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

“Let’s part friends, at least.” Tyler opened his arms for one, too.


“I guess.” Ben hugged him, and then took off. 51


Not two minutes later, Kale Omlet called his source. “I need another copy of that video of Ben Thornton getting head.”


“No way. He knows. There could be lawyers involved, now. Say whatever you want about Ben, but I’m out of it. If you ask my sister, she’ll tell you exactly the same thing.” 52


Ben slammed back into his dorm room. He dialed Iggy. No answer. No voice mail prompt.


He decided to check out Kale Omlet’s site. There were half a dozen shots of the same thing—him with his hand on Iggy’s cheek, nothing more, along with the picture of him and Richie from the opening ceremonies for how many days in a row, now? Ben’s brain was too fucked to count.


Chapter 40