#Younger Top 
#Older bottom 

In the bright lights and dark streets of Los Angeles, two men from different worlds are about to find the love they never knew they needed.

Alejandro "Alex" Ramirez is a 25-year-old rising star for the California Suns basketball team. Tall, strong, and handsome, with warm brown skin and dark curly hair, Alex grew up in the tough neighborhoods of East LA. Basketball saved him from the gangs and danger around him. Now he's living his dream—scoring dunks, hearing fans scream his name, and winning big games. But even with all the fame and money, Alex feels lonely. No one truly understands him, and real love always seems out of reach.

Dr. Ethan Hayes is 28 and already one of the best dentists in California. With light blond hair, bright blue eyes, and a kind smile that puts everyone at ease, Ethan owns a successful clinic in downtown LA. Patients love him because he fixes smiles perfectly—whether it's crowns, implants, veneers, or root canals. He works long hours and wins awards, but his personal life is empty. Past relationships didn't work out, and he fills the quiet nights with more work.

One dangerous night changes everything.

After a Suns game, Alex is heading to his car when a gang shootout erupts in the street. Bullets fly, people scream, and Alex spots a man trapped in his car right in the middle of the chaos—Ethan. Without thinking twice, Alex pulls him out and they speed away in Alex's SUV to safety.

Shaken but alive, they park by a quiet beach under the moonlight to calm down. Talking turns into something more. A spark ignites.

[Parked by the sea, Alex and Ethan laughed about the close call. "I can't believe we just escaped a shootout," Ethan said.  
Alex smiled. "Life in LA, man. But you're safe now."  
 They got out and sat on the hood of the car. Stars shone above. Without words, Alex leaned in. Their lips met in a soft kiss. It was electric. Hands explored, hearts raced. Kisses grew deeper, bodies pressed close, and passion took over in the back of the SUV—intense, raw, and unforgettable.  
 "I should go," Ethan said after, breathless. "Thanks for saving me."  
Alex nodded. "See you around?"] 

 They didn't exchange numbers. It felt like a perfect moment that had to end.

Three years pass.

Alex becomes a superstar—league MVP, championship rings, and endless highlights with crossover dribbles, three-pointers, and powerful dunks. Ethan's clinic grows even bigger, treating celebrities and winning awards for his expert work.

Then fate steps in again.

During a tough game, Alex takes a hard elbow to the face and cracks a tooth. The team doctor sends him to the best dentist in town—Dr. Ethan Hayes.

When their eyes meet in the exam room, shock turns to joy. Old memories flood back. Coffee after the appointment leads to dinner, then to passionate nights that pick up right where they left off—explicit, loving, and full of heat.

This time, they don't let go. Love blooms fast and deep. They share mornings in bed, cheer at games, support each other through busy days, and build something real.

But danger isn't finished with them...

Alex's old life comes knocking—gang... taking notes

Ethan sat in the quiet waiting room of the therapy office, his fingers drumming a restless beat on his knee as he stared at the potted fern in the corner, its leaves drooping just enough to make him wonder if it needed water or if that was some clever way to make patients feel at home in their own mess.  


Chapter 36 - Healing