As Josh Tully returns home from running errands, he stumbles across a handsome man leaving his apartment complex. Distracted by the charming new stranger, Josh spills his groceries across the front stoop. As the new neighbor helps Josh pick up his belongings, a sudden surge of electricity sparks between the two young men. When Eddie returns to Josh’s apartment with a fresh gallon of milk, a chance meeting turns into mutual attraction. But a severe case of pneumonia lands Josh in the hospital and Eddie stays at his side, and their budding friendship deepens. Eddie is not the nesting type, and he does not stay in one place for long. But as days turn to weeks, something in Josh’s laid-back persona draws Eddie to the small Minnesota town of Gordonville and through the door of Josh’s heart. Will Eddie decide to stay this time ... and for how long?

A Door to the Heart

Josh stands, turns, and heads back to the kitchen. Over the sizzling pan, Josh asks, “Why wings?”


Eddie looks up from the guitar, stops as if on cue, and grins mischievously. “Sounds ridiculous, but the wings represent freedom to me.”


“How so?” Josh plates the sandwiches, trays the soups, and walks into the living room, juggling dinnerware in both hands, and then serves Eddie his spin on a home-cooked meal. Josh sits Indian-style on the floor next to him.


“Traveling is my beat.” Eddie places the guitar upright against his knee and bites into the hot, gooey sandwich. He moans, delighted. “This is a badass grilled cheese, man.”


They talk awhile longer about hobbies, traveling, and their favorite foods.


Over the rim of his drink, Josh notices Eddie has finished his sandwich. “Another?”


Eddie sounds hesitant, but says, “I’ve gotta keep my manly figure.”


An awkward silence falls between them. Then Josh asks, “How long are you going to be in Gordonville?”


Chapter 5