Returning Your love

<p><em>Career-ending injury.</em></p><p></p><p>The most dream-crushing words I've ever heard. Goodbye NFL's Rookie of the Year title I fought for since I was a kid hello return to my small-town origins and wallow in unrequited love. Seeing my best friend Chaz married and trying for a baby will hurt worse than any torn ACL.</p><p></p><p>But things have changed since I escaped Pippen Creek-Chaz flounders beneath financial burdens and emotional turmoil instead of living his happily ever after. </p><p></p><p>Friendship takes precedence over longing and I gladly take on the roles of comforter and supporter since those who have the right to love him out loud only see his failures. However the more time I spend with Chaz the harder it is to hide my feelings. </p><p></p><p>In a moment of mutual weakness unexpected passion ignites. </p><p></p><p>Secret betrayal is a poisonous infection but a twist of fate uncovers even more truths that further wound us both.</p><p></p><p>Will forgiveness allow us to survive traumatic grief and overcome guilt? Or will too much honesty end the other dream of always that has owned my heart since childhood?</p><p></p>