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 raises his head slowly to the leisurely ticking of the cuckoo clock on the far wall. And then he notices where he is: curled up next to Fletcher on the futon in the living room. I forgot I came out here after I talked to EddieWhen was that?


He pokes his head out from under the warm afghan and reaches for his cell phone and reading glasses on top of the wine crate on the floor next to him. He puts his glasses on and checks for messages from Eddie.


He sighs, removes his glasses, and lays them down on the crate. “How about a walk around the block?” he asks Fletcher. “What the hell—I can’t sleep.”


Josh moans as he wiggles out from beneath Fletcher’s massive body. The dog jumps off the couch, and Josh unravels himself from the afghan.


Even at this hour, the dog is full of energy. “Do you ever slow down, man?” Josh teases.


Fletcher lets out a piercing bark, and Josh stoops over the animal. “No more treats. Let’s go for a walk.”


Chapter 17