“...In this sequel to Pulling Away, we meet Noel and Charlie a length of time on from their first novella. Shawn again manages to impart a great amount of information and detail within a short space of time, but in such a way that as a reader, I never felt overwhelmed, but rather just aware of the characters and their immediate locales...A well-written novella, this story can be read on its own, but more enjoyment will be found by reading the previous volume, Pulling Away, first. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys a bit of drama, written in a contemporary style.”--Nerine Petros, Queer Magazine Online
“...An interesting read, and judging by my reactions to the way the characters behave, I was certainly invested in their relationship. Those who enjoyed the first story will want to read this too...”--Jenre, Brief Encounters
...Noah sat on the edge of the bed. His head pounded, his nose clogged from the tears, but the ache in his heart was the worse. “I can’t stay here,” he said into the phone.
“Oh, my God. What the fuck did he do?” Kevin shouted.
“Nothing. Well, he wants to separate.”
“Bastard.”
“I’m packing up. I guess I have to find a hotel.”
Kevin swore again. “The hell you will. You’re coming here.”
“I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You are not a burden. You’re staying with us. I don’t want any arguments either,” Kevin said. “Do you need us to pick you up?”
Noah sighed. “No, Kev, I can manage to drive.”
“Are you sure? You aren’t emotionally bereft?”
He very nearly rolled his eyes at his friend’s dramatics, but couldn’t work up the humor to do so. “I can still drive. I guess I’ll see you soon. Thanks, Kevin.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I’ll see you soon. Love you.”
Clenching his eyes shut, Noah nodded, once more unable to form words.
“Bye, Noah.”
He lowered his cell. At least he could count on Kevin. His world was ending, but Kevin would be there for him.
A little while later, he zipped up his suitcase and wheeled it out of the bedroom, but not before snatching up his favorite pillows from his and Charlie’s bed. His lover still sat on the sofa in the living room.
Charlie looked up. “Where will you be? So I can get in touch with you if I need to.”
If I need to.
“I’ll be at Kevin and Michael’s. And you have my cell and office numbers.”
“All right. Noah, I’m—”
“Do not tell me your sorry again, Charlie. I can’t take it one more time.” Noah didn’t care if he came off sounding like an asshole. He walked to the door. “See you.”
“Wait.” Charlie stood and walked quickly to the front door. He laid his hand on Noah’s chest, right next to his heart. It was torture. Then he leaned in and pressed his lips to Noah’s.
Noah, against his brain’s own protest, deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue in between Charlie’s pliant lips. Unable to help himself, his arms wrapped around Charlie and pulled him close. It felt so damn good to have him in his arms once more his heart beat rapidly.
“God, Charlie,” he groaned against his lover’s mouth. Grabbing Charlie’s ass, he brought their erections together. Suddenly all he could think of was being inside the man he loved.
Charlie whimpered and pushed closer to Noah, so close he was nearly crawling up Noah’s body, which was fine by him. It would make it easier to get Charlie in the bed and naked.
He lifted the man slightly and made their way to the bedroom, their lips locked, their limbs interlocked. He got them onto the bed and they removed each other’s clothes.
They kissed each other, touched each other with a frantic desperation. Their hands roamed over bare skin, their lips and teeth scored over flesh...