Loving Summer Rain

By Megan Slayer

FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE MEGAN SLAYER

Book one in the Love Me Do series

A match made in heaven? More like a match made in Norville and made to last.

Arthur Burton wants a lover and partner, but no man seems to want to be with the local insurance agent. He's not the bland two-dimensional man on the billboards, but he hasn't been given the chance to show his colors.

Summer Rain Davis embodies the bohemian lifestyle. He loves his arts and crafts. He's always had a thing for the buttoned-up professional types and when he's set up with Arthur, sparks fly.

Love is possible in a small town if Arthur and Summer Rain are willing to give their romance a try.

Can these two men, seemingly total opposites, find common ground and love to last a lifetime? Or will their differences keep them apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781839431692

Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com. When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Book preview

Pride Publishing books by Megan Slayer

Single Books

Constant

Permanent

Vaulting

Drive my Car

We Belong Together

Finding Michael

Rogue Royal

Must Love Dogs

The One I Want

You and Me Again

The Real Me

My Other Half

Cedarwood Pride

Home to Cedarwood

Ripples in Cedarwood

Scoring in Cedarwood

Rainbows over Cedarwood

Rocking Cedarwood

Cedarwood Manny

Together in Cedarwood

Doc Cedarwood

Finding Forever in Cedarwood

Silver Fox in Cedarwood

Cedarwood Cowboy

Christmas in Cedarwood

Second Chances in Cedarwood

Starting Over in Cedarwood

Anthologies

Out of Bounds: Crossing the Line

Out of Bounds: Making the Play

Aim High: Lifetime Hitch

Brothers in Arms: One Night with You

Rules of Summer: Summer Stock

Collections

What’s his Passion?: Wild Card

Love’s Bloom: Love Next Door

Sun, Sea and…: Sun, Sea and Summer Songs

Love Me Do

LOVING SUMMER RAIN

MEGAN SLAYER

Loving Summer Rain

ISBN # 978-1-83943-169-2

©Copyright Megan Slayer 2022

Cover Art by Fiona Jayde ©Copyright January 2022

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2022 by Pride Publishing, United Kingdom.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.

Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

Book one in the Love Me Do series

A match made in heaven? More like a match made in Norville and made to last.

Arthur Burton wants a lover and partner, but no man seems to want to be with the local insurance agent. He’s not the bland two-dimensional man on the billboards, but he hasn’t been given the chance to show his colors.

Summer Rain Davis embodies the bohemian lifestyle. He loves his arts and crafts. He’s always had a thing for the buttoned-up professional types and when he’s set up with Arthur, sparks fly.

Love is possible in a small town if Arthur and Summer Rain are willing to give their romance a try.

Can these two men, seemingly total opposites, find common ground and love to last a lifetime? Or will their differences keep them apart?

Dedication

This one is for the dog lovers, those who want to find love and those trying to find their perfect match.

For the Lucky Ducks.

For my editor.

For JPZ and TPZ.

Chapter One

Arthur Burton stepped away from the printer and up to his computer. He’d been told using the standing desk was better for his figure. Standing all day wasn’t fun and by the end of his shift, all he wanted to do was sit down. Oh well. All in a day’s work, right? He’d completed his workout before he’d arrived at the office, so at least he’d burned off calories.

He stared at the notification on his computer. One new review. Despite his better judgment to delete the notification, he looked. He prided himself on doing good business and being the best insurance salesman in Norville. He groaned. This review wasn’t positive. The wording was downright negative and mean. He cringed—he wanted to do right for people who came to his office.

A dull throb started behind his eyes. He sold insurance for a living, which made him the butt of jokes in the dating world. For some reason, guys didn’t see him as a sexy man. They saw him as trying to sell them something. He might have been a personable man, but he was lonely. He’d dated a few times and thought he’d found love in college, but no. Kevin wasn’t in it for the long-term. Kevin wanted to play around and hadn’t loved Arthur in return. He’d also said Arthur should go by his middle name, Lee. Why? He liked his first name.

He’d been told he was too sensitive. He cared too much about what others said and having the correct appearance. The business was his livelihood. If he didn’t keep it going and thriving, then he’d lose everything he’d worked for.

Boss. Kathy, his secretary and one of his few friends, rested her knuckles on his desk. Wow. Okay. First, you need to close that tab. You’re not going to please everyone. Second, I remember the person who wrote that review.

She claims I didn’t pay attention to her. I didn’t correctly create her quote. He rubbed his forehead. I think I remember her, too. It was for a truck she wanted covered that she owed money on. She wanted minimum coverage and we can’t offer that if she has a loan on it.

Right. She closed the tab on his computer. She’s upset over something we can’t change.

Maybe. One bad review wouldn’t kill his business, but he didn’t want any negativity like this. He strove to fix all problems and make them right. He couldn’t fix this. He sighed. I’m sorry. You’re right. I need to let this go. He needed to remember not everyone would be happy.

I know you try to make everyone happy and most of the time, it works. You’re a good man and you work hard, but some people can’t be placated. Besides, you’re going to give yourself an ulcer. She leaned forward and stared at him. You also seem to have forgotten you’ve got an appointment at Dye Hard Style in half an hour.

I do? She was right—he didn’t remember the appointment. In thirty minutes?

Yes. She stood tall. And it sounds like you need to have a chat with James.

Why? Normally, his secretary didn’t get this involved in his life, but she did care about him, so he should listen to her. What do you think?

You need to get laid. She shrugged. You need to see James to have him work his magic on your hair and your love life. I also believe you need to relax. You keep yourself so buttoned-up and proper—so much that you’ll make yourself sick. Stop doing that.

I need to stay business-like.

I know. She rested her hands on her hips. But there’s a difference between being professional and being an automaton. You have so much personality and you hide it. You don’t even wear crazy socks or ties. Doesn’t bland blue and brown get boring?

Yes. No. He groaned. People expect me to be a certain way. I can’t get silly.

She rolled her eyes. There’s silly and there’s ridiculous. You’ve never been ridiculous. That said, wearing argyle socks or a patterned tie won’t make you look silly.

I’ll think about what you’ve just said. He rounded his desk. He wanted to say more, but he wasn’t sure how. She’d made her point—a good one, too. I’ll head over to Dye Hard. Thanks.

Good. She sighed. I’ll prod you toward the right direction, but you need to get moving.

Thanks. He needed all the help he could get. He watched her leave his office. If he were into women, he might have tried to make a play for her. But he wasn’t. He preferred men. The tattooed, purple-haired woman didn’t fit into his visual ideal of a secretary, but Kathy did her job well. Despite her ink, piercings and wild-colored hair, she managed to look professional. He admired her freedom and confidence. She looked happy and didn’t seem to care what others thought. He needed more of that confidence in his life.

He ensured he had his keys, wallet and phone tucked into his suit coat, then turned his computer screen off. Kath?

Yes, sir? She appeared in his doorway. What’s up?

I’m going over to the salon. Maybe James is running ahead.

She snorted. That’s not going to happen, but you know that and should still get moving. The fresh air on the walk will do you good. Might even help you clear your mind.

You’re right. He glanced back at his desk, then left his office. I’ll return as soon as I can.

I’ll hold down the fort. She clapped him on the shoulder. I’ve got this.

I know you do. He trusted her more than she knew. If she were licensed, he’d make her his co-agent. I’ll be back.

See you. She waved. Come back sexy.

He laughed. I doubt that’ll happen. But he could let James try. He left the office and walked the three blocks to Dye Hard Style.

Along the way, he drank in the views of Norville. His hometown wasn’t a big one. Norville had a state-of-the-art softball complex for the girls’ softball teams, wonderful parks and a pretty circle in the center of town, but not much else. The townsfolk alternatively loved and hated the roundabout. The statue at the center of the circle was supposed to be the image of the town founder, Clarence Norville, but the nose had long broken off and one arm had been damaged in a windstorm. People claimed the statue was the spirit of Norville, rather than any one person.

Spirit aside, nothing much happened in Norville. The festivals were long gone and people tended to gather for the yearly softball tournaments and football seasons. The girls’ softball team dominated each year, often winning at the state events. The high school football team wasn’t so hot, but the players tried and the town was dedicated to the sport.

The one thing the town did have going for it was the architecture. Almost all the buildings along the main drag were over a hundred years old, looked their age, but still managed to be structurally sound and beautiful. All had ornate carving in the brickwork and names embedded at the apex of each. Many featured stone entryways and flower boxes that the business owners lovingly kept full of blossoms all spring and summer. Arthur worked hard to make his storefront shine along with the rest.

The one building that stuck out was the old movie theater. Movies hadn’t been shown there in years, but the neon and chrome on the building still glimmered. The neon was the signature look for the salon that had taken over the building. The concession stand served as the counter for buying hair care products and scheduling appointments. The rest of the room belonged to the styling stations. The auditorium had been turned into an event hall for weddings and social gatherings. He admired the owner’s decision to keep the original façade for the building and worked with the spirit of the space, rather than changing it. The modifications ensured the building was used and appreciated. No one knew the owner, though. If he’d come to the chamber of commerce meetings, Arthur had never seen him.

Everyone in town knew to visit Dye Hard Style. James, the head stylist, did wonders with all sorts of hair. He also knew how to couple people up.

Arthur opened the door to the salon. A scruffy dog trotted in beside him and strode right past the scheduling station. Arthur frowned. Did the dog belong to the owner or James?

Hi. Clarke, the receptionist, beckoned from the ticket counter. Did you bring your pup along? He’s rough around the edges, but cute.

He’s not mine. I don’t know him. He stopped at the counter. I have an appointment.

Arthur. Clarke grinned. James is ready for you.

He is? He was early.

He is. Clarke frowned and opened the gate. The dog trotted in first and made himself comfortable strolling along the styling stations. Clarke snorted. Looks like the dog wants a style, too.

I guess so. Maybe James knows him. He ventured over to James’ chair.

James knelt in front of the dog. You’re back.

I just got here. Arthur petted the dog. Or do you mean him?

Him. James scratched the dog behind the ears. He’s shown up every day this week. No tags, no collar. I even asked around and no one has ever seen him before.

Maybe he’s adopted you. Arthur folded his arms. He might have. Do you want a dog?

I never thought about it. James stood and retrieved a bowl. "I’ve fed