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

Soon after, he passed the road to Lotte and Joie’s house, and once he rounded the lake, he passed Makai and Emil’s place. The two men were on a walk, it seemed. They were ambling along their long driveway.


On a reflex, Mark lifted his hand in greeting, and blushed when he realized what he’d done and how stunned Emil looked. Shit. Why had he done that?


Sighing, he continued the drive toward town. He should apologize to Makai for what he’d done on his property. How nasty he’d sounded as he spewed hatred all over the place. Maybe one day he’d be brave enough to talk to the man who had done nothing to deserve his vitriol.


Mark didn’t forget about Francis. How could he? But he knew he had to figure some things out in his head before he could use that number.


Chapter 28