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

“Well, I’m gonna have some breakfast.” Myles hesitated a moment, but before I could say anything, he’d turned for the door.


A little bemused, I frowned, watching him enter the loft. I’d never put two and two together until now. Suddenly, I understood why Myles had found another man to treat him like crap. He’d gone for something familiar. The only thing he knew to be love.11: Always Cut Close to the Bone


“I’ll pick him up tomorrow, Mona,” I said, and then covering the phone speaker with my hand, waved Olivier over. “Please, tell Tom to start blanching the carrots, sweet peas, and—”


“He’s on it.” Olivier stopped in my office doorway. “No worries, okay?” He walked off.


“Nicola,” Mona snapped on the line. She always used the French version of my name and it irked me. “You’re not even listening.”


The other line beeped in my ear. Saturday night was upon me and I didn’t have time for Mona’s weekly sermon. “Hold on a second? Sorry.”


Chapter 16