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

“Eventually, the feelings came. First for my best friend from the next farm over, then teammates…College was…” I could feel a change in his grip, in his body, just thinking about whatever it was he was going to say. “Holy shit! Ho-ly shit, Marty! I was like a boy discovering Internet porn for the first time. Interactive porn. My God. I was every cliché. I got drunk six nights a week. I puked my way through track practice, too, because my coach still made me run. Marty…I sucked so much dick. I sucked dick I can’t even be sure was attached to a man with a face. Half the time I didn’t even look up to see.”


I felt jealous, which was stupid, and also insecure, which made sense.


“I sensed something,” he said. “I talk too much.”


Chapter 17