After a lifetime of devotion, Ben Thornton tries to focus on gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Unfortunately, a British tabloid reporter sets his sights on outing a famous athlete, namely Ben, who is just now accepting his sexual identity himself.<br><br>Meanwhile, someone crushing on Ben reveals himself via a mysterious love note. Is best friend and teammate Richie Stoker the one, or maybe Richie’s twin brother, Adam? Team members Steven, Vijra, or Cory could have authored it. Then, there’s Ben’s ex; the exe’s sibling; friend with occasional benefits, Booger Fisher; and also Ukrainian weightlifter Iggy, who follows Ben around the Olympic Village. It could also be a trick perpetrated by the gossipmonger, Ben fears.<br><br>Will the pressure of the media circus interfere with Ben’s competitions, or will Ben leave London with gold and the man of his dreams?

Double Flip

Once finished, after reading the note several times, he closed his eyes and erased his words. If only, he thought, I could erase how I feel and everything I did. 18


Ekaterina Mischen hit the springboard. She flipped twice, twisted, and then landed. It was nearly spot-on, except for…


Ben was close enough to hear Kat’s coach/father scold her on the landing. She’d hopped ever so slightly.


Her auburn ponytail bounced as she skipped back to the bench. The ladies’ TQ was over. With Kat’s score—even without it—they’d clinched a spot at team finals.


“So, your boyfriend is gay now?” Dina Underhill, Kat’s teammate and all-around rival, had that Kim Cattrall-style drawl that may have been sexy during lovemaking but was borderline annoying in normal conversation. Ben was close enough to hear that, too.


“Nice vault.” Kat ignored the spiteful inquiry, trying praise, instead, referring to Dina’s leap before hers.


Chapter 18