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

“I should be going and leave you in peace,”Luke said after lunch as he looked out of the living room window.


“No way,”Craig piped up.“The snow plough hasn’t been by yet.You wouldn’t even get as far as the bottom of the lane.”


“Rubbish.Tell him he’s welcome to stay,Uncle Andy.”


“Well,uh—”Andy wanted to agree with Craig,but didn’t feel comfortable about voicing his wishes.


“Good,you’re staying until tomorrow,at least,”Craig rubbed his hands together gleefully.


“I don’t mind.”Not liking being put on the spot,Andy stood up.“I best go see to the pigs.”


“I really ought to go,”Luke said to Craig once Andy had left.“It’s obvious he doesn’t want me here.”


“It’s how Uncle Andy is.He likes you,I can tell.”


“It’s just his way.Look,if you really want to get in his good books,you should go out and offer him a hand with the pigs.”


Chapter 12