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

The food had been great, the portions large,


Mason’s dining companion funny, happy and just incredible. He felt


relaxed and content as they left the restaurant.


“Wanna have a turn at the wheel?” Mason


asked, tossing his car keys at Parker, who caught them


“Now you’re talking,” he grinned. Mason tried


to emulate that grin, but found it difficult when he considered


After fastening their seatbelts, Parker said,


“Let’s see what this V/6 baby can do. Wanna feel all 140


Mason winced, wishing he’d not let Parker


behind the wheel. As they drove along the freeway, Mason kept


stealing anxious glances at the speedometer. Parker soon reached


the posted limit, but thankfully never exceeded it. Mason slowly


relaxed as it dawned on him Parker wasn’t going to get them in


Steering the car into the drive, Parker shut


off the engine. Mason noticed his mom’s car was already there.


Chapter 13