Tristan used to be top salesman at his firm, but when his friends suffered a tragedy, he stepped in to support them. Their ordeal over, Tristan turned to partying to ease his new solitude. Now his job is at risk and he stands to lose his home. Rain spent years putting up with his husband Milo's bad behavior before moving out. Single again and insecure, Rain dreams of creating a marionette show to celebrate kids on the autism spectrum in honor of his son. When Rain meets his neighbor Tristan, he's drawn to Tristan's sex-appeal and protective nature. But Milo keeps pulling on Rain's strings and messing with his head. Tristan loves everything about Rain, including the strange sandwiches, mismatched socks, crazy marionettes, glitter makeup, and messy apartment. And Rain wants to give Tristan everything, but can he cut lose from Milo's hold?

A Touch of Rain

Rain was playing with a lock of Tristan’s hair. “No…but you can’t sleep in my bed. It’s too early for that.” He kissed Tristan’s shoulder. “Be right back. Have to get rid of this.” He stood and walked away.


Tristan watched him leave. Could this lovely man be his?


Moments later, Rain returned and lay down next to him again.


“All I need is a blanket,” Tristan said, “your couch, and to know that you’re sleeping somewhere in the same apartment as me.”


“I love you.” Tristan blew out a breath. “I hadto say it. I was gonna have an aneurism. You know—it was a life and death thing.”


Rain laughed out loud and then slowly, his expression changed, turning serious. “In the park today, I had this feeling come over me and it was so astounding, Tristan. But I’m not gonna lie to you, we’re gonna face some hard times, ‘cause Milo isn’t the conciliatory type, I’m sure you’ve noticed, and I’m gonna have to play my cards real smooth and slow and think every—”


Chapter 49