Ashley “Buck” Buchanan moved back home to take care of his sick mother when he was 22. That was the first time he met Pippin, the neglected 6-year-old boy next door. Fifteen years later, Buck, a caretaker by nature, offers up his couch for Pippin, who needs a break from his mom and a quiet place to sleep.<br><br>Pippin Olander is a ray of sunshine despite his emotionally lacking upbringing and works hard to make a better life for himself. Even though he’s fiercely self-sufficient, he learns to accept help from Buck, his rock and the only steady presence in his life.<br><br>Their friendship deepens and grows into something more as they spend time together. But when other people try to throw a wrench in the works, when Pippin’s independence is triggered, can Buck and Pippin trust in the love they’ve found?

His Steady Heart

He drags his fingers up and down my arm. “Was that why things didn’t work out with you and Dave?”


“Yeah. That, and he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.”


I heave a sigh. “I don’t know. I ran into him a while back. You know that day your mom was here for a visit?”


I give him a recap of my brief encounter with Dave at the diner. “I planned on tellin’ you, but forgot after relayin’ that business with your mom.”


“You don’t understand. I don’t like keepin’ secrets from people who’re important to me.”


Pippin stills. The pulse in his neck flutters against my temple. Then he resumes his caressing. “Neither do I.” 9


“Do you still feel like watching a movie?” Pippin asks eventually.


Chapter 23