Chapter 1: Introduction
The autumn air bit into Jamal's skin, a slight chill that was refreshingly new after the summer heatwave his city had just endured. The wind blew a small pile of gold and crimson leaves into a swirl around his ankles, and he smiled at the sight. He was dressed simply, but stylishly, in a forest-green wool sweater that accentuated his peachy brown skin and black slacks that hung low around his waist. When he strode, he moved with a natural confidence that seemed to radiate from him.
His black silk shirt was tucked into his slacks, and the rear pocket of his jeans hugged his muscular ass like a lover. Jamal was no stranger to turning heads, but his eyes were always on the prize, even when surrounded by a sea of admiring gazes.
He walked into the coffee shop with purpose, his sharp brown eyes scanning the room for the man he had arranged to meet. A mutual friend had set them up, claiming they would get along famously. Jamal held his breath, searching the room for a sign of his match.
He had no idea what to expect, but he was open to whatever the universe had in store for him. A jolt of excitement ran down his spine as he spotted him, a young man sitting in the corner booth of the coffee shop.
Ajay was beautiful. His long brown hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, revealing his high cheekbones and deep brown eyes that seemed to hold a thousand stories. He wore a simple white t-shirt and jeans, but there was an air of innocence and purity about him that Jamal found irresistible.