From Behind that Locked Door

It's not easy being a gay man in Utah, but it's even more difficult when you're young and overweight. Jay has never fit in with the general "club culture" and he knows he'd never be attractive enough to catch a one-night stand, much less a boyfriend. Losing himself in books and school alleviates his loneliness, and he doesn't waste time dreaming about what he can't have. Until he meets the new director of the GLBT Center on campus and promptly falls in love -- against all common sense and logic.

Hoping to catch a few glimpses of Stephen outside of the Center, Jay decides to start working out at the university gym. The plan turns out to be too successful as Stephen volunteers to be his workout buddy, then invites Jay out to lunch, and finally, kisses him. Jay wants Stephen more than anything, but he can't bring himself to trust Stephen's intentions. Not when he knows he's disgusting and Stephen is so perfect ...



Pepper Espinoza lives in southern California with her husband and her cats. She has spent the last year working as a full time author, and intends to start graduate school in the fall. For more information, visit pepperverse.net.