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

He met the other man’s steady gaze. “I want to thank you for doing this. You could’ve refused to take me out, paid back my deposit, and sent me packing. I know I could’ve gone to a regular guest ranch and ridden old nags around a pasture and stuff. That wasn’t what I wanted to do. I guess I needed to prove something to myself…My ancestors were Native American, and they survived out in the wilderness. Even my dad after he took off and left us. Last I heard he was in Wyoming. I never got a real chance to see what the outdoors was like. This was the only way I figured I could.”


“We can all do more than we think we can…reach and endure and expand our limits. I guess, maybe if I wanted to enough, I could do the city thing. I just don’t have the urge. With a little experience, you could do this all right. Hell, it’s prob’ly in your genes.”


Chapter 15