by
Pages: 270
Size: 5.50 x 8.50 in
Pages: 270
Reed Matthews lives a quiet and structured life in the small town of Edgewood. Going on his sixth year as the principal of a Catholic high school, Reed thrives on routine, but one unplanned excursion for Chinese takeout is enough to send his meticulously-constructed world into a tailspin.
After growing up in foster care, Dominic O'Halloran decided to enter seminary in his early twenties, and he's dedicated his adult life to creating space for the LGBT community. Weeks after answering the call from St. Paul's and moving to Edgewood, Dominic finds himself face-to-face with the one person he's never been able to leave in the past--his childhood best friend.
Dominic and Reed find themselves entangled in decades old unresolved feelings and a complicated, new emotions. Reed is terrified of losing his soul, and Dominic is worried about losing his heart. But all it takes is one make-believe kiss for them to realize they'd throw everything away for another chance at happiness.
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Publisher: Independently Published
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 5
Romantic Content: 4
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Demisexual, Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 26-35
Protagonist 2 Age: 26-35
Tropes: Coming Out / Closeted, Coming Out Later in Life, Find Love and Come Out, First Time, Friends to Lovers
Word Count: 70000
Languages Available: English
“I don’t want to do this with you, Reed. I won’t debate theology with you and how it applies or doesn’t apply to who I choose to bed. Or who you choose to bed, for that matter.”
“So, that’s just it then?” Reed drummed his fingers across the countertop, his entire body exuding a nervousness that was so painful, Dominic nearly felt it in his own bones.
“What should it be, if not that?”
Dominic dropped his plate into the sink, sandwich still on top, and left the kitchen, retreating toward his bedroom. He worked his collar loose and popped open the button of his shirt, pulling the tails free by the time he’d reached the door. He kicked off his shoes, using his feet to propel them into his closet, and he loosened his belt, whipping it off.
He heard Reed suck in a breath, and Dominic turned to find Reed standing in the doorway to his bedroom, his eyes trained on Dominic’s belt. His nostrils flared.
READ MORE“What?” Dominic asked, throwing his belt on top of his dresser.
Reed’s eyes followed it, even as he hesitated to enter the bedroom.
“What did you tell Catherine?” Reed asked.
“I told her my God doesn’t care who I fuck.” Dominic discarded his shirt into the hamper, leaving him bare-chested with his slacks undone.
Reed’s eyes widened.
“In more appropriate terms,” he amended. “But the sentiment stands.”
“No penance?” Reed rested the side of his head against the door frame, eyes trailing down Dominic’s exposed chest before moving back to the dresser and landing on his belt.
Dominic’s dick throbbed—fucking throbbed—in his pants. He held up a hand.
“Don’t,” he warned, turning his back on Reed.
“Don’t what?” Reed asked, his voice closer.
Dominic braced his hands on his hips and tilted his head backward to stare at his ceiling. Much to his dismay, there were no answers there. Reed’s breath ghosted across his shoulder blade, and he turned sharply, reaching behind him to wipe at his skin. Reed was so close now they were almost touching.
“Don’t what?” Reed asked again.
“This,” Dominic answered through gritted teeth. “It’s selfish of you.”
“What?” Reed reeled back in shock.
“I have feelings too, Reed. And you’re fucking with them.”
“I didn’t…” Reed stuttered. “I don’t—I didn’t mean—”
Dominic held up a hand again.
“Don’t get me wrong. I want you. I want this. But I’m not going to be a tester for you so you can try how damnation feels.”
COLLAPSE
