When unlikely attraction blossoms between a twentysomething genderqueer tattoo artist and an older, small-town veterinarian, both are forced to face their pasts for a chance at a loving future. Four years ago Padraig Donovan lost his husband, the only man he’d ever been with. Now his life consists of the work he loves, a big empty house, and the possibility of a lonely future. Kaos’s experiments with makeup landed him in the hospital at the hands of his disapproving ex. With nowhere else to turn, he flees to Acker, Wisconsin ... and runs into a sexy widower and the kindest man he’s ever met. Padraig and Kaos know there’s something worth exploring between them, and as they raise a puppy and deal with the ups and downs of their respective jobs, they fit into each other’s lives in ways they never expected. Being with Kaos -- who is so different than the guys he’s always been attracted to -- opens up an exciting new world for Padraig. But can he convince Kaos to trust another man with his body ... let alone his heart?

Four

“Okay, well, I’ll call you when I have something together, plans-wise?”


“You do that. We’ll talk to you later.” Makai nodded and Kaos gave him a wave, and then they were gone.


Padraig stayed behind and closed the blinds. He locked up and sighed. Having the space full of life would be great. He just hoped the town agreed and would help.


Things could happen slowly in small towns like this, so he would be surprised if the shop actually opened before spring, but if they asked around now, maybe it would be before that? The Christmas event would be so nice, though, as much as it might hurt. But then again, most things did if they related to Marcus in any way, and with the life they’d had together, many things were part of his memories of days gone by.


Chapter 15