Iggy Wilker never expected his 36th birthday to turn into an existential crisis. When Iggy’s friends celebrate him with his usual favorite pastime -- drinking, dancing, and willing guys -- he suddenly wants nothing to do with any of it. He’s fed up and ready for something else. The question is what?<br><br>Ronan Clenney has had his eye on his neighbor forever, but as a single father of a precocious eleven-year-old, he’s never believed he stands a chance. But over a late night cup of tea, it seems circumstances have changed. Is this the right time, finally?<br><br>Iggy has never believed in romance, but can Ronan show him he’s wrong? That love is a real thing?

Awakenings and French Songs

We make small talk all through dinner and it’s easily the best date I’ve ever had. We laugh a lot. Brush against each other accidentally and on purpose. Let our gazes linger. We gravitate toward each other, and after a while, we’re tucked up close, thigh pressed against thigh.


I abandon the food and focus on him. On how his muscles flex when he moves. On how his long strong fingers gently hold the food or the glass. On how his eyes glitter in the candlelight.


When he’s done eating, I lean against him, resting my head on his shoulder and my palm on his thigh. He rubs his cheek against my head and hums, and the sound reverberates through my body. Ronan snakes his arm around my shoulder and pulls me tight.


We sit like that for a long time. His heat warms me to my core and his caressing fingers make my body ache for more.


“I’ve never done this before.” The words slip out before I can stop them.


Chapter 11