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

“Ah.” That was all Stuart needed to say. One little syllable and it became obvious in his tone that he also thought Mark was doing a good thing.


“Hey, I could be on a date for all you know,” he said reflexively.


Stuart turned around and looked at him with a brow raised. “Just for that, the first round’s for free, buddy. I’m not letting you pay for your own delusions.”


“She’s not your type. Besides, she’s taken, despite her girlfriend being in Puerto Rico still.” Stuart’s tone was so matter-of-fact that it almost made Mark recoil.


Did everyone in this town think he was gay? Because it wasn’t Evy’s dreadlocks Stuart was talking about, for sure.


Mark grunted, tossed back the whiskey as soon as Stuart put it in front of him, and then grabbed the bowl of pretzels closest to him. He slid off the stool and carried the bowl and his beer to the booth farthest from the card table.


Chapter 29