Keir Moreau, a middle school teacher living a solitary life, is excited to welcome a handsome new neighbor. But after their first meeting goes alarmingly wrong, Keir decides it's safer to keep his distance. Besides, he has to focus all his attention on finding help for a student who is being forced into conversion therapy.<br><br>Riley Quinn used to be an award-winning photojournalist, roaming the world and exposing corruption. An injury put an end to all that. Now he's frustrated with his new aimless life, wondering if he'll ever do anything again that really matters. When he first meets Keir, a case of mistaken identity leads him to mistreat his intriguing new neighbor. Riley tries again and again to redeem himself, but everything he does seems to push Keir farther away.<br><br>Keir, obsessing about his failure to help his student and fighting his stubborn attraction to Riley, takes a reckless gamble that goes dreadfully wrong. Or does it? Can an act of desperation open the door to romance?

The Chartreuse Door

The first delicate touch ignited a burst of desire. His pulse leaped as the calloused fingertip traced a winding path from his forehead to his chin. Could this be real?


“I love this so much.” Riley’s breathy voice swelled with unmistakable delight.


Oh, God, it was real. But Keir still struggled to believe it. “You’re a strange man, you know. Don’t forget, I’ve seen your boyfriends. All so perfect, so beautiful.”


The sensual touch paused. “Boyfriends?” The man sounded puzzled.


“Those beautiful young men in framed photos. I saw them that first day.”


Riley laughed. “Models. Just a job my friend gave me ‘til I could figure out where I’m supposed to be. And those childish airheads aren’t beautiful.” He cupped Keir’s cheek for a moment and leaned inclose. His breath was a warm caress as he whispered, “This is beauty. You glow with it.” Keir felt the lightest brush of lips on his forehead and shivered.


Chapter 29