Cassidy - Complicated

A story from the Love Has No Boundaries event sponsored by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group.

Members of the Goodreads M/M Romance Group were invited to choose a photo and pen a letter asking for a short M/M romance story inspired by the image; authors from the group were encouraged to select a letter and write an original tale.

J.J. Cassidy responded to this request.

PHOTO DESCRIPTION
Two men, both with short, dark hair, lie together on a striped sofa or daybed. The one on the bottom, acting as a pillow and a living mattress, embraces the other man with what seems to be easy affection. The man on top sprawls face down, his head tucked into the space between his lovers neck and shoulder, hiding his face from view.

STORY LETTER
Dear Author,
I dont actually have any plot pre-reqs. (Thats not to say the plot isnt important, though. I dont want something thats complete PWP or Excuse Plot. Id like something that has a rather light tone overall, but still has depth and something meaningful to it. Elements of darkness are okay and, in fact, may even be encouraged, as my profile would attest to. I just dont want it to turn out to be a darkfic.)
I just want adorable cat-shifter-kitty-petting/cuddling. Maybe the shifter retains some cat-like characteristics even when human/in his human form. It doesnt necessarily have to be a housecat. It could be a big cat of some sort. Just, you know, with petting and cuddling and adorableness (in human and cat forms if you can fit it). And maybe some playing with the tail (not tail sex. just playing with the tail).
If you want to include an anthropomorphic/half-and-half form or something visually similar to the Loveless (kind of) cat-people of some sorts (the latter would actually be preferable), that would be okay too ^^
Sincerely,
Ayanna

Love Has No Boundaries

An M/M Romance series

COMPLICATED

By J.J. Cassidy

Introduction

The story you are about to read celebrates love, sex and romance between men. It is a product of the Love Has No Boundaries promotion sponsored by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group and is published as a free gift to you.

What Is Love Has No Boundaries?

The Goodreads M/M Romance Group invited members to choose a photo and pen a letter asking for a short M/M romance story inspired by the image; authors from the group were encouraged to select a letter and write an original tale. The result was an outpouring of creativity that shone a spotlight on the special bond between M/M romance writers and the people who love what they do.

A written description of the image that inspired this story is provided along with the original request letter. If youd like to view the photo, please feel free to join the Goodreads M/M Romance Group and visit the discussion section: Love Has No Boundaries .

Whether you are an avid M/M romance reader or new to the genre, you are in for a delicious treat.

Words of Caution

This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved worldwide.
This eBook may be distributed freely in its entirety courtesy of the Goodreads M/M Romance Group . This eBook may not be sold, manipulated or reproduced in any format without the express written permission of the author.

Complicated, Copyright 2013 J.J. Cassidy

Cover Art by Nancy Canu

This ebook is published by the M/M Romance Group and is not directly endorsed by or affiliated with Goodreads Inc.

M/M Romance Group Publication

COMPLICATED

By J.J. Cassidy

Photo Description

Two men, both with short, dark hair, lie together on a striped sofa or daybed. The one on the bottom, acting as a pillow and a living mattress, embraces the other man with what seems to be easy affection. The man on top sprawls face down, his head tucked into the space between his lovers neck and shoulder, hiding his face from view.

Story Letter

Dear Author ,

I dont actually have any plot pre-reqs. (Thats not to say the plot isnt important, though. I dont want something thats complete PWP or Excuse Plot. Id like something that has a rather light tone overall, but still has depth and something meaningful to it. Elements of darkness are okay and, in fact, may even be encouraged, as my profile would attest to. I just dont want it to turn out to be a darkfic.)

I just want adorable cat-shifter-kitty-petting/cuddling. Maybe the shifter retains some cat-like characteristics even when human/in his human form. It doesnt necessarily have to be a housecat. It could be a big cat of some sort. Just, you know, with petting and cuddling and adorableness (in human and cat forms if you can fit it). And maybe some playing with the tail (not tail sex. just playing with the tail).

If you want to include an anthropomorphic/half-and-half form or something visually similar to the Loveless (kind of) cat-people of some sorts (the latter would actually be preferable), that would be okay too ^^

Sincerely,

Ayanna

Story Info

Genre: paranormal

Tags: feline shifters, other species, family drama, geeks, pets, piercing, mechanic/blue collar

Word count: 51,097

COMPLICATED

By J.J. Cassidy

CHAPTER ONE

May, 2023

Reiners car started making funny noises after he turned off the Interstate, and the noises got stranger and louder once he hit the first hill. He gripped the wheel a little tighter and pushed at it, as if that was going to help. He really didnt know shit about cars, even if they did have little computers inside them. He knew where to put the fuel; and when the oil light came on, he took the car over to whatever oil-changing place was nearby and let them deal with it. At the moment, nothing was lit up on the dashboard, and the temperature thingy was oh shit. It shouldnt be that high, should it?

He crested the hill, and something splashed under the car that couldnt be good and steam billowed out from under the hood. Definitely not good. Gritting his teeth, he slipped the gearshift into neutral and let the car coast down the road, hoping like hell it wouldnt damn. With a cough and a rattle, the engine died. Reiner hauled on the wheel to keep the car headed for the shoulder, and wondered how the hell anybody drove without power steering.

The car coasted to a stop a mile later, as far off to the right as Reiner could manage without putting it in the drainage ditch. He checked the navigation app on his phone, and there were still thirty-five long miles between him and Stone Mountain. He could leave everything, lock the car and start walking, which would take about three hours.

Or he could take advantage of technology.

He had the number for Stone Mountain Security saved to his Contacts, so he hit dial and waited. Three rings, and a crisp female voice said, Stone Mountain.

Um, my name is Reiner Martin. Mr. DaSilva hired me? I was on my way to you, and my car died.

I know who you are, Mr. Martin. Do you have any idea where you are right now?

He checked his phone. I can give the latitude and longitude, if that helps. Oh Im about thirty-five miles southeast.