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

“They live somewhere in… Arizona, was it?”


“One of the other deputies came to me and told me about the weekly calls,” he said, then raised a hand before Mark could respond. “It was a worry they had, and this was at least a year ago, so it’s not a new thing. I assume, since I know it’s Wednesdays that you seem the most upset that today is a day they call you?”


The easy way Sheriff Newman handled the situation blew Mark’s mind a little. How the man could be so casual about it, how he just seemed to want to help and had known for a long time….


“Uh, yes. Eleven-oh-five.” Mark sighed. “I’ve decided it’s time I come out to them.”


“That can’t be an easy call to be facing?”


“No, sir. It’s not. It’s…. I’ll try to stay within my lunch break—”


“No. Absolutely not. If you need time, you take time, Mark.” He sighed and looked at Mark with some worry and care. “I know we’re a bit short on staff today, but if you need to take some time, you do that, okay?”


Chapter 60