A man crushing on his brother’s best friend. Another man who’s afraid to love. When all is laid bare, can love triumph over fear?

Axel Sandstrom

I’m the lead guitar player in a punk-pop band and I get hit on a lot. But I’ve got a big problem—a crush on my older brother’s best friend, Remy.

Of course, he’s straight.

So instead of having him, I’ve become the king of hookups. I’m used to hiding my feelings behind teasing and innuendo. But that only drives him further away from me.

When Remy decides to go back to school, my brother asks me to tutor him. After spending time alone with him, it’s pretty obvious he’s not as straight as he says he is.

Remy Hall

Axel makes me feel things. Tingly things.

But he’s also obnoxious and my best friend’s younger brother.

I should stay away, except that I need him to tutor me. During our tutoring sessions it’s impossible for me to deny my attraction to him.

But the bigger issue, is my all-consuming fear of being close to people.

After the deaths of my younger brother and my dad, I don’t want to get close to anyone. But Axel makes me want to try.

He might have the conviction to yank me back to him, kicking and screaming, as I’m about to fall off the edge.