The Anonymous Hookup
Jax Calder
Publication date: June 2nd 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
Lane
I’ve never been a strings-free sex type of guy, but when my best friend encourages me to have my first ever anonymous hookup, I figure, why not? One night of steamy sex with a stranger and then I’ll focus back on recovering from my toxic break-up.
Only I’m not prepared for how incredibly hot the sex is.
Nor am I prepared to run into him again.
Because it turns out my anonymous hookup might not be so anonymous after all…
This low-angst 29,000-word MM romantic novella is full of fun banter, steamy times, sweet times and contains a few surprises along the way.
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EXCERPT:
I’ve always thought Thumpers, the most popular gay nightclub in Auckland, is aptly named, because I’ve never failed to leave without a thumping headache. It might have something to do with the flashing multi-colored lights and the music being played at about twice the recommended volume. Goodbye to the ability to detect high pitched sounds. It was fun while it lasted.
“First guy you see,” Jules instructs after we show our ID to the bouncer and make our way into the club. It’s ten-thirty, so the place is already pumping.
I tilt an eyebrow skeptically. “First guy I see?”
“First guy you see who you find attractive,” she concedes. “I mean it, Lane. No mucking around. You’re looking for a hookup, not a life partner. And if the first guy isn’t interested, then you just move on to the next one.”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“It is simple. You’re like a younger, better-looking Chris Pratt. Any guy should thank his lucky stars to hook up with you.”
I don’t have time to respond to her compliment because she’s abruptly stopped halfway to the bar. “There. Him. Do you find him attractive?”
I follow the direction of her nod and my mouth goes dry. The guy she’s indicated is the dictionary definition of tall, dark and handsome. He’s standing at the bar ordering a drink so I can only see his profile, but it’s definitely one of the finer profiles I’ve ever had the good fortune to stare at. Cut jaw, straight nose, full lips.
“Is it actually possible not to find him attractive?” I ask.
“Then you’ve found your first target.”
“Wow, we’re using war terminology now, are we?”
She nudges me. “Don’t overthink it. Just get over there.”
Severely questioning my life choices and taste in friends, I make my way over to the bar.
Jesus. He’s even hotter up close. He’s leaning up against the bar, sipping at his drink, surveying the club, which gives me a chance to check him out as I approach. Yep, he’s definitely tipping the scales toward gorgeous. He’s an inch or two taller than my six feet, with thick dark hair, olive skin, and smouldering dark eyes. He looks around my age, maybe a few years older.
Forget dry. The contents of my mouth could now be used as a desiccant.
I try to keep my legs from shaking as I slot into the space next to him and turn to meet those gorgeous eyes.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hey,” he says, giving me both a charming grin and a quick once over. Which is quite a multi-skilled talent, when you think about it.
“I’m…” I begin, then realize I’m already about to break the rules for an anonymous hookup.
He quirks an eyebrow. “You’re what?
“I’m really thirsty,” I say, then almost close my eyes in embarrassment as my cringe reflex hits me.
“Well, that’s great. You’ve definitely come to the right place.” Luckily he seems more amused than scornful at my absolute lack of game.
I flick a look at Jules who has settled on a stool at a high table on the other side of the bar. She gives me something between an encouraging nod and a ‘do it or else I’ll hassle you about how pathetic you are.’
I take a deep breath. “You want to get out of here?”
His brow creases. Yeah, confusion wasn’t the response I was going for.
“I thought you said you were thirsty,” he says.
“I am.” I load those two words with enough innuendo it’s surprising they make it out of my mouth.
His confusion lifts and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Oh, that kind of thirsty.”
It appears I’ve chosen my metaphor hill to die on. “Yeah, that kind.”
“And you’re offering me the chance to help quench your thirst.”
“Um…yes I am.”
“Well, lucky for you, I consider myself extremely gifted in the art of hydration.”
I can’t help laughing. He’s funny, which definitely helps me to relax. Funny and gorgeous… my brain starts to race off, but I wrench it back with a thud.
“Ah…just so you know, I’m only recently out of a relationship. I’m not looking for anything serious,” I say.
His eyebrows shoot up. “You’re kidding me, right?”
I blink. “What?”
“Because I was just about to message my ring engraver. He’s been on standby for years, just waiting for me to say the name of my beloved.”
His face splits into an open grin as he laughs at my reaction.
“Okay.” I roll my eyes. “I haven’t done the hookup thing before, but I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page.”
He quirks an eyebrow. “You’ve never had a hookup before? Seriously?”
“Seriously. My friend thinks it’s hilarious. She wants me to write an article for her blog ‘A beginner’s guide to an anonymous hookup.”
“Oh, that’s brilliant. I’ll happily help you with that.” He props his arm on the bar as he continues to grin at me.
Author Bio:
Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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