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 Tate is bitter and withdrawn after losing a leg while serving in the Marine Corps during the war in Afghanistan.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

His voice reflecting his longing, Tate whispered, “I need you inside me.”


Although his heart and body yearned for union with the young man, Julian held back. “You’re sure?” He was almost sorry he’d asked, in case it caused Tate to have second thoughts.


Tate’s response was quick and decisive. He pulled Julian into a deep kiss, pressing his body against Julian’s. Then Tate turned and leaned on his hands over the deck of the pool.


Julian looked down and ran his hands over the tapered back, well defined shoulders, the distinctive V of his flexed triceps. He ran the tip of his erection over Tate’s full buttocks and up and down the cleavage. Finally he pressed against the entry and gradually slipped inside until his groin was pressed against Tate.


Julian stood without moving, relishing the sensation of union, feeling his resolution to turn away from this life fade.


Chapter 22