Out of the Rain — Hollis Shiloh

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."