Twin brothers Brian and Matt Walker went to live with their mother’s brother after the death of their parents at an early age. Brian is still wracked with the guilt he carries around from a young age and sees the world through a distorted lens of self-loathing. When he meets a sexy and interested college-aged guy at the beginning of his senior year of high school, he may have finally found someone who can help him escape his mundane existence.<br><br>Matt has his life all planned out -- he longs for a solid career in journalism after graduating college. But his tenuous hold on family life threatens his dreams of independence, as does the attentions of a closeted new transfer to their school.<br><br>Can Matt pull away enough from his family to come into his own? And will Brian finally get to grips with his past and allow his twin to chase his own happiness?

Twice the Hands to Hold

Matt’s head felt like it was split in two and a dull pressure beat persistently behind his eyes. He was tired, grumpy and over all of it. He sat uneasily on the bleachers watching his brother’s practice, enjoying seeing Brian relaxed and in his element. He should be driving home already, since Brian had an extended practice session, but the gloom of his room depressed him.


Sleep had evaded him but he’d finally fallen into a fitful and disturbed doze an hour before he had to start his day. The decision to head home made itself. There was no point in avoiding it, he might as well just go and sulk in his room. Matt stood up and was about head to the car but was greeted by the guy he should have been happy to see waiting at the bottom. James looked apologetic. Nothing new there.


“I’m over it.” Matt walked past him. James pushed a hand out and caught his elbow harder than he probably intended. It got Matt’s attention and stopped him in his tracks.


Chapter 53