By Degrees: Book One New York City FBI team leader Samuel Shaughnessy lives for his immediate family and his job. After a marriage gone wrong, he stick to a firm rule when it comes to relationships: he doesn't have them. Sexually active and emotionally unavailable keeps him satisfied, especially now that he is in hot pursuit of a serial killer targeting gay men. Former firefighter Machlan O'Bannon now manages a successful sports bar in Houston, and after years of waiting, he's ready to stand up and be the man he always wanted to be: out, proud, and drama-free. His politically aligned family wants to keep him locked in the closet, but Mac just wants to meet the man of his dreams. One man is as high-strung as the other is laid-back. A chance meeting brings them together, and one night of passion ignites a fire neither can fight. Their lives are not only miles apart, but as different as day and night. They don't want to get involved, but they might not be able to keep apart.