Two years after his father's death, Brandon is still grieving, running his father's store, watching his sister grow more depressed. Until Ramon saunters into his life bringing sunshine, blue skies, and an injured hawk. But Ramon has issues of his own to deal with, an abusive lover who won't take no for an answer.<br><br>If Ramon can wriggle free of the ex, can Brandon take a chance on loving again?

Feathers

On Saturday morning, he opened the store, waiting for Bud, their   part-timer, to show. Once Bud got settled in at the register, Brandon went back to the barn. Nit and Wit followed him in from the pasture. Just as he’d hoped, Ramon showed up a little after noon, the engine on his car sputtering. 


He walked up to Brandon, smiling. Ramon wore tight jeans, faded and soft-looking, and a mocha-colored shirt that nearly matched his skin tone. His eyes were bright as he held Brandon’s hand and leaned against his shoulder.


“How about I take you out for that lunch I promised?”


Brandon pulled him close and nuzzled in Ramon’s hair. “How about we stay in for lunch and eat whatever we can find?”


Ramon smelled just-from-the-shower clean. Brandon caught a whiff of shaving gel on Ramon’s cheek and neck.


Ramon pulled away. “Probably not a good idea. I’d like to show you the rehab center. There’s a place on the way that has great grouper sandwiches. You up for that?” 


Chapter 9