Howie Bosley has very strict rules about dating men. Get to know him, fall in love with him, then -- and only then -- go to bed with him. But, as Howie’s friends frequently point out, his rules aren’t working because he’s still single. Just when Howie is about to ease up on his rules, he meets an Adonis at the gym who goes by the name of Matthew Timmons. Matthew is also looking to get to know someone before hopping into the sack. Is this destiny? But Matthew had planned a very different life path for himself, one that didn’t involve falling in love. Conflicted, he makes the painful decision to cut off all contact with Howie. What is Matthew hiding? Suddenly Howie’s fairy tale romance has taken an abrupt turn, and he doesn’t know if there’s anything he can do to get it back on track. Isn’t their happy ending meant to be?

Meant To Be

Matthew reached out to give Howie a hand up. “Chris tells me I’m one of your clients,” he said, still smiling.


Howie stood up. Matthew took a step back, but not too big of one.


“I…I…don’t…don’t know what to say,” Howie stammered, feeling his embarrassment return.


“No problem. Actually, I’m…I’m kind of glad that you’re that interested.”


Howie had the impression Matthew was feeling some awkwardness at the situation as well.


“Well, anyway, I’m Howie Bosley,” Howie said, feeling relieved and extending his hand.


Matthew took it. “Matthew Timmons. But I guess you already knew that.”


“I’m about done with my workout but I don’t mind waiting around for you to do yours if you’d like to go out for coffee or something,” Howie said, thinking that both Ernie and Kelly would be proud of him for being so bold.


“I’d like that. If it’s not too much trouble for you.”


Chapter 9