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

“This is the only way I know how,” I whispered, walking away with the plates.


It is, Bump. I couldn’t stay in that city anymore. Couldn’t continue our lives in that loft as though nothing terrible had happened between us. Thisis what we need to move on. And I pray Nick will eventually realize it.


Later, when everyone had left and I’d cleaned up and taken a shower, I lay in bed, in our new elegant bedroom, trying to read. I was in my new silk pajama bottoms and put my book down, gazing around at the room. I had it done in a rustic, bucolic style. Creme colored walls with a touch of Forget-me-not blue here and there. White wicker chair in the corner. Canvases of pastoral scenes. It’s all very harmonious and Arcadian. Even Esco’s new mat matches the room.


The dog slept, exhausted from playing with the kids all night, and on the wicker chair, were Nick’s worn out blue jeans, bunched up, contrasting with the ordered room.


Chapter 34