Tom can’t catch a break when it comes to his love life. He isn’t good with romance, as his exes told him in uncharitable terms, and he’s starting to wonder if there’s something wrong with him. So when he finds himself attracted to his temporary roommate, he’s afraid of being called inadequate all over again.<br><br>Alex has serious anxiety which make his life a challenge and his dating prospects slim to nonexistent. He assumes Tom isn’t interested in him because men never are. It’s a pleasant surprise to start a friends-with-benefits relationship, so Alex goes out on a limb in an attempt to impress Tom. When it backfires spectacularly, he thinks all hope is lost.<br><br>Both men are held back by past rejections. Will a minor crisis bring them together ... or tear them apart?

Acts of Service

“Not exactly. I had a fuck buddy, but he got a serious boyfriend in the fall.” Alex looked wistful for a moment. “We both knew it’d end eventually. He wants to travel the world and have kids. I’m afraid of flying and there’s nothing I want less than a child.” After a second, he amended, “Nothing that isn’t strictly fatal, anyway.”


“I get the point. Will’s over the moon to be a dad, and that’s great for him, but he hasn’t managed to convince me yet.”


“It’s just as well he is, since I’m an only child. Mom at least gets to be a step-grandmother. But don’t let me keep you from going out.”


“Tonight I’m looking at apartments and searching for promising new fonts, and I’m going to a movie with a friend first thing tomorrow morning. I’ll be quiet so I don’t disturb you, or any guest.”


Chapter 12