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

Adam checked the number. “Yeah. I think.” He sucked in a lung full of toxins. “The dork left his cell in LA. Got one of those cheapy ones at the minimart.” Adam hit the 1 button on his own phone for speed dial. “Yeah, that’s Richie, but he ain’t answering.”


“Shit! No wonder he never responded. I texted him at his old number—after team finals—after he caught me and Boog…”


“You texted me, too,” Adam reminded Ben, with a Clooney-esque head tilt and sparkling, playful eyes.


“After I saw the video. Yeah. You never…I…” Ben searched his brain for what to say next


“Kidding, Shrimpy.” The smirk was gone, and the eyes were suddenly sad. “What’s his note say?”


I guess there’s no chance for you and me now. No wonder I never got the answer I was hoping for. I’m not mad. My heart just hurts a little. So, I think it’s best if I get out of your way. Good luck at all-around.


Chapter 43