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

“Can I try?” Gordon reached to take the little one from Don III’s latest paramour, Jade. “I have a niece coming soon. I could use the practice.” The baby immediately quieted in his arms.


“Nice. Maybe we should reconsider having kids of our own…unless we’d have to have five.”


“Hmm. That’s something to think about.” Gordon counted her little fingers and toes over and over, and she seemed to be in baby heaven.


Dad and Great Gramps worked in the kitchen, so I pretty much had the day off. Once Gordon put baby Deanna down in her travel seat, Gordon and I snuck upstairs to my childhood bedroom for some quiet.


Chapter 28