Title: On Shaky Ground
Author: Andrew Grey
Series: Standalone Novella
Genre:M/M Contemporary Romance/ Gay Romance/ LGTBQA
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: June 14 2019
Book Links
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print (2nd Edition {1st Edition Can Be Found in the Boundless Love Anthology})
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Andrew Grey here today on tour with his latest novel, On Shaky Ground. Welcome, Andrew.
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Blurb/Synopsis:
Martin Graham built his business from the ground up with hard work and intuition. Due to a degenerative eye disease, he’s learned to rely on his other senses to feel out the competition. To realize his dream, he just needs to broker one last deal… and finally secure an assistant.
Brock Littleton is desperate for money—desperate enough take the job no one else wants: assistant to demanding, fussy, intensely private Mr. Graham.
Everything about Brock gets under Martin’s skin in ways he never expected, making him realize a successful business isn’t the only component to a happy future. But as Martin’s deal comes together, one of the prices could be the relationship with Brock that Martin is just starting to believe could be real.
Excerpt
Edna seemed to relax a little. “You would keep Mr. Graham’s calendar, as well as manage his appointments and conference calls.” She paused, seemingly on unfamiliar ground. “Are you truly interested in the position?”
Brock found himself nodding. He’d grown up in a rough neighborhood and had learned to be scrappy. In truth, there wasn’t a great deal that was going to put him off. He could be Mr. Graham’s assistant while he looked for another job. At least he’d have a paycheck coming in. “Yes.”
“Good.” She leaned across the desk. “In addition to screening calls and managing his calendar, you would be in charge of making sure his office is exactly as he wants it. He’s fastidious about the way his desk is kept, as well as the placement of furniture there and on the entire floor. You might need to drive him to appointments and assist with a number of other duties. Mr. Graham will explain those to you himself.”
Brock tilted his head to the side. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?” His entire spine tingled, and not in a particularly good way.
“Yes. You see, Mr. Graham is effectively blind. He can see only to a point. He wears glasses, and they just keep him from being declared legally blind, but only just. I can tell you that he is fussy and demanding, in part because he has to be in order to navigate a sighted world, and in part because the man is a real pain in the ass sometimes.” She actually smiled. “I know that seems unprofessional, but you need to understand what you’re getting yourself in for.”
“Is that all?” Brock asked with a sigh. “The way you talked, I thought there was something really seriously wrong with the guy.” He could handle that; Brock was sure of it. Being picky about his surroundings made a lot of sense to Brock, and he could figure out the rest.
“All right,” Edna said, finally leaning back in her chair as though she was satisfied. “I have a few more questions for you. Can you travel?”
“Certainly.”
“This job could involve long days. Mr. Graham is usually the first person in the office and often one of the last to leave. Is that something you can accommodate?”
Brock shrugged. “I don’t see why not. I worked hard in school and spent a lot of long hours in labs and behind computer screens. I don’t have a family at home.” And going back to his shitty, tiny apartment wasn’t exactly something that filled him with joy. “If we can come to an agreement, then I’ll be prepared to work.”
“Wonderful. Can you drive? You do have a license?” Edna seemed to be ticking off boxes now, at least in her mind.
“Yes. I have a car.” He didn’t tell her that it spent most of its time parked with a cover over it because he couldn’t really afford to take it out. The parking space was the one and only perk that came with the shitty apartment and part of the reason he’d taken the rathole.
“Excellent. If you’d like to step out, I’ll verify your references.” She stood and walked around the desk, and Brock stood as well. Edna opened the door. “Carol, please get Mr. Littleton a cup of coffee.” Edna motioned him to a seat. “I won’t be long.”
About the Author
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing)He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Author Links
Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey
Twitter@andrewgreybooks
For Other Works by Andrew Grey
(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)