Orr Loveless is exactly where he knows he belongs, rescuing and training mules. Despite their reputation, which he feels is undeserved, he knows they are smart, sure footed, and great mounts for trail riding and outdoor adventures. The only thing he lacks is a human partner to share the work and the fun, but he knows his lifestyle is not likely to attract one.<br><br>Jase Keller has returned to New Mexico, where his forgotten roots remain. With his high finance job destroying him, he desperately needs a big change for this vacation. Only Orr Loveless doesn’t seem to want to take him on a wilderness trip. When they go, it’s the opposite of the farm boy seeing the city for the first time. Jase discovers another life and it’s the one he wants to live ... with Orr by his side.<br><br>Can Jase persuade a stubborn mule man like Orr that he doesn’t need to be “loveless” any longer?

The Mule Man

Orr gave a small nod. He turned away to stick the pot of pork and green chile into the oven where it would not heat too fast and then spread some biscuits on a baking sheet and set them in on the lower rack.


“Okay, that explains it. Still, you weren’t…Well, you didn’t live on a farm or ranch or anything, did you? I’m trying to figure why a pack trip and why here, my place.”


“Oh, hell, no! I was a city boy. Always been a city boy. Maybe it’s just heritage or something. All at once, I got a crazy urge to find out what it was like to be out in the wilds and stuff. Maybe see if I had the gear to do that kind of thing.”


Chapter 5