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

“Craig,”Andy sighed.He knew his nephew was just teasing,but this was getting old.“I havecopies of all the photos of when you were a kid.I’m sure Luke,Dennis or whoever would love to see pictures of you dressed as a shepherd during your first nativity play.”


Andy pulled away from Luke and stared at his nephew.“You don’t want to take that risk,believe me.”


Andy stood and offered a hand to Luke.Turning back to Craig,he said,“I’m warning you now.I’m being serious.What Luke and I do is private.No one better hear a word of it.”Andy used his best soldier voice;he’d been able to command fear and respect from even the greenest of recruits.Judging by Craig’s face,the message had been received and understood.


Leading Luke into the bedroom,Andy closed the door softly but firmly and turned to face his man.


“God,I love it when you go all dominant,”Luke said,getting onto the bed and arranging himself.


Chapter 38