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

“Don’t‘but Uncle Andy’me!”He eased himself onto a bench.“Make this the last one.I’ll sit out here and mind your bags.”


Andy gave said knee a rub.“It’s just a twinge.”


“I promise we won’t be long.”Craig handed over his various bags.


Andy shook his head.“No,take your time.The rest will do me good.”


Luke smiled one of his beautiful smiles at him.


Swallowing,Andy asked,“How are your ribs?I wouldn’t have thought walking all this way would be good for them.”


“Sorry,Luke.Why didn’t you say anything?”Craig asked.


“Because I was having too much fun.”


Andy shook his head.“And don’t take advantage of Luke’s generosity anymore.You’ve got your own money.Maybe you should buy Luke something to thank him.”


“I wanted to when we were in there,”Craig pointed to the boutique they’d just visited,“but he wouldn’t let me.”


“Go on,the pair of you.”Andy waved them off.


Chapter 25