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

Jake grabbed Matt on his collar. “Hold on a second.”


Matt’s bloodshot eyes shot from the car where Henry helped Brian settle in his seat to Jake’s penetrating gaze. Nerves vibrated off his nephew. “What are we waiting for?”


He pulled Matt back into the front door and eyed him a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Are you okay?”


Matt pulled free from his grip and flapped his hands. “No, I’m not.” His voice wavered on the last word and Matt averted his eyes. “Obviously I’m not, but we need to get Brian to the emergency room.”


“We will, but first you tell me what the hell happened here. And you better talk fast.”


Matt started to shake and Jake pulled him in and settled his chin on top of his head as Matt shook against him.


Matt’s voice was muffled against his chest. “I don’t know.” He pulled back and tried to make eye contact again.


“We don’t have a lot of time,” Jake said. “What happened?”


Matt hesitated, and his lips moved silently as he searched for the words.


Chapter 86