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

“Yeah.”Luke opened his eyes again.“You know how you imagine what your ideal man is like?”


“Uh huh.”At least Craig didn’t say Luke was his idea of an ideal man.


“Well,it took me a long time and lots of failed relationships to realise what my ideal man is like.He’s big,strong,and protective and—”


“And not an annoying bratty teenager.”Craig sounded so sad.


“Oh,Craig.You’re not annoying”.To himself Luke added,Well,not all the time.


He pulled the teenager in for a hug.Craig put his arms around Luke and sniffled.


“I feel awful.It’s like I want to steal you away from Uncle Andy.I don’t,honest.You two are great together.He’s really happy since you showed up.I know you’ll be good for him;you’ll not hurt him or anything.”


Chapter 35