While celebrating the Supreme Court same-sex ruling, Josh hides his deep aversion to marriage. He lets his lover Adam believe they’ll eventually marry. But when his wedding-planner mother pushes him too hard to take that step, Josh declares in anger he won’t ever marry Adam.<br><br>Adam overhears and flees. Crushed at having been led on, he takes refuge at his old hangout. There he runs into his ex-boyfriend, who tries to take advantage of Adam’s vulnerability. Things go from bad to miserable, leaving Adam struggling to get through the worst night of his life.<br><br>Frantically searching for Adam, Josh is forced to accept he could lose him forever -- a prospect he just can’t face. Can he overcome his fears and propose marriage to save their love? That might work, but only if he can somehow convince Adam to trust him again.

I Do, I Don't

A thought occurred to Josh. Reggie was willingly relinquishing a means to manipulate Adam. “Why are you giving this to me? Why not use it yourself to play the hero who gets him out of jail?”


Reggie set his drink on the table and seemed to be searching for the right words. At last he said, “I’ll always have a soft spot for Adam. But after tonight, I can see how much he’s grown. He’s more confident in himself, stronger.” Gingerly touching his nose, the man muttered, “Much stronger.”


Josh chuckled. And felt a rush of pride that Adam had so handily defended himself even while, if the ex-lover could be believed, he’d been dead drunk.


Continuing, Reggie said, “I’m not sure Adam and I suit each other anymore. Although, now that I think about it, it was intriguing—I might even say oddly exhilarating—not to get my way.” With one finger, he traced the generous curve of his lower lip. “Maybe I won’t abandon the idea of seeing Adam again after all.”


Chapter 13