James is surprised when co-worker Vic disappears, but even more so when Vic shows up months later as James’s manager. As a single gay man with few responsibilities, James takes his fun wherever and whenever he can. He’d even played around with Vic a few times. But now something’s changed, something James can't quite put his finger on. In fact, almost everything about Vic is subtly different -- and maybe not so subtly, when it comes to them resuming their affair. James never used to think Vic was hot, but now Vic’s like a new man and he wants James. James should be flattered, shouldn’t he?<br><br>Unfortunately, things don’t develop quite the way James hopes. He’s just out for a good time, but Vic wants something more than mutually satisfactory sexual games. He’s obsessed with finding out James’s idea of a perfect man. And what’s more, Vic seems determined to do whatever’s necessary to become that person -- whether James is a willing participant or not.

Perfection

Chris took a deep breath, as if he’d decided finally to face up to an unpleasant duty. “Gaz only stutters when he’s out with us socially. Right?”


Vince joined in. “He hates the stutter, but needs some time to control it. We talk over him so he can pull himself together. He asks us to.”


“Asks you to?” I was very, very confused. “But he’s okay when we’re on our own. At home, with only the two of us. He’s just nervous of being out in a group.”


Chris gave an impatient shake of his head. “Nah. It’s being out with you. It’s not nerves, you berk. It’s over-excitement.”


“What the hell’s the problem being out with me? What do you mean, over-excited?”


Chris rolled his eyes. “Being out with you, like you’re together. Like you’re seen together. Like you’re a couple.”


Chapter 5