Pulling Apart

By Shawn Lane

Noah Riggins thought his troubles were over and he’d live happily ever after with Charlie Banks, but lately their domestic bliss has been anything but blissful. Charlie’s shutting down and shutting Noah out, refusing to even consider getting help.

When Charlie suggests a separation, Is this really the end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Sep 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9781634866989

Shawn Lane

Shawn Lane is a multi-published author of gay romance. She lives and works in Southern California. She has been published by Loose Id, Amber Quill Press, Evernight Publishing, MLR Press, JMS Books, and Ellora’s Cave. For more information, visit smlgr8.blogspot.com.

Book preview

5

Chapter 1

Noah Riggins pulled his car into the driveway of the house he shared with his lover, Charlie Banks, and for a moment just sat in the car with the engine off. Leaning his head on the steering wheel, he prepared himself for having to go inside.

It shouldn’t be this hard.

It couldn’t have been that long ago he eagerly jumped from the car and ran into the house. Shaking his head, he reached for the briefcase lying on the passenger seat and got out.

Sitting in the car all night wouldn’t change things. He’d already waited until after seven o’clock to leave work.

As soon as he entered the front door the lack of light caused heaviness in his chest. He couldn’t go back to the way Charlie had been at the start of their relationship. The living room was entirely devoid of light as was the kitchen and dining room. The hallway light was the only illumination.

Charlie?

In here, came Charlie’s voice from the direction of the bedroom.

Noah briefly closed his eyes, then flung his briefcase onto the couch. He headed down the hallway, certain he’d find Charlie just lying in bed with the lights off.

He flicked on the switch for the light over their bed and sat on the edge next to Charlie’s prone body. His lover, dressed only in a T-shirt and boxers, simply stared at the ceiling.

Feeling sick? he asked softly.

No.

Did you eat?

Not hungry.

It was a struggle to keep the sigh locked inside. When was the last time you ate?

Charlie shrugged.

Noah nodded. Okay. Well, I stopped and ate something on the way home. He rubbed Charlie’s bare leg. Anything I can get you?

No.

Charlie—

Not right now, Noah. I’m tired. Can you turn out the light? I’m going to go to sleep.

You need some help.

Don’t, Charlie whispered and turned on his side to face away from Noah.

He got up, flicked off the light, and left the bedroom. In the last couple of months their once great relationship had deteriorated to the point it was no longer recognizable to Noah. He couldn’t even remember the last time he and Charlie had made love.

Noah made his way to the spare bedroom he’d been spending far too many nights sleeping in lately. It had become hard to lie next to Charlie knowing the man had shut him out entirely.

He closed the door and took out his cell phone. Not