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

“You can give her the carrot like this.” Orr showed Jase how to hold it by the top and let the mule tug it out of his hand. “She’s pretty good, careful-like, and won’t bite you. Some of ‘em get a little too eager. Watch how you hold a hand out to them, whether you have a treat or not.”


Jase hesitated and then extended the carrot. Katie stretched her neck to reach over the top rail and wrapped her upper lip around the orange cylinder. Then she drew it into her mouth and began to crunch. A bit of orange-tinted drool slipped from between her lips. When the treat was gone, she stretched again, clearly looking for more.


“You can rub her nose,” Orr said. “Might as well let her get your scent and accept you.”


Chapter 6