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

Once in the kitchen, they set the bags on the counter. One of the cats stretched up and put its paws on Matthew’s leg, mewing softly.


“She wants to be picked up,” Howie said. His voice reflected surprise. “She never does that, except with me,”


Matthew reached down and picked up the begging feline.


“Put her on your right shoulder and put a hand under her butt,” Howie instructed.


Matthew did as he was told. The cat snuggled against him, purring loudly, then began to lick the nape of his neck.


Howie stepped forward to stand in front of Matthew. “This is Katya,” he said as he reached out and scratched her behind the ears. “And that’s her brother, Sergei.” He pointed to the other cat still circling their legs. “They’re Russian Blues. I adopted them from the shelter where I vol…”


His voice trailed off as he stared into Matthew’s eyes. “Why did you come here tonight?” he asked in a hushed voice. “Not to meet my cats, I’m sure.”


Chapter 13