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

“Did you just disrespect the woman who carried your sorry ass for nine months and nearly died when you clawed your way out of her?”


The booming voice and the familiar words filled his head, and he closed his eyes against them. “N-no, sir, I didn’t mean—”


“You never mean anything, do you, you piece of shit? What are you good for anyway? Not being a police officer for sure. What’s it like, being a useless waste of fucking space? Huh? I feel embarrassed to let anyone know I have a son! I can’t even tell anyone you’re a cop because you’re so fucking useless at your job!” The words kept coming, and Mark felt himself shrink further.


At least right until he felt Francis wrap his feet around Mark’s ankle. He squeezed until Mark opened his eyes and looked at him.


Mark glanced down and saw that Francis’s hand was on the table between them, palm up, ready for Mark to take if he needed it.


Chapter 15