Twenty-six and gay, Shane Polk isn’t having a good year. After blowing out his ankle during an Everglade Eagles football game, he does eight months of rehab in Pittsburgh. Now that rehabilitation is over, Shane returns home to Florida and comes to terms with the fact that he has to get back in the game, which isn’t easy for him.<br><br>Summertime along the Gulf Coast for Shane has been better. Not only does he have the hassles of starting a new job with the Eagles, he grows jealous of his best friend, Frankie, who is falling in love with Mr. Right in the Caribbean.<br><br>Unfortunately, Shane can’t seem to get a grip on his own love life. Sexy football players come and go, none of whom are worth a long-term relationship. Then he meets Tommy Rawe, a young man with a charming smile. Is Tommy someone special who just might be able to change Shane’s topsy-turvy world for the better?

Back in the Game

“I have a serious question for you, Shane.”


“I probably have a serious answer. Try me.”


He coughed into his left fist in a state of nervousness, turned toward me, face to face, and exhaled his sweet breath against my lips. Then he whispered, “I want to clean up my life and get off the streets. I want to stop my hustling gigs and quit doing drugs. But I need a place to stay to start this change. I want a better life. I want to be a better person and learn to love, and love someone like you.” He lowered his head, rubbed his nose, and whispered, “And I was wondering if I could stay with you. Maybe you can help me with a new beginning. What do you think?”


I reached out and patted his leg, glowing inside, glad to see him, and thrilled to have him at my side again. I was in love with the kid, forever and always, mad about him. “I’m here for you, Tommy. That’s what I think. I’ll always be here for you, and I’ll always help you.”


Chapter 47