Ernie Boudine -- early thirties, still lives at home with mom -- has never had sex, hasn’t even been kissed. In his mind the only guys who get in on the action are the muscled-up bodybuilders he worships on his computer. But Ernie knows to attract such a god He’ll need to transform his current blob of soft muscles covered with an ample layer of fat into body beautiful. Personal trainer Butch Noonan discovers his boyfriend has been cheating on him. Troy is the last straw. Butch decides he’s done dating bodybuilders with their self-centered and egotistical attitudes. Butch longs for a relationship with someone who believes in romance, togetherness, and fidelity. Joining a gym, Ernie feels like a kid in a candy store. So many beautiful men working out, so much hard muscle to ogle. Ernie is disappointed when Butch is assigned as his personal trainer. Despite the man’s name, the other trainers have bigger and buffer bodies. Soon, however, Ernie begins to appreciate Butch’s sexy, compact body and what’s more, the man genuinely seems to care for and about Ernie. Much to both men’s surprise, a tentative relationship begins to blossom, but then into the gym strolls Butch’s former college roommate. Bill is a serious bodybuilder and Ernie is immediately captivated by the man’s huge muscles and confident swagger. Can Butch stand idly by and watch Ernie make the same mistakes he has? Or will Ernie wise up in time and realize true relationships are about more than muscle?

More Than Muscle

“What the hell makes you think I got lucky last night?” Ernie asked defensively.


“Well, for starters, you got a cunt-eatin’ grin on your face, your eyes are glazed over, and you’re rubbing your package which, from the looks of it, is at full staff. Want to tell me all about it? Was it someone from the office? Wait,” Larry held up a hand before Ernie could say anything to shut him up. “I know, it was Betty Maryfield. Right? She puts out for anyone. Even a chubby cubby like you.” He laughed.


“Shut the fuck up!” Ernie said in a menacing voice. “In the first place, whether or not I got lucky is none of your damn business. And secondly—oh never mind. A lame brain like you isn’t worth arguing with.” He didn’t want to dignify Larry’s moronic comments about his body with a retort. But deep down it hurt just the same. “Now get your skinny butt off my desk and leave me alone.”


Chapter 22