BAR 28 - The complete series

© JJ Harper 2023 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places or incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used factiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons living or dead, events or locals are entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/ Use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner. All rights reserved. Cover design by Jay Aheer @Simply Defined Art Formatted by Brenda Wright, Formatting Done Wright Leo - This book deals with eating disorders, and has mentions of self-harm, and mental and physical abuse. Please be aware that these topics could cause distress to some readers. Bar 28 Series Gus Sawyer Leo Beck Haydn About JJ Harper More by JJ Harper © JJ Harper 2020 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places or incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used factiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons living or dead, events or locals are entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/ Use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner. All rights reserved. Cover design by Jay Aheer @Simply Defined Art Edited by Tanja Ongkiehong Formatted by Brenda Wright, Formatting Done Wright All Gus wants is a night out and a hot hook-up before he starts his final year of university. Max has always been a player. One look at the sexy guy with the black guyliner and he’s found his bed partner for the night. What neither of them expected is the deep connection. Gus runs from his feelings. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. When Max wakes up and finds his bed empty, he’s disappointed, more than he thought possible. Then Gus turns up as the newest bartender at Bar 28, the bar Max owns with his brother. Max isn’t going to let Gus get away from him again. Can you really trust your instincts and believe you’ve found the one person you’re meant to be with? Gus Chapters Chapter One Gus Chapter Two Max Chapter Three Gus Chapter Four Max Chapter Five Gus Chapter Six Max Chapter Seven Gus Chapter Eight Max Chapter Nine Gus Chapter Ten Max Chapter Eleven Gus Chapter Twelve Max Chapter Thirteen Gus Chapter Fourteen Max Chapter Fifteen Gus Chapter Sixteen Max Chapter Seventeen Gus Chapter Eighteen Max Chapter Nineteen Gus Dedication For Rae You know why One day someone will walk into your life and make you see why it never worked out with anyone else Unknown “August, are you listening to me?” My mother’s insistent voice jolts me back from the mirror. “Yes, Mum. I’m eating healthily.” I’ve only been back in my flat for a few days, and she’s checking up on me. It’s a good thing the remains of yesterday’s pizza I’ve just eaten cold can’t speak up. “I don’t have much time. I’m getting ready to go out. Liam and Will are on their way over.” “Oh, I like those boys. What are your plans?” There’s no way I’m going to tell her that I’m on the pull, that I fancy a hook-up before the term starts again. I mess with my hair a bit more. “August?” “Sorry. We’re going to a couple of bars, nothing too drastic.” “Let me look at you, then.” With a sigh, I switch to the FaceTime app. “Hi, Mum.” I place the phone back down on my dresser and fasten the button on my jeans. “Why am I looking at the ceiling, August?” My mum’s chirpy amused voice makes me smile. I pick up the phone and look into the camera. She smiles back. I’m so lucky my parents have never batted an eye over me wearing make-up. Tonight I’ve gone all out, my eyes are heavily lined with black kohl with perfectly blended grey and black eye shadow. “You look lovely, August. Mind that little smudge on your cheek, and I wish you didn’t wear those lenses. Your eyes are gorgeous as they are.” I have heterochromia, with one iris bright blue and the other emerald green. I’ve covered them with blue lenses. It stops people from staring when they first meet me. “Now show me the rest. What are you wearing?” I hold the phone in front of my leather waistcoat and lower it to my black skinny jeans. “Are those my jet beads around your neck?” I look down at the lengths of silver and black chains. “Um, possibly. You never wore them anyway,” I say with a grin that I hope will let me get away with it. “You look great. I don’t know how you squeeze into those jeans. Ooh, I like the leather cuffs. Are they new?” My phone chimes with an incoming text. “The guys are here, Mum. I’d better go.” “Okay, honey. Make sure you take care and stay safe, August.” “I will. I always am.” I laugh and roll my eyes. “I saw that. I’m your mother, I’m allowed to fuss. Have a good time. We love you.” “Thanks, Mum. Love you too.” She ends the call, and the screen goes blank. I shove my phone into my front pocket, forcing it into the tight space. Then my wallet goes in a back pocket. I hook my