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

“Alex, I’m sorry,” he said, glaring through the windshield at


“It’s okay.” Alex forced a smile, hoping to get one in


return, but Jamie’s pout only deepened. “It’s okay, really.


Jamie dropped them into Alex’s open palm. “It’s okay,” he


whispered again, closing his fingers over Jamie’s before he could


“I’m sorry,” Jamie muttered, not meeting Alex’s


Look at me,Alex wanted to say, but didn’t. Jamie climbed


out of the car and slammed the door shut behind him. With another


Saundra clicked off her cell phone and started towards them.


“Come here, Jamie,” Alex said quietly, bracing himself for whatever


As Jamie stepped around the car, Alex caught his wrist. “Keep


quiet,” he added as Saundra approached. The last thing he needed


“So,” Saundra said, scowling at Jamie’s outfit. “This is


Chapter 24