When Landon Callahan returns home after the bitterest defeat a professional hockey player can suffer, he must lick his wounds alone. Being gay isn't acceptable at home or in hockey. He can't wallow alone or for long, however. Landon's summer plans include remodeling the house he inherited from his paternal grandfather, but he can't manage it alone. The burn scars that mar one shoulder and half his back sent Maddox West's fiance fleeing for good. And what he thought were dates end up being one night stands. Maddox is so done with men. His brothers-in-arms are the only men he can truly depend on. In order to return to firefighting, he's got to put his body to some real world testing. Bowling and physical therapy only go so far. Landon hires Maddox to help with his remodel. Despite their age difference, they find common ground and develop a fast friendship. The skill and speed of the younger players only serves to make Landon feel old and a stride behind. As a result of Maddox's youthful exuberance, Landon feels younger and freer than he has in years. So much so, he breaks his personal Golden Rule of no sex in his home state and not only confesses his homosexuality, but embarks on a sexual relationship with Maddox. The weight of betrayal and hurt has sat heavy on Maddox's heart since his fiance walked away. Landon's simple and easy friendship is a balm to Maddox's spirit and his pure appreciation of Maddox's body and simple, sweet desire spark an equally basic need in Maddox. Landon will return to Houston at the end of summer, so why not indulge in a summer fling? Landon and Maddox have almost daily, sometimes enthusiastic, sometimes tender, sometimes non-vanilla sex and life is good. Great even. Until the day Landon's mother walks in on them. Landon freaks out and sends both his mother and Maddox on their way. But after weeks of sex and friendship, Landon finds he doesn't want to live without either any longer. He's so over his mother's complete condemnation of homosexuality, and his career is almost at an end. What's the worst that could happen? He has to retire a year or two early? The question is, can he convince Maddox to give him a second chance.
