Schoolteacher Julian Reynolds is disillusioned with the seedier side of gay life in New York City with its self-absorption, vanity, and preoccupation with sex. When his long-time relationship with his high school sweetheart ends, he returns to his hometown and vows to live a simple life free of the extremes of the gay lifestyle and romantic entanglements. With that end in mind, he rents the carriage house next door to a large Tudor-style home.<br><br>Tate Butler, a former student of Julian’s, lives in the big house with his mother. Tate is bitter and withdrawn after losing a leg while serving in the Marine Corps during the war in Afghanistan. Fearing rejection from his mother and blaming himself for his father’s death, Tate stays firmly in the closet and punishes himself by refusing to learn how to walk again.<br><br>Can Tate and Julian help heal each other’s pasts and forge a real and lasting future together? Or will the driveway that separates their houses prove too wide a gulf to cross?

The Marine Next Door

Forcing himself to speak, Julian said, “Yes, I’ll just be a few minutes and then I’ll be out of your way.”


“What’s your rush? Virgil won’t be home for hours.” There was a twinkle in Finn’s blue eyes.


Before Julian could respond, Punkin and Patch came running up to him, rubbing against his leg, purring loudly. Julian picked them up and hugged them tightly.


“Guess they missed you. That’s the first time I’ve heard ‘em purr all week.”


All week? He’s been here all week! I just left last week! Was he in the hall waiting for me to leave?” Julian thought, fighting to control his anger. “If you’ll excuse me,” Julian said, keeping his voice even. “I’ll just get my belongings and be out of here.”


Chapter 8