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

Gordon poked his head out and called us back in. “Clarence says he’s ready for pie.”


“I love your pies,” Annie said to me.


“Not mine this time. Gordon made them. You’ll never guess who his mother is.”


And no one would ever believe it based on his baking ability. He felt bad at first, but then we had a good laugh. “I guess it’s a skill to burn something and still have it be raw.”


His apples were crunchy, and so was his crust—crunchy and black on the bottom. He’d baked on the lower rack, too close to the heat.


Chapter 26