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

“Okay. So, before I do. We are still on the same page here, right? I haven’t scared you too much by going on and on about my big secret…shame, quirk, flaw…however you want to say it.”


“I don’t want to call it any of those things, Gordon. It just…is.”


“Great. We’re over that…knowing about it. We’ll see about dealing with it…if you want to keep going.”


“Okay then.” Gordon got up and went to a counter off to the side. He came back with a sheet of paper and a pen. I saw him counting in his head, and then he picked up a cookie and handed it to me.


Chapter 13