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’ve lived a wonderful life.” He took her hand. “And Smarty and his running fellow, they can take over as Don’s pillars of romance once I’m not here.”


“What?” He took his wife’s hand. “They’re almost as good looking as you and me.” He kissed her there, on the back of it, in perfect time to the song lyrics telling him to. “You can even get married now. How about that? I’m glad to see it in my lifetime…for you,” Clarence said to me.


“Well, we may be getting a little ahead of ourselves, but thank you. I am, too. And…hang in there. Fight as hard as you can.”


“I will,” Clarence pledged. “If I have any say, I’m not giving up a single moment I can spend with this one.”


Gordon arrived right on time. I was a little bit sad still. I was a lot sad. I smiled at him, and he took me in his arms and kissed me on the cheek. I would never tire of the way he felt and smelled right after a run, or the way I felt in his arms. “That’s not it, is it?” I asked.


Chapter 19