Numbers mean everything to an Olympic marathoner, but for Gordon O’Dooley, his obsession with one number in particular might get a little out of hand. Gordon literally comes running into Marty Walsh’s family diner one day, and their mutual attraction is instant. He comes on too strong, though, and Marty quickly slams on the brakes. When Marty suggests they take things slow, Gordon races off, and any hope of a relationship goes right along with him. Four years pass, and Marty does his best to move on. But fate brings them back together as Gordon is preparing for another Olympic bid. They agree to start over, slowly this time. As they get to know each other, Marty comes to realize how strong Gordon's obsession with the number five is. Will Marty be able to handle Gordon's OCD? And what will Gordon do when he realizes the reason behind Marty's reluctance at intimacy?

Put Five Rings on It

“I’m taking some time off school, actually. But I did go home for Christmas. Spur of the moment decision. I wasn’t going to this year, but then I did.” When I turned back, he was seated again, a forkful of chicken poised for his open mouth to wrap around it and take it all the way in. “I felt kind of bad I didn’t tell you,” he said—after the big bite.


“Where’s home?” I asked, doubting the veracity of his story. How had he possibly made it home for Christmas when he’d dropped off the plant at five fifty-five on Christmas Eve? Last minute flights didn’t exist on holidays.


“Home is Vermont. About an hour and a half from here.”


“Wow. It’s a wonder you can still almost fit into those pants.”


He actually spit out a little square piece of carrot. “You’re funny. Food’s always good at home. Not as good as yours.”


Flattery would get him nothing but a blowjob.


Chapter 5