Journalist Paul Bradley reports on an act of heroism by paramedic Drew McGregor and goes on to have him nominated for a bravery award. Drew's heroism is a great story that Paul wants to make the most of, but he has other reasons to want to see the great-looking and openly gay Drew again. Ones he doesn't dare speak about, since he's deeply closeted and terrified of being outed, fearing losing his career.<br><br>When Drew accidentally finds out Paul is gay, he's initially angry at the deception, but he's sympathetic too and his kindness encourages Paul to confess his feelings. Drew likes Paul, but won't date a closeted man, saying that leads to too many lies, too much pain. Paul will have to reevaluate all the choices he’s made for the sake of career and family, if he wants Drew to give him a chance.

Role Model

“You’ve made me less cynical the last few days, Drew. Can you tell me what happened when you climbed inside the car?”


Drew took a breath, refocused himself. “The truck had a container on it. That’s what was going to fall. It was starting to come loose from the trailer.”


“Christ,” Paul muttered. The thought made him shudder.


“The car was in the ditch, on its side. The driver’s side was downwards and stove in. That’s where Mr. Winslow was. I couldn’t get close enough to examine him, but there were…clear indications he was deceased. I don’t want to say anything more about that. For his family’s sake.”


“Lily was in the back, on the passenger side of the car. Still strapped in her child seat.”


“Yes. The seat in front of her had been shoved back and trapped her legs. So even though I could have freed her from the child seat easily, I still couldn’t have pulled her out.”


Chapter 5