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

Whalen stood between him and his route home.


He went to touch his arm, but Cillian moved out of the way.


“Please, I owe you an explanation.”


“What’s there to explain? You were supposed to be my mentor—my friend.”


“I know.” His face contorted with sadness, but it wasn’t enough for Cillian to feel sorry for him. When he moved to leave, Father Whalen grabbed him by the wrist. “I did it because I love you, Cillian.”


“Do you even know what that means?” He wrenched his arm away. “You think just because you’re attracted to me that you get to have me? I’m married. Get that into your head.”


He didn’t skip a beat. “We connected like I’ve never connected with anyone before. Your spiritual path—it’s beautiful. And so are you. I know you’re married. I know you love your husband. But I have to mean something to you, too. I can’t be the only one who felt it.”


Chapter 23