It’s not easy being a gay man in Utah, but it’s even more difficult when you’re young and overweight. Jay has never fit in with the general “club culture” and he knows he’d never be attractive enough to catch a one-night stand, much less a boyfriend. Losing himself in books and school alleviates his loneliness, and he doesn’t waste time dreaming about what he can’t have. Until he meets the new director of the GLBT Center on campus and promptly falls in love -- against all common sense and logic.<br><br>Hoping to catch a few glimpses of Stephen outside of the Center, Jay decides to start working out at the university gym. The plan turns out to be too successful as Stephen volunteers to be his workout buddy, then invites Jay out to lunch, and finally, kisses him. Jay wants Stephen more than anything, but he can’t bring himself to trust Stephen’s intentions. Not when he knows he’s disgusting and Stephen is so perfect ...

From Behind that Locked Door

Cillian typed up a report, printed it out, and handed it to Zoe. She looked it over while he stood there. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with the priest, right?”


“He’s a little intense, isn’t he?”


Cillian nodded. “I fixed up his office, and he gave me his personal rosary.” He pulled it out from his pocket and held it up for her. “He sees me as some kind of success story. I mean, I don’t mind. He’s definitely helped me with my faith. But it’s a little weird for me.”


“I’ve known him for a number of years as a casual acquaintance. I’ve never seen him latch onto someone as strongly as you.” She set his report down and stared up at him. “You must be something special.”


“Well, don’t let it take over your life. God is good and all, but you’re a father and husband, too, and they need you more than Whalen does.”


Chapter 20