A year has passed since Derek's motorcycle accident, but he still battles with brain injury symptoms. Forced to take a sick leave from work, Derek picks up painting to occupy his time. Through his art, he begins to rediscover his imagination and turns to his journal again. Meanwhile, a new business venture is on the horizon for Nick and he can't postpone his trip to Norway any longer. Concerned for Derek's safety, Nick convinces Derek that he needs someone to watch over him while he's away. Myles has just returned from Japan, where he spent time mending his heart after another disappointment. He's longing for a break, so when Nick and Derek reach out to him, he can't refuse. Each man wants what's best for Derek, but soon, Nick and Myles discover that they're not rivals, because what's there between them is echoed in Derek's heart. Can all three men let go of their fear and allow this new love to unfold?

Persimmon Kiss

“Oh, Nick.” He turned around and pushed his face into my chest. “I can’t be this guy. Can’t be like this. You deserve so much more than me, than who I’ve beco—”


“What do I deserve, O’Reilly? Don’t tell me what I deserve. I don’t give a shit about that. I know what I want. I know what it takes for me to get from point A to point B, that’s all. And I can’t get anywhere without you.”


“But listen to me.” He looked up, his face young in the moonlight. For a second, I remembered him at age twelve, that scrawny little redheaded kid I used to try to reach.


“Don’t ever stay with me out of pity.”


Man, he could piss me off. I felt my jaw harden.


“No, promise me, Nick,” he insisted, his eyes turning almost feral.


Chapter 7