Out of the Rain

Oliver's life has been hard — but even so he doesn't need the kind of clients who try to corner him and hurt him, possibly kill him.  During his escape from such a man, Oliver meets Theo, a bashful scholar who ends up losing his job because of Oliver — and then inviting Oliver home.  Not for sex, not as a client, but as a friend, so he can get out of the cold.  

~18,000 words 
Gay romance

Author's note: Theo appeared briefly in "Robert and Louie."