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

“Gordon isn’t my boyfriend. He’s…” What was he, exactly? I still wasn’t sure. “A customer.”


“A customer.” My father fucking winked at me. “Okay.”


“Sorry about that,” I said to Gordon, once Dad took the Coopers their coffee. They were in a lot lately. The doctors’ appointments seemed to have gone from once a month to once a week or so. I hoped they were both okay. I was going to have to ask once they finished their brunch. “Dad’s got a strange sense of humor. It’s strange how he thinks he’s funny, when he’s not.”


Chapter 6