Bridges Barfield is a man of rigid standards and stern demeanor. He finds it hard to relax and accept new things, though he gives it his best. He’s still recovering from the end of a bad relationship, but he’s not letting it stop him from searching for love. Then he meets Trenton LeDoux and they hit it off, despite their differences. Meaning, Trenton’s magenta hair, lip ring, and free spirit.<br><br>Trenton is forthright, refreshing, and not afraid to go after what he wants. But the fact that he can’t seem to get past his grief and possible guilt over his husband’s death makes it difficult to move forward. It doesn’t help that Bridges suffers from foot-in-mouth syndrome, which earns him a slap across the face when he says the wrong thing to Trenton. Which is often.<br><br>When they finally get beyond the angry words, will their union be truly heartfelt?

Heavy Metal Heartfelt Blues

I spent the rest of the week buried in meetings, numbers, and budget wrangling. I promised Sonny that I’d be at the bookstore that Saturday night, but declined all other offers for lunch or dinner. I simply wasn’t up to it.


Saturday morning, I was up bright and early, as was my habit. I did my usual workout in the basement gym of my house on the rowing machine while blaring Avenged Sevenfold, something which Noah had thought was funny. The fact that I, staid and clean-cut Mr. Barfield, liked heavy metal had been unfathomable to him. It just worked for me in this setting. I couldn’t explain it. Next, I did weights, jumped rope, and some sit-ups and push-ups. I was soaked with sweat by the time I was done. It felt good.


Chapter 6