Noah grew up with Charlie. They’d always been friends, if not close. Noah becomes the only friend that sticks around after Charlie practically becomes a hermit. Determined to get through to Charlie, Noah invents an identity on the computer. And while Charlie still keeps Noah at arm's length, he opens up to his new computer buddy. Noah's dream finally comes true when his friendship with Charlie changes to include sex, but each time they are together, Charlie withdraws afterward. Every time Noah tries to get through to him, Charlie grows even more distant. Then Charlie tells Noah's disguised internet persona that he doesn't have a boyfriend, merely a neighbor with whom he has sex. Crushed and heartbroken, Noah thinks it’s time to give up and forget Charlie ever loving him the way he loves Charlie. But is pulling away from Charlie too much for Noah to take?

Pulling Away

Noah closed his eyes, certain the words on the screen pierced his heart. He wanted to scream. He stood and walked away from the offending computer. Insanely, he was tempted to throw it across the room. Like he could pretend it wasn’t Charlie who’d typed the words, felt them.


He clenched his fists. He wished he could punch something. He wasn’t a violent guy. It was stupid, but Noah still wanted to punch the wall.


The instant message beep sounded and then sounded again.


Noah leaned against the wall, his head back, eyes closed, trying to pull himself together. What had he expected? Happily ever after for him and Charlie? That only happened in movies or books, and only for straight people.


Noah straightened from the wall and sat back down in front of the computer. On the screen were three messages.


What about you, Sly Cat? You have anyone special?


Chapter 5