Breeding Dylan

1: Meeting Tareq

"'Deee-lahn' That's how he says my name, all exotic-like! Not 'dill-un' like everyone else calls me. That Arabian accent and super deep voice make me melt. He's like a man-man," I told Wes.

"Well yeah. You're gay, you like men." Wes rolled his eyes.

"No! It's different than the other guys I've dated. It's like all these years I was plain little dill-un, and now... I'm special! I can't go back now that I'm Deee-lahn!" I swooned and clutched the dish towel against my Muffin Manor apron.

"No offense, Dylan, but you're kind of an idiot. Plus you're hot. Hot and dumb, that's a dangerous combination. I love you, but you need to get real." Wes wiped down the counter as the morning rush cleared out.

"I know. It's only been a few weeks and I've already planned our wedding, but he's so hot and so into me. His eyes are this deep shade of brown that just sucks you in. And his body. He's a muscle god and not even stuck up about it. And he's tall and I feel so safe when I'm next to him like he would kick anyone's ass to protect me." I rubbed down the coffee nozzles with the clean towel.

"So sleep with him and move on. He's just here temporarily on business and looking for a pretty boy to play with. Then he'll go back to his home country. He probably hasa wife and kids there. Don't get too set in him. You'll get hurt. You fall for a-holes." Wes put away the cold brew pitchers.

"I wish I could just sleep with him! He's a total gentleman though. We haven't even done stuff yet, just kissing, no tongue. He's definitely not a virgin... maybe he's not that interested in me." I refilled the coffee lid dispenser and reached for the sugar packet bowl.

I knew exactly what Wes was thinking. I tend to get myself into dumb situations, but Tareq was unlike any guy who'd ever paid attention to me.

"Of course he's into you, but c'mon. You met this hot, rich, Arab, muscle guy who showers you with attention and hasn't even tried to sleep with you. He wants to take you to some country you've never heard of in the Middle East to meet his family, in a place where gays are most definitely not welcome. This sounds perfectly normal and safe to you?" Wes went to open a new box of strawberry muffins to refill the bakery case near the register.

"Well not when you put it like that, but... well, you have to come tonight. It's the first time he's meeting my family, and that includes you. He's taking us to Luca's. You love their pasta... and Jared will be there." I was doing my best to tempt him.

"Jared's going?" Wes had been obsessed with my cousin since we were kids.

Jared was the golden boy, the alpha sports jock my aunt loved to brag about. He'd gone full scholarship to Arizona State for Lacrosse. He was a few years older than us, but a total boy scout with impeccable manners that Wes interpreted as interest. He was most definitely not gay, and would probably go for another jock-type even if he was. Wes was cute, but not in his league.

Wes and I grew up close to each other. By divinely dumb luck, two twinks were dropped on the same block to loving families and grew up as inseparable best friends. We'd had our fights, but we'd always had each others' backs. He could be mean and vindictive, but he guided me through things like we were twins. He even got us the jobs at Muffin Manor.

"Yep! Jared's home for the break. Plus, his girlfriend didn't come with him, so you'll get to sit right by his side. I think you'll really like Tareq." I did my best to look pitiful. I needed Wes to be there.

"Of course I'll go. Someone needs to snoop this guy and your aunt loves everyone. Jared and I will put him through the questions to make sure you don't end up in some sex cult." Wes collected the empty mugs that customers put on the tray near the trash bins.