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

Right, Wednesdays were the days of the calls normally. “Did she have a reason to call on a Monday?”


Mark groaned, the sound frustrated today. “Someone shot at a cop three hours from here, so she wanted to know if, by any chance, I had anything to do with it. She sounded hopeful.”


Francis pressed a hand over his mouth to prevent himself from saying something horrible. Once he was calm again, he sighed. “Do you have plans for Valentine’s?” he found himself asking.


Mark snorted. “Hallmark Holiday? No, not really. I normally work, but I think Erin wanted the shift this year.” Then suddenly he seemed to realize that, in the loosest terms, someone might think they could have something to do with each other during Valentine’s. “Why?” The question came out slightly rough.


Chapter 34