In recovery after a serious car accident, Dan struggles with pain and depression until it becomes an ingrained part of his life. His most important support has come from his best friend and boyfriend Aaron, yet Dan knows he’s not giving as much as taking from the relationship.<br><br>When he and Aaron are snowed in at a winter sports resort, Dan has to face up to both his physical and emotional restraints. Aaron is determined and devoted, and always willingly there for Dan, but Dan can see his weariness. Aaron wants Dan to accept his love fully, for them to become the best and most intimate of lovers. But how much longer will Aaron wait?<br><br>It takes a particularly bitter Christmas -- and the weirdest of dreams -- to give Dan the courage to grasp what’s important to him, and find the way back to health and love.

Nowhere to Hide

“What isit that you want, Aaron?” I say, very softly. I step right up to the bed, looking down at him. “What are my selfishly black moods keeping you from?”


He looks up at me, those clear blue eyes glinting in the half light. “Nothing.” He shifts as if trying to get more comfortable, and the sheets rustle around his legs. “I just want to be with you, however you are, however you behave. I don’t think in terms of you getting better, or being normalagain. You’re Dan—you always have been—and that’s who I want.”


I just stare at him for a moment. Guess I’m seeing one of those things I should treasure. As if I didn’t already know. When he pats the space on the bed beside him, I sit down. He smiles again, and I’m warm all over. Always have been, when I’m with him. 


Chapter 9