What do you do when your boyfriend begins acting strangely, and at the same time, you meet someone his total opposite? Do you start having second thoughts? Jesse Jamison must confront those very questions. After two years of living with his lover Dennis "Denny" Christopoulos, a charming flight attendant, the man starts taking on extra flights, making excuses for not coming home, and receiving private phone calls. During this time, Jesse also meets Nick Warden, a new neighbor. He immediately sees the contrasts between the two men and finds Nick attractive on so many levels. Meanwhile, Denny has growing reservations about his relationship with Jesse, especially once a new man comes into his own life. Yet Denny isn't ready to give up the good thing he has going with Jesse since he isn't sure about the new man's intentions, or his own feelings. Nick also struggles with his growing love for Jesse. While he would like nothing more than to claim Jesse for himself, his integrity prevents him from playing the home-wrecker. His hesitation to step in, however, nearly causes his undoing and a missed opportunity at love. Each man has his own second thoughts. But who will act on them, and what will be the consequences?

Second Thoughts

Fucking…old…fag. Who…the…hell…does…he…think… he…is? Denny’s thoughts were in cadence with his reps as he benched a barbell. His adrenaline was still up after his confrontation with Sam at the towel window. Denny finished the set, racked the bar and sat up, grabbing the towel and wiping his face. For the tenth time, his mind replayed the interaction with the old man.


“Hey, Dennis,” Sam had said. “See that boyfriend of yours finally saw the light and dumped you for someone who appreciates him.”


“You wish,” Sam had rejoined, laughing.


Denny had held up his hand in Sam’s face. “Does this look like he’s dumped me, you senile old queer?” He wiggled his fingers to make sure the man saw the new ring.


Sam had hesitated before responding, looking at the ring. “Mighty nice. Didn’t know they put stuff like that in Cracker Jack boxes.”


“Fuck you,” Denny had said again and turned away.


Chapter 24