One thing Derek has always searched for is perfection. And in Nick's love, he thought he'd found it. But marriage is rarely perfect and Nick Lund isn't a myth, but a human being, faulted as anyone. With their relationship on the rocks, Derek faces loneliness and doubt, estranged from the man he's adored for most of his life. When he learns that he has a cousin living in the city, a young man named Myles he never knew existed, Derek seeks him out. The two men begin a beautiful friendship that provides Derek with some solace and perspective. But in spite of the affection he feels for Myles, Derek's heart belongs to Nick, who's willing to do anything to get them back on track. Nick is ready to forsake his restaurant Split, the city life he adores and all of his ambitions to win Derek's trust again. Derek is convinced that a quiet existence in the burbs is the solution to all of their problems. Or will it be the biggest mistake of their lives?

Red Dreams

“Is he Myles?” I discreetly pointed to the redheaded man in the fitted black pants and tight white shirt who was apparently putting the last touches to a woman’s freshly cut hair. I could see his face reflected in the mirror. He was listening attentively to whatever the woman was saying, smiling and nodding.


There were mirrors everywhere. Everything was in the room twice. Everything doubled. Just like he and I.


“Yes, that’s him. But she was his last appointment for the day, so I’ll have to—”


“Wait, are you his brother?” the woman asked, tipping her head. She looked me over. “I didn’t know he had a brother.” She turned her attention to Myles, and before I could say anything, had called out his name.


First, his gaze met mine in the mirror. I remember his hand stopping in mid-air. He frowned, narrowed his eyes. Slowly, very slowly, turned around.


Chapter 12