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

“Nick.” Derek was just outside the door. “Are you okay?”


I shut off the shower and slipped a towel off the rack. I wrapped it around my waist and cracked the door open a sliver. “Yeah, I’m all right,” I said, not wanting to worry him.


His sweet eyes searched my heart. “No, something happened. With Mona?”


I let him in and shut the door behind us. I grabbed another towel and dried my chest. “She just said some stuff that got under my skin, that’s all.”


Derek was watching me towel dry, his gaze following my hand.


“Hello?” I teased him, waving my hand in front of his lusting eyes.


“Sorry. I got distracted. What did she say exactly?”


“Do you mind if we don’t get into that right now? I’m pretty beat. Hungry, too.”


Chapter 49