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

“Can I talk to you guys?” Myles finally said, pulling away. He sat, and with a hand gesture, invited us to sit on the couch facing his. After we had, he took a quick sip of his tea, set his cup down and put his hands together. “Okay, how do I start?” He tapped his foot. Frowned. Looked at us. “Yesterday, I had a huge fight with my sister. Huge. I-I don’t think we can fix it. I don’t know. I said some things…Anyway, it was a long time coming. It was—it was fucking ugly.” He stopped and ran a hand across his face. “She blames me for so much, and I don’t—I can’t understand why Anne can’t see that I didn’t have a choice. That I hadto leave our house that night. Our dad was gonna fucking killme. I mean—” He stopped again. Took a deep breath. “Look, I went home yesterday, well, not home, but to Tatiana’s place, and I was just…I was just thinking of everything in my life that’s turned to complete shit. Complete and utter shit.”


Chapter 89