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

If I needed a friendly shrink house call right now, would you be up for that?


He couldn’t ask any more directly. He couldn’t express what he was feeling, but he knew better than to try being alone. She’d at least call if she couldn’t come by.


A text came through. Scale of one to ten, how bad is it?


Without hesitation, he replied, 8 right now, not getting better.


Give me twenty. Make yourself a warm drink and sit down.


The relief he felt was instant and wrapped around him like a blanket.


He took in a deep breath and composed a message to Francis. Evy is coming over. Don’t worry about me.


He knew better than to think Francis would be able to concentrate on himself. He’d think about Mark when it wasn’t his fault things had gone wrong.


Mark got up and off the couch and went to make himself a mug of tea. Then he made sure there was enough water in the electric kettle for Evy, and left the green tea bags on the counter.


Chapter 48