Wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan and suffering post traumatic stress as a result, Andy Johnson is given a medical discharge from the British army. Shunning attention, Andy lives a quiet and lonely existence on his pig farm in Yorkshire. His peace is threatened when his friends take him to the city for his birthday. They buy him a kiss from Luke Wales, a twink porn star. Overwhelmed and needing some air, Andy escapes outside. Luke finds him there. They talk and Andy begins to relax. It’s cold and Andy gives Luke his combat jacket. However Roger, Luke’s boyfriend appears and the momentary connection is lost. Weeks later, recently separated from Roger, Luke is back in the north of England. He decides to pay Andy a visit, using the excuse of returning the man’s jacket. A snow storm forces the two men to spend time together, and a tentative friendship begins. Neither man is convinced they are worthy of the other. It takes time, plus the encouragement of friends and Andy’s teenage nephew, Craig, to convince the reluctant couple that what exists on the surface only tells part of the story. Andy’s scars and Luke’s past employment shouldn’t stand in the way of them exploring what each feels for the other.

Surface Tension

His resolve to be cheerful lasted less than five minutes after his arrival at his parents’.Hewalked into the front room and straight into a heated family discussion.Those five minutes were spent trying to understand what the hell was going on.It seemed Craig,the eldest son of his sister,Jessica,had come out the day before.Jessica’s husband hadn’t taken the news well.In fact,he had refused to spend Christmas with his son and his wife’s family.


Andy,though out,had always shied away from talking about his sexuality with them.It was private and none of their business.


Seeing a morose Craig sitting by himself in the far corner of the large living room,Andy went over and sat next to him.


“It’ll be all right,champ.”Andy put an arm around the teenager and gave him a squeeze.


Craig leaned into his uncle’s body.With his face against Andy’s shoulder Craig mumbled,“Dad said he doesn’t have a son any more.”


Chapter 5