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

“Do you prefer your rice pudding hot or cold?”


Tom shrugged. “Not exactly the world’s pickiest eater, here, or hadn’t you noticed?”


“Willingness to eat many things isn’t a lack of preference.”


“Fair enough. I’m honestly not sure about rice pudding, though. Surprise me.” All of this was getting several steps ahead, something Alex did often. It seemed like he was constantly trying to predict the future so he could prepare for it.


“Can do,” said Alex. “Now, how do you feel about vampires?”


“I’ve never seen the sex appeal.”


“Me neither. I mean as silly escapism.”


“That works.” The news was depressing enough lately that Tom was happy to focus on anything else. Vampires would work just as well as zombies.


Then again, it was harder to feel down when Alex was around, so it wasn’t like Tom needed cheering up.


Chapter 20