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

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Kaos started, and waited for Makai to come over and wrap an arm around Emil’s waist before continuing. “I’m moving out tonight.”


While both Emil and Makai looked surprised, they also looked a little bit hurt but hid it quickly.


Emil had let go of his hand but now took it again. “You don’t have to leave because of this.”


“I know. It’s not for that. I promise.”


A curious little meow made them all realize they were still standing in front of the open door. “Let’s go inside. You can tell us more, okay?” Makai looked at Kaos, and Kaos could tell Makai was doing his best to understand.


Kaos sat in the armchair, leaving the couch for Makai and Emil. The cats followed them, and to Kaos’s surprise, Mouse jumped on his lap instead of going to her daddies.


Chapter 25