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

A thrill of joy spread through Howie. Was this really happening? Or was it just too good to be true? Had Howie imagined Matthew’s intense response to their lovemaking the night before? Was this the kismet Ernie had talked about? Howie hoped so.


Howie reached out and tentatively ran his hand over the tangled hair on Matthew’s chest. Matthew moaned softly and stretched. He didn’t open his eyes, and his soft snores continued. No, Howie concluded. Matthew wanted this as much as Howie did.


But he must be careful. Matthew must take the lead. Whatever was to develop had to come at Matthew’s pace. Howie sensed whatever it was that had kept Matthew from experiencing love and a physical relationship, Matthew needed to resolve it on his own. Howie shouldn’t push. He must let Matthew work it out. When he looked down at Matthew’s swollen organ that lay nestled in the dense patch of reddish hair, however, he decided a little nudge in the right direction wouldn’t hurt.


Chapter 17