Treading Water by Andrew Grey

Once a runaway, Darren Butterfield works three jobs so he can maintain the house his grandmother left him in Mendocino, California. All he wants is to make ends meet and somehow keep his head above water for a little stability.

Chester Killington Jr., Chet, has had every advantage money can buy, but the cost is the ability to make his own choices. His life has been planned for him, with family expectations and duty taking center stage. Until he meets Darren as a server in Mendocino, when a dinner companion behaves badly.

Chet feels terrible about his friend’s behavior and asks Darren to dinner as an apology. The two men hit it off and find they have more in common than either one expected, combined with an attraction that takes them both by surprise. But Darren’s aunt and Chet’s father each have their own ideas that could keep them from sharing a life together.