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 Tate is bitter and withdrawn after losing a leg while serving in the Marine Corps during the war in Afghanistan.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

For some time they sat without moving, just holding each other. Julian was reluctant to break their union. When finally they did, Tate sighed. Julian knew Tate also regretted their separation.


They showered. Neither of them spoke. They communicated their feelings for one another through their kisses and caresses. When the shower was done, they went down to the kitchen. There Julian fixed them a breakfast of sausage and French toast.


The doorbell rang just as they finished eating.


“I’ll get it,” Julian said, rising from his chair.


“No, let me. It’ll be Mary coming for my therapy,” Tate said, his voice revealing an unexpected enthusiasm.


Tate retrieved his crutches and made his way out of the room. Julian smiled after him and began to clear the table.


Chapter 23