Once the star of his high school basketball team, Nathan Gayle has played the field for years. Now in his twenties, he's getting tired of one night stands and heated hook-ups with strangers; he wants something more. Was that asking too much?<br><br>Wes Roberts has had a fierce crush on Nathan since high school. A chance encounter at prom created a memory Wes still cherishes, one perfect moment in time. His current relationship with Roger pales in comparison, but he's been with the man for eight months now and they've settled into a routine that's not exactly comfortable.<br><br>When Wes and Nathan meet up again years later at a friend's party, the spark between them is rekindled. But there's Roger, who wrestles with anger and drinking problems. Roger, whom Wes is still dating. Though the choice between the two men seems obvious, breaking up with Roger may be easier said than done.

Crushed

Nathan jerked the seat forward and sat back as it locked into place.“What’s he gonna say?”


“Who moved my fucking seat?”Wes murmured and Nathan grinned at him,but there was no mirthin his friend’s eyes.He looked scared.“Who the hell you giving rides to,babe?That’s what he’ll say.”


One of Wes’s hands rested on the gear shaft.Nathan covered it with his own,easing his fingers into Wes’s palm.“Does he hurt you?”


“He doesn’t hit me,”Wes said with a shake of his head,“if that’s what you mean.It’s not like that.”


“What’s he do?”Nathan wondered out loud.“I mean,if he doesn’t hurt you…”


Wes gave an abrupt laugh that he stifled before it could run away from him.“Just because he doesn’t throw punches doesn’t mean he doesn’t hurt me.There are other bruises,Nathan,ones you can’t see.Inside.”


Nathan tightened his fingers on Wes’s.“I’m sorry.”


Chapter 22