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

But when the song restarts on the stereo, I bury my face in the crook of his neck instead of trying to get him out of his clothes as quickly as possible. I tighten my grip on him, determined to never let this wonderful man go. I’m resolved to do whatever it takes to keep him in my life forever. Because for the first time in ages, my heart flutters with hope instead of beating in empty desolation. For the first time in ages, I’m happy.


I lean my head back and look up at him. The emotion in his ocean blue eyes washes over me like a wave and penetrates to my very core. “Kiss me again?”


I look up from my book—yes, I, Iggy, am reading a book—and take in Emery, who’s shifting her weight from foot to foot, chewing her lower lip, and making fists and releasing them again. I smile at her to try to set her at ease. “Yeah?”


Chapter 12