Eighteen year-old Aaron Pickard is dealing with a lot: he’s falling for his straight best friend, his mother has ended up in the hospital after a violent assault by his father, and he’s trying to decide when to come out. Tack on the stress of an upcoming prom and graduation, a part-time job, and the possibility he could lose his best friend, and he’s an emotional wreck.<br><br>Aaron’s best friend Jeff Leaton provides a soft place for him to fall when his life is thrown into chaos, literally holding him each night as they fall asleep. As Jeff helps Aaron navigate through the mess that has become his new normal, Aaron’s feelings for Jeff intensify.<br><br>Aaron’s pretty sure it’s all going to end badly, but he’s holding on to hope.

Holding On

Even in my sleep,I knew I was dreaming.This couldn’t be reality.A shimmery glow covered the room as Jeff kissed me.


“Baby,”he whispered over and over,enveloping me in his strong arms.His lips found mine again and I moaned at the electric heat that jolted through me.


“Oh,Jeff,”I moaned.“Touch me,”I whimpered into his mouth.“Call me your baby again.”


God,everything felt so perfect.Intense.


His hands went everywhere.Touching.Caressing.Teasing.I moaned his name as he whispered how much he wanted me to be his.The line between reality and fantasy blurred and my shattered heart filled with love.


I brushed my hand at my ear,shooing away the annoying voice.I didn’t want to stop feeling Jeff’s touch.


Damn that voice,pulling me from my dream.I fought it with everything I had and focused on Jeff instead.“Kiss me again,”I whispered.


His lips crushed mine,turning passionate,hungry for more and…


Chapter 52