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

The cats perked up soon, and when Mouse let out a commanding meow, Kaos knew they could hear the car. Smiling, Kaos trailed after the cats, who were trotting up the path to their daddies.


A car door slammed and he got to the yard just as Emil stepped inside the cabin while Makai rounded the truck.


“Hey, I let the cats out. I hope that’s okay, I know you said so before, but you know.” Kaos smiled at Makai.


Before Makai had time to answer, a horrible animal sound of distress came from inside the cabin.


“Emil?” Makai dashed inside, almost trampling Kaos and the cats in his haste to get to Emil.


Kaos followed him and found the most peculiar sight in the living area. Emil was huddled in a corner by the bookshelves, trembling violently, while Makai tried to calm him down.


“What is it?” Kaos asked, alarmed and panicking over whatever was happening.


“I don’t kn— Shit, did you bring pizza?” Makai whirled around, sniffing the air.


Chapter 21