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 hope I’m not still contagious.”


“You’re not. I’ve missed doing that.”


“I wouldn’t want you to take anything back to the nursing home.”


“I’m a nurse. I know what I’m doing.” He kissed me again. “So…what do we tackle first? The house or you?”


“Hmm. I remember you telling me once you managed to jerk off with two broken arms, but washing your hair…? By the way, it would be an excellent time to fill in the details of how you did that…that masturbation thing. Maybe later you can show me. Shower first?”


“I know what you’re thinking.” He sighed. “Marty, you have a really distorted idea of what your body looks like. Here. Let’s do something.” He took off his shirt. The six pack and muscles aroused me at first, but an instant later, I was feeling like crap. “Take yours off and put mine on.” He went for the tie on his sweatpants. “These, too. I’ll help.”


Chapter 21