my family love the bones of you then. You are still coming to ours
for Christmas Day, aren’t you? Mum and Dad would skin me alive if you didn’t,
not to mention Lisa. They think the sun shines out of your backside.”
“Yes,
I’ll be there as usual. I thought Lisa was bringing Bradley this time, now that
they’re official.”
“She
is. He’s a brave man taking on my sister. Right, let’s get this over with. I’m
glad we booked the room so we can both have a drink.” Raz pulled a face.
“It’s
all right. I’m not going to have too much because women don’t like a drunk. And
I know to ask questions, but not suck up too much if I see anyone I fancy. The
place will be packed, so perhaps this will be the night.” He nudged Raz. “All
those bankers together in one room.”
“That’s
one word for them,” Raz whispered to himself.
Jack
put his hands on his hips and struck what Raz called his Henry VIII pose.
“Look, you insisted I come tonight and stop sitting at home complaining no one
loves me and that my wrist aches.”
“Well,
you won’t find Ms. Right if you stay home with me every Saturday night, now
will you?” Even if I love every minute of
it and hate the thought you might not be there.
About
Alexa
Originally from South Wales, Alexa has lived
for over thirty years in the North West of England. Now retired, after a long
career in teaching, she devotes her time to her obsessions.
Alexa began writing when her favourite
character was killed in her favourite show. After producing a lot of fanfiction
she ventured into original writing.
She is currently owned by a mad cat and
spends her time writing about the men in her head, watching her favourite
television programmes and usually crying over her favourite football team.
Find
Alexa Here
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