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

“I had a panic attack on a date my freshman year of college,” said Alex. “Whereupon the guy promptly lost my number.”


Yeah, they both had their insecurities based on past experiences with people who weren’t right for them. “I’ve been dumped for being emotionally constipated. Which isn’t fair, because I do care, I just don’t express it with lovey-dovey stuff. Car maintenance is more my style.” Once he said it, he realized it was a poorly chosen example with a man who didn’t drive.


Alex was unfazed. “Can I swap out car rides? Or truck rides, as the case may be?”


“Sure. I also do stress-busting neck rubs.”


“Ooh, I like the sound of that.” Alex sighed happily. “For the record, I think my primary love language is quality time.”


“Sounds good to me,” said Tom. “I really like spending time with you. Question that might sound dumb: what color are your eyes? I can’t decide.”


“Hazel.” Alex gave him a pleased little grin. “You’ve been paying attention to my eyes, huh?”


Chapter 25