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

He had no time to think during the short drive, courtesy of a small-scale traffic jam as they got stuck behind a snow plow. Mark kept glancing at his rearview mirror, making sure that Francis was there. Every time he was, Mark’s stomach clenched. He wasn’t sure if it was a good or a bad thing.


Too soon, they were parking in front of his house, and for a brief moment Mark wondered what the small home looked like to Francis.


Then it was time to face the music, and Mark trudged to the front door to unlock it. Francis followed him, and when they were inside, they shed their outerwear without speaking. It felt… momentous, having Francis in his home like this.


Before Mark could say anything, Francis touched his arm. “Go put away your gun and change into something more comfortable. I’ll wait here.”


Chapter 16