Psychologist Neil is a civilian embedded with a division of Marines sent out as part of a peacekeeping mission overseas in the Pacific. When the local political situation erupts into open civil war, the American troops are ordered to evacuate. Neil escapes in a small plane, along with several military personnel. The plane crashes into the sea, with only Neil and a Marine surviving. They're swept over a reef and deposited in the lagoon of a deserted island. As they work together to survive in the hopes of being rescued, mutual respect warms into friendship. But Neil's feelings grow deeper, and he keeps them hidden from his companion. How would the Marine react if he knew the feelings Neil harbors for him? Can what they share in isolation carry over if -- or when -- they're rescued?

Marooned with a Marine

I knew it would pass, and I told myself that any humiliation I might feel was just ego, that my current state was largely to blame, and that anyway, no one was without—


I caught myself, wondering what the hell I was going on about.


And then I felt the warmth of his body around me, as he settled into the sand, his legs on either side of me, his arms around my shoulders, his chest just touching my upper back.


It was wonderful, but I wished I was drunker, because I still cringed away from the contact, unable to let go, to fully accept and appreciate.


“It’s okay,” his voice whispered in my ear. “Just let go, okay? You don’t have to be Mr. Professor all the time. Okay?”


Chapter 27