The Manhandled Series

Gideon York is one of the most famous queer men in the world, but since his very public sex scandal, he’s on the verge of being permanently cancelled. Up for three Grammys this year, he needs to get through his six-week European tour without further incident or bad press. That’s where I come in. Call me his security detail, bodyguard, babysitter, or handler—I’ve been hired to keep him within my line of sight and out of trouble until the award ceremony. Should be a cakewalk.

I am not a famous person, but I have been called a king maker. I own the most important talent agency in the world. Music is my life, and no one knows the industry better than I do. But I’m also a Townsend and the Townsends made their money off of the city of Los Angeles itself, which is why I’ve also inherited the ownership of a Major League Baseball team—The L.A. Flames.

Spring training is only a month away, and I’m supposed to be on vacation. The last place I want to be is snowed in with my arrogant teammate and the complete stranger he’s crushing on. Vince Rossi is everything I hate. Too good looking, too talented, and totally unwilling to give me a pass for making one mistake. He treats me like every other cocky jock did growing up. And the stranger, Elio Basso, is the former porn star who owns the cabin we’re stuck in who looks at Vince like he hung the damn moon.

If you’re looking for a classic case of opposites attract—look no further. There’s me: Pretty. Flamboyant. Extra. Some even say ridiculous. I’m a tour dancer for the biggest pop star in the world with an exploding social media platform and a constant need for attention. I’ve got photographers banging down my door to take my picture, hot men blowing up my DMs to collaborate, and more thirsty fans to please every day. And then there’s Asher: Quiet. Reserved. Shy. Repressed. He’s the hot tattoo artist who pierced my septum. What he sees in me is an escape from his miserable relationship.