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

“You can tell me,” I said, leaning in a bit. “We’re not rivals. Right? We love the same man.”


“I do, Nick,” he finally admitted. He seemed shocked, almost elated, his eyes glittering with happiness. “Derek brings me peace. He slows everything down inside me. Do you understand?”


Funny, I’d said those exactwords to Derek more than ten years ago, after he’d come back into my life and blessed my days with his sensual nature and imaginative mind.


“And,” Myles went on, “I know he and I are related, and to others this may seem almost incestuous or—”


“Hey, you’re not gonna get him pregnant are you? So I don’t think we need to be worrying about gene mutations.”


“It’s the sameness that heals me. Do you understand? Never having to hide where I come from. How I grew up. He relates. He accepts it. He gives me no resistance and I can be myself around him.” He frowned. “No, more than that. I can be better than myself.”


Chapter 70