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

An idea began to form in Luke’s mind.The more he thought it impractical,even foolhardy,given the snow,the more he wanted to do it.He would give the man his jacket back.Luke felt embarrassed that he hadn’t thought about posting it back to Andy before.


Days earlier,in one of the coat’s pockets,he’d found a receipt for a consignment of pork for a butcher’s shop.Digging in the pocket,Luke pulled the receipt out and smoothed it on the table.


“Bentley’s Butchers”then in smaller type it gave the address.Luke wasn’t sure quite where Outwood was.West Yorkshire was over the Pennines,he knew,and a journey like that shouldn’t be attempted in the snow.And there was no guarantee Andy lived anywhere near Outwood anyway.Realising he could phone the butcher’s and perhaps they’d tell him where Andy lived,Luke dialled the number before he could change his mind.


Chapter 9