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

Padraig turned toward the living room, where Kaos looked at him, obvious worry in his gaze.


“Severe animal neglect, it sounds like. Bunch of animals. No idea if it’s hoarding or something else. I need to make calls and get going. I don’t know when I’ll be back. Will probably take until morning at least.”


“Coffee in the thermos maybe, while I make the calls?” Padraig jumped as his phone pinged with the address.


“Yeah, of course.” Kaos got off the couch and went into the kitchen.


Chapter 57