Two men trapped in an elevator are about to discover they have more in common than the inconvenience of lost time. Dr. Mason Grant recognizes Parker Collins, whom he had loved during their senior year in high school, but Parker does not immediately recognize Mason. Maybe it’s the passage of time that has dulled his memory ... or maybe it’s the wheelchair in which Mason is confined. As the two wait to be rescued, Mason recalls their six month love affair -- its uncertain beginning, its athletic highs both on and off the field, its romantic peacefulness spent at the Grant’s remote lake cabin, as well as its painful lows and horrific conclusion. The teenage Mason realized there were two sides to his lover -- the confident Parker, an athletic hero popular with both teammates and female students, and the private Parker, who is unsure, sexually submissive, and needs to be cuddled and petted. All Mason wanted then was for Parker to love him, and not diminish what they shared by giving in to the social pressures that demanded he play out the role of football jock and studly lady killer. Now that they’re grown men, what happens when Parker sees past Mason’s wheelchair and realizes who’s trapped in the elevator with him?

Trapped Nerves

Mason open and closed his mouth, but no words


came out. He just wanted the floor to swallow him up


Parker’s smirk slowly faded and was replaced


by concern. “It’s okay, bud.” He gripped Mason’s biceps. “Dude,


Parker leaned in and kissed Mason on the


lips. It wasn’t passionate or deep, just reassuring. “For what it’s


worth I think your hair’s kinda sexy, too, how it always seems to


misbehave and…” Parker moved his right hand up and ran his fingers


through Mason’s hair. Mason had to stifle a groan—it felt amazing


“Go on. You can touch my hair too, if you


With trembling fingers, Mason reached up and


touched the part, widening it slightly. He drew his fingertips


downward, feeling the soft blond strands. “It’s so soft,” Mason


The two then fell silent. Mason didn’t know


what to say. He just stared into Parker’s grey eyes.


Chapter 11