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

“Yeah, baby, but temporarily, while I try to sell my apartment.”


Faustina inhaled sharply and reached for Rain’s hand.


“So, what are you saying, Tristan?” Rain leaned in closer, scowling. “That your plan is to live here for a few months, sell your place, and then leave?”


Confused, Tristan didn’t know what he’d meant. What he wanted. It was true, he had talked about moving in with Rain, but he couldn’t do it like this. Couldn’t accept charity. He’d created his own mess, so why would Faustina have to pay for it?


“You know, Tristan,” Faustina said, quietly and without a trace of anger, “I’m not doing this for you. I like you and all, but I’m doing this for my kid brother. Because he deserves a break. For the last fourteen years, Rain has been caring for his son, never putting his own needs above those of Philip’s, to the point of staying in a broken marriage.” She took Rain’s hand and squeezed it. “And I think Philip and Rain are happy here. I want them to stay.”


Chapter 74