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

The giant lowered his gaze to meet Ben’s eyes. He nodded.


“Don’t be scared, Iggy.” Ben raised his gaze, helping to make up the over fourteen-inch difference, and then took Iggy by the hand. “Which is rich, coming from me, because I’m pretty damned scared right now.”


“Not by you. By…because…Everything.” Ben tried to smile. “Iggy, are you…Are you trying to come out?” Ben whispered.


“Yes.” The weightlifter’s confirmation came with tears as he jerked his hand away. “I am gay.”


Someone so big was crying over being gay? The tiny judgy gymnast could understand. When a whole lot of different emotions circled the brain, crying—short, tall, American, or whatever—was sometimes all there was to do.


Chapter 24