Turkish Trouble

Trouble in Turkey

Copyright 2015 Byron Rider

Published by Byron Rider at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer

The locations, movies, products, and such, are mostly all real. I looked up much of these using internet search engine, Google. The active story characters, however, are not. If I accidentally managed to make any one of my characters seem like you, it was not intentional, and I hope they are the good guys.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Disclaimer

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

Special Acknowledgements

About the Author

Acknowledgements

First, I would like to thank anyone who has given me a chance to share my words with them. I love to write and hope that my stories resonate in the minds of my readers.

Second, I would like to thank my relatives. Those who supported me have been invaluable. Those who chose to turn their backs on me? Without you I would never have been able to say Watch me.

Third, I would like to thank anyone and everyone else. I have learned a lot through reading the works of others, have learned through my experiences in day-to-day live. I appreciate the love you taught me and I hope I have brought it to life in the pages of my story.

Prologue

The text read ‘Come on. Why don’t you respond? RUMad@me?’ I glanced at the phone number and set my cell on the table, face-down. Why doesn’t he take a hint? I asked my friend, Marcie, before picking up a French fry and putting it between my teeth.

I don’t know, hun. He’s not really getting the whole ignoring thing, is he? Marcie asked before pulling her fries out of my grasp. And, if you wanted fries, why didn’t you order some? You said you were trying to watch what you eat.

I am, Marcie. I think I can see your food better than my own. Far sighted, you know? I joked.

Marcie shook her head and rolled her eyes. Oh! she exclaimed and jumped in her seat. She pulled her cell out of her back pocket and glanced at me, looking guilty. What? she said and grinned. It’s one way to get a thrill.

I stood up, tried to peer over her phone to see who had texted her. She wouldn’t let me see, but put her finger up and replied to the text.

Who was that? I asked.

You don’t wanna know. She replied.

It isn’t Joe, is it? He knows you won’t help him…or does he?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.

Oh, get over yourself, Chris. It was Joe. All I told him was that he needed to leave you alone. Here…see? she said and showed me the text she had sent.

I, Christopher Jameson, was satisfied at the moment that my best friend, Marcie Pierce, had my back.

Chris, why don’t you just answer him? Maybe he’ll leave you alone?

Marcie, you know as well as I do that it wouldn’t end with that. I told her, rolling my eyes. I am not in the market for that kind of drama. I’d rather have that. I replied, pointing with my nose toward a handsome man who sat three tables away. I rested my chin in my hand and sighed, longingly.

Oh, he’s cute. Are you sure he’s gay, though? He looks kind of…well, not. Marcie asked me.

You can try the ‘test’, you know. I pleaded with her. Go and talk to him, girlfriend. I used my very best queen voice, snapping my fingers and rolling my head on my shoulders.

Marcie rolled her eyes again. No. You’ll eat my fries when I’m gone.

Oh no, sweetie, I wouldn’t do that. If you can find out if he punts for the boys or the girls, I would be so grateful I’d buy you more fries.

Oh, alright. I’ll go over there. Keep your fingers crossed. She said. She stood up, pulled her fries to the edge of the table, ate one and pointed at me. They’re mine. I grinned and held my hands up in an ‘I surrender’ gesture.

The man was handsome in a rugged kind of way. He was 100% outdoorsy. His shoulders were broad, his hair was longer than the popular style. He had several day’s-worth of stubble, nearly a beard, dusting his cheeks and chin. Even his clothes were rustic; a naturally distressed leather jacket, flannel button-down shirt, jeans, and boots. The man was all-man. I was beginning to doubt my senses. He looked much too masculine.

Hello. May I join you for a second? Marcie said, smiling her bright, award-winning smile at the man.

He smiled at her, but it looked to be nothing but friendly. Chris watched the interaction to see if he could detect anything that would tell him the man was interested in her.

Of course. Please, sit. But, I wonder, why you left your food at the other table. He said and smiled. He had dimples. When he smiled small wrinkles formed around his amber colored eyes. He was very handsome, and even more so when his face lit up in a smile."

Oh, well, I’m really over here on an expedition. Marcie said quietly, nearly conspiratorially. I only barely heard her. I’m pretty sure she didn’t want me to.

You are, huh? For your friend over there? the man asked and tilted his head toward me. My heart began to race, and my cheeks heated up. I just knew I was blushing again. What is it you are trying to discover? he whispered back, leaning toward my friend.

He thinks maybe you are someone he could get ‘into’ if you get my meaning. He thinks you’re cute. I think you’re cute. We were wondering which way the wind blows. She said from behind her hand. Marcie knew that half of hearing, for me anyway, is reading lips. She was hiding her mouth from my view.

You are a clever little minx, aren’t you? the man asked. Maybe you can tell me. He said and winked, sitting back in his chair, kicking his feet out in front of himself, and crossing his arms over his chest. What do you think?

Marcie was always up for a challenge. I watched her as she sat up straight and looked him in the eye. She talked a little flirty to him, and moved her chair so it was closer to him; but so that I could still see her face. She was not looking to hurt my feelings, I thought. She took one of his fries and played with it with her tongue before taking a sensual nibble off the end of it—nothing.

Let me see. She said and licked her bottom lip. She swallowed hard and played a bit with her long, chestnut colored locks. Her eyes darted from his face to his hands and then lower to his crotch. I wondered what she saw. Then she tugged on her shirt collar to expose more of her throat and a bit of skin, looked again. Her expression was a cross between being baffled and satisfied. I noticed that there wasn’t even a change in his breathing.

Chris. Could you please bring me my fries? Marcie asked me, almost too sweetly.

I did my signature rolling of my eyes again but nodded. I picked up her fries and her drink and walked over to the table. Here you go, sweetie. I told her and started to turn to leave.

Marcie’s eyes grew wide. The moment that I came close to the man, we both noted that his breathing change, his pulse quickened in his throat. She noted a bit of activity down between his thighs, as well, and raised her eyebrows and nodded toward it, telling me to look. Marcie smirked. Thanks, doll. You can go back before we lose our table. She told me and nodded.

Oh, alright! I said and forced myself to turn away from the hot rugged man. Our mystery-man tried to reach for my arm, but I was too fast. He looked disappointed when I didn’t stay.

Alright. I have an answer for you. You like Chris. She said. You like him more than you are currently willing to admit. She added when he sat upright and pulled his legs in.

I…

Oh, no. You don’t get to deny what your body says. That would be cheating. Marcie said and winked at him through her bespectacled eyes. She subtly pointed to his twitching groin. What’s your name?

My name is Marcus. Marcus Aurelio.

What a unique name. So old-world. Italian, I suppose?

Yes, it is. My grandfather is from the south of Italy. I’m named after him.

That is wonderful. Would you like me to introduce you to my friend? He is really a wonderful guy.

Are you sure he would be interested?

Are you serious? You are the hottest thing that has ever crossed the threshold of this place. Look over at him. He’s jealous that you’re talking to me, and he doesn’t even know you yet.

Marcie, you are a good friend to him, aren’t you?

You better believe it. And if you want to meet him, I will tell you right now, don’t be some crazy clinger. He is still trying to get his old b/f to leave him alone. Some kind of sociopathic stalker, if you ask me.

Oh, well, if he has a boyfriend… Marcus said, deflated.

No, Marcus, you don’t get to be that guy. Chris is already that guy. He needs someone strong; not in body, which you clearly are, but in spirit and in passion. Are you?

I think I am. He’d have to find out for himself. If you would be so kind as to introduce us.

Sure.

…And so the games began.

Chapter 1

Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God! I cried out as I tossed the seventh shirt on my bed. Marcie. I can’t find anything to wear! I sobbed as I plopped my butt on the bed. I want everything to be perfect.

Don’t worry so much, Chris. The man is into you, not some persona you are trying to present. Just be yourself. What would you wear when you sit around the house?

Well, I can’t very well go out in an oversized oxford and my boxers, now can I? I asked her, exasperated.

Oh, no, I guess not, although he might like that look on you. She teased. Well, how about how you dress when you go out with me?

Oh, honey. You know that I go all casual with you.

And therein lies your answer. Go casual. Well, maybe a step above casual. After all, this is a first date. Come on… She said and walked me to my closet which was, incidentally, overflowing with clothes. How about you wear these jeans. They make your ass look great. And this shirt. The green will bring out the color in your eyes.

I looked at what she picked out and had to admit the jeans did flatter my assets, and green was a great color; it always accented my light-olive skin and my hazel green eyes. I smiled at her. You are right. Thanks.

OK. Well, you should toss a jacket over the whole thing. What do you think? Your summer leather, or something dressy?

I think I’ll go for the leather. It will suit Marcus better.

Leather, it is, then. But you will wear a tie.

Ugh! A tie?

Yes. You are not Marcus. You are Christopher Jameson. You need to be Chris Jameson. If you are not yourself you are cheating the man out of a great time and a great man.

I beamed at my friend. She is taller than I am, and about fifteen pounds heavier. We grew up together and were destined to be friends. Marcie was assertive where I was passive. If it hadn’t been for her, I would not have known I even had potential, let alone reaching for it.

I just barely tightened the navy colored tie, hadn’t even tucked in my shirt, yet, when there was a knock on the door. At that very same moment, my cell phone buzzed.

I took a deep breath and held it, forgetting to exhale. The phone could wait, I had to get to the door. I finally exhaled and looked through the peep hole. It was Joe. ‘Oh, no, not now.’ I thought as I turned and rested my back against the door.

I called through it. Go away, Joe. I am not in the mood.

Come on, baby. You are always in the mood for some Martini and Rossi. Joe said, waving a bottle in front of the view hole.

No, Joe. I’m not going to let you in. I am waiting for someone.

I’m someone. He said.

Someone distinctly not you. I tried to get him to leave.

I am not going, Chris. He called through the door. You and I are meant to be together. You’ll see. Just let me in. He yelled, his tone becoming gruff rather than pleading.

I felt my anxiety heighten. My heart was beating too fast, a stream of sweat rolled down from my temple, and my face turned red. When I looked at my hands, they were visibly shaking.

Is there a problem? another, deeper, more sensual voice came from outside the door.

It was Marcus. He was right on time, and oh my God, he was talking to my ex! What would Joe do to ruin this for me? I gasped and opened the door.

Joe pushed past me and into my living room. He set down the bottle of cheap wine and turned. His chubby body tried to look powerful for a moment, and at that point I just grinned. ‘What did I ever see in that man?’ I asked myself and then turned to Marcus.

Won’t you come in? I’m almost ready. I just need to grab my jacket.

Marcus grinned and nodded. He didn’t seem the bit annoyed that there was another, clearly gay, man in my living room.

Joe. What a wonderful surprise! Marcie said as she rushed down the stairs, my jacket and cell phone in her hands. Here you go, Chris. Have fun. I’ll keep an eye on the…place. She said as she glanced at Joe who was now fuming.

Thanks, Marcie. You’re a lifesaver, as always. I told her and kissed her on the cheek after she gave me the coat.

You have a text. She whispered when she came close.

I took a second to notice that the number was not Joe’s and grinned at her, nodding. Thanks, love. I told her.

Marcus took me by the elbow. Ready to go? he asked, not giving anyone else even the most remote glance.

Yes. Please. I said, and then hit myself in the forehead. I sounded so desperate. Marcus just chuckled.

We headed to his car, no, his…limo? We’re going somewhere in a limousine? I asked.

How else am I supposed to impress you? he asked, grinning. After you. Marcus opened the door to the stretch limo and put his hand on my head to protect me from hitting it on the roof.

I sat down and scooted over. Marcus sat at a respectable distance from me and then pulled the door closed. Just before it shut completely, I glanced to my front door to see a smiling Marcie waving and a glowering Joe trying to shoot daggers from his eyes.

I sat back and gave the pair no further thought.

So, who was that man? Marcus asked in an ‘I don’t really care’ tone of voice.

That’s my ex-boyfriend, Joe. He is kind of a clinger. I stopped seeing him when his clinging became stalking. Thus, the impromptu visit.

Ah. Will he be a problem?

Oh, nah. I don’t think so. He is too much a weenie to try anything. I giggled.

Good to know. Now, since we don’t know anything about each other, how about we try to get acquainted before we get to our first destination.

First destination?

Yeah. I have a whole evening planned. I hope you don’t mind. I’ve had dates in the past who thought I was a bit overbearing.

Oh, no. I am so tired of making decisions. I do it all the time. This’ll be a pleasant escape from the norm.

Marcus grinned, his dimples showing through his beard, and his amber eyes sparkling in the light. I couldn’t help myself, and I reached up and touched his cheekbone, cupping his cheek in my palm, I looked right into his eyes. Beautiful. I whispered and I felt heat beneath my hand. The man was blushing!

We spent the next thirty-five minutes riding in the back of the limo, the window between us and the driver was discreetly closed. I found out that Marcus is an explorer, a scientist. He’d been to South America, Egypt, he’d seen what is thought to be Noah’s Ark, Giza, and other Biblical and archaeological finds. He was definitely the type of man you would see comfortably sitting the back of a horse or in the back of a limo. Just a man’s man, and tonight, he was mine.

Do you also dig for dinosaurs?

No. Not that, although we’ve found some by accident. I’m more an anthropological archaeologist than a paleontologist. He grinned. But, enough about me. What about you?

Oh, compared to your life, mine is pretty boring. I work with the indigent and homeless. Well, it’s more than that. My group works with displaced veterans. I answered. I try to work with them on their self-esteem and their future. I have taken them through mock interviews, helped with their resumes. I give them a physical address and a phone number through the president’s free phone program, and try to get them on their feet again. I enjoy buying them their first suit, and pushing them to be all they were supposed to be before the economy and mismanaged government funds drop-kicked them in the groin.

That is an important thing you are doing. Don’t think less of yourself for helping our veterans. I think that there is never enough we can do for them. Marcus said, clearly proud to know someone who is trying to do what is right by them.

I have an affinity for a man in uniform. To tell you the truth, full disclosure, it’s where I met Joe. He was one of the cases I worked on. I said and blushed. I regret taking that kind of risk. I just love any kind of professional wear; police, firemen, anthropologists… I added and smiled.

Marcus laughed. Even his laugh was deep, throaty, and extremely sexy. We’ll not let Joe ruin our date, will we? he asked. I shook my head.

We continued to talk about everything and anything until the limo finally stopped. Ah, first destination. Are you ready? Marcus asked.

Sure. With you, it can only be fun. I told him, then I shuddered. ‘Cheesy answer.’ I scolded myself.

Marcus shook his head, amazed that a person he thought was very accomplished should act so passive, and agreeable.

I stepped out of the limo behind Marcus and saw a very countrified complex of buildings. Several log cabins were built in a small complex. Behind the cabins were corrals holding all