Dan Holstrom is a middle-aged widower who spent the past year wallowing in grief. His daughter is determined to get him out and socializing again, and to that end, she enlists her boyfriend, Bruce, a personal trainer at a gym, to coach her father. Bruce decides to involve his own father, Luke Fraser, to get Dan back among the living. Luke Fraser is a gay man, a gym aficionado, and an all-around nice guy. When his son Bruce explains he has a new client who is a non-active bisexual man who withdrew socially after the death of his wife, Luke is intrigued and willing to help. An attraction grows between Luke and Dan which slowly morphs into something more. However, Dan’s insecurities cause the budding relationship to cool, and Luke is seen out and about with another man. Reluctantly Dan agrees to accompany Luke to Calgary, where the mystery man in Luke’s life reappears. Dan’s ready to give up and go back to his semi-reclusive life. When a misunderstanding jeopardizes their relationship, is it too late to rebuild things between the two men?

Love, Again

“So, you are taking me to a place with food that will mock my widened waistline? I have been nowhere that doesn’t score high on bad cholesterol. I can’t believe there’s healthy stuff that tastes so good it will probably put an end to my newly awakened whining genes.” I turned to see those piercing hazel eyes boring holes into me again. Nodding knowingly, Luke smiled. “I used to feel the way you do. It takes time and a good reason to change one’s habits. Your new exercise regimen is a start. Go slow and get used to each phase before moving on to a new program.”


Within an hour we sat in a health-food diner. Since I was only fluent in junk-foodese, I settled for Earl Grey tea while Luke ordered stuff I couldn’t pronounce. Later I narrowed my eyes and glared at him when he moaned at his first bite.


“I’m sorry, Luke, but no matter what they do with chickpeas I’m not putting one in my mouth.” I hoped I was firm enough to impress my position.


Chapter 3