TV celebrity chef and cookbook author Adam de Leon walked away from his lover when Jason's drug addiction spiraled out of control. Adam also abandoned his renowned restaurant in San Francisco to start a small bistro in the Sierra Foothills.<br><br>Five years later Adam is battling the conservative leaders of Stone Acres, California, to open a new restaurant in the historic Old Town area when Jason turns up on his doorstep -- a recovered Jason, now going by the name David and claiming he's overcome his addictions. What's more, he begs Adam to take him back and says he's ready for their happily ever after.<br><br>Adam has enough on his plate with problems plaguing the opening of his restaurant. Now he's having a hard time deciding which to follow -- his head or his heart.

When Adam Fell

“Scared shitless.” He hung his head, then looked up at me. His eyes blazed. “But it’s the only way I can think of to prove to both of us how much I’ve changed and give us another chance. I want us to be together.”


Well, fuck, I needed to think. I wanted so badly to say shit yeah, yes. I got where he was going with his plea. This was a chance to start over, this time as adults with separate responsibilities. I’d always thought of us as equals, but now we really would be. His suggestion glowed like a promise of hope at the end of five years of darkness.


I didn’t promise David anything, but I told him to e-mail me his resume and references. Then I gave him a test.


Chapter 15