Although he's nervous on his wedding day, Pat is taking all the stresses and mishaps in stride until his mother announces that Nicky -- his first boyfriend -- is at the door. Unexpectedly.<br><br>While his mum and sisters fuss around with family crises and preparations, Pat lets his mind wander, remembering how he met Nicky, their growing friendship, and the closeness and love that led to so much more. The fun and sexy passion they shared ... and the painful fights.<br><br>But why is Nicky here, at the house? And why is Pat so worried about it? As he goes downstairs to face Nicky, his family waits with bated breath to find out whether there's another disaster looming ... or whether Pat and Nicky's story is something far more romantic.

The Right Choice

He paused for a second and then nodded. “Yeah.” He pulled on the helmet and some gloves. I watched him kick out the stand and brace the bike by its handlebars. His arms looked strong. He looked back at me. “Will you open the back gate for me?” His voice was tinny and muffled inside the helmet.


I eased around the bike and released the catch on the gate. When he started to roll the bike past me, my hand shot out and grabbed his arm. I hadn’t even thought about doing it: it just happened instinctively. He paused. He turned his head toward me, the dusky evening light reflecting on the visor. I could see his eyes. They were still twinkling, but darker now.


“I can’t,” I said. I was on some kind of repeat. Maybe I wasscared. But as Nicky turned away without speaking, I gripped him even tighter. What was I playing at? The party was only just starting, and I was meant to stay—but Nicky was leaving.


His shoulders sagged. “Patrick. Don’t play games.”


Chapter 5