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

“Good, now lie across my lap,” Francis said and grabbed the lube when Mark was figuring out the logistics. Francis moved a throw pillow so Mark would have something to make himself more comfortable. “Just like that, yeah. Lift up a bit.” He pulled Mark’s sweats down to his thighs. “Now make yourself comfortable.”


Without protest, Mark did as he was told, even clutching the pillow like Francis had intended. Once Mark settled, Francis put a hand on his ass.


“Now, how I see it, this is mine tonight, right?” he asked, and Mark nodded. “And that means I can do whatever I want with it.” Again, another nod. “I know we haven’t talked about specifics exactly, but unless you ask me to, I won’t fuck you tonight.”


Mark’s head jerked a bit, and he turned it awkwardly to look at Francis, clear questions in his eyes, despite not meeting his gaze.


“Is spanking something you’d like to try?”


When Mark shook his head, Francis asked, “Not ever?” A shrug. “Just not now?” A nod.


Chapter 55