Free FullDisclosure by Nikki Soarde Page A

find out how she was conceived and what we were involved in.”
    “Rachel wouldn’t understand?”
    “Melissa doesn’t believe she would.” Evan leaned forward, his expression earnest. “Her religion is all she’s ever known, Jake. She’s lived it and breathed it since she was a baby. And in her world homosexuality and anything sexual that deviates from the missionary position in a committed marital relationship is a sin.” He shook his head sadly. “You should’ve seen her when she first met my neighbors.”
    “Mike and Andrew? They’re great guys!”
    “And they hold hands on the elevator. She’s disgusted by it.”
    Jake blinked in disbelief. “I guess I’m the naïve one. I had hoped that kind of attitude had died out with the dinosaurs. At least among the more…civilized set.”
    “I’m afraid not. It’s alive and well—and living in my condo.” He stood, turned to the window and said more to himself than Jake, “She’s a good person. She is. Really. She just doesn’t know any better.”
    “Oh Evan. I’m sorry.”
    Obviously restless, he sat down again. “I’m stuck, Jake. Can’t you see? I love my daughter. Or at least I want to. I need to know her, to find out who she is and if we can take a stab at being family. But in order to do that I can’t let her see the real me.” He dropped his face in his hands. “Don’t think the irony of that is lost on me. It isn’t.”
    Jake could feel Evan’s anguish, and suddenly he regretted all his harsh words—and harsh judgments. He crossed to his friend and laid a hand on his shoulder. “You’re making the best of an impossible situation. I understand completely. I just wish…”
    Evan stood, faced him. He was so close. “Go on. You just wish what?”
    “I wish you had told me sooner. I could have been there for you. That’s what friends are for.”
    “I know, Jake.” He cupped the back of Jake’s head, the gesture both intimate and possessive. “I know you are. The problem is, you’re more than a friend. So much more.”
    Jake met his gaze, held captive by what he saw there. “I don’t understand. Why is that a problem?”
    “Because I can’t hide how I feel. I can’t be around you without wanting to do this.” He kissed him then, drew Jake’s lips to his and kissed him. It wasn’t a sensual kiss, or even a tender one. It was hard and deep and left no question as to the level of desire that Evan felt. When he drew away he left Jake breathless and wanting. “I’ve missed you, Jake. I’ve missed you more than I can say. But I thought that by being with you I was sabotaging my relationship with Rachel. I can’t have both, so why bother even trying?”
    Jake ran his hands across Evan’s chest, getting a sense of the rippling muscles and the beating heart beneath. “Well, I’m here now, Evan. For this moment at least we’re together—and we’re alone. What you do with me is up to you.”
    Evan’s hands cruised over Jake’s chest as well, and they were trembling. Or perhaps it was Jake’s own flesh that was vibrating with need.
    “Don’t tempt me.” Evan’s lips passed across Jake’s again, this time with only the barest touch, merely a hint of promise. His hand fisted against the small of Jake’s back in a harsh embrace—an embrace that drew them together and allowed Jake to feel the full extent of Evan’s temptation.
    “But I’m so good at it.”
    “Yes.” Evan’s hands ran up and down his back, his breath came in short bursts. “Yes, you are.”
    Jake’s teeth closed on Evan’s throat and there was a groan of pleasured response. “But I shouldn’t,” he breathed as Jake’s lips cruised farther down his throat to nibble on his collarbone. “I’m supposed to be meeting Rachel in less than an hour.”
    Jake caught his chin in his hand. “Then we’ll be quick. Please, Evan. It’s been too long.” He hated the sound of his own begging, but he thought he’d explode if he didn’t find some