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

“You’re right.” Gordon stood. He had on khaki cargo shorts and it was obvious he was hard. So was I. “Our list is not to be trifled with,” he said with mock resolve. “That was fun, though.”


“And I’ll remember it when I get off later. Feel free to watch.”


He went to the kitchen for the cake. I noticed him touch the wall beside the light switch five times. When he shut the silverware drawer, the cupboard where the plates were, and the refrigerator, from which he’d pulled a bottle of wine, he touched them five times, too. I wondered if he even noticed anymore, or if it had just become rote.


Chapter 20