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

My face flushed hot, as fear flooded my reason. For a few seconds, I didn’t move, listening for any voices or sounds, my heart racing. Oh, God, was that Veronica in our home? Or maybe Samantha? I couldn’t hear anything, so heart in mouth, I stepped into the hallway, coughing, announcing my presence. Taking a few more steps, I finally had the living room in plain view.


Lene was sitting on the couch and Nick was already walking up to me. Right away, I knew something of great importance was happening. Of course he tried to be cool and gave me a hug and patted my shoulder. “Hey, O’Reilly,” he said, in a strained voice. “Lene’s here.”


I looked down at her tear-stained face. “I can see that,” I said, with a forced smile. I sat by her and searched her indigo-blue eyes for a clue. “What’s wrong, Lene?” I was suddenly terrified that she was ill. That it was serious. I grabbed hold of her cold small hands. “What is it?” I whispered, my voice losing its strength.


Chapter 40