Unable to find photo credit.

Very rarely do I manage to find a photo that fits with an established couple — meaning a pair I’ve already started working on — so I don’t often save photos of couples when I find them.

However, when I found this photo and thought it was sweet and a little sexy, I did hope I’d someday have a story to tell about these two young men. I filed it away with other inspiring photos of younger guys and went about my writing life.

Only after writing about Brian and Trent in Every Time a Bell Rings, did I realize this photo would be perfect for Mike (right) and George (left) given their similar coloring and the emotions here.

I see a sort of reverence to Mike’s face and his arm over George’s shoulder speaks of his desire to protect George. For his part, George looks accepting as well as tempting, but I see some innocence too. There’s also some wanting but not being able to have from both of them.

This photo is actually where I got the inspiration for the scene where George reveals his past in An Angel Gets His Wings. George wants Mike to understand and accept him, and Mike wants to protect and encourage George. That scene is a turning point for both of them…and it still makes me all sniffly just thinking about it.

Excerpts available

• On my Every Time a Bell Rings Page
• MLR Press’ Every Time a Bell Rings Page
• On my An Angel Gets His Wings Page
• MLR Press’ An Angel Gets His Wings Page