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

“Do now.”Luke put his mug in the sink and turned on the tap.Over his shoulder he said,“But I grew up on a farm in southeast Wales.”


“So that’s where you got your last name from?”Craig asked,once Luke had shut off the water.


“Uh huh.”Luke yawned.“Now I’m off to bed.”


“Want some company?”Craig stood and smiled nervously.


Luke thought it wise to nip things in the bud.Placing his hands on Craig’s shoulders,he looked up into the boy’s green eyes.“Look,Craig.You’re a great kid—”


“Yes,and too young for me.As I said,you’re great,and if we were closer to the same age,then…”Luke left the sentence unfinished.In truth he wasn’t attracted to Craig’s sort,thin,bony and gangly.Like Roger,you mean,a small voice told him.“I’m sure,in a few yearsthe right man will come along.If you both work at it,the pair of you could make a go of it.”


Chapter 11