Thorne and Dash

Thornwell Shipton is wealthy, uptight, closeted, and an incurable workaholic. A tragic love affair left him terrified of relationships, so he tells himself sex is better scheduled and paid for. Riley Dashwood is young, easy-going, and comfortable in his own skin. He's a passionate baker and an aspiring chef, working as an escort to save up for culinary school. When Thorne hires Dash, it's lust at first sight. After a few scorching nights together, both men start to wonder if what's between them is more than physical.

Several months ago, Thorne hired Riley as an escort. They fell hard for each other and ultimately made their relationship personal rather than professional. Every moment they spend in bed is pure bliss, but good sex can't solve all their problems as they struggle to make things work between them. Thorne convinces Riley to move in with him, but their differences in age and income weigh more heavily on Riley once they share a home.

Thorne proposed to Riley. Riley accepted. Thorne thought that was that. They'd take a nice trip, get married, and spend a week luxuriating in a five-star hotel with occasional excursions to fabulous restaurants. Riley imagined a traditional wedding with all the trappings. With all their friends and family. At Christmas. Thorne concedes reluctantly, and a flurry of wedding planning ensues.

Marc longs for a grand romance, but he doubts he'll ever be that lucky. Then he meets Darius, an arrogant tailor who pushes all his buttons. When Darius offers him a job, Marc hesitates - he needs a direction for the future, not another man who doesn't believe in relationships.