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

“I know you said you spent quite a bit of time here when Marcus was still around. Do you really like the town?”


Francis shrugged. “I like the people. The town isn’t half bad. And if you have wheels, you can drive to a bigger city in no time.”


“Shit,” Kaos said, remembering he had promised Christa that he’d go over. Francis raised a brow at him, but because Kaos could see Padraig putting away groceries in the kitchen, he asked, “Padraig? Do you think my car will make it to Mercer tomorrow?”


Padraig glanced at him and frowned. “No snow chains, right? So probably not. I can take you, though.”


“Yes, but half an hour there and half back is nothing. I’d rather have you safe,” Padraig said, ducking his head a bit.


Francis piped up. “For the record, I’m going to be here, sitting next to the fireplace and drinking tea all day. I saw the new selection of tea in the cupboard—very nice, Kaos.”


Chapter 47