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

“She taped her Turkey Day show two weeks ago. I didn’t go. It’ll be fun. I’ll cook.”


I also remembered his eggs and oatmeal. “I’ll cook. My wrist is doing pretty good.” I decided not to lie. “Well, not really. But I need to regain my strength.”


“I want to do something. Pies? I know they’re your specialty, but maybe this once…?”


It seemed as if he really wanted to. “Okay. Deal.”


“Annndddd…Right after dinner, the clothes come off and stay off, until we have to go back to work.”


“Oh. Well…that would be Black Friday morning for me.”


“I know. But I took off enough time with these.” I held up both wrists. “I just can’t.”


“I understand. Maybe you can stay over anyway? Leave from my place…come home to me at night…and get naked?”


“Bring Speck Speck and Mollykins.” He had nicknames for my cats. We were officially in a relationship. “It’ll be just like we got married, like Mr. Cooper wants us to.”


Chapter 24