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

I frowned and stared at him for a while, but he wouldn’t look back at me. Derek was pretty quiet these days, quieter than usual. The holidays always gave him the blues. He’d seal himself into his purple heart and it was hard for me to get in.


Meanwhile, by the Christmas tree, Myles was trying to hang a garland from a bronze candle stick on the wall but couldn’t quite reach. I rose and walked up to him. “Let me help you with that.” I stood right behind him and took the garland from his hand. I hooked it up, leaning over his shoulder, my chest grazing his back.


“Thanks,” he said, sliding out from under me and hurrying away to the other corner of the room, where he busied himself with untangling a string of white lights.


I looked over at Derek. There was now a satisfied smile hanging on the corner of his mouth.Sohe’d caught me getting up close and personal with Myles.


Chapter 50