Mark is a man on the horns of a dilemma. He's in the midst of a five-year affair with a married man and he wants out ... but isn’t sure he can give up his lover.<br><br>Austin, who lives in the apartment building across the street from Mark, has his own problems. Two years earlier, the man he loved died in a horrible auto accident. Austin is still trying to come to terms with seeing it happen, and dealing with the aftermath.<br><br>After watching Mark from his balcony, making up stories about what he sees, Austin decides to meet him. Will the meeting help the two come to grips with their problems? And if it does, can they move on to something more than possible friendship?

The Man on the Balcony

“You’re tired of picking vegetables?” Mark asked with a laugh as he put more snap beans into the bowl by his side.


“That, too,” Austin replied. “There’s more, though.” He crossed to Mark, kneeling beside him. “I know this might not be the right place to do this. However, well, here goes.” He took Mark’s hands in his. “I’ve come to the conclusion I’m in love with you.”


Mark smiled, leaning in to kiss him. “It’s about time. I’ve been totally in love with you for, hmm, at least the last two weeks. Maybe more.”


“I had the feeling you felt the same way, but I didn’t want to push your boundaries. I figured when you were ready to, you’d tell me.” He kissed Austin again then grinned. “It took you long enough.”


“Slow is my middle name,” Austin replied.


“More like weighing the consequences,” Mark retorted. “I’m okay with that. I did the same thing before admitting to myself the only consequence would be having a man in my life who meant the world to me.”


Chapter 26