Austin Murray is fifty years old, owns a bookstore, and loves to walk on the beach at sun-up. He's a beachcomber, too, always in search of something unique to add to his collection. One such winter morning, an unkempt, sad-looking stranger roars into his life on a motorbike and his heart turns over for the first time, ever.<br><br>Murphy Vickers is world-weary, hurting, and unable to connect with anyone. He travels from place to place looking for work, but never stays anywhere very long. He's trying to outrun a painful event in his past that haunts him to this day. When he stops in a seaside town, he meets Austin, who offers him a job and a bed for however long he needs them.<br><br>Murphy is surly and reticent, But Austin won’t let that stop him from breaking through his barriers, and maybe getting a biker of his very own.

Happiness Is a Warm Bum

“You intrigue me in spite of myself. You offered a perfect stranger a job and decent money, and even a place to sleep for a couple of nights. I haven’t met anyone like you in all my travels, and despite how standoffish I’ve been, I really appreciated it. I also noticed that there wasn’t anyone in your life that I could tell and hoped you did indeed have a companion. Someone to keep you warm at night and take care of you. You deserve that, and more.”


I felt my face heat and hoped he couldn’t tell. “Well, thanks. Maybe I will one day.” I yawned and snuggled into the blankets. “I have to be at work by ten-thirty tomorrow. Are you staying through the weekend?”


“Leonard and Sheila have invited me to a barbecue on Sunday, so I’ll be here at least until then.”


“You can stay here if you like, unless you’re gonna go back to Leonard’s.”


He studied me before replying. “I’d like to spend some time with you, if you don’t mind.”


Chapter 11