Wade
When a training accident ends my military career before it properly begins, I'm lost with no clue what to do next. After wallowing in self-pity for a year, I finally return to the small mountain town I grew up in.
When I show up on my best friend's doorstep unannounced, broke, and smelly after two days of hitchhiking, Logan takes me in and makes me feel like I'm not a total loser. We quickly fall back into our usual rhythm, and it's like we were never apart.
Spending time with him reignites a flame that refuses to burn out. That we could be more than just friends. Even if he left no room at graduation for anything else to develop.
Logan
Wade arriving unexpectedly is a surprise, but it's something my ASD brain can process and manage. Catching a close-up of his wet, glistening body as he steps out of the bathroom without a towel? Uh, that's another thing entirely.
I've carved out a simple, quiet life for myself in the mountains. Being on the spectrum—I'm super organized, have strong attention to detail, and am routine-oriented—has made my love life nonexistent. It's got nothing to do with my feelings for Wade.
I realized I was in love with him in high school, but I made a mess of things at graduation. Now that he's back, maybe I can make up for that mistake? And if I can, maybe he'll stay for good.
SAS0625