When forty-year-old Chicago podiatrist Matthew Pepper is approached in a bar by college student Ryan Meade, he figures hooking up with the handsome twenty-one-year-old might be just what he needs to help him get over his recent breakup.<br><br>But the hookup doesn’t go as planned and Matthew writes the evening off as a failed one-night-stand. Ryan, however, views things differently. To him, a failed hookup is nothing more than an opportunity to try again.<br><br>Ryan pursues Matthew, not just because he wants to be with the man, but because he wants something ... and he’s determined to get it. Will Matthew find out Ryan isn’t as transparent as he claims to be? Does Lyin’ Ryan live up to his nickname?

Lyin' Ryan

“Baby,” I said, pulling him into my arms, “don’t cry.”


“I can’t help it,” he said through his sobbing.


“I know you’re upset, but it’s going to be okay.”


“It won’t be okay. You’re leaving me.”


“I’m not leaving you. I love you.” Just hearing the words come out of my mouth was a huge relief, but also a little frightening for me. I didlove Ryan and I wanted nothing more than for him to be happy.


“You’re just saying that to try and make me feel better,” he said.


“No, I’m saying it because I mean it. I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I plan to continue loving you tomorrow.” 10


Chapter 41