As if Matt had read his mind – #MMRomance #PrideMonth #MFRWHooks

For this last Wednesday in Pride Month, I’ve got an exclusive excerpt from my MM erotic romance Playing to Score. Note that this 17K story is quite explicit, but it’s definitely romance, with a luscious happy ending as well as some lessons learned.

Enjoy!

Blurb

With the right opponent, even Scrabble can be foreplay.

Matt was supposed to be just a hot hook-up. Then he turned on the charm and brought out the bondage gear.

Jason Hofstadter comes to the Four States Annual Scrabble Tournament for two reasons: to play for the trophy and to get laid. Every year since his first, he’s managed to score with one of the other guys attending. He figures that he’s hit the jackpot when he spots handsome, bookish Matt Sawyer, who's competing at the Four States for the first time.

Shy and seemingly innocent, Matt turns out to be full of surprises. First he jumps Jason in the rest room at Starbucks. Then he reveals that he's into BDSM and encourages Jason to top him. Finally, despite his lack of experience with tournament play, Matt ends up facing Jason across the board in the semi-final round. When Matt throws the game he should have won, Jason is forced to confront his own feelings: about winning, about casual sex, and about Matt.

The Hook

Matt’s succulent lips curved into a half-smile, just enough to reveal his dimples. Normally, Jason thought that eyeglasses looked dorky, but the old-fashioned tortoise shell frames suited Matt perfectly, enhancing his aura of youthful intelligence.

Was he really as smart as he looked? Jason wondered what kind of player he’d turn out to be. A chill ran through him. Was there any chance that Matt might beat him?

Jason pushed the thought away. Hell, this was the guy’s first tournament. He was in for a big shock, if he thought that casual club play in North Platte would prepare him for the Four States.

“So, you said you’d give me some tips about how to handle the tournament.”

Jason started. It was almost as if Matt had read his mind.

The waiter brought their beverages. Jason sipped his ice tea, trying to compose himself.

“Um—yeah, sure. What would you like to know?”

Matt tasted his wine, then licked his lips. Jason’s cock ached. “Well, I guess I’d like your advice on how to approach the games. How to prepare, mentally. I know how to play Scrabble. I’m pretty good. But I’ve never been under pressure like I’ll be tomorrow.” He reached across the table to give Jason’s hand a quick squeeze. “I’d really appreciate any suggestions you’d be willing to share with me.”

Jason relaxed. The guy was so sweet, really. He knew he was in unfamiliar territory.

“I think the most important thing, Matt, is to stay focused. Don’t let your mind wander. Don’t let anything distract you from those all important tiles on your rack.”

“Shouldn’t I pay attention to my opponent? Try to figure out his strategies, his next moves?”

“Of course you need to be careful, tracking the letters, weighing the risks, and trying not to leave any hooks. But from my experience, the defensive aspects of Scrabble are far less critical than the offensive. You need to open your mind and let the ideas flow. All those words you’ve studied, all those definitions and cross patterns—they’re all there, somewhere in your brain. The hard part is coming up with them at the right moment. You can’t force it. You’ve got to concentrate and relax at the same time. Put yourself in the right mental space, and the ideas will come on their own. You’ll see what you need to do.”

“Sounds almost like meditation. A state of altered consciousness.” Jason gave his companion a sharp look, but it appeared that Matt was completely serious.

“I suppose. I wouldn’t know. I mean, I’ve never done anything like meditating.”

“I think what you’re saying, Jason, is that you have to surrender to the game.”

Jason chuckled. “I’d never put it in such poetic terms, but maybe you’re right.”

Their orders arrived. With Matt across from him, Jason found the aroma of grilled beef almost orgasmic. They ate in silence for a few minutes. Between the delicious food, his handsome companion, and the sensual prospects of the night ahead, Jason felt absurdly happy.

“What about the time limit?” Matt asked, laying down his cutlery and leaning forward. “How do you keep from obsessing as you watch the seconds tick away?”

“Don’t watch. Don’t worry. Just focus on the letters. Time expands during a tournament game. Your twenty five minutes feels like hours.”

“It sounds as though it all comes down to trusting yourself. Your own abilities.” Matt looked thoughtful.

“That’s definitely a big part of it. You can’t afford even an instant of doubt. It blocks the flow of ideas.” Jason found Matt’s earnestness charming, but now that his hunger was sated, his lust reasserted itself in full force. He could hardly wait to get the boy to his room. “How are you doing? Want dessert or anything?”

“No way. I don’t want to be too full.” Matt’s eyes twinkled behind the magnifying lenses. 

 

For buy links: https://www.lisabetsarai.com/playingtoscorebook.html

Be sure to visit the other authors participating in today’s Book Hooks hop!

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