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

“He’s right,for once.You have to let him know you’re interested.”Paddy held up a hand.“Don’t bother denying it.I can see how much the bloke means to you.”


Tom went to sit next to Andy on the sofa.“You need to make the effort.If you don’t,you’ll never know if there’s a chance between you and him.”Climbing into Andy’s lap,the little guy got right into Andy’s face.“Do it!Otherwise,you’ll always regret it.”


Andy opened his mouth,but Tom put a finger over his lips.


“Like us,Luke doesn’t care about what’s on the surface.”He kissed Andy’s scarred cheek.“Let him see what the real Andy is like.”


Andy got a lump in his throat.“Thanks,you two,”was all he could say.Fortunately they didn’t press him to say more.


Andy continued to stare at the piece of paper.Before he could chicken out,he picked up the phone and punched in Luke’s number.


Chapter 15