Deputy Mark Forrest and Nurse Francis Archer can’t deny the chemistry that arises between them. A chance meeting awakens the idea of something greater than either had ever imagined.<br><br>Mark craves being able to let go, and Francis loves to take him out of his head. But Mark’s past bears a truckload of personal demons that have kept him in the closet and made him lash out at the LGBTQ community in the town he’s come to regard as home.<br><br>Despite finding love and a new purpose in Acker, Francis’s new job might end up being temporary, and he doesn't want to lose the life he's settled into. Can the two of them build a future together despite a bitter past, and diverging paths?

Thirteen

That was one of the things about being from Arizona. Even after years away, he still disliked winters a lot, especially the snow. At least he’d learned how to drive in it by now. It made his job easier.


By the time he made it to the “straight friendly” bar, the place was hopping. There were people everywhere, and Mark went directly to get a drink.


He knew the looks he was getting, but at least the dyke behind the bar didn’t seem to care. He winced internally at the slur. He knew better than that.


He got himself a beer and sat on the last barstool with his back to the wall. Best place to people-watch and nobody could get behind him.


Chapter 3