Max knows his family and friends aren’t sure what to make of his moods and impulses. But he’s in college now and ready to show them he’s grown up and ready to make mature choices. At least he’s ready for a serious relationship and almost ready to tell his family he’s gay. He could use a little help, though. With his loving big brother gone forever, who is left to ask for help? Daniel Rocco, his brother’s best friend and his longtime crush, of course. Daniel is solid and reliable—the opposite of Max. But for some reason, Daniel seems terrified of what Max might do next.

Max is ecstatic. He finally has the summer to actually live with Daniel instead of only visiting on weekends. But when he tells Daniel the good news, he can tell something is wrong. Daniel is closing up on him again. Daniel loves Max desperately. He just knows he's not the right guy for a not-quite-kid who still hero worships him because he was his brother's best friend. Daniel has way too much baggage in his past to keep Max around. To add to all the things Daniel doesn't want to tell Max, he's found out he may be losing his job soon. He can't ask Max to stay with someone like that. Max doesn't care about Daniel's past or his job; he cares about Daniel. So, if he wants to keep his lover, Max is going to have to get inside Daniel and heal him from the inside out.