On a whim, Alex signs up to volunteer with an outreach program at a local youth shelter. When Father Nate calls him and asks him to work with Jamie as a big brother, Alex envisions a little kid he'll pal around with. What he doesn't expect is Jamie Owens, an 18 year old boy with a bad attitude who's only two years younger than Alex himself.<br><br>Jamie's hot. Very hot, and nervy, and precocious, and damn sexy, to boot. Even if he is eighteen, Alex feels guilty lusting after the kid. Alex sees himself as a mentor to Jamie, someone to look up to, someone to prove being a gay man doesn't mean casual sex in crowded clubs. He tries to keep his distance, both physically and emotionally, but Alex is sending some very mixed signals, and Jamie is getting pretty frustrated. As their friendship grows, Jamie becomes a part of Alex's life in a way neither expects.

Conflict of Interest

“I’m not here for that,” Alex tried again. Remember, he


told himself, he’s starving for attention and maybe this is one of


the only ways he knows how to get it. He’s only offering because


Looking at him, his skin so warm in his hand, Alex added


silently, And maybe that is what I want, but not just right now,


not just one time, and not because he feels he has to do it.


“We’re friends, Jamie. No sex. Do you have any other


friends like that? Guys you know but don’t fool around


Slowly Jamie shook his head. Alex’s arms


ached to hold him, his heart threatened to burst at the sadness he


saw in those deep sea eyes, and he wanted to kiss Jamie until that


In the car Jamie slumped down in the passenger seat


and frowned out the window. “Where are we going?”


Alex shrugged. “Where do you want to go?”


Jamie leaned his head against the window and sighed. “Anywhere


Chapter 18