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 was putting on the coffee maker when the springs of the fold-out couch squeaked, and soon enough, a very hungover Zinnia with her bright yellow hair sticking up to every possible direction shuffled into the kitchen.


“Morning,” Francis whispered, and she yawned.


He pointed at the pot and clicked it on, grinning at her. She gave him a clear I’m-not-impressed expression, and a wavering middle finger.


“Ibuprofen?” he asked, because he wanted one for himself.


“You’re a god among men, Francis Archer,” she murmured and hugged him abruptly, making him laugh.


“Yeah, she’ll need some most likely. Thanks.” Zinnia let go of him and sat at the small breakfast table, watching Squishy eat.


He went to take a bottle of water from the fridge. “I’ll go take a shower and bring you the Advil after. The medicine cabinet is in the bathroom.”


She waved a hand at him and gave him a grateful smile when he handed the bottle over. “Thanks.”


Chapter 33