Overview

Official Description: Jonah Fisher and Scott Eeley may both be Deaf, but they couldn't be more different.

Scott is a color consultant who doesn't interact well with the hearing. He watches his gorgeous new neighbor swim every morning, but has no idea how to approach him. He doesn't even know his name.

Jonah is a bouncer with an 'I'm Deaf, deal with it' attitude. He doesn't like the way Scott lets people treat him. So why can't he stop thinking about him?

Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
There's a new guy that's just moved into my building. I see him swimming laps in the complex pool every day in his little speedo-esque suit. I can tell from his tats that he's a bit of a bad boy (my favorite kind), but I'm too shy to approach him. Is he as tough & intense as he looks or is the cuddly teddy bear with an edge that I'm secretly looking for??

Photo Description: A hard-bodied man leans against a pale wall, one hand dragging his black Calvins low over his hip. A swirling tattoo graces one muscular arm from shoulder to elbow. Light-brown eyes stare out challengingly from under damp dark hair. He has a hint of a beard, and a double silver chain drapes around his neck over lightly-furred pecs.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Download the story from the Author's website (pdf, epub, mobi and lit formats) or Goodreads, read it online or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 2.

Tags: gay m/m, deaf, tattoo, 'retired' bad boy, paranormal elements, being out in love

Word Count: 16,334
40 pages