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

It seemed like hours later when Wes pushed himself up from the floor and entered the darkenedliving room.At the window,he pulled the curtains back,flooding the room with sunlight.Thestreet below his apartment building was empty—Roger’s car was gone.


He sank to the couch,the dog beside him,her paws in his lap,and together they waited.Fifteen minutes came and went,thirty,forty-five.When he heard footsteps on the stairs leading up to his second floor apartment,there was no doubt in his mind that it was Nathan.


The footsteps stopped in front of his door,then someone knocked.“It’s open,”he called out.He hadn’t locked it after Roger left.


The door opened as Nathan stepped into the room.“Wes?”


Hearing his voice,the dog jumped off the couch and ran into the hall,tail wagging.“Hey there,girlfriend,”Nathan murmured.He closed the door and knelt on the floor,giggling as the dog licked his face.“You seen my boy?”he asked the dog.She barked as if answering him.“Where is he?”


Chapter 35