Lou is married, in the closet, and facing bankruptcy in Carmel, California. It’s Christmas Eve and he must sell his house to pay his debts while he tries to cope with the mysterious voice in his head telling him it's time to go home. He has no idea what that means, but he's pretty sure the voice is a symptom of stress. His wife has left him for her longtime lover and when he goes to his favorite bar on Christmas Eve, all he’s hoping for is a friendly face to help him forget his problems.<br><br>When George joins him at the bar, claiming to be an old college buddy, Lou doesn’t remember him, but he can’t deny the instant attraction that springs up between them. George knows about the voice in Lou’s head, and claims to be from another world where he and Lou were bonded partners. He’s come back to help Lou remember who he is so they can be reunited.<br><br>Lou doesn’t believe a word of George’s story, but takes him home for the night to ease his own pain. The sex is so good he decides to go along with George’s delusions even though he suspects the guy is crazy. On the Carmel beach on Christmas day at sunset, George insists that the way home is within their grasp if Lou will just trust him. Lou wants to believe this strange man, but to do that he has to let go of everything he knows about how the world works.

About Time

“No,” Lou said. “Don’t go. It could be we’re both crazy. Maybe we’ll cancel each other out.”


George laughed again. The sound warmed Lou’s chest. “Let’s go with that. It’s Christmas Eve and it looks like neither of us has anything better to do. How’s your drink?”


“I’m fine. Have another beer.” Lou signaled Ben.


But when the bartender arrived, George said, “Check, please.” He smiled at Lou.


Another rush of heat vibrated through Lou’s groin. He was about to pick up a crazy man, which he found mildly exciting, but what was he going to do with him? “Where do you want to go?” he asked when Ben left to get the check.


Lou grinned. “Everybody’s got baggage. Go easy on the other world stuff, okay? It’s Christmas Eve and I’m having a better time with you than by myself, but I’m not up for a visitation by aliens tonight.”


Chapter 5