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

“Hi!” Francis called toward him, not sure if his voice would carry over the chatter in the diner.


“Hey, good to see you!” Stuart yelled back, then vanished from the window between the kitchen and the rest of the diner, probably to finish another order.


Leah had sat down and reached for Francis’s hands. “It’s really so, so good to see you back here. I’m glad Padraig got his head out of his ass when it comes to you.” Her gaze was sympathetic, she knew how hard it had been on Francis when he’d come to town after Marcus’s death and Padraig had pushed him away each time.


“Yeah, I’m happy about that too. It seems that Kaos has done him a world of good.”


“Oh yeah, that boy’s a light that Padraig definitely needed. Might be a bit different light than he’s used to, but oh boy do they both burn brighter around each other.” She smiled, looking pleased for them. “I’d ask how you’ve been, but I can tell not good.” Her expression changed to worry.


Chapter 13