Laura S. Fox

Yes, it's all about progress, and yes, beyond the sexual chemistry! While that may work just fine, they also need to understand each other, and that takes effort!

Thank you, thank you!

Oh, they will resurface just at the right moment. I prepared it carefully, and it's going to be a surprise. Then, we'll see...

Well, plenty of new things will happen, but the boys might surprise you by taking steps in various directions... you see, I'm not saying 'different'... if I need to reinforce it, I will - let me introduce myself, Laura S. Fox, but the S actually stands for HEA, and please don't ask how that works but that's my middle name! Of course, when I don't go by variations related to my obsession with cliffies... but don't look there! Internal and external events alike are bound the shape the guys. Therefore, there's still a long road ahead!

At the moment, it feels like an overwhelming physical attraction, what happens between them. That makes them both misjudge the situation, hence the whole misunderstandings. Let's not forget that besides their heated times between the sheets, they're pretty much two strangers, and it takes a huge leap of faith to open up to someone like that. Sex is a different matter, is more basic, if I can say so. Jonathan's family will appear in the story. It will be a point on which Jonathan needs to work. And that might bring him more development to his character, as well.

Yes, it is high time for both to realize they just suck at relationships. Jonathan needs to realize Maddox is nothing like Drew, and Maddox needs to get a hang of this relationship thing since it's new for him, too. Jonathan's family is far from a closed topic. And I'm not going to add anything else right now

Thank you! The first phrase of your comment, and it made my day. Maddox is a good guy and willing to deal with Jonathan as he is, but this time, he's rightfully annoyed. Next time, on Friday

As I told @J.L earlier, that's my mistake for making the scene read incorrectly. Maddox says 'he told me' (he did it - the ass touching) referring to Rusty, when Dex asked him how he knows about it. It was all very clear to me when I wrote the scene because of the 'he' they keep referring to... 'did he do it in front of you?' - obviously, 'he' is Rusty, since he was the do-er.

I hope it doesn't hurt your back I wish you a fast recovery!

Rusty will surprise you. Oh, I've already said this too many times already!

Totally true, Philippe!

Well, you're right about the bruised extras... but you'll see that Rusty is a lot more than meets the eye. And he nudged Maddox in that direction for a reason... or more!

Well, I'm afraid my stories are 80% beating around the bush, and 20% beating... other things!

Yeah, maybe... maybe he should let Jonathan touch his butt in apology? Just kidding.

Yes, feelings are involved, but feelings can be quite complicated. I'm so loving it that people keep searching for clues to disentangle the mystery of what Rusty feels for Maddox. I like to believe that it will make sense in a way that's deeper than just having the hots for a best friend.

If Jonathan ends up staying away from Maddox, I'm afraid is going to be the end of the story! But I can see why you feel this way right now. I'm aiming for almost the entirety of reactions to my stories - except maybe 'angry'? - well even that, as long as it's not directed at me!

And the polarization I was expecting begins I knew from the get-go that there will be people approving of Dex's advice, and others who won't. It was a risk I was willing to take Rusty is going to be the hidden surprise of the story. I know that it's easy to hate him right now, but this kind of behavior is hardly the only thing defining him. That's my way of saying that he's a complex character. But, of course, it is my pleasure to read how readers are perceiving him - and the others - as the story progresses. Like Rusty, I'm throwing challenges around!

The 'wow' reaction is because I didn't realize for a moment that the text will read as if Dex believes that Jonathan told Maddox about the butt-touching. No, when Maddox says 'No, but he told me!', I really thought that it was evident that the 'he' in the sentence was Rusty because right before Dex asked 'did he do it in front of you?', the 'he' also being Rusty. So sorry for the confusion, I thought it was obvious. As for Jonathan's reaction, well, I have a feeling that it might surprise you at one point.

Jonathan, and not just him, has a lot of growing up to do. He comes from a sheltered life, and the events that shattered what he took as status quo put a mark on him. He'll learn that other events, in other times, will also do the same, but that there's also plenty of room for optimism and good feelings. Rusty... oh, Rusty. I really hope that his character, as it comes to be revealed, will make more sense than what it does right now. No, it wasn't about wanting to have sex with Jonathan. He's a hell-raiser, hence his behavior. As you can see, he confessed to it to Maddox to trigger a reaction. If he had wanted something on the downlow, he would have at least tried to hide it (and betting a risky bet on Jonathan not saying a word about it). Dex observes, just like Kane, and since these two are not as hot-headed as the rest, their views are clearer. And you're right about rocky paths and whatnot. They're coming - with some breaks in-between.

As always, I'll keep my mouth shut about Rusty until he talks for himself. I know that all things point to him having a thing for Maddox, but Rusty is more than just meets the eye, and a lot more profound than what he seems at first glance.

I'm glad you think so about Dex's advice. I did expect this chapter to create some polarization among readers, and it makes me happy to read comments like yours.

In a nutshell... it may be the truth!

Thanks a lot! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

Chapter Nineteen – You’re Lame And You Know It Jonathan pressed his fingers against his temples and groaned. How had Maddox found out about that incident? As much as he had been upset by Rusty taking such liberties with him, the fact that Maddox had gotten into a fight with his friend seemed an exaggerated reaction. Rusty must have told him; there was no other explanation. And what did Dex want anyway? If Jonathan thought about it, the football player was annoyingly right. It didn’t s

Chapter Eighteen – Good Advice Jonathan lingered by the side of the bed, taking in Maddox’s body as he lay on his belly, his arms tucked under the pillow. He had placed a blanket over him so he could no longer admire that gorgeous body, but maybe it was for the best since the time for living fantasies was over, and he needed to get back to reality with all that entailed. Maddox was even prettier when asleep. His lips curled into a small smile as he appeared to have the most pleasant o