Running Off by Ashton Cade

Parris:
I spent a lifetime in Umberland one weekend. That’s what it’s like in small towns, and also why I don’t come back too often. I never felt I fit in, until I left. Life as an international photographer suits me a lot better than life in this sleepy little town. But I promised to stay a few weeks to appease my mom. Things take a turn for the worse when I accidentally hit an off-leash dog, but when we get to the vet, I find out this dog’s owner is a hot mechanic. While I’m stuck here, I figure I’ll get to know him — wink wink — to stave off the inevitable boredom.
Once he forgives me, things with Caleb move fast. He’s tougher to let go of than I dreamed anyone or anything could be. But I’m here for a good time, not a long time. And it’s time for me to fly.
How come it doesn’t feel so good to run off and escape my hometown? Why do I miss him so much? And how is Umberland feeling less like a jail, and more like… my home?

Caleb:
Umberland is my life. I’m a good son. I take care of my mom–she and her therapy dog need me. So when some playboy hotshot hits Mom’s dog with his car, I’m ready to blow. But then he turns out to be really kind, and… really s*xy. He makes me feel things I haven’t felt in, maybe, ever. We get close. And I start to dream of more.
But like I said, I’m a good son. I’m the only one who can take care of mom, so I won’t get involved with a player. But she likes Parris. And when she starts to push me out of the nest, it hurts to realize that I might be the one holding myself back.