Patrick Holt is lonely. A bad breakup with his boyfriend has left the forty-year-old ophthalmologist reluctant to get involved with another man. When his neighbor sets him up with her brother-in-law Eric, Patrick prepares himself for disappointment. But Patrick quickly finds himself surprised and charmed by Eric, and Eric, who’s had relationship problems of his own in the past, falls hard and fast for Patrick.<br><br>On the outside, Eric seems like a great guy: young and attractive with a promising job as an assistant manager at a Chicago hotel. But Eric has a dark side he and his family are hiding from Patrick. When the truth is finally revealed and Eric’s secrets are exposed, will Patrick be willing to go the distance with Eric? Or will he run as fast as he can from the new man in his life?

Baggage

After peeing, washing my face, brushing my teeth, and putting on a T-shirt, I returned downstairs to find Eric leaning against the kitchen counter, sipping a cup of coffee. He immediately pulled a mug from the cabinet and poured a cup for me.


“Thanks,” I said, taking the mug from him.


“Patrick, I have to apologize for what happened yesterday,” he said. “I’m really sorry and incredibly embarrassed.”


“I can get a little out of control sometimes when I’ve had too much to drink.”


“I understand.” I hesitated before asking Eric how things went with Gary and Greg last night.


He frowned. “They were really pissed. Gary called me an embarrassment to him and his family, and Greg said I was irresponsible. It was like I was a kid all over again.” Eric poured himself another cup of coffee from the carafe on the counter and asked if I had any siblings.


Chapter 8