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

I’m not that weak.You can’t hurt me any more.


Roger didn’t reply.His fingers kneaded Wes’s arms,a gentle,soothing rhythm working intohim,easing away the stress and the harsh words and the pain.When he didn’t speak,Wes prompted,“Roger—”


“Shh.”Roger’s hands moved lower,took Wes’s own,raised them to his lips.As he kissed Wes’s knuckles,his eyes slipped shut.“I don’t want to lose you.”


But Wes couldn’t take his gaze off the tears that darkened Roger’s lashes,and he couldn’tbring himself to say it was over.He couldn’t seem to find the strength to pull away.


“Babe,”Roger sighed,snaking his arms around Wes’s waist,pulling him close.“Let’s forget about this,okay?Can we just pretend it didn’t happen?Just start again?”


Chapter 34