Marius Rabineaux lives with his daughter Sherie in an apartment complex. Across the hall is computer tech Xavier McDay, whose niece, Tonya, is best friends with Sherie. Taciturn, clueless nerds have never been Marius's thing, so no matter how hot he may find ‘Uncle Cranky,’ Marius leaves well enough alone. One evening when Marius picks up Sherie from her playdate with Tonya, Xavier insults his parenting skills. Later, Xavier turns up at Marius’ workplace and, instead of apologizing, further offends him by disparaging his work ethic. Xavier finally gets it and apologizes to Marius, who decides to give his clueless neighbor another chance. He accepts Xavier’s offer inviting him and Sherie to dinner. The evening is a fun affair, and while the girls have dessert in Tonya's room, both men get to know each other better. Then Marius challenges Xavier to a night away from computers by going out to a night club. One thing leads to another, and they wind up back at Xavier’s apartment. As things crank up between them, will they get more than they bargain for ... and perhaps a chance at something more?

Crank Me Up

The one time I forgot a condom, the reality of a child of mine about to come into this world put a stop to that shit real quick. And then, when Amber left, I needed all the help and love my mother gave me, especially when I finally came out to her. Momma just kissed me on the forehead and told me I could make it through. Her example helped me find the strength to take care of my own child, since Amber didn’t have any family left in the neighborhood. It was just the two of us, and my mom helped out with babysitting and pickup, since we couldn’t afford a car right now.


Back in the kitchen with her backpack on, Sherie hugged her Gramma Jo and then tugged on my hand so I would get up.


“Come on, Daddy. We gotta catch the train!”


I headed into the living room to grab my backpack.


As she walked us to the door, Momma asked me, “You sure you don’t want a ride to the apartment? I don’t have to be at work until nine o’clock tonight, so I have time.”


Chapter 3