Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Read online

  Something in Common

  By Talia Carmichael

  In this collection, explore seven stories of men who don’t think they can possibly be a match… until they discover that sometimes all it takes is a little something in common. From rough starts, to friends hesitating to take that next step, to complete opposites, Talia Carmichael’s series shows the ways that love can conquer many odds.

  Table of Contents

  Blurb

  Something in Common by Talia Carmichael includes

  Detour

  Sparks

  Resonate

  Irresistible

  Trouble

  Chances

  Magnetism

  About the Author

  Visit Dreamspinner Press

  Copyright Page

  Something in Common by Talia Carmichael includes:

  A Something in Common Novella

  Robert Berkus’s steady academic life seemed to be an open road until the day he took a detour… right into Officer Miguel Rodriguez’s path. When Miguel helps the sexy professor change a flat tire, Robert is absolutely oblivious to Miguel’s interest. That suits Miguel just fine, though. He’s used to being the aggressor although it sure would be nice to get this sweet and staid college professor to make the first move.

  When Robert gets his act in gear, the results prove explosive. Miguel wants Robert in his bed and in his life permanently, and Robert enthusiastically agrees—but they’ve already learned that life makes detours. Sometimes it takes love a little courage to arrive at its chosen destination.

  A Something in Common Novella

  Bernie Jenkins knows longing for Tomas is futile. The strong, sexy man sees him as nothing but an obligation, a burden he took on out of pity. He even calls Bernie “kid.” Bernie knows all about burdens and how they can consume you, so he pushes away feelings for Tomas.

  Tomas Rodriguez likes Bernie. He’s a buddy, a friend. No matter what anyone says, there is nothing going on between them… or so he believes until Bernie surprises him one night at a club. Tomas realizes there’s more to the clumsy geek than he ever knew, but being attracted to someone isn’t the same as acting on it. For that to change, Bernie will have to take a chance and allow Tomas into his heart.

  A Something in Common Novella

  When Gerald Ramirez and retired rock star Bur Jenkins meet, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Actually, Gerald thinks Bur is using their mutual friend, and Bur seems to get a kick out of messing with Gerald.

  To be honest, Gerald’s never been attracted to another man. But then Bur admits he’s attracted to Gerald, and now Gerald can’t stop thinking about what the two of them might be like together. After proving to himself he’s not interested in any other men, Gerald comes forward with an admission of his own: he’s interested in Bur, and he wants to give dating a shot.

  Bur never dared to hope for this, but the chance to get close to Gerald is too tempting to resist, even though Bur is sure their relationship will crash and burn. After all, they’re completely mismatched….

  A Something in Common Novella

  Del Jenkins prefers to be alone—or so he tells himself until his younger brothers try to make him a playdate with bookstore owner Harper Hillman. Del’s brothers just want him to make a new friend, but there is no way he can be friends with Harper. Not unless Harper’s definition of “friends” includes jumping into bed together and getting naked and sweaty. When Harper turns him down flat because he doesn’t sleep with strangers, Del shrugs it off and suggests they get to know each other better. He already sees something wonderful in Harper, and he won’t give up so easily.

  Harper is still mourning his dead husband, and a casual sexual encounter with Del is the last thing he wants. But getting to know each other—platonically, of course—should be harmless. In no way is Harper getting close to another man. But as he and Del spend more time together, Harper realizes it’s too late—he’s already involved. His heart is set on Del, and Harper is powerless to resist.

  A Something in Common Novella

  Alex Hayes doesn’t get involved. He’s been hurt before and has no desire to repeat the experience. Besides, his friends are his family. He doesn’t need anything else. Or so he thinks until he comes face-to-face with Leslie “Maestro” Hannigan… again.

  Two years ago, Alex was the one that got away. But now Leslie knows his name and he isn’t going to lose him twice—especially when it’s plain to see that Alex is interested in Leslie too. Alex may think Leslie is trouble… but he’s the very best kind.

  A Something in Common Novella

  Treble Duo, the haven facility, is now up and running, and that is Theron Longoria’s one and only focus until he sees Aristotle Berkus. He’s met the grouchy, crowd-hating man several times, but each time, Theron is more and more intrigued. After meeting Theron, Aristotle realizes what a wonderful mystery of a man he’s found, and although he plans on taking things slow, he’s not planning on letting Theron go.

  Between a barbecue get-together and a chance to help a little girl find a new home, Theron and Aristotle discover they need each other to navigate the new life they are starting together.

  A Something in Common Novella

  Taggart Monroe wants to know what makes Rhodes Winslow tick. Rhodes finds the friendly barbs he and Taggart exchange intriguing, fun, and sexy. He wants Taggart and knows Taggart wants him even though he won’t admit it. Taggart studies people the way he studies the details of his cases, so he’s drawn to a man who is an enigma. Getting to know Rhodes is an adventure Taggart can’t resist, just like the magnetism between them.

  To my family, who have believed in me from the very beginning. Thanks for your support. To my friends and my crit partner, who listen to my ideas and give their unbiased opinions. I appreciate all you do for me.

  Chapter One

  “AREN’T YOU going to be late?”

  A voice behind Robert Berkus made him swing around. The papers in his hand went flying in the air. He took a breath to calm his racing heart. Blinking, he looked at the tall, lanky man who had spoken.

  “Bernie, you almost scared me to death!” Robert exclaimed.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Rob.” Bernard Jenkins blushed, smiling sheepishly.

  Robert waved him off. He went to his knees on the floor and started picking up papers. Bernie came over and helped. They were quiet as they picked up the papers. Once done, they stood and put them on the long table Robert had been working on.

  “What did you say?” Robert asked while sorting the papers back into order.

  “Hmm…,” Bernie said.

  Robert glanced at Bernie. Bernie was at another table looking into a microscope. Robert studied his research and teacher’s assistant. Bernie was brilliant, although he tended to be absentminded, and outside of the lab, he was a major klutz. When Bernie had been assigned as his research assistant and TA, their first meeting had been memorable. Bernie had, within seconds of meeting him, ripped Robert’s shirt off before promptly falling on his ass and somehow breaking his arm. After taking Bernie to get his arm fixed, Robert had doubts about working with someone so clumsy in a lab with various dangerous substances. He had visions of Bernie wrecking the lab while releasing toxic chemicals. Yet, when Bernie explained in a soft voice that every other professor in the science department had refused to work with him due to his clumsiness, Robert felt bad. Once Bernie turned those sad, pale green eyes covered with wire-rimmed glasses to him, Robert knew he couldn’t form the words to fire him without giving him a chance.

  Glancing at Bernie now, he was glad to have given him that chance. Bernie might be a klutz
anywhere else, but in the lab, he was graceful and had a strong attention to detail. In the months they had been working together, he had come to view Bernie as not just a research assistant and TA, but as a friend. Bernie pushed up his glasses and brushed his shaggy hair back impatiently. Robert smiled fondly and went back to sorting his papers.

  “Now I remember. You told me to remind you about dinner with your friend. Something about going home to change before,” Bernie said suddenly.

  Robert looked at the clock. “Crap. Thanks. I’ll have just enough time.”

  He started to put away his papers.

  “Go, go. I’ll clean up,” Bernie called.

  Robert glanced at Bernie, who was still bent over the microscope.

  “Are—”

  Bernie glanced up at him, glaring. Robert stopped what he was about to say. He knew the look. It was similar to his own “get the hell out so I can work already” look.

  “Thanks.” He strode to his office and sat down for a moment, taking a second to relax.

  Morning office hours, back-to-back lectures, and working in the lab exhausted him. It was only five o’clock. He still had dinner and then work to do at home. It was spring break, and he was looking forward to the time to make lots of progress on his project. With a groan, Robert sorted through the largest stack of papers and files on his desk. He flipped open the latest information on his current research topic. He hoped to complete his paper before the end of the break and ship it off to be looked over by his mentor. He read the first sentence and was drawn into the article. A noise made him look up. He looked at the clock. It was quarter to seven.

  Robert groaned in irritation as he gathered his things to leave. He didn’t have the time to go home. He would just make it to dinner on time. Thankfully, the restaurant was little more than across campus, but it was a fairly large campus. The university, after all, had over thirty-five thousand students. Robert rushed out of his office.

  “Night, Bernie,” he called as he walked rapidly to the lab door.

  “Rob, I thought you left already,” Bernie called.

  “Got caught up. See you tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” Bernie replied absently.

  Reaching the door, Robert glanced back. Bernie was busy working. They both had plans to work through the break. Robert continued on his way. In moments, he arrived at the parking lot. With a glance at his watch, he saw that he had less than five minutes to make it to Bacchus Sloan, the local eatery.

  He strode to his car, making his way across the brightly lit, fairly empty parking lot. Most of the students were already gone. This late on a day before a holiday, even the most dedicated professors had departed. A warm gust of wind blew by him just as he reached his vehicle, raising his body temperature. Robert unlocked the car door. The night was clear and relatively warm. Although it was almost seven o’clock in the evening, spring in Mapson in Southern California meant warm nights. He shrugged off his jacket.

  A native of Rhode Island, he still wasn’t comfortable with the temperature of the West. Drastic changes when the seasons changed was more his thing. He was from a family with lots of academics. They, and those who followed other career paths, all stayed close to New England for their studies, teaching, research, or various businesses. Robert had gotten used to the cold climate of first his undergraduate school, then his MS degree institution, and finally, the university where he’d received his PhD. This far southwest, he’d discovered there really were only two seasons: hot and wet.

  His thoughts filled with the life he’d left behind on the East Coast as he peeled out of the parking lot and onto the road. It had been months since he last really spoke to anyone from Rhode Island. With his demanding schedule, he’d found it difficult to dedicate any time to his family and friends. Which was why he was both excited and apprehensive about meeting with Alex Hayes, his ex-lover and current friend.

  Alex had just moved to the region since the marketing firm he owned had more clients in this area. Robert knew he’d be roped into showing the man around. It was hilarious, considering he only managed to find enough time for teaching, working on his research and paper, and then driving back home in time to pass out in his condo.

  Instead of his usual route, Robert took the short detour that he had heard others mention using to get to Bacchus Sloan. He made the quick right, then left onto the road. He was already halfway through the turn when he realized that there was a light, and it was yellow. Already too far in to hit the brakes, he gunned the engine and flew through the intersection just as the light turned red.

  Robert was just about to send up a silent thanks that there were no cops around when he heard a weird whomp, and then his car listed. He stopped and got out, hoping it wasn’t what it felt like. He walked toward the back wheel and looked down.

  “Shit! It’s a flat. Why me?” he asked.

  He glanced at his watch. He was going to be very late. Walking back to his open door, he jumped at the sound of sirens behind him. He glanced back at the distinctive red flashing lights of a cop car pulling in behind him. Robert tried not to look guilty for going through the red light earlier. He waited for the cop to reach his vehicle. The cop got out and strode over to him.

  “Do you need some help?”

  His voice was deep, gruff, and distinctively sensual. It was the kind of voice that called out to his darker senses, enticing erotic images of sexual delight. Robert swallowed thickly, pushed aside the wicked thoughts the cop’s voice sparked, and focused on the question asked.

  “Yes, Officer. I have a flat. Can you help me change it?” he asked as he looked over the man beside his car.

  It was sinful just how well his voice matched his body. The cop was tall, several inches over six feet, making him seem a giant compared to Robert’s own five-foot-seven height. He was buff, with well-defined muscles. Those hard muscles were the most deliciously colored, warm butterscotch skin tone, a testament to his Hispanic heritage.

  His features were a perfect match to his exotic coloring—sharp cheekbones, wide mouth with a full bottom lip, and a hard, dimpled jaw. Although Robert couldn’t see his eyes because of the mirrored shades, he figured they would be a dark, smoky brown, a deep color that changed with his moods, becoming hard and intense when he was angry or heated and bottomless when he was happy or aroused.

  “Sure, pop the trunk.” The cop moved his hands slightly, bringing Robert’s attention to them. His fingers were long, thick, and blunt. They were competent hands—the kind that could be loving or harsh.

  Pop me. Touch me anywhere, Officer. Robert flushed at his thoughts and turned away.

  He opened the trunk and turned back. The officer got the tire out and got to work. Robert tried to think of something to say. He opened his mouth, then closed it as the man bent down. His pants stretched across an awesome ass. Robert knew he should look away before he was caught ogling. He glanced down the road, and then, despite his best intentions, Robert looked back at the man working on changing his tire. The flex of his back and ass made Robert’s mouth go dry. A shaft of need moved through him at the sight of that ass and those hands changing the tire with such competence. He stifled a moan at the thought of them on his skin. The moment he realized what he was doing, he mentally smacked himself for being stupid. The cop was 100 percent straight. There wasn’t a gay thing about him.

  “There you go,” the officer said.

  Robert jerked and glanced at him. There was a slight smile on the cop’s face, and then the stern look was back. Robert flushed again and glanced away.

  “Ummm… thanks,” he said.

  The sound of shoes walking away made him look up. The cop loaded the old tire and the tool he used back in the trunk, closing it. The cop walked over to him, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “No problem. Let me have your license and proof of insurance.”

  Although confused, Robert got back into the car and retrieved the requested items, then silently handed them to the officer. He made to g
et out of the car.

  The officer shook his head. “Stay there.”

  Robert sat behind the wheel. The officer shut his door, then studied the paperwork Robert had given him. He wondered why the officer needed his information but was afraid to ask.

  Did he see me run the light? He wasn’t looking forward to paying the ticket or having a moving violation on his record. Shit! He wondered if his insurance was going to spike ridiculously. Nah, if he had seen me, he would have said something. Robert took a breath.

  “You’re older than you look.”

  Robert blushed at the officer’s words. He knew he appeared to be just a little older than his students, although he was in his early thirties. It was his curse. With his fair hair, clear complexion, bright blue eyes, and pretty features, he was constantly mistaken for one of the fifth- or sixth-year college students. Hell, he still got carded sometimes.

  “I hear that a lot.”

  “I bet. Where are you off to?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Where are you going from here?”

  “Oh, I, uh, I’m going to dinner with a friend.” He glanced at the clock on the dash. “I’m late.”

  Hidden behind his mirrored lenses, the officer stared at him. Robert found the sensation distinctly uncomfortable.

  “Do you work around here?” the officer asked.

  “Yes. I’m a professor at the university.”

  “Okay. I’ll let you go, then. I’ll let you off with a warning. This time.”

  “This time?” Robert asked, confused.

  “For running the red light.” He handed Robert back his identification and insurance card. “The next time, you might not be so lucky. So pay attention, Professor.” He gave Robert a wave, and then he was gone.