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

For a second, we all paused, eyes wide, half dumb, unsure and amazed. The radio and TV were playing in the other room. The power was back on. We fell back over the sheets and laughed.36: Who Said Comfort Food Had to be Plain?


“That’s what I wanted in the first place, Anders,” I said, on the phone, pacing across my tiny office. Distracted, I checked the hall again: Monday’s delivery was coming in and there was a lot of noise in the service kitchen. “So what are you telling me here?”


“There won’t be any public funding available to you. Your cooking school will have to be a private venture, Nicolai.”


I paused, frowning. “What do you mean?” Maybe I knew. Maybe I didn’t want to hear it. I rubbed my chin and stopped walking, leaning back on my cluttered desk. “Not even a few government crumbs?”


Chapter 63